If you're in the Desert Ridge shopping area and looking for a budget friendly place to grab lunch, BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse has a whole page of lunch specials to choose from. Prices start at $5.95--making this week's $10 lunch easily attainable.
We walked in around 1 pm on a Thursday and were surprised at how busy it was. Even more surprisingly, after we asked about getting a booth, we were seated in one right away. Needless to say, the service was very prompt and friendly. If you are on a lunch break, getting out on time is very likely.
The lunch specials run Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm. If you're not in the mood for a large meal, no problem. We chose the half flatbread pizza and salad. I opted for the Grilled Chicken Pesto flatbread, but there are three others as well: Margherita Fresca, California Club, and Fresh Basil with Italian Sausage.
Thin and crispy lovers, this flatbread pizza is for you. Even if you normally don't like thin crust, its crunchy exterior is worth trying out. Crispy around the edges and a little doughy in the center makes this an all around good choice for a crust.
The pesto was very flavorful and not overly done with garlic. Combined with chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, it made for a great tasting pizza.
The salad served with the pizza was of baby mixed greens with balsamic dressing.
At $6.95, pizza and a salad is a remarkable deal, Another tasty alternative at the $5.95 price is the Chicken Quesadilla, drizzled with avocado cream sauce and choice of salsas.