BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse - West Covina

This was the first BJs I went to, back in 2005. It’s also the closest location to me. Back then they were still brewing here (actually this is where Tyler King of the Bruery got his start). They used to do a lot of experimental stuff. I really wish they still did but BJs made their decision to corporatize/standardize all the beers and most of them have nothing interesting anymore aside from the random corked Belgian (house) beer which can be quite interesting.

This location is right off the freeway and pretty close to Cal Poly which is convenient. Actually I may start riding my bicycle here to try the seasonal IPAs they make. Food is pretty good, just like any BJs, the beer is decent, and they always have a few Belgians on the menu. Probably time for a revisit actually.

OK, this is our 2nd BJ’s stop on a SoCal tour, and probably the last. The silo out front and the tanks visible inside say "brewery", but again the servers tell us the brewing has ceased at this location. Who makes BJ’s beer? Food was OK. My companion’s burger was overcooked, my pizza really wasn’t "Chicago" style as advertised, but it was tasty (supreme- BJ’s Favorite). This location is huge, with TV’s everywhere and a noisy club atmosphere. BJ’s beer taster set was less-than-OK here. Go for the guest taps.

The atmosphere is very similar to any other corporate restaurant. It’s a pretty big place, lots of TVs for watching sports and it’s usually busy and loud. The quality of the beer is pretty good, I usually drink their beers (the Red or the Pale, for the most part). They’re good, nothing totally outstanding, however. The service at this place is what really kills it. I do not know whether they simply ask the wait staff to cover too many tables or if the waiters/waitresses simply do not care much. I am all for a casual and somewhat slow paced dining experience, but waiting for 20 minutes for someone to come take an order when you have been sitting there looking ready to order is ridiculous. It generally takes too long for the food to come out as well (how long does it really take to make a salad or some nachos?). I have also been (essentially) ignored for long periods of time after the food has come and I would like another beer or somebody at the table would like another soda or water. If you go with a group of people and are paying separately, bring cash. The apparent difficulty of splitting up a check is too much to handle here. The food itself is okay. I’m not really a fan of their pizza as I find it to be too greasy, but some of the other items are good. I do like the very thin "appetizer" pizzas, and I have also eaten the nachos, grilled chicken sandwich, and the "field of greens" salad. The food and drinks are fairly pricey, especially considering the poor service.

This is one of the nicer BJ’s I’ve been too, and seemingly larger too. Not too bright, and tons of HD capable TVs playing SD stretch-o-vision. One of my biggest peeves is a company plunking down for a nice plasma or LCD and ruining it with shitty content. The service is good. Many tip hungry guys and gals wanting to hock tropical drinks and pitchers of beer. Harmless though. The beer selection is fine, their house beers range from swill on up to American Strong Ale, and all are average to above average. I was there during the late summer and early fall and had a wonderful seasonal IPA called Tempest. The food is average to above average for pub food, nothing exotic or mindblowing. You won’t kick yourself for ordering a burger or pizza there. The prices are right, as they are trying to attract newly turned 21 year olds and families. Overall, its really not a bad place to grab a bite to eat and get a cold flavorful beer.

Met up with a friend here. Freaking huge BJ’s location with an actual active brewery intact (one of the few remaining, or so I have heard). All the standards on tap, plus Grand Cru, Nit Wit, Rootbeer, and the berry cider (not allowed on the site). Also 5 or 6 guest taps. Two beer engine cask handles, but neither were connected to anything. Typical BJ’s food and somewhat slow service. Not a bad place. Wish that corporate would allow them to brew some of their own recipes.

I definitely prefer this BJ’s to others I have been to. The service is superb and I had the pleasure of getting a very knowledgeable waiter who was able to field a barrage of questions. Very fun atmosphere, pretty good beer. I’m always willing to drink here.

I searched this place out a bit on the site looking for a brewpub(s) in the Ontario, CA area since I was going for business. As I walked in at about 4:30, the place was half full. You’ll notice a large tv screen with two flat screens to each side, so far my kind of place. The atmoshpere was right up my alley, people chatting, eating, and drinking good brew. I sat at the bar, the large bar area was well light and the servers were attentive and fast. I got there during happy hour and was pleased to find that the beer was $1 off and mini pizzas were half price, etc. This location has actual brew kettles unlike some of the other locations throughout CA, and to my delight a cask offering which tonight was a Blonde Ale brewed with Lime. It was pretty good, too much lime for my taste but overall decent brew. This BJ’s had about 15 beers on tap 9 or so regular beers with 1 cask and 4 seasonal beers which were all fantastic. BJ’s also offers guest taps and beers with a few being Chimay, Guiness, Sierra Nevada Summerfest, etc. Overall if your looking for a good place to grab a beer, and some good food this place is worth the visit. When I come back to CA, I’m def making another stop here.

Compared to other BJ’s this place is huge. Nice attractive bar, multiple plasma TV’s. This is a brewhouse so they do have additional brews to their core range as well as cask ales. They also have a decent selection of Belgian bottles. Spinach and artichoke pizza was a little quiche like but very tastey.