BJ's Pizza, Grill & Brewery

Brewery, Bar, Eatery

1690 28th St
Boulder, Colorado, 80301
United States

(303) 440-5200 | map
bjsrestaurants.com
BEER STATS
Average:
3.45
Beers:
7
Ratings:
60
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.78
Reviews:
16
Ratings:
22
pDev:
12.17%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by StonedTrippin:
Photo of StonedTrippin
Reviewed by StonedTrippin from Colorado

4.01/5  rDev +6.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25 | food: 3.5
this is a chain, but i really dont mind this place. the beers are very standard offerings, designed not to offend anyone. they have maybe 8 or 10 on tap at a time. the imperial stout was my favorite and the hefe wasnt bad, but this is probably the least quality beer of all the boulder producers. food though was pretty good, i liked the calamari, and the service was very friendly. lots of free tasters for us, and my glass never got empty without another being poured for me. a good place for a quick bite before a show at the boulder theater, but if you want to find micro brews, check out mountain sun or one of boulder's other breweries.

edit: this place has come a long way since i first posted this review. They have moved off the strip in boulder, and have really taken their beer to a new level. this place is apparently the pilot system now for the whole chain, so they are doing some really fun experimental small batches here, and the people in charge are incredibly friendly. barrel aged black ipa and ginger saison are top notch, and they have a whole range of great guest brews now too. definitely bumping up some of my original scores on this place to show this marked improvement. way cooler than the other locations around the state.
Jun 03, 2012
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 4.46 by Front_Ranger from Colorado

Jul 30, 2015
 
Rated: 4.2 by Blazer22 from Colorado

Nov 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Butchnasty from Louisiana

Aug 23, 2014
 
Rated: 2.25 by RickyBell from Colorado

Jul 03, 2014
Photo of Rayek
Reviewed by Rayek from Colorado

3.61/5  rDev -4.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.75
It looks like I'm the first person to write a full review of BJ's since they moved into their new digs.

BJ's left their small space on Pearl Street for a rather nondescript big box on Boulder's main drag. If you took the name off the door outside, it would be impossible to tell what chain the new place is a member of. Inside, BJ's hits all the chain brewpub buttons with lots of dark wood, an exposed brewhouse and cavernous amounts of space.

I've been here a few times for lunch and have to say that the food is quite good. Lunch prices are reasonable, while dinner prices are a little high for my tastes. The beers I've sampled have been good, but on the safe side.

Overall, BJ's is a nice place to grab the occasional lunch during the week. When I primarily want beer, I prefer to support one of Boulder's many local breweries.
Nov 17, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by williamjbauer from Colorado

Oct 30, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by jaydoc from Kansas

Oct 12, 2013
Photo of jeremyn
Reviewed by jeremyn from Colorado

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
BJs is a better place to go for food than for beer. For beer, they have a decent selection of low ABV american styles: pale ale, wheat, stout, porter, etc. The beers are fine, but none are exceptional. The sampler is a pretty good value. Not really any big beers or anything particularly unique.

The pizza here is surprisingly good. It might be the best in Boulder, if you like the style. Thick but airy crust, crispy, interesting toppings. Definitely not NY style, but I really like it.

If you're in Boulder looking for food and beer, I'd recommend Mountain Sun over BJs, but I think BJs is a good value if you are going to eat. They have a happy hour where beers are a few $$s off and mini pizzas are half off.
Feb 28, 2010
Photo of rye726
Reviewed by rye726 from Colorado

3.36/5  rDev -11.1%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3
Ah yes, BJ's Pizza and Brewery. Always a good place to check out when looking for company in Boulder. Great location, right downtown. Atmosphere is like most any other American bar. Big open rooms and a large bar.

They have a decent amount of house brewed beers on tap. Most are pretty light, but decent quality. I've never seen a big or experimental beer there. But I guess not everyone can brew like Tomme.

Service was good. I have never tried their food, but it looks pretty good. Both the pizza and burgers looked tasty. Like I said, nothing special. Just your average American bar.
Sep 09, 2009
Photo of Floydster
Reviewed by Floydster from California

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
Visited 4/24/09, reviewed from notes, smack dab in the middle of Pearl Street, girlfriend wanted to eat dinner here even though we have several locations back home, what really separated this one from others I have seen in the past is that Pliny the Elder and Damnation were on tap, wow was not expecting that, other than that they had all their usual beers except for a seasonal IPA which I tried and the 2009 version of their Grand Cru, as always enjoyed a deep dish pizza loaded with different meats which is always good, prices are decent for food and not bad for pints that are mostly under five bucks, dollar off during happy hour, more long and narrow than others I have been too but still a cool place, nice and fairly knowledgable staff about beer surprisingly, do not know if I will get to this location again but Westwood, Torrance, and San Bernardino will continue to get my support, check out their seasonal brews when going to any of the locations, have been the best in my experiences, although Nutty Brewnette is always good
May 07, 2009
Photo of Yeastcakes
Reviewed by Yeastcakes from Colorado

