October 2019 review / August 2018 review / October 2017 review / May 2017 review / January 2016 review
Turf At A Surf
St. Petersburg, Florida USA
Cuisine Style: Seafood, Chain
Average Price: $$
Overall Rating: 3/5
Dined: May 2017
Article Updated: December 2019
By Sean Overpeck (CFE)
**A full article and index glossary of restaurants, wines, recipes and travel for
Wine Dine and Play are in the pages section above, or by following these links:
Bonefish Grill was founded in St Petersburg, Florida in 2000 by Tim Curci and Chris Parker. In October of 2001 Bloomin' Brands, headquartered in Tampa, Florida acquired the restaurant which at the time, had three locations. Today they have seven franchised restaurants and 151 corporate-owned and operated Grills across 28 states. I have heard people mention that the casual American Restaurant chain Bonefish is a hit or a miss. Every time my wife and I go it is a success, and changes the perceptional belief about certain chain restaurants; that they are trying to get past the stigma attached to them.
This is my wife and I’s second visit and review on Wine Dine and Play to our two Bonefish Saint Petersburg locations. On the previous visit, our group had the bang-bang shrimp, stone crab claws, saucy shrimp appetizer, the six-ounce filet, and the stone crab claws to name a few. The latest food articles being published are talking about the downsizing in chain restaurants as they are losing customers. It is correct that the food trends are chaining as people go back to a more local scene, eating sustainable and regional individual restaurants. Bonefish is one of the few chains that has caught on to that concept and is being proactive to customer needs. They have been offering sustainable seafood for some time, and they are moving more towards operating with a supply that is mainly local to the region their restaurant is located.
Bonefish Grill Menu:
• Starters + Sharing
• Soups + Greens
• Grilled Fish
• Wood-Grilled Steaks + Chops
• Sautéed, Baked + Steamed
• Hand-Held
• Bowls
• Fresh Sides
• Deluxe Sides
• Desserts
My wife started with a glass of the Bell Wine Cellars rosé, while I had a glass of the Federalist Zinfandel, the same as my last visit, which is near the Lodi AVA, in California. According to the winemaker, it is a blend of zinfandel and syrah with robust fruit with a bright berry character on the nose with lively acidity and medium tannins on the palate. The Federalist wine was named after the old American Federalist movement, today they are known by my political party affiliation, the Libertarians.
We split a meal on this visit starting with the robust caesar salad, which with chain restaurants has a set recipe to there dressing and other items so that no matter which store you go to, it will not be a different taste. The house-made garlic croutons are always a wonderful addition. Instead of eating fish like we normally do when coming here, we decided to try some of their land options, which was good to see on the menu to show their diversity.
The Bone-in ribeye was new to the menu weighing in at 18 ounces, that had to be taken home even with the two of us munching on it. The grill marks were perfectly seared, the temperature spot on, and the quality of the meat was very good. Not bad for a seafood place, (I hope Longhorn is listening).
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| Bonefish Grill / Ribeye Steak |
The side choice with the steak was the truffle macaroni and cheese; which of course the truffle being oil with scented truffles and not the real things, as the side dish did not cost $75 to make up for the cost of those expensive damn things.
My wife had Sage martini with the entree, and I switched to the Broquel Malbec by Trapiche Vineyards in Argentina. This 100% Malbec is ideal for red meats and pasta dishes. The winemakers’ notes indicate that the intense purple red color with ruby hues leads to aromas of fresh red and black fruits, floral notes, and earthy minerals, with an elegant touch of smoke. It is rich and spicy on the palate providing a long pleasant finish.
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| Bonefish Grill / Macaroni and Cheese |
A pleasant experience yet again, and they have also expanded on their cocktail list since our last visit. Now if they could only get away from those big-name wines that everyone serves directly from the huge wine distributor, and move to more