BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse — Restaurant in Toms River

I'll give some leniance since they just opened, but they're definitely still working out the kinks. The whole staff was very friendly. From our waiter to the managers, everyone was very attentive and helpful. I think the problems mostly stemmed from their system and the kitchen. All of the drinks came for our table except a beer. They claimed to be changing the keg, but we waited and waited. It took two more attempts to ask the waiter before it finally arrived. Unfortunately, I didn't have my ID on me, so I couldn't try a real beer, but their root beer was a little sweet for me. It didn't have that slightly spicy/root flavor that I prefer. Our entrées came out before our appetizer, although the appetizer shortly followed. Then our soups, salads, and sides slowly trickled in. All of the soups came lukewarm. I got the ribs and tritip with white cheddar mashed potatoes and the IPA chili. The ribs were average. Tender with a decent flavor, but nothing to rave about. Similar to what you'd expect from Friday's or Chili's. The tritip was very good though. It was tender and very flavorful. On the menu, they talk about it being slow-cooked, but I'm not sure how true that is since it came cooked about medium. Either way, it was tasty, so I can't complain. The allegedly "white cheddar" mashed potatoes were good smooth mash, but had no cheese flavor to be found. I did not like the chili at all. I usually like chili cooked with beer, but the hops flavor was way too strong in this one. My mom and sister got the prime rib dinner, which was a great deal for the price and they both said it was very good! The New England Clam Chowder was pretty good; thick with lots of clams. The cheesy couscous that you can upgrade a side for is good, but kinda bland. Our "appetizer" was the sampler. The spinach and artichoke dip was just alright. The mozzarella sticks were average. The boneless buffalo wings were some of the better ones I've had. All white meat with no funky bits. I really enjoyed the avocado egg rolls. They were greasy at all and had a nice flavor and texture. We each got a pizookie for dessert. My dad and I had the monkey bread. It was just okay for my tastes, but my dad liked it. For me, it was missing that gooey, sticky sauce that usually envelopes each nugget of monkey bread. It was dry and only the ice cream sorta functioned as a sauce as it melted. My mom had the brownie. It was okay... A little too sweet. My sister got the Oreo and that one was a homerun! It tasted like oreos dipped in milk. I'd get that again. All-in-all, if you want a place with a great drink selection and average food, it's the place to go, but it won't knock your socks off. I do look forward to going back once everything is worked out and trying some...

*UPDATE -8months later and still no one from this establishment has reached out to me *. Came in around 7p last night and was told it was a 30-40 min wait (exactly 40mins) , no problem understood, but for 15 mins the center of the restaurant tables were empty and not being utilized. Mind you it was not at all busy especially for a Wednesday. That was the beginning. After about 15 mins of placing our orders w/ the waitress, she came back and said that the "pasta chef' just walked out and quit. Mind you we had 4 orders of pasta related dishes. We all looked at each other dumbfounded and couldn't believe what we were told. Your telling me that no other cook in the kitchen can boil pasta and make pasta dishes? Was there only one "qualified pasta chef" in the whole restaurant ? The manager could not step in and assist ??? Things happen and are understandable , but not having another qualified/capable person to make pasta is quite inexcusable. Terrible excuse and inconvenience. Absolutely absurd and no reason for this. Perhaps attributed to mismanagement, staff related issues and training. Meanwhile, the shift manager Josh was walking around socializing w/ the front end hostesses. He did not seem friendly, never greeted any customers or smiled and you can assume that for the whole staff. None of the staff looked like they wanted to be there and were not "customer friendly". It was not a vibe that you normally see at a newer restaurant let alone any restaurant or place of business these days. To be honest, it was quite evident most of the staff did not even want to work or be there last night. Prices were rather high also. $14 for a spinach / artichoke dip? Yikes. As for the food, everyone in our group seemed content w/ the final product. The 30-35 min for our food was somewhat disappointing considering it was not busy. Really was not a fan at all after I heard good feedback about BJ's. I believe the general/store manager needs to start communicating closely with his/her staff, customers, reviewing footage, and reevaluate who runs the establishment when they are not present. This restaurant is fooling their patrons based on hype instead of taking care of their customers. Serious changes to include management, staff, training, & customer service need to be implemented ASAP at...

In the past visits to BJs Restaurant were mixed toward pleasant, but today was a strange day. With almost no one outside, we asked for an outdoor table to enjoy the nice weather. We were told there was a 10 minute wait. Ok, I know the drill, post covid lack of staff, etc. So I told the person at the front desk that we would wait at the bar, and she gave me a strange look. She asked why don't I said at the waiting chair? I thought that was strange, I said I'll be much more comfortable at the bar if that's okay. In the past I've often been invited to wait at the bar because I might spend more money. Well after a significant weight, we were seated outside and it was very pleasant. After a while, the sun was in my eyes so, with no one around, we just picked up our things and went to a different table in the shade. Well, same woman from the front desk told us, and I quote, "We will need that table later" Wow. Just wow. So I'm a customer already there, spending money, there are a dozen tables available, and you won't accommodate us moving tables because it's too much work? That was the other comment, "we will have to clean that other table, it's very complicated." At that point I was about to walk out, but I remember the bartender was so warm and pleasant, we simply retired to the bar. Llyod was his name, and pleasant service with a smile was his game. Just like when we first arrived, he made us feel welcome. It wasn't for his fantastic service, I would have given my experience two stars or worse. I have never been denied living a table to accommodate might discomfort at any restaurant I've ever been to. Unless they're extremely busy, which I wouldn't even bother asking, restaurants always made an effort to make the guest feel welcome and comfortable even if it meant rebussing a table. There were at least three people at the front desk, and it seemed like plenty of staff, I didn't see why moving a table when there were a dozen tables available would be a big deal, but at this particular restaurant on this particular day it seemed to be. I can tell you that, if another nice day were to come along, I definitely would not recommend BJ's. But any other time, if you want to sit at the bar, definitely stop in and tell Lloyd...