4.47/5  rDev +18.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Atmosphere - Longer narrow layout. Nice cozy wood interior.
Quality - The two beers I had were top notch. I had the PM Porter on the cask and the Grand Cru. (The Grand Cru was a little heavy for lunch, but it was worth it).
Service - First class service. I was never wanting beer or food. The manager even came out to ask me how my meal was (perhaps because I was writing some tasting notes for the outstanding beers?)
Selection - Nice menu that features their pizzas. A good 10 house beers on tap.
Food - I had the Great White - a deep dish pizza (10", $14). Tomatoes, black olives, parmesean garlic and white sauce. It was some greasy goodness. Good thing I ran this morning. This was a good meal.
Value - This place is a little pricy for eating here on a regular basis, but this is definitely a place I would take a date.
Mar 28, 2009
Photo of russpowell
Reviewed by russpowell from Arkansas

3.64/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
My first boulder BP I visited, not bad.

The atmosphere was pretty corporate/chainish., This place didn't reek of beer culture to be sure!


Most of the beers were above average, the PM Porter & Tatonka were the best beers I tried out of the sampler.

Food looked alright, the Kids pizza was inhaled by my son

Service wasn't bad, friendly enough
9 Beers on offer, cask beers on Thursdays & 3 quality guest beers on offer including Lindemens Frambozen, Mirror Pond Pale ale

The pricing seemed reasonable enough. I'd go again, but wouldn't go outta my way to visit.
Jun 14, 2008
Photo of Big78CJ
Reviewed by Big78CJ from Michigan

3.64/5  rDev -3.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4
Nothing really jumped out at me from my first visit to BJs. We did not try the food as we were really only stopping in for the bathroom and a beer. I ordered their seasonal Maibock, which was reasonably well balanced and a good example of the style. My dad had their Tatonka RIS and it was considerably more interesting though still not the best RIS I have had on this trip to CO so far. All the servers were blonde chicks cut from the same cloth it seemed. They were reasonably attentive but knew nothing about the beers.

It was nice that they had a bunch of serving tanks behind the bar. They even had a guest tank of Stone's barleywine on tap, which I should have tried.

I might stop by here again if I were in Boulder for longer but with Mountain Sun up the street and Boulder Beer across town, there is no need.

For food, just head up to Lazy Dog. If their roof is open, head up there for an amazing gyro or greek salad or tuna melt and get a beer while looking off at the Rockies.
Apr 25, 2008
Photo of woodychandler
Reviewed by woodychandler from Pennsylvania

3.28/5  rDev -13.2%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3
Located right on Pearl Street, just down from Mountain Sun, they had an outdoor patio which immediately caught my attention since I had to transit it to go inside. The maitre d' station was on the right side with a good bit of restaurant seating to the left. The bar area was a just a long, wood-tiled plank with eight FVs and the brewhouse as the back bar. Along the right side of the bar area was a series of booths. There were a second and third floor bar areas, but my interest was quickly beginning to flag. I had a sampler which was nothing spectacular, snagged some coasters for my collection, and headed off into the night.
Feb 06, 2008
Photo of mikesgroove
Reviewed by mikesgroove from South Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +10.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
This was a new visit for me on my last trip out there and was thrilled to see a little eating place with cask ale. Stopped in and ate out on the patio, great chaep food and ordered up a cask IPA. Very yummy and the server really seemed to know alot about the operation, more then anyone ever does around here anyway. I really thought the quality of the beer and food was excellent. I had thought it might come off as just another average brwepub, but to be honest they have a good chance of making it a little bigger. Excellent stop and I would highly recommed making it in there.
Nov 19, 2007
Photo of drseamus
Reviewed by drseamus from New York

3.8/5  rDev +0.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
I'll get my complaint out of the way at the start. I ordered the cask dry-hopped red and I'm certain I was served the Jeremiah Red. I did ask the waitress if she was sure this was the dry-hopped red and she said yes, but there was no hop flavor at all. So either the beer was tapped incorrectly or someone poured it wrong.

