Bj's Restaurant & Brewhouse Irvine Menu
I’ll never forget the first time I stepped into a BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. It was a sweltering August afternoon in Southern California, the kind where the asphalt literally shimmers and you’re pretty sure your sunglasses are melting. My friend, Sarah, a creature of habit and a staunch defender of her usual pizza joint, dragged me to this place, muttering something about “beer that’s actually beer” and “pizookies that will change your life.” I was skeptical, to say the least. My idea of a good time on a hot day involved an ice-cold… well, anything that wasn’t beer, honestly. But Sarah’s enthusiasm was infectious, and before I knew it, I was being seated at a table, a giant menu thrust into my hands. The sheer volume of it was overwhelming. It felt like I’d opened a culinary encyclopedia. I distinctly remember my internal monologue: “How can one place do all of this? Are they even good at any of it?”
Fast forward a few years, and here I am, practically a regular. That initial skepticism? Gone. Replaced by a deep, abiding love for the sprawling, diverse, and yes, sometimes delightfully overwhelming menu at BJ’s. And today, we’re diving headfirst into the Irvine location’s offerings. Because let’s be honest, while the spirit of BJ’s is consistent, each location has its own little vibe, and Irvine is a prime spot for some serious culinary exploration.
So, grab yourself a comfy chair, maybe a beverage of your choice (though I highly recommend their craft beers, just saying), and let’s talk about what’s on the menu at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Irvine. Prepare yourselves, folks, because this is not for the faint of heart. Or the indecisive. You’ve been warned!
The Grand Tour: What Exactly ARE We Even Looking At?
Okay, so the first thing you’ll notice about the BJ’s menu is its sheer breadth. It’s not just a list of food; it’s a journey. They’ve got everything from appetizers that are basically meals in themselves to salads that are surprisingly substantial, and then, of course, the main events: burgers, pizzas, entrees, and, naturally, their signature beers. It’s like they decided to create a restaurant that caters to every single craving you might have, all under one roof. A noble, albeit ambitious, goal, right?
The Irvine menu, thankfully, sticks to this winning formula. You’re not going to walk in there and find a limited, hyper-specialized selection. Nope. You’re going to find options. Lots and lots of options. And that’s where the fun, and sometimes the mild panic, begins. Where do you even start?
Appetizers: The Gateway Drug to BJ’s Bliss
Let’s kick things off with the appetizers. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t start with an appetizer? It’s practically a social contract. BJ’s takes this very seriously. Their appetizer menu is a playground of fried, cheesy, saucy goodness. You’ve got your classics, of course. Their Spinach and Artichoke Dip is legendary. It’s creamy, it’s decadent, and it comes with these perfectly crisp pita chips that are just begging to be dunked. Seriously, if you’re going with a group, this is a no-brainer. Just don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than free samples at Costco.
Then there are the Enlightened Flatbreads. Now, I’m usually a traditionalist when it comes to pizza, but these flatbreads are something else. The Tuscan Sun, with its pesto, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and balsamic glaze? Divine. It’s like a little taste of Italy without the jet lag. And the Mediterranean one? Chef’s kiss.
But if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, you have to try the BJ’s Burger Sliders. Three mini versions of their famous burgers, complete with all the fixings. It’s the perfect way to sample their burger prowess without committing to a whole one. Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave (or just really, really hungry), go for the Brew Pub Pizza Rolls. These are like little explosions of flavor, filled with pepperoni, sausage, and cheese, served with a marinara dipping sauce. They’re dangerous. Utterly, deliciously dangerous.
And don’t even get me started on the wings. They’ve got a few different sauces, from classic Buffalo to their smoky BBQ. They’re juicy, they’re flavorful, and they’re the perfect companion to one of those IPAs you’ve been eyeing. Just a little pro-tip: order extra napkins. You’ll thank me later.
The Heart of the Matter: Pizzas, Burgers, and Everything In Between
Alright, now we’re getting to the nitty-gritty. The stuff that keeps people coming back for more. BJ’s is known for a few things, and pizza and burgers are definitely at the top of that list. The Irvine menu does not disappoint here.
Pizzas: A Deep Dish (and Thin Crust!) Affair
Let’s talk pizza. BJ’s is famous for its deep-dish pies. And when I say deep-dish, I mean deep. These aren’t your average pizzas. They’re thick, they’re cheesy, and they’re practically a meal in themselves. The Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pepperoni is a classic for a reason. It’s got that perfect crust, that generous layer of sauce, and a mountain of cheese. If you’re a true deep-dish devotee, this is your Everest.
But what if deep-dish isn’t your jam? Fear not, my friends. BJ’s also offers a fantastic thin crust option. And their specialty pizzas are where things get really interesting. The California Coast, with its artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, garlic, and goat cheese? It’s a refreshing change of pace. Or the BBQ Chicken Pizza, a sweet and savory delight that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
What I love about their pizza menu is the sheer variety. You can go traditional, you can go adventurous, you can even build your own if you’re feeling creative. And the crusts are consistently good, whether you choose the hearty deep-dish or the crispier thin crust. It’s a pizza lover’s paradise, no doubt about it.
