Editor’s (Ms. Karen’s) Note: We generally gravitate towards local restaurants or at least “local Chains” like Fox Concepts Blanco. However, we have been unable to find a good BBQ in town. It seems like “TexMex” got left out when they designed Tucson. Go ahead, google Tex Mex. In any case, I heard that BJ’s had good barbeque, so I encouraged Jim to take Roy there for their Friday lunch. What they chose to eat when they arrived was out of my hands. Read on.

On a Friday in Mid-May 2022, Neighbor Roy and I dined for lunch at B J’s Brewhouse on North Oracle in Tucson. We arrived at 12:30 and the parking lot was quite full. Barely a place to park, but we managed to find one space unoccupied.

The restaurant was crowded, but we were seated right away. Our server arrived at our table in short order. Roy ordered his usual hot tea. I ordered my usual margarita with salt.

It wasn’t long before our food arrived. I had ordered a Brisket Bacon Cheese Burger with fries. This was a fire-grilled beef patty with sweet, tangy BJ’s peppered BBQ sauce, smoked brisket, applewood smoked bacon, jack + cheddar cheese, red onions, and mayonnaise on a premium house bun ($15.75) and 1700 calories.

Roy ordered Fish & Chips. This was BJ’s blonde lightly fried cod fillets beer battered with house fries and house-made tartar sauce ($17.45) and 1190 calories. I will let Roy tell you about his experience.

“Today we lunched at BJ’s Brewhouse on N. Oracle. The restaurant is in the Home Depot shopping center. It is cavernous inside. with giant TV screens and tasteful artworks covering the walls. It was full of a luncheon crowd–I would guess it would be a great place for happy hour or celebratory luncheon.

We were promptly seated, menus presented, and drink orders taken. I ordered my usual hot tea. When it arrived, there were two tea bags included. I mentioned that word must be spreading, about my rating system including hot tea. The menu was quite expansive. I finally ordered fish and chips. What came was a huge platter of beer-battered codfish pieces and a mountain of fries. The waitress originally served 2 fish pieces–and noted that there would be one more piece (later delivered).

B.J. is notable for several things. The large restaurant was full, but the noise level was not overpowering, the menu is extensive and varied, the service was among the best in recent memory, and the food was plentiful and quite good. Based on ambiance, food and service, I would give it a well deserved 4 saguaros.”

My Brisket Bacon Cheese Burger was also excellent. Among the best I have enjoyed in Tucson. So good, in fact, that I think I will add BJ’s to our List of the Best Burgers in Tucson on this website. My French fries were also very good. The atmosphere was also engaging, with brick interior, open ceiling, and very comfortable booths.

Like Neighbor Roy, I rate BJ’s Brewhouse with Four Saguaros.

BJ’s Brewhouse
4270 N Oracle Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
(520) 690-1900
Another BJ’s at: 5510 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
Mon – Thu 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Fri – Sat 11:00 am – 12:00 am
Sun 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Delivery available 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Curbside pickup available 11:00 am – 9:00 pm