BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse — Restaurant in Mesa

I had my heart set on the Southern Fried Chicken before I got to BJ’s… I had been eating salads all week and wanted some southern comfort. Lol.

We were seated and greeted by a warm smile ☺️ and a friendly hello, with a gentleman named Craig. My starter… a wedge salad 🥗 (I know, go figure)! Then I happily ordered my Southern Fried Chicken… mmmm. Craig’s smile faded 😟 he then told me it wasn’t available. Now my face matched 😔 his and my stomach growled. Sooo sad. I asked is it just that they don’t have the fried chicken, because I had noticed right below what I was going to order, that there was the pan crusted chicken for the chicken parm and I would take that chicken as an alternative. So Craig was so kind to run to the kitchen to find out. Came back and said nope. 👎🏼 That wasn’t the issue. I was so curious, like well why were they out then? I was and am not a difficult customer I promise!!!

So Craig ran 🏃🏽 back to the kitchen again to find out. It was the darn gravy… grrr. I told Craig to go ahead and take my daughter and son’s orders and I’ll eat my salad and figure out what I wanna eat and order later. Little time goes by after I finish my salad, catch up talking with the kids, flag 🙋🏼‍♀️ Craig down and finally decide on a Chicken Sandwich. Before Craig puts that in, he checks the Southern Fried Chicken one more time and by the grace of the universe 💫 and the magic 🪄 in the press of his 👇🏼button… I got my Southern Fried Chicken! My stomach did a cartwheel! 🤸

Okay, let me drop the storytelling and just say that it was super busy last night. Craig was ripping and running. He kept a smile on his face with not only my table but with everyone surrounding us. You can tell he genuinely cares about PEOPLE. Thank you Craig, for just being you! Sometimes what you serve, can’t be found on a menu at BJ’s but only within who they choose to...

Kind of dIssapointed in our 10/26/23 visit. We hopped online to get on the wait list and then headed over. When we arrived there was one couple waiting. The hostess (blond) sauntered over from the takeout counter where she was talking with other employees, told us it would be about 10 minutes (even though there were lots of empty/cleaned tables available.) She then went back to the takeout counter to resume her convo. 2nd hostess (pink accented hair) a couple of minutes later called us over the intercom - even though we were the only people waiting and were literally 3 feet in front of her - and took us to our table. The table hadn't been wiped down well - so my husband pointed this out. The hostess let out a big sigh and muttered an expletive (!!!!!) under her breath, stomped away and returned with a towel to wipe down the table with a big scowl on her face and an unwelcoming attitude.

Service from the server was okay. She was super nice and conversational and knew the menu, but things just didn't seem to be organized. Husband asked for lime with his water and then had to repeat his request 2 more times before she remembered to get them. Perhaps she was just overwhelmed.

Other server in the section was quite helpful and we could see that the servers and expeditors were working as a team, promptly picking up used dishes and such.

Shout out to the bartender for pouring at least a 10 ounce old fashioned though - might not be great for BJ's margins, but was definitely a good deal for me, lol. Also a good thing I had a designated driver because that was a LOT of Bulleit.

Food was edible, but not amazing. Filet mignon was a bit tough. Parmesan chicken (what I always get there) needed more lemon sauce. Clam chowder was...

Someone explain to me how this place literally has the largest menu ive ever seen at a "sit down" style restaurant and everything is absolutely delicious. Like normally, atleast one item on a menu is not the "best" but I went here multiple days and ordered everything from Italian style pasta, excellent grilled steak, amazingly fresh ahi tacos, to the crispiest and delicious pizza you ever had... Hands down the best place ive found and I am so sorry for not stopping sooner. Multiple days in a row "Maybe we should try that place?" Only to pick somewhere mediocre... The service was exceptional. At "prime time" on a Friday night there was zero wait time with a large family party, including kids. They brought a small snack for the kids as soon as we sat down. Didnt ask if we wanted to order their food early, they just knew. "Here is a snack for the kids." Never had to ask for anything, and great recommendations. The 4 different servers we had were the best! Even the "extra" waiter who brought the app was great! How does this happen? can you explain this to the rest of the world? Please? Great beers! The seasonal/regional prickly pear was full of flavor and easy to sip. Even though its a brew house with their own beers they carried a full menu of beers on tap and bottle. Although why the dude next to me ordered a miller lite is beyond my comprehension... Full bar menu on mixed drinks. 17/10 would go here again in a heart beat, wish this place existed where I live. Visited the Superstition Springs location in AZ. Give everyone in that place a raise asap. Host, waiters, everyone. Please build a BJs in...