BJ’s Restaurant comes to Henderson

By Mandy Walton

Monday, March 16, 2009 | 3:38 p.m.

Silverado Center welcomed a new restaurant earlier this month, and I recently had the pleasure of trying it out. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is located at 9520 S. Eastern Ave., inside the Silverado Center. The first thing I noticed about BJ’s that was different than other bars and pubs was the sunlight. Windows illuminated the restaurant for natural light while dining. I happened to like this because I don’t like eating my meals in what feels like a dark cave.

The staff was young, fresh, and on the ball. You could tell they are excited to be working in the new restaurant. Our waiter was very attentive as I have a friend who cannot eat anything with gluten in it (flour, wheat, etc). When her salad was brought to the table covered with croutons, she pushed it away and continued her conversation, planning to get the waiter’s attention later. The waiter realized the mistake, came back and quickly brought her another salad.

I liked my lunch pick -- shrimp tacos. The shrimp was fresh, didn’t taste like it had been frozen and then thawed, and the tortillas weren’t bathed in oil. Apparently BJ’s was first opened as a pizza place in California, but their menu has expanded. I will definitely go for a slice of their deep dish pizza next time.

Another reason that sets BJ’s apart from other bars was the décor. Instead of junk or sports memorabilia plastered along the walls, tasteful art, photography, and mirrors lined the tall walls up to the vaulted ceilings. There were even a few jeweled chandeliers. I felt like I was getting a decent-priced meal while having the luxury of dining inside an upscale restaurant.

“They had an extensive menu, and the atmosphere was nice,” said fellow diner Barry T.

Not only is the lunch and dinner menu extensive, but connoisseurs of beer will like the variety. A friend of mine sitting next to me was practically drooling over the beer selection. Maybe next time.

BJ’s also offers online ordering and curbside pickup! Check it out at: www.bjsrestaurants.com.