This is a great place. Feels like a dive bar without being a dive bar. The Food is excellent. Try the fish tacos (actually a burrito) If you are lucky enough to be there around midnight (any night) you will get free pizza and whatever else they feel like cooking up. The bartenders are friendly and get to know you the first time you're there. The rest of the staff is also great. The bar can get crowded at times, but there is an upstairs for additional dining. If you are in the area and want some great food/atmosphere/drinks, I suggest you stop in. read more

We ate dinner there last night and we were very disappointed in the food. We had the pulled pork nachos and many of the chips were stale. We also had the buffalo chicken wings and they were drenched in hot sauce and didn't seem like the chicken was cooked properly. The wedge salads were decent. I think its a great bar but we will not be going back for dinner anytime soon. read more

Took the family here and found it to be just OK. More bar than restaurant, the food was basic with no surprises and no real flavors that popped in any way. People were nice enough but the food took a long time and none of us (two adults and two kids) were thrilled with the results. read more

We just returned from dinner after hearing so much about BJ Ryans and the "gastopub" theme. While the menu did have interesting twists to traditional items the "pub" atmosphere defined the place. Having accepted that we were in a real pub aka sports on widescreens, bar area as large as seating area, and noise level to match we settled in. I ordered the Bang Bang Rock shrimp which while good were not rock shrimp. If your advertising rock shrimp ya better make 'em rock shrimp! Big difference in price, texture, and taste vs typical farm raised ( I'm in the sfd biz). My wife's crab finger crepes were delicate but not flavorful enough and the three puny crepes looked lonely next to my large shrimp app. Pizzas looked very good and my wife's thin crusted shrimp and pesto pizza was indeed good. Very rich and flaky. I, unfortunately, ordered the queen cut prime rib which was ordered medium but came out alive. It came back correctly cooked but was not tender and was accompanied by plain steamed baby carrots and snow peas. BORING. Baked potato was standard fare. Perhaps a more creative dish would have been a better choice. Service was attentive and prompt but we got shifted back and forth among the two solitary waiters that we had to repeat some requests. The bar area looks like it could be fun but I can think of quite a few other places as well that fit that bill. Also not sure how safe that area is at 2am leaving a pub!? read more

Was at a baby shower at BJ Ryan's today in the upstairs room. It was so nice! It's a great space for a private party. It was a sit down lunch with a cash bar which was a really nice choice. The menu choices were really good - fish taco, Cobb salad, pizza, burger or veggie melt. There were some apps too, shrimp and calamari and maybe some others that I didn't see. The food was really really good! The bartender/ server was great and attentive and the food came really quickly and all at one time for all 40ish guests - a few people commented how nicely that worked. Would definitely recommend it for a shower or party. I rarely write reviews but it was such a nice shower and a venue can really make or break a party. Would book a party here for sure next time something comes up. read more

Best deal in Fairfield County. The food is always terrific. Prices are always reasonable. It's popular but you seem to never have to wait for a table. Hands-down, this is the best burger anywhere in Fairfield County. And, Dawn is the world's greatest server. If you have anything less then a spectacular experience here it's a major oddball fluke. Give them a second chance at least if not a third. I've never been disappointed with anything on the menu. And, did I say it... Dawn is the worlds greatest server. Gina is too. Everyone's great. read more

Gross. The bug in my Caesar salad was really beautiful. Horrible. First of all when you chop iceberg Lettuce you must clean in between. Disgusting , absolutely disgusting . Nice slug in my salad .... read more

Went there for the first time last night. The bar area was crowded but a waitress found us immediately and took us to a table in the back. The service was great and the chef is very talented. I ordered the French Onion soup and was blown away. From the rich broth, to the cheese perfectly charred on top, this was amazing. I took over half of my entree home because the soup was enough on it's own. I will definitely be back. read more

First let me say the food was good. However, I imagine the proprietors said a year ago, "we've got an upstairs room that is not getting enough traffic. Let's create a Cabaret room." Voila. Well, their system needs help. We waited more than 45 minutes for the appetizers. Next, and you couldn't have guessed this one: no bread! Next, wildly timed plating; we all started at the same time - many had finished dessert while many were waiting for their appetizers. Then, just as their entrees were delivered, the lights went very dark, as the little performance began. Whoops! That also meant no dessert or coffee for most of us. Lost revenue. I am not knocking the food or the staff. Staff was GREAT just UNDERSTAFFED. So, I blame management. Lastly their new POS had us all waiting another 45 minutes to get outta there. Let me also say BJ Ryan's Restaurants ARE SUCCESSFUL AND GOOD. They just need to dramatically fix some basic underlying issues. read more

