BJ's Brewery in Laguna Hills is a big bruiser of a restaurant that, on one hand tends to affirm all that I find distasteful in these corporate chow chains but on the other, is a perfect example of how you can make the big food environment work.
First of all, this place is the size of zeppelin hanger, (ok...maybe a DC 10 hanger) and that just doesn't make for intimate dining. That being said I must admit the owners of BJ's have worked the space very well. While it is not cozy or warm it is a beautifully designed, comfortable restaurant and traffic flow is well thought out. The bar is gorgeous and it would make for a great game day hang.
The menu at BJ's is focused on Italian standards as well as pizza, sandwiches and burgers (and of course the micro-brew) but ultimately it's the employees of BJ's that left the lasting impression. Our server, hostess and bus boy were all attentive and exceptionally nice folks.
and so...(gulp) head on down to the behemoth that is BJ's Brewery. Enjoy the wide open space and take a look at big food done right. rps. |
