Nestled in the heart of Bakersfield, California, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse at 10750 Stockdale Hwy is a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a vibrant dining experience.
Known for its signature deep dish pizzas, award-winning craft beers, and the iconic Pizookie® dessert, BJ’s combines a brewhouse soul with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a group gathering, or a cozy date night, the BJ’s Menu offers something for everyone.
This blog dives deep into the diverse offerings of the BJ’s Menu at the Bakersfield location, spotlighting popular dishes, dietary accommodations, and catering options like the BJ’s Catering Menu. From the BJ’s Pizza Menu to the BJ’s Gluten Free Menu, we’ll explore what makes this restaurant a standout in Kern County’s dining scene.
About BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Founded in 1978 in Santa Ana, California, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse has grown into a beloved chain with over 200 locations nationwide. The Bakersfield outpost embodies the brand’s commitment to quality, blending a sports bar vibe with a welcoming ambiance suitable for all ages.
Open daily with hours from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (extending to 10:00 AM on Wednesdays through Fridays), the restaurant offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
The Bakersfield location stands out for its spacious dining area, attentive service, and a menu that caters to diverse palates. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal from the BJ’s Lunch Menu or a refreshing craft beer from the BJ’s Drink Menu, the restaurant delivers a memorable experience.
With a 4.2-star rating on platforms like OpenTable and Tripadvisor, BJ’s Bakersfield is praised for its consistent food quality and family-friendly environment, though some guests note occasional wait times for popular items like Pizookies.
Signature Menu Highlights
The BJ’s Menu is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with signature items that have earned a loyal following. Here’s a closer look at the standout offerings:
Deep Dish Pizzas
The BJ’s Pizza Menu is the crown jewel of the restaurant, featuring Chicago-style deep dish pizzas that are both indulgent and flavorful. Options range from classic combinations to inventive creations. For instance, the Classic Cheeseburger Pizza combines ground beef, cheddar, and burger toppings for a fun twist, while the Housemade Meatballs Pizza, loaded with pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms, is a meat lover’s dream. Each pizza is crafted with BJ’s signature dough and baked to perfection, offering a thick, chewy crust that’s a meal in itself.
| Pizza Name | Key Ingredients | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheeseburger | Ground beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato | $16.95 |
| Housemade Meatballs | Meatballs, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms | $17.95 |
| BJ’s Favorite | Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers | $18.50 |
Handcrafted Burgers
BJ’s burgers are a hit for lunch or dinner, served with shareable chips or fries. The Classic Cheeseburger, featuring shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a juicy patty, is a crowd favorite. For something bolder, the Tatonka® Stout Buffalo Burger pairs a spicy buffalo sauce with the rich flavors of BJ’s signature stout, creating a perfect balance of heat and depth.
Pizookies®
No visit to BJ’s is complete without indulging in a Pizookie®, the restaurant’s iconic dessert. This warm, freshly baked cookie topped with ice cream comes in flavors like Chocolate Chunk, Salted Caramel, and Peanut Butter. Priced around $8.95, Pizookies are a shareable treat, though some customers note occasional 30-minute wait times due to high demand. Pairing a Pizookie with a craft beer from the BJ’s Drink Menu elevates the experience, creating a sweet-and-salty finale.
Craft Beers
BJ’s is a brewhouse at heart, and the BJ’s Drink Menu showcases award-winning beers brewed in-house. Favorites include the BJ’s Brewhouse Blonde®, a light and crisp ale perfect for pairing with lighter dishes like beer-battered fish, and the Tatonka® Stout, a robust brew that complements heartier entrees like baby back ribs. Non-beer drinkers can explore cocktails, wines, or non-alcoholic options like BJ’s handcrafted root beer.
Diverse Menu Offerings
Beyond its signature items, the BJ’s Menu offers a wide range of dishes to suit every taste and occasion. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories:
Appetizers
Kick off your meal with shareable starters from the BJ’s Menu. The Pizza-Oven-Baked Pretzels, served with beer cheese and sriracha queso, are a fan favorite for their soft texture and bold flavors. Another standout is the Piranha® Pale Ale Chili, a spicy bowl perfect for pairing with a cold brew. These appetizers, priced between $9.95 and $14.95, are ideal for groups or as a light bite from the BJ’s Lunch Menu.
- Pizza-Oven-Baked Pretzels: Soft pretzels with beer cheese and sriracha queso.
- Piranha® Pale Ale Chili: Spicy chili with a kick, served with tortilla chips.
- Ahi Poke: Fresh ahi tuna with soy ginger sauce, perfect for seafood lovers.
Entrees
The entree selection is where BJ’s shines for hearty, satisfying meals. The Slow-Roasted Baby Back Ribs, glazed with BJ’s Peppered BBQ sauce, are tender and flavorful, often praised in reviews for their fall-off-the-bone texture. Seafood enthusiasts can opt for the Oven-Roasted Atlantic Salmon, served with a cherry chipotle glaze and roasted vegetables. For a comforting classic, the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken with lemon chardonnay butter sauce is a standout, priced around $19.95.
