BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a casual dining option found across the US, and while we can’t speak to every location, we were very impressed with the one in Fremont, CA.

Before trying a restaurant, we always check their website to see if there is any indication that they will cater to gluten-free, or even better, have a gluten-free menu. BJ’s online menu has a filter option that allows you to see gluten-sensitive options. Once at the restaurant, the physical menu has clear “GF” indicators. They offer gluten-sensitive soups, salads, pizzas, burgers, grilled entrees, desserts, and more.

As outlined in our Restaurant Red Flags article, once at the restaurant, we asked the server about the notated options and which would have the least cross-contamination. The server was extremely knowledgeable about gluten-free diets and which dishes to avoid. Additionally, the server shared that the kitchen only used cookware and serving dishes for the gluten-free pizza doughs and Pizookies for gluten-free applications.

We ordered a gluten-free bacon-guacamole deluxe burger and a custom gluten-free crust pizza with sausage, red peppers, and jalapenos. The only topping not gluten-free is the meatballs, which the server and menu were sure to inform me about. With dinner, we had the Brewhouse Margarita (see our Is Liquor Gluten-Free article to read more about how to pick alcoholic beverages). Then after dinner, the server brought out their trademarked Pizookie - chocolate chip and gluten-free, of course - with a side of individually packaged vanilla ice cream. The meal was top-notch for the price, particularly with the peace of mind we had knowing how much care goes into ensuring these dishes are safe for those who are gluten-sensitive.

In terms of price, gluten-free pizzas are typically more expensive than their gluten-filled counterparts, but the difference was minor here. A 10-inch gluten-free pizza with the toppings we ordered is $20.65, while an 11-inch gluten pizza with the same toppings is the same price. Additionally, if you go on a Monday, pizzas are half-priced, and $10 for a gluten-free pizza is practically unheard of. The burger was $16.45 plus the gluten-free bun at $1.50 for a total of $17.95. Both gluten and gluten-free Pizookies are $8.95.

Overall, we were extremely impressed with the care taken to support gluten-sensitive patrons and the quality of the options. We will definitely be returning to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse.

BJ's Restaurant & Bar