New BJ Guideline

January 14, 2026 09:03AM

When host walks you to your table you must ask to sit at a different table.
Who thought this would be a good idea?! Great way for staff to immediately spot the shopper.

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January 14, 2026 02:41PM

It's a pretty common request, actually. People want to sit where they can see a particular screen better (at places with screens) all the time. Or maybe they want to sit further away from the noisy bar. Not too close to the entrance on a cold day, not too close to the kitchen door where it's busy, not too close to a table with children... So no, I don't think it's going to raise an eyebrow unless you make your request in an awkward way. If you can't think of anything else, just say that you would rather not sit at that particular table because you once got your heart broken there.

January 14, 2026 03:48PM

We just did this last night. Mr. Cat is a bigger guy with a belly and some booths are uncomfortable (if the table is bolted to the floor) so we ask for a table with chairs. In other news, the BJ's shop last night paid with a $100 gift card but all the new ones I see on the board have gone to a $65 gift card. What's up with that? We spent about $65 before tax- 2 beers, a shrimp appetizer, and 2 promo (Smaller) entrees that each came with a mini cookie sundae.

January 14, 2026 05:21PM

Just yesterday , not on a shop as I did not get one this month, I asked for a different table. The restaurant was mostly empty so they were easily able to comply,. I did notice on their menu that the half price pizza monday is now 19.99 for the large and 14.99 for Tavern cut instead of half price like it used to be. So adjust your budget if you like the Monday specials.

January 14, 2026 05:44PM

We like booths by the wall, so we always ask to move if the host tries to seat us at a table in the middle of the dining room. This is very common.

January 14, 2026 06:48PM

Oh. BJ's Brewhouse.

January 14, 2026 07:22PM

I did not realize it was a requirement and I asked because they wanted to seat me in the bar and i do not think that is allowed anymore for dining room scenario. I have to go re-read. It used to be allowed if the host/hostess seated you there, but the last time I read it, it sounded like you could not sit there. So i asked for a different spot anyways and it worked out.

January 14, 2026 07:36PM

I've always requested to be moved if they tried to seat me in the bar area. I always thought they wanted you in the dining room.

January 14, 2026 10:02PM

There are multiple scenarios with BJs shops. Usually the dining room shops are $100 and the sit in bar OR sit in bar area shops are $65. These is also one where you have to sit at a hight top table specifically.

Funny. I am very picky about where I sit so this will not be out of the ordinary for me.

January 14, 2026 10:09PM

The $65 is sitting directly at the bar countertop. The dining in the bar area at a table is still $100.

January 14, 2026 10:27PM

My spouse will always wait until we're shown the table and then ask to be near a window, unless that means being near a family with loud children, in which case we'll ask to move again before the host departs!

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/14/2026 10:27PM by NinS.

January 15, 2026 12:10AM

I know I wouldn't do a BJ's Brewhouse shop anyway, but I'm a short fat old woman, and high-top tables don't work for my fat hiney. They asked me if I wanted a high top table at BWW the other night too.. I absolutely do NOT.

January 15, 2026 12:49AM

There's also a takeout shop where you need to call in the order. That one pays $4 with a $60 GC. You need to buy two entrees and take pics (among other things). I've never seen the $100 GC scenario offered, but have done the $65 bar top.

January 15, 2026 01:11AM

Morledzep-- I have short legs also. Always afraid I will fall off the barstools at BJs as they are far from the ground and there is no place to anchor my feet while I eat.

January 16, 2026 05:36PM

Did one this week. We asked not to be seated by the large party where the Host was going to seat us. The Host then said they were short staffed and this is the area the Server is. Luckily, the group was not loud.

January 17, 2026 11:02PM

@big_sky_thunder wrote:

Did one this week. We asked not to be seated by the large party where the Host was going to seat us. The Host then said they were short staffed and this is the area the Server is. Luckily, the group was not loud.

WOW. Reminds me of the time I had a server handling a large group at the back of a restaurant. He later apologized for the slow service as the large group "was his priority."

Guess who later filed chapter 11?

January 24, 2026 01:23AM

I regularly ask for a different table - not unusual or awkward at all!

January 24, 2026 03:02AM

@cubbiecat

It would be dumb on a busy weekend if there was only that table available and you choose to wait another 10-15 minutes for another table

January 24, 2026 03:13AM

@hbbigdaddy wrote:

@cubbiecat

It would be dumb on a busy weekend if there was only that table available and you choose to wait another 10-15 minutes for another table

The requirement is to ask and report on how the request is handled. If they point out that there aren't any other tables available, then you say, "Oh, I see. OK, we will take it, then, thank you." Put in the report that you asked and were informed that there were no other tables available and this appeared to be true as it was very busy. Done.

January 24, 2026 03:17AM

Yes, I'm not saying to not keep the table. I'm saying it would be dumb to wait for another unless there was something horrendously wrong with that specific table (too close to a large, loud group) or maybe a specific server you are not fond of from prior visits.

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