As a Valencia resident, trapped in this Santa Clarita valley I have eaten at BJ's quite a lot. It used to be one of my standards, always good food, always good value for your money, but sometime in the past year they changed. I don't know if there is new management, or they just decided to cut corners to make more money, (why, it's always packed!?) but after the last two times there I have sworn not to go back unless I get considerable proof that they have returned to their previous state of quality.
I usually order one of the several vegetarian dishes they have and I think it was the angel hair with pine nuts and goat cheese. This time it was bland, and when I was done I was left with an ill feeling. Same night two other orders where messed up at our table. AND the bruchetta, which used to be thick crunchy slices of bread with healthy chunks of tomato, was replaced by what seemed to be wonderbread with garlic butter spread. NOT GOOD. No one was very happy with any of their orders. Even the kid's grilled cheese had shrunk and was accompanied by less smiley fries. Granted, they don't need to eat as much of that kind of stuff, but I would rather make that decision myself and not have BJ's cut down the food for better profit margins.
Also, the service used to be great. Now, it seems the help is way too young, they don't care and it shows. Attitude runs rampant, matching most of their Valencia clientele.
On the plus side, there beers are good, and they never suffered.
Unless they change, I cannot recommend this location of the BJ's chain. if in Santa Clarita go to Claim Jumper instead, but expect more of a wait but for a justified reason.
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