Salads and Lighter Options
For health-conscious diners, the BJ’s Menu includes EnLIGHTened Entrees® designed to be flavorful yet lighter. The Roasted Barbacoa Cauliflower Bowl, featuring quinoa, brown rice, and guacamole, is a vegan-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on taste. Salads like the Santa Fe Salad with grilled chicken and avocado are popular, though some Tripadvisor reviews mention high prices (e.g., $21.99 for spring mix salads). Despite this, the variety ensures there’s something for everyone.
| Dish Name | Description | Dietary Notes | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roasted Barbacoa Cauliflower | Quinoa, brown rice, guacamole, vegetables | Vegan, Gluten-Free | $15.95 |
| Santa Fe Salad | Grilled chicken, avocado, corn, tomatoes | Gluten-Free Option | $17.95 |
| Enlightened Salmon | Salmon, cherry chipotle glaze, vegetables | Low-Calorie | $21.95 |
Pasta and Sandwiches
The BJ’s Menu also features comforting pasta dishes and sandwiches. The Housemade Meatballs Pasta, served with marinara and parmesan, is a hearty choice for dinner. Sandwiches like the Chicken Sandwich with Tatonka® Stout Buffalo sauce offer a spicy twist, perfect for a quick lunch from the BJ’s Lunch Menu.
Dietary Accommodations
BJ’s Bakersfield is committed to inclusivity, offering options for various dietary needs. The BJ’s Gluten Free Menu includes gluten-free pizzas made with a dedicated crust, ensuring safe dining for those with gluten sensitivities. Vegan and vegetarian diners can enjoy dishes like the Roasted Barbacoa Cauliflower Bowl or customize salads and pizzas with plant-based ingredients. The BJ’s Menu clearly labels dietary options, making it easy to navigate.
- Gluten-Free Options: Gluten-free pizza crust, select entrees, and individually packaged catering items.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Choices: Roasted barbacoa cauliflower, customizable salads, and vegetable-based sides.
- Allergen Awareness: BJ’s provides allergen information online, though cross-contamination may occur in a shared kitchen.
While some customers note the higher price points for salads, BJ’s addresses these concerns through value-driven options like shareable sides and catering packages, ensuring accessibility for all.
Catering and Group Dining
The BJ’s Catering Menu is a highlight for those planning events, from office lunches to family gatherings. Available through platforms like ezCater, BJ’s offers catering packages that include crowd-pleasers like baby back ribs, parmesan-crusted chicken, and family-sized sides. The catering menu is designed for flexibility, with options like the Feast Package, which serves groups of 8 or more and includes salads, entrees, and desserts like mini Pizookies.
| Catering Package | Includes | Serves | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feast Package | Ribs, chicken, sides, salad, mini Pizookies | 8–10 | $125–$150 |
| Pizza Party Package | Assorted pizzas, salad, chips | 10–12 | $100–$120 |
| Sandwich Platter | Assorted sandwiches, sides, cookies | 6–8 | $80–$100 |
Reviews on Tripadvisor highlight the affordability of catering for large groups, with one customer praising a $200 bill for a party of 8, including kids, as “reasonable.” The BJ’s Catering Menu also offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, ensuring inclusivity for all guests.
Customer Experience and Reviews
BJ’s Bakersfield enjoys a strong reputation, with a 4.2-star average across platforms like OpenTable, Tripadvisor, and Google. Customers rave about the consistent food quality, quick kitchen service, and friendly staff. One OpenTable reviewer called it “the best restaurant in Bakersfield,” citing the flavorful baby back ribs and attentive service. The sports bar vibe, complete with large TVs, makes it a popular spot for game nights, though some guests find the atmosphere noisy during peak hours.
Areas for improvement include occasional wait times, particularly for Pizookies, with one review noting a 30-minute delay. Pricing for salads has also drawn mixed feedback, with some customers questioning the $21.99 cost for simpler options.
However, BJ’s actively responds to reviews, addressing concerns and emphasizing their commitment to guest satisfaction. For example, a response to a pricing complaint highlighted ongoing menu updates to balance value and quality.
Tips for Visiting BJ’s Bakersfield
To make the most of your BJ’s experience, consider these tips:
- Best Times to Visit: Weekdays, especially mid-afternoon, offer shorter wait times. Weekends can be busy, so reservations via OpenTable are recommended.
- Ordering Options: Explore dine-in, takeout, or delivery through Tripadvisor or BJ’s website (bjsrestaurants.com). The BJ’s Menu is available online for easy browsing.
- Pairing Suggestions: Pair a Brewhouse Blonde® with beer-battered fish for a light, refreshing combo, or match a Tatonka® Stout with ribs for a bold flavor profile. For dessert, try a Salted Caramel Pizookie with a coffee stout from the BJ’s Drink Menu.
- Group Dining: Book ahead for large parties, and consider the BJ’s Catering Menu for events to save time and money.
- Dietary Needs: Check the BJ’s Gluten Free Menu online before visiting to ensure your meal meets your requirements.
Conclusion
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Bakersfield is more than just a dining spot—it’s a culinary destination that caters to every taste and occasion. From the indulgent deep dish pizzas on the BJ’s Pizza Menu to the health-conscious options on the BJ’s Gluten Free Menu, the restaurant offers a diverse and inclusive dining experience.
The BJ’s Catering Menu makes it a top choice for events, while the BJ’s Drink Menu elevates meals with award-winning craft beers. Whether you’re savoring a Pizookie or sharing a pizza with friends, BJ’s delivers quality and flavor in a welcoming atmosphere.
Ready to explore the BJ’s Menu for yourself? Visit BJ’s Bakersfield at 10750 Stockdale Hwy or check out the full menu at bjsrestaurants.com. Have a favorite dish or a memorable BJ’s experience? Share it in the comments below to inspire other foodies!