BJ's

[SOONER8693]

Went to BJ's for lunch today. First time to try it. Service was excellent, food was excellent. Also saw Jason White come in while we were there. I give it a BIG thumbs up.

[Turanacus]

Why is it that we can't get cool places like this in the Penn Square area, with so many people in the area, affluent people at that, it should be a hot bed for awesome restaurants. I know space is limited but there is a lot of room to grow, it's not as limited as some might think. Respect!

[jbrown84]

Why is it that we can't get cool places like this in the Penn Square area, with so many people in the area, affluent people at that, it should be a hot bed for awesome restaurants. I know space is limited but there is a lot of room to grow, it's not as limited as some might think. Respect!

Well, in the last year you've gotten Olive Garden, Elephant Bar, Cheesecake Factory, and Pearl's. I think that area is kind of booming for restaurants, so be patient.

[Turanacus]

good point (minus OG) -- i guess i just want a big new modern sports bar-like atmosphere like BJ's

Restaurant idea of the year: TGI Friday's located somewhere downtown within walking distance of Auto Alley and Skirvin, good food - open late - big bar. It would rock!

[Jeopardude]

Went to BJ's last night.

Pro's

1. Service. Waitress was good and food timely. There was a mistake when they forgot our appetizer, but waitress accepted responsibility. Didn't try to blame "the back" or anything. I respect that.

2. Beer. Real beers were good. Not dynamite. The red and pale ale were too fruity and the porter was too sweet, but OK.

Con's

1. Food. First ordered Fish and Chips. They were out of fish. Then ordered Halibut Fish Tacos and they were out of that too. Made me wonder if they use cod instead of halibut on tacos. I mean they ran out of both at the same time? The salmon was supposed to be blackened but was slightly undercooked. The rice pilaf tasted instant. Veggies were OK. Wife's flatbread pizza was good, but not great.

2. Atmosphere. No one should ever have to listen to DeBarge cranked up. Giant televisions everywhere emitting disorienting colors and radiation (tell me, what is this trend to have humongous TV's everywhere in restaurants?) The revolving door in front really reveals their phiolosphy -- in and out as fast they can move you.

It was a very OK place. There are much better locally owned restaurants with real cooks I'll patronize.

[Turanacus]

DeBarge, nice call on naming that tune.

[venture]

Went there last weekend...and umm...here we go...

Food was pretty good. It was cooked right and very tasty. I also really liked the layout in side. Wait time was very short which was nice as well...and I did enjoy the fact it wasn't dark and closed in like some places.

On the flip side...service was pathetic. After sitting down...about 8-10 minutes for a drink order. Another 10-12 minutes ( I was actually trying to keep track for this review) for him the come back and take our order. The service was very disorganized. The most energetic person there was the one who asked to take some of the dishes we were done with away. Now, mind you, that this only happened AFTER we ate the main course. The wait staff never bothered to clear out any dishes used before then - the table was quite full. The only other thing would be the music. Way too loud for some of the ghetto junk they were playing.

If we want to rate on a scale of 1 to 10...this was a 4 or 5. Only reason I would go back would be the food - not the service. It came across as a mix between TGI Fridays and Charlestons. At least I know at those places, the service is probably going to be a bit better.

[riley]

Can't believe I spent $10 on a glass of wine, but the AVOCADO EGGROLLS appetizer and deep-dish pizza are amazing!! I wouldn't go back for the service, maybe the atmosphere...good thing they have to-go that brings your order out to your car. Trust me on the avocado eggrolls!!!

[Turanacus]

My wife and i went there last week....food was pretty dog on good. i had a bacon cheeseburger and fries. there isnt too many places in norman to just go get a good hamburger. this one, was a dang good hamburger. On the flip side, the service sucked.Everyone i have talked to has said the same thing also. Food is great, service sucked. Doesnt surprise me. Most restaurants in norman the service sucks. BUT chili's used to have pretty bad service and we went there last night and it has done a complete 180. Food was better than before and the service was much better and friendlier.

do yourself a favor, go to any Al Eschbach restaurant - the service at these joints is so bad every restaurant you go to afterwards will appear to be wonderful.

