LIVONIA, Mich. — My mouth was watering as soon as I heard that BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse was coming to my hometown of Livonia.
After several delays, the restaurant opened its doors on Labor Day. It was originally supposed to open a week prior but weather issues pushed it back. The Livonia location is the fourth new BJ’s to open for the California-based chain this year.
I previously dined at BJ’s restaurants in California and in Colorado so I sort of knew what to expect when I got there. This is the second location to open in Michigan after the first one at Southland Mall in Taylor. Another location is planned for Macomb County.
My husband and I decided to wait a few days so that we wouldn’t have to wait so long for a table. We arrived for dinner on Friday at 4:30 p.m. and went to the hostess station and didn’t have to wait at all. However, the place was packed, and I believe we took the last table inside.
I started with the spinach-stuffed mushrooms which was the best I ever had. My main course was the fish and chips, however, I substituted the fries for the baked potato. That was no problem.
My husband ordered the clam chowder soup which he thought was excellent. Then for dessert, we had the salted caramel Pizookie.
“We’re a family, full-service restaurant,” said Joan Legay, BJ’s director of property development. “We have a full menu including generously proportioned salads and appetizers and a full line of entrees including steak and salmon and mahi mahi and pork chops. We also have a deep-dish pizza that we’re very well known for and a Pizookie dessert which is a large cookie in a variety of flavors that’s served with ice cream on top.”
BJ’s offers outdoor seating with a fireplace, so everyone sat around it. They also have tables and chairs outside which were full with people during our visit.
The atmosphere is casual as the place was brand new. There is dark brown wood flooring. There are several flat-screen TVs above the bar area, which can be seen at the bar as well as the seating area.
Don’t forget to join BJ’s Rewards online for special offers and coupons. The restaurant is known for its special promotions such as a free Pizookie dessert on Pi Day, March 14 and a free pint glass for dads on Father’s Day.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is located in the space formerly occupied by the Champps restaurant on Haggerty Road between 7 and 8 mile roads, next to Bahama Breeze in the AMC 20 plaza. Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. To make a reservation, download the BJ’s app or call (734) 357-8530.
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