The rest was good. There were several big screen TV's with different things on and the service was really quick. We ordered the pizza (no brainer) and it was really good chicago style pizza. The selection of beers on tap was pretty good with around 11 at the time and the beer I did get was good. I would say that their strongest area is the food with the beer somewhere behind.
May 24, 2007
Photo of Mebuzzard
Reviewed by Mebuzzard from Colorado

4.05/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
Popped in here on my tour of Boulder this week. Front dining area leads to the bar in back, with stools and about 5 booths. Upstairs are more tables and areas to reserve for parties. Wood floors and stair case. Vats are just behind the bar. 12or so taps (8 host, 4 guest). They had a wide variety of there own beers. I tried several, and one from their hand-pump (Captain's Porter). They also have a very nice selection of Belgian bottles, I was surprised to see them, as well as Maredsous 8 on tap.
The food is good, but at happy hour the appetizers and pizzas are super cheap and good.
Nice little patio area, of course it was snowing so no one used it. I like this place. Nothing fancy, but a solid joint.
Apr 14, 2007
Photo of benito
Reviewed by benito from Oregon

3.3/5  rDev -12.7%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3 | food: 3.5
Spot in the middle of the Pearl Street Mall, this place competes with three other brewpubs in a 1/2 mile square radius and countless others in Boulder...and it holds its own fairly well.

I stopped in on a Saturday afternoon during college football season and was able to get a seat at the bar, but this place was packed with families and college students. They had eight beers on tap...five of their forever brews (Piranha Pale Ale, Tatonka Stout, PM Porter, Jeremiah Red, Harvest Hefeweizen) and three seasonals (CtrlALTDelete, Pumpkin Ale, and Fresh Hop Ale). In a gesture in support of other local berwers, they also had a guest tap for Avery's Old Jubilation.

The sampler treated me to all five of the standard releases and two of the seasonals. I was especially impressed with the Fresh Hop seasonal and could have easily enjoyed a pint or two of the porter. For the most part, the other beers were passable but nothing to write home about.

Service was excellent and attentive. They were happy to talk about the beers and seemed fairly knowledgable. The food came promptly and was tasty, though everything was a bit pricey (all apps were >$6). But I shouldn't act too surprised: this is Bobo after all.

Worth a stop on a beer tour of Boulder.
Oct 31, 2005
Photo of Caesar1pup
Reviewed by Caesar1pup from Georgia

4.05/5  rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
I have been to BJ’s in Boulder a number of times and have rarely been disappointed.

They have a nice balance of good beer and good food. They have a decent selection of beers and my favorite is Piranha Pale Ale which is a good APA. They also have brewed some interesting hard ciders that my wife always seems to enjoy.

Some of my favorite menu items include their Pizzas and their Cobb Chicken Sandwich. Their food is pretty good and reasonably priced and they do have a very good selection too including the aforementioned as well as steaks, pasta dishes, and big salads.

Being located right on the Pearl Street Mall makes for excellent people watching as there are some interesting people in Boulder.

Overall BJ’s is not someplace that I would travel great distances to get to but at the same time they did have decent enough beer and food that it was worth a stop if you are in the area.
Aug 11, 2005
Photo of rowew
Reviewed by rowew from Colorado

4/5  rDev +5.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Maybe it is because this is the first one I visited, but this is still my favorite BJ's. It is located on the Pearl Street pedestrian mall in Boulder. Long narrow building with a decent sized patio with heaters out front. Two levels of seating, with a long well appointed bar towards the back. The brewery equipment is all behind the bar. The wait staff has always been friendly and prompt, and the food is typical BJ's, but has always been well prepared. Beer is mostly typical BJ's, but they occasionally have special seasonals that are a step above many other BJ's beers I have tried.
Mar 08, 2005
Photo of mentor
Reviewed by mentor from Colorado

3.98/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
Stopped in here once while in the area in July 2004 and again in November 2004. BJ's is located in the Pearl Street Pedestrian Mall in Boulder, Colorado. The host/hostess station is located in the main seating area in the front of the restaurant. The back section contains several booths with a few of the bar, which is set up really great. A well lit and long wooden bar with numerous barstools. Behind the bar are stainless steel conicals that hold the beer served from the taps. The brewing room is located behind a glassed in area, such that the brew-master can be seen plying his trade. Unfortunately, only a limited selection of beers is available. One of each standard style (red, pale, stout, blonde, porter) with a seasonal also available. I enjoyed the Pale ale, which has won numerous awards at the GABF. If you are a member of the AHA, show your membership card and you'll get a discount on your beer purchases. The food was of acceptable brewpub quality and the service was attentive. In July, the seat I grabbed at the bar happened to be next to the seat occupied by the brew-master. He was taking a break near the end of his work day and was very personable. All in all, I had a great time my first visit and chose to return when in Boulder again. The beer is good and found myself feeling very comfortable at BJ's. I will certainly return the next time I'm in town.

Edit: I stopped in for lunch in May 2005 and found the Chicken Caesar Sandwich to be really fantastic. In addition to their own beers, they had taps for two beers from other Colorado brewpubs. What a nice touch.
Dec 02, 2004
BJ's Pizza, Grill & Brewery in Boulder, CO
Brewery rating: 3.45 out of 5 with 60 ratings