Burgers: More Than Just a Patty
Now, the burgers. Oh, the burgers. BJ’s doesn’t just slap some meat on a bun and call it a day. They’ve got an entire section dedicated to burger artistry. And at the Irvine location, this artistry is on full display. You’ve got your basic, no-nonsense burgers, of course, but then you’ve got the creations that make you pause and wonder, “How did they even think of this?”
The BJ’s Brewhouse Burger is a solid choice, piled high with cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and their signature burger sauce. It’s a classic for a reason. But if you’re looking for something a little more… extra… then you need to try the Prime Rib Dip Burger. Yes, you read that right. It’s a burger topped with thinly sliced prime rib, caramelized onions, and melted provolone, served with a side of au jus for dipping. It’s a flavor bomb, and it’s glorious. Just try not to get it on your shirt. It’s a noble, but often futile, quest.
And for those who like a little heat, the Spicy Peanut Chicken Burger might sound a bit wild, but trust me, it’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it!
What’s great is that all their burgers come with a choice of sides. You can go with the classic fries, but I highly recommend venturing out and trying their sweet potato fries or the garlic mashed potatoes. They elevate the whole burger experience.
Entrees: When You’re Feeling Fancy (or Just Really Hungry)
Okay, so maybe you’re not in the mood for pizza or a burger. Or maybe you’re with someone who isn’t. BJ’s has you covered. Their entree menu is surprisingly extensive, offering everything from pasta dishes to seafood and steak. It’s like they’re trying to prove that they’re not just a pizza and beer joint. And you know what? They succeed.
The Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Pasta is a fan favorite. It’s light enough that you don’t feel like you’ve eaten a brick, but still incredibly satisfying. The shrimp are plump and juicy, and the garlic butter sauce is just perfection. If you’re a pasta person, this is a must-try.
Then there’s the Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Two juicy chicken breasts, coated in a Parmesan crust, served with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It’s comfort food at its finest. Simple, yet incredibly delicious. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
For the seafood lovers, the Mahi Mahi with Mango Salsa is a standout. The fish is flaky and tender, and the sweet, tangy mango salsa is the perfect counterpoint. It’s a taste of the tropics right there on your plate. And if you're craving something a bit more hearty, their steaks are surprisingly good too. The Ribeye is a substantial cut, cooked to your liking and served with your choice of sides. It’s proof that BJ’s can do more than just casual dining.
The beauty of this section of the menu is its versatility. You can come here for a casual weeknight dinner, a birthday celebration, or even a slightly more dressed-up (but still relaxed) date night. They’ve got something for every mood and occasion.
The Brews: Because It’s a Brewhouse, After All!
And now, the reason for the name. The beer. BJ’s has their own in-house brewery, and their selection is vast. At the Irvine location, you can expect to find a rotating tap list featuring their flagship beers as well as seasonal brews. From light and crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, there’s something for every palate. If you’re a beer aficionado, this is your playground. They’ll often have flights available, which is a fantastic way to sample a few different brews without committing to a full pint of each.
My personal favorites tend to lean towards their lighter, fruitier options during the summer, like the Piranha Pale Ale, but in the winter, a rich stout is always calling my name. The servers are usually pretty knowledgeable, so don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations based on your preferences. They want you to find the perfect beer to complement your meal (or just your general state of being).
The Grand Finale: The Pizookie. You Knew It Was Coming.
We’ve talked appetizers, pizzas, burgers, entrees, and beer. But we can’t wrap this up without talking about the true star of the show. The legend. The myth. The Pizookie. If you have never had a Pizookie from BJ’s, you are missing out on a fundamental life experience. It’s a cookie, baked fresh in a mini pizza pan, served warm and gooey, usually with a scoop (or two!) of ice cream on top. It’s pure, unadulterated dessert ecstasy.
The Irvine menu, like all BJ’s menus, features a glorious selection of Pizookies. You’ve got your classic Chocolate Chip, of course. But then there’s the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, the Cookies ‘n Cream, the Salted Caramel… the list goes on. Each one is a masterpiece of warm cookie dough, melted chocolate (or whatever delightful filling it boasts), and cold, creamy ice cream.
It’s the perfect way to end a meal. It’s the perfect way to start a meal (no judgment here!). It’s the perfect way to celebrate anything, or nothing at all. The Pizookie is more than just dessert; it’s an event. And the Irvine location delivers on this promise every single time. Just remember to order one to share. Or don’t. I won’t tell if you decide to keep one all to yourself. After all, you deserve it.
So, there you have it. A whirlwind tour of the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse menu in Irvine. It’s a place that manages to be a lot of things to a lot of people. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a pizza purist, a burger aficionado, or just someone with a serious sweet tooth, you’ll find something to love. It’s the kind of menu that invites you to explore, to experiment, and to indulge. And in the bustling, vibrant city of Irvine, that’s exactly the kind of culinary adventure we all need sometimes. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I just got a craving…