Does BJ's Restaurant Take Reservations?

You’re craving BJ’s famous Pizookie dessert or one of their tasty handcrafted beers.

But do you need to make a reservation at this casual dining chain, or can you just walk right in?

The short answer is no, BJ’s Restaurant does not accept reservations.

As a popular restaurant and brewhouse, they operate on a first-come, first-served basis to best accommodate all their guests.

However, there are some tips and tricks you can use to minimize your wait time if you want to enjoy BJ’s without a long wait:

Call Ahead for Large Parties

While you can’t book a reservation, BJ’s recommends calling ahead if your party has 6 or more people.

Give the restaurant a heads up that your large group is coming by calling them directly. Provide key details like:

Date and arrival time
Number of people in your party
Any special needs like highchairs

Calling ahead doesn’t guarantee a table will be ready, but it allows the staff to try and prepare for large groups.

Check Wait Times Online

Many BJ’s locations now have online waitlisting integrated with Yelp or BJ’s website/app.

Add your name to the virtual queue before you leave home – it can shave off minutes of waiting when you arrive.

You’ll likely still have a short wait, but it moves faster than just walking in.

Avoid Peak Times

As with any restaurant, the busiest times at BJ’s are on weekends, holidays, and during dinnertime rushes. For shorter waits, opt for:

Weekday lunch around 1:30pm-2:30pm
Late night dinner after 8pm
Friday/Saturday after 10pm

Off-peak hours typically have minimal or no wait at all.

Sit at the Bar

The bar area at BJ’s is first come, first served seating. If you see open bar spots when you arrive, head there first to be seated immediately.

Just know they may require food orders at the bar during their busiest hours.

Check in with the Host

Let the host know you’re waiting for a table as soon as you arrive. They can provide an estimated wait time and give you a beeping pager.

Check back periodically so the host knows your party is still here. Polite customers often get seated faster!

Order Appetizers While You Wait

Make the wait time fly by enjoying tasty apps and drinks at the bar. Good options are:

Spinach and artichoke dip
Avocado egg rolls
Sweet potato fries
BJ’s handcrafted beer or signature cocktails

Before you know it, your pager will be going off ready to enjoy entrees!

Be Flexible with Table Size

If you only need a table for 2-4 people, consider a small high top or two top table to get seated faster.

This is quicker than waiting for a large booth.

If you have kids, be open to a table instead of booth to accommodate a highchair. Flexibility pays off.

Get on the Cancellation List

Ask the host to add you to their cancellation list. Large parties cancel often, so spots open up.

Let the host know your party size and they’ll call if they have a last minute cancellation that fits your group.

Make Reservations at Similar Chains

While BJ’s doesn’t take reservations, other casual chains like Chili’s, Applebee’s, and Olive Garden do.

Consider making reservations at one of these places next time you want a table ready and waiting.

BJ’s first come, first served approach aims to seat every hungry guest as quickly as possible.

Using these tips will help minimize your wait time and get you eating delicious appetizers and entrees faster!

So bring your appetite and head to BJ’s the next time you’re craving their famous Pizookie, Chicago Classic pizza, or slow roasted entrees.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sinking your teeth into food in no time. Enjoy!

Does BJ’s Restaurant Take Reservations?