by Robyn Folmar
On only the second day of operations the new Bonefish Grill in Southlake was packed. This is the first Bonefish Grill to open in DFW and just the third in Texas, with the others located down south in Houston. Started by two Florida fishing buddies in 2000, the chain has grown to have more than 150 restaurants throughout the United States. The restaurant focuses on fresh seafood flown in daily from around the world, but there are plenty of non-seafood items to complete the menu.
The atmosphere of dim lighting, warm wood and peppy background music is quite welcoming. The bar serves outstanding cocktails made with ingredients such as five-day infused vodkas and fresh squeezed juices. Bonefish Grill offers seasonal cocktails with the Fresh Grapefruit and Winter White martinis featured for the holidays. A spacious wrap-around patio is heated in the winter and offers views of bustling Southlake Town Center.
Fresh fish rules the menu and choices like Norwegian salmon, sea bass and swordfish are served with a variety of toppings. The spicy mango salsa on the scallops and shrimp skewers is particularly tasty and would be ideal on a warm summer night. Bonefish Grill serves hearty side items with jasmine rice, spaghetti squash and garlic-mashed potatoes being standouts. Desserts are large and made for sharing with most items made in-house. The Jamaican-style coconut pie served with rum sauce and the tart Key Lime Pie were delicious. Bonefish also offers a rich flourless, gluten-free brownie sundae.
Bonefish Grill opens for dinner at 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and brunch is served all day on Sundays starting at 11 a.m. I’m told the Bloody Mary and Crème Brûlée French toast are Sunday favorites. Once a week the restaurant offers “Bang Bang Wednesdays” and the signature shrimp are $5 all day. With attentive service, warm atmosphere and fresh-caught comfort food, this restaurant will certainly find a following in Southlake.
