Constantly checking a buzzer for almost three hours at BJ’s was not the way I planned to spend my Saturday night but the only thing that kept me there was the 120-item menu and curiosity of how it would taste. They opened on Aug. 11, so it is not the place for a person who gets claustrophobic. The food, however, is a different story, if you are willing to wait.

The menu can be a bit overwhelming at first, but it is what makes BJ’s so great. Items range from deep dish pizza to shrimp tacos, and the prices range between $12 to $16 for an average entrée. Gluten free entrées are available, too. You will not leave hungry, but should you save room for dessert, order the Pizookie, a giant deep dish cookie with two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

Two awesome dishes, both $8.95, are the Santa Fe Salad and the Mediterranean Chicken Pita Tacos. The salad is topped with fire‑roasted red bell peppers, jack and cheddar cheese, fresh avocado and crispy corn tortilla strips all tossed with Santa Fe dressing. It comes with chicken, but other options like blackened salmon are available. The tacos consist of soft grilled pita bread stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, cheese, onions, cilantro and drizzled with greek yogurt crema that could make any mouth water.

If you are looking for a new restaurant to try, BJ’s is it. It is open until midnight on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends. Hopefully you can find a time that does not force you to spend all night waiting for your buzzer to go off.