BJ Ryan's Introduce
Introduction / Overview
For Connecticut locals in search of a quintessential American dining and pub experience, BJ Ryan's on Main Street in Norwalk is a premier destination. Established in 2007, this flagship location has built a reputation far beyond a typical restaurant, operating as a popular bar, a vibrant bar & grill, and an esteemed pub. It has been recognized in the region, including being voted "Best American" and "Best Pub," which speaks volumes about its commitment to quality food and a welcoming atmosphere.
The atmosphere at BJ Ryan's is a signature part of the experience—described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a charming tavern vibe, exposed brick walls, and an early twentieth-century bar. It’s a spot where locals and tourists alike feel right at home. The menu focuses on American comfort food, but with a unique, eclectic flair that keeps things fresh and interesting. Patrons frequently highlight the quality of the food and the exceptional service provided by the friendly and attentive staff.
Beyond the main dining floor, the establishment is also a notable event venue. With its upstairs private room, it caters to various gatherings, from casual cocktail parties to formal sit-down dinners. Whether you’re stopping by for a solo lunch, gathering with family for a hearty dinner, or watching a game, BJ Ryan's offers a reliable, high-quality experience every day of the year, with the kitchen consistently open until late into the night.
Location and Accessibility
BJ Ryan's is centrally located at 57 Main St, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA. This convenient placement between Wall Street and Route 1 makes it an easily accessible meeting point for residents of Norwalk and the surrounding Connecticut communities. Its Main Street address places it in a vibrant, walkable part of the city, perfect for those enjoying a night out or a casual afternoon stroll.
The venue is dedicated to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests by offering comprehensive accessibility features:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot (available nearby).
- Wheelchair accessible restroom.
- Wheelchair accessible seating.
While the location is central, parking in downtown areas can sometimes be a concern. BJ Ryan's offers paid street parking options in the vicinity, which are typical for this busy part of Norwalk. Guests planning a visit are advised to factor in time for parking during peak hours.
Services Offered
BJ Ryan's offers a versatile range of services designed to meet the needs of all types of customers, from individual diners to large groups planning private functions.
- Dining Options: Serves Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable seating and table service available. The kitchen is known to be open seven days a week, 365 days a year, often until midnight or later.
- Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy for groups and those planning a visit during busy times to secure a table.
- Takeout & Delivery: Customers can enjoy the BJ Ryan's menu at home with both standard Takeout and Delivery options, including No-contact delivery for maximum safety and convenience.
- Full Bar Service: Features a Bar onsite, offering a Great beer selection, Great cocktails, a Great wine list, Hard liquor, and Happy hour drinks and food specials during the week.
- Private Events & Catering: The second floor is dedicated to private events, accommodating up to 60-65 guests for a cocktail hour or 50 for a sit-down dinner, complete with its own bar and restroom. Off-site catering is also available.
- Amenities: Provides essential amenities including a Restroom and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests.
- Family-Friendly: Clearly marked as good for kids, the restaurant offers a dedicated Kids' menu and High chairs for younger guests, making it an excellent choice for family dining.
- Payment Methods: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for streamlined transactions.
Features / Highlights
BJ Ryan's stands out in the Connecticut dining scene due to its unique combination of quality food, exceptional beverage program, and community-focused atmosphere.
- Award-Winning Cuisine: The venue has been recognized as "Best American" and "Best Pub," with its signature Pub Burger often cited as one of the best in the area. The menu is loaded with Comfort food dishes, but also offers Vegetarian options and Small plates for lighter appetites.
- Exceptional Beverage Program: A true highlight is the bar, featuring a Great beer selection, including craft and local brews, as well as a reputation for Great cocktails and an impressive Great wine list, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
- Noteworthy Desserts: Even in a full-service bar and grill, the desserts stand out. Customers frequently advise saving room for the Great dessert offerings, underscoring the quality of the entire dining experience from appetizer to the final course.
- Late-Night Availability: The kitchen is open late every day of the week, offering Late-night food and quick bite options, which is a major convenience for those in the hospitality industry or late-shift workers.
- Event Venue Excellence: The dedicated private upstairs room is a fantastic feature, making BJ Ryan's a go-to choice for hosting fantastic corporate events, birthdays, and private parties, with a simple planning process.
- Lively, Casual Atmosphere: The environment is a perfect mix of Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, making it a great spot for Groups, Locals, and Tourists. It also features Sports viewing, adding to the classic pub experience.
- Value-Added Specials: Happy hour drinks and happy hour food are regularly offered, providing excellent value to the Connecticut crowd seeking quality food and beverages at great prices.
Contact Information (address, phone)
To make a reservation, inquire about a private event, or place a takeout order for BJ Ryan's in Norwalk, please use the following contact details:
Address: 57 Main St, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: (203) 866-7926
Mobile Phone: +1 203-866-7926
What is worth choosing
BJ Ryan's is absolutely worth choosing for Connecticut residents who appreciate a blend of traditional American fare, a high-quality drink selection, and a versatile, welcoming venue. You should choose this location not just for a meal, but for the complete pub experience. The consistent quality of the food—from the famous Pub Burger to their robust Entrees—ensures a satisfying meal every time. Their commitment to Comfort food means you’ll find classic dishes executed perfectly.
What truly sets it apart is its multifaceted utility. It’s an ideal spot for a mid-week pick-me-up with Happy hour drinks and appetizers, a perfect backdrop for watching Sports, a comfortable environment for Solo dining, and a highly recommended venue for family dinners thanks to the Kids' menu and amenities. The availability of the upstairs private event space is a significant asset for local businesses and families planning celebrations, offering a dedicated bar and professional planning assistance.
Furthermore, the extensive beverage menu, celebrated for its Great beer selection, cocktails, and wine list, makes it a top choice for connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The friendly staff and cozy, yet stylish, atmosphere cultivate a sense of community that turns first-time visitors into loyal regulars, ensuring that whether you opt for delivery, takeout, or a lively dine-in experience, BJ Ryan's delivers an award-winning taste of Norwalk's best American pub culture.
BJ Ryan's Details
Service options
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
BJ Ryan's Photos










BJ Ryan's Location
BJ Ryan's
57 Main St, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
BJ Ryan's Reviews
barpricesfood and servicefish and chipswingsparkingphilly cheese steakfrench dip sandwichcrab and corn frittersstand up
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The food - amazing.Carlos, in the dining area- amazing.Atmosphere- wicked cool.Came back 2 nights in a row.Save room for dessert (it’s a tough thing to do). I’m from Boston, but I love this place!
September 01 · MattHad an event upstairs and it was fantastic. 30 people and everyone thought it was great. Food was amazing! Marissa was easy to work with answered all of my questions and made the process simple. I will definitely do another event here.
July 03 · Shannon O'MalleyNot impressed with the food or service. The server forgot to put our drinks in so we didn’t receive them until after our apps. The cheeseburger Eggroll’s dough was not flavorful and the wonton not cooked thoroughly. My French dip sandwich was soggy and lukewarm.
June 14 · Channyra ThanService and atmosphere were great. I ordered the chicken fajitas and it was good. The Oreo cheesecake was delicious. I’ll definitely come back.
October 22 · Chris GutierrezReally good late night food option. Maybe the beer talking, of which there were many options, but the best French Dip I've had in many years.
May 03 · Scott Watrous
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