bj's restaurant & brewery

For starters, this place is called BJ's, so I'll do my best to refrain from the Beavis and Butthead jokes.

We ducked in today for lunch after snooping around at Secret Stash because Beer recalled having some sort of orgasmic dessert experience at another one of their locations. We were seated at one of the few tables upstairs, which was awkward but all that was available, and ordered the Avocado Egg Roll appetizer. Despite the sauce being too sweet (even for me) they were crispy and yummy (but then, I'm of the mind that you could deep fry a leather shoe and it would be good). They were a lot like the ones at Cheesecake Factory, but with the addition of bacon (I'm also of the mind that everything is better with bacon). Beer ordered the Roast Beef Dip and I had the BBQ Chicken Salad. After a long wait for the egg rolls, the main courses were up and our server rushed us through them so she could clear the plate and make room on the tiny table. He said the roast beef was bland and rubbery and the roll was soggy on the inside and over crisped on the outside. The battered fries and horseradish creme were much better, but not enough to salvage the meal. As for my salad, had there actually been any BBQ chicken in it, it might have been great. It was mostly chopped iceberg lettuce with a few kernels of corn, some black beans, jicama, tomatoes, and a few chunks of bland grilled chicken. Had they tossed half the lettuce, added more of the remaining ingredients and actually included some BBQ chicken, it would have been a worthy meal of a salad.

Food aside, we both had the Blonde brew which wasn't bad on a warm day if you're in the mood for a pale ale. Sadly, we were so bummed with our food and service, we passed on their signature Pizookie dessert (a giant deep dish baked cookie topped with ice cream). Beer didn't even want to finish his fries ... never a good sign.

For more than an appetizer and some suds, we would have been better off at Le Pain Quotidien or CPK - both next door. So would you.

939 Broxton Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 209-7475