[jbrown84]

The one at Quail is getting really close. It's a really cool looking building.

[Cornbread]

Visited BJ's and was very impressed.
Earl
Home TPRJobs

[Turanacus]

My wife and i went there last week....food was pretty dog on good. i had a bacon cheeseburger and fries. there isnt too many places in norman to just go get a good hamburger. this one, was a dang good hamburger. On the flip side, the service sucked.Everyone i have talked to has said the same thing also. Food is great, service sucked. Doesnt surprise me. Most restaurants in norman the service sucks. BUT chili's used to have pretty bad service and we went there last night and it has done a complete 180. Food was better than before and the service was much better and friendlier.

I agree with ouguy23, did you say something like "dog on good" to your server? That could have done it.

[dismayed]

do yourself a favor, go to any Al Eschbach restaurant - the service at these joints is so bad every restaurant you go to afterwards will appear to be wonderful.

Al Eschbach's bars are no more. Bet you couldn't see that one coming?

I agree BJ's has great service. I went there with a group of friends recently and the wait staff was really nice... hung around and tried their best to explain different dishes and drinks and what we might like.

[okclee]

BJ's is EXCELLENT......... four visits in three weeks for me. I have tried many items on the menu and many of the BJ beers. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu and you must try the Pizookie dessert.

[Easy180]

Do they have a wheat beer??...If so is it any good?

[okclee]

Yes they have a wheat beer, that is my favorite too.

[Easy180]

Yes they have a wheat beer, that is my favorite too.

Figured they would, but ya never know

Didn't want to take the grueling 5 minute drive down there w/o knowing for sure

Appreciate it

[okclee]

You can also order their beer sampler tray , I think it has all 12 of their beers on a tray in 6-8 oz. glasses. Another thing they sell their beer by the pitcher and you can pour yourself at your table. Very Nice.

[Easy180]

You can also order their beer sampler tray , I think it has all 12 of their beers on a tray in 6-8 oz. glasses. Another thing they sell their beer by the pitcher and you can pour yourself at your table. Very Nice.

You saying they make 12 different beers??...That is pretty impressive as the local breweries only offer 6 to 8

[okclee]

I am wrong there are 8 BJ's signature beers on tap. The brewery for the Okla locations is in Texas, so they are not brewed in-house. However they do make their own Root Beer in-house, I have tried it too, like everything else it is good.

Here is the name of their wheat beer.......HARVEST HEFEWEIZEN. mmmmm good.

[dismayed]

Do they have a wheat beer??...If so is it any good?

Yeah they have one. It tastes kind of like Blvd. or Franziskaner. Not as good, but not bad.

[tuck]

good point (minus OG) -- i guess i just want a big new modern sports bar-like atmosphere like BJ's

Restaurant idea of the year: TGI Friday's located somewhere downtown within walking distance of Auto Alley and Skirvin, good food - open late - big bar. It would rock!

Did you say "worst idea of the year?" Think independent establishments!!!

[MikeLucky]

I am wrong there are 8 BJ's signature beers on tap. The brewery for the Okla locations is in Texas, so they are not brewed in-house. However they do make their own Root Beer in-house, I have tried it too, like everything else it is good.

Here is the name of their wheat beer.......HARVEST HEFEWEIZEN. mmmmm good.

they are not brewed in house because OK will not let them brew anything above 3.2......

[Easy180]

they are not brewed in house because OK will not let them brew anything above 3.2......

Thanks again ABLE Commission

Where would we be without them making these kinds of decisions for us...Thank god we know better than most other states when it comes to keeping 19th century laws on the books

3.2 saves lives!!!!!!!!!

[Town Crier]

Al Eschbach's bars are no more. Bet you couldn't see that one coming?

Al just moved from Norman to Bricktown. It was a money maker for him and it kept O'Connels on Campus Corner.