They now have a full rotating tap lineup. So instead of one "beer of the moment" they have 4, plus a pretty sweet bottle/can selection. G-Bot, Knee Deep Brewing Co, and Beer'd have all made appearances lately read more

I would Never enter this Bar again!!!!! The server was so rude, we got up and left when He told us he wasn't going to honor the 25% and if we did like it "we could leave" so we did" read more

Me and my family are frequent patrons at BJ Ryan's and have generally had a very good experience but today the manager (Jill) refused to make a minor accommodation and was adamant and not flexible at all in accommodating us. We were prepared to have an extended family gathering there but I will be going elsewhere from now on. read more

its one the good bars in norwalk that dont suck ... i like the whole pub kinda look they gave to the bar .. and i heard they drive you home if you got a bit too happy .. read more

I came here for lunch and ordered the fish and chips. They were probably the best I've had in Connecticut, it was extremely large and flavorful. Most places over fry it but they have this down perfectly. Their beer choices are bit limited but will do. Perhaps if they had a lunch menu, I'd come here more often. read more

Had the burger, excellent! Juicy and tasty. Chicken noodle soup was homey and tasty as well. Service was excellent.

Place is awesome. I'm a server and sometimes I get out of work late. It's great to have a spot to go to that serves great food late night. The tuna tar tar, turkey Ruben, and hot oil pizza are some of my favorite things on the menu. Their beer selection is stellar as well as the service and crowd. read more

BJ Ryans is pretty good I been to both BJ Ryans and BJ Ryans Bank House I have had there Chicken Brocolli Scampi really good they also have Sandwhich's and such they have good Drinks there as well read more

Love the bam-bam shrimp appetizer. Not a big place but nice for a hometown bar and the food is good. Reasonable prices and clean.

Elevated pub grub, cold beer and great service

Food (prime rib, flank steak, and some others) was good but service was painfully slow. Makes me wonder if we were often forgotten. I could see returning more for the bar and less for the food and service. If I could give 2.5 stars I would. read more

Place is big and casual. Bartenders were very friendly. They have outdoor seating area in the front of the restaurant. I ordered the cold lobster roll - it was fresh and very good. Good place to hang out with friends. read more

was at the bar for happy hour. Extremely friendly staff, good drink selection, will come back again. Update: Returned here for dinner,the food was so-so, still very friendly staff and good drink section. Lowering my rating to 3 stars. read more

I can't think of anything remotely unpleasant about this place. In a town that I feel leaves much to be desired, this place is a gem. The French onion soup is fantastic and the prime rib is absolutely to die for. The service was nothing short of exceptional. The wait staff here is on point. Plenty of great beers as well. I recommend trying their own house brew. If I ever happen to be back in this town I will definitely be coming back to BJ Ryan's. read more

Comfortable local bar in the Wall Street district of Norwalk Ct. right next to the Ford dealership with fairly easy street parking. The most remarkable aspect of BJ Ryans is their food, its very good and nightly specials complement the solid menu at reasonable prices. Good beer selections that rotate throughout the seasons too. Good steady place. read more

BJ Ryans is a staple in my weekly routine. I don't know where to begin. The staff is so courteous and knowledgeable. They will go out of their way to make your dining experience unforgettable. The food is always great especially the burger and the philly. The burger is the best I've had in Fairfield county. This is just a great place for a couple drinks or a great dinner with the family. read more

I just had my Son's college graduation party yesterday in the upstairs room. PERFECT PERFECT PERFECT. Keith was awesome in helping me figure out what i wanted/needed. Laura and Lexi our servers were attentive and on top of everything. The food was absolutely delicious. I plan events for a living and i've got to tell you this went off without a hitch and exceeded my expectations on every level!!! read more

Meg was our server and she was great! We came in during Hookie hour and got 25% off our food and drink and who doesn't love that! It's a great spot to hangout and have a drink. We'll be back soon! read more

We came here on the recommendation of friends who knew the performers in the upstairs magnolia room. We didn't come for the food or the drinks or the sports scene. It was a wonderful experience. We saw and heard Michele Grace sing the songs of Judy Garland and Liza Minelli, accompanied by Chris Coogan on piano. Finer performers are virtually non-existant. We would have been happy eating cardboard and drinking rainwater with the performance we witnessed. Having said that, the food was fine. None of us had any complaints about the calimari, the bamm bamm shrimp, the soup, or the pasta. Our efficient waiter was gracious enough to suggest that with our appetizers, we'd probably be happy sharing an entrée. And we were. read more

Came here tonight with my boyfriend for drinks and dinner. Atmosphere was very relaxed and intimate. Waitress was so adorable and attentive. Didn't have my liquor of choice so recommended something similar and it was great. We got the fried calamari , chopped salad and turkey Ruben. Can't wait to come back again read more

So we live in an area of Fairfield County that is dead. Zero options for good dining. My husband took me to your restaurant. I assumed it was going to suck, as it was in Norwalk. Surprise! The restaurant was great, the waitstaff was lovely, the food was good, drinks GREAT!!!! Thanks for having a nice restaurant locally! We will be back! read more

Outstanding in everyway. Food, service, quality. CHEF TAY is brilliant particularly at home made soups and seafood. This is not pub food. This is fine dining that happens to be a pub. DEEGE read more

WOW ! ...... That's the 1st word I can think of to describe the food at BJ Ryans. I had a burger - so juicy & perfectly cooked. My friend had the prime ribs that were cooked to order. Plus, they've got what a pub needs - a great selection of beer. A big plus is the friendly atmosphere.... when you walk through the door - it's like YES this is how a neighborhood pub should be...... warm, inviting - a great place to relax with friends & family. read more

Wife and I do BJ's once a week mid afternoon. Always a good pint or 2 to be had on the beer of the moment board. If not, Seahag is a great backup. Sometimes the specials grab my eye, but in the end the burger is one of the best. Val usually has the soup of the day and have never heard a negative review. Service is beyond expectations. Nice to have the days papers to read while enjoying those first few sips. read more

Regardless of your tastes or gastronomic predilections, BJ Ryans has something on the menu for you. But be warned, the pub grub is amped-up--- full of flavor-- so if you're looking for bland, stay away. They serve a French onion soup that is so good, people order it in the summer! Whether it's an appetizer (like the Bam Bam Shrimp that you can eat like a meal), a sandwich (the steak and cheese is succulent) or a high-end entree (steak is always grilled to perfection), you won't be disappointed. read more

Outstanding prime rib and Burger. Great drinks. Terrific service, Dawn and Andrea kept checking on us without us feeling rushed. Clean, friendly, well-managed pub. Highly recommend. read more

I like this place except for one glaring flaw. I only ever order roast prime rib and it is always tough, tasty but tough. I'm a retired chef and former meat salesman. Buy a better grade of beef and raise your prices a bit if need. You should be able to serve USDA Choice, maybe a Certified Black Angus, for a few dollars more. read more

This is my 2nd time at BJ Ryan's and I was unfortunate enough to get the same waitress twice! Her name was Deb, so watch out if you go for lunch. She forgot our drinks and never checked up on us. She wasn't very friendly either. The food took FOREVER and it was was just ho-hum. And what is it about New York and Connecticut and not having yellow mustard???? read more

When you arrive in a small CT town after 10:00 PM and try to find dinner for three great coworkers - you have to hope there isn't a drive through speaker introduction to your server. The hotel suggested Tuscan, closed, Dina's (kitchen was closed but Dina the owner was wonderful and called down to BJ's and made sure the kitchen was open), and finally at 10:30 we arrive at BJ's. Tired we all ordered as if it was 11:00 AM not 11:00 PM and the experience memorable. Steve our waiter made suggestions and while two of us had pie (pizza) the others of us had custom ground Angus burgers. What a great decision each were perfect - my burger had Gorgonzola and bacon (tried to give the pig away) and instead of fries, Steve suggested their custom mac and cheese. Well done we all enjoyed the mac and the rest of our meals and some of the group liked their local beers too. Hope to come back to the area and try BJ's again. Well done all. read more

Food is mediocre and service is just ok. I can tell you that if a negative star existed I would have chosen it. The bad taste in my mouth didn't come from the small and tasteless calamari or the slightly cooler than room temperature beer, but rather the trickery of their Groupon offer. The offer was $60 for dinner/drinks for 4 people and required a single food purchase. I went with 2 other people and we ordered enough food and drinks for 4-5. I also told the waitress we had a Groupon when sitting down and she said no problem. Who would think the manager would deny it based on us being 3 people, not 4? So in his mind I could have grabbed a warm body from the street to sit there and then we would have been able to use it. How can the number of persons and not the total bill be used to justify use of a Groupon or coupon? One more example of a society that refuses to think. This place can take some lessons in customer service and basic logic. read more

Rating is more for atmosphere and service. The prime rib dinner and burger ordered were good. Resonable beer prices but only one wine selection. The chicken soft tacos were just "eh"- could taste that the chicken had been cooked to death. Very narrow galley to sit in past the bar and you feel like you are in top of other diners. Service was weird- we got served by 2 different staff members (only 2 of us) and it took them till half way through the meal for one of them to come over and ask if everything was alright. A busy night, but it's a bar... that is to be expected, no? Friendly enough but just not attentive. The food was good and we enjoyed the entrees but not going to rush back here because it was an overall "meh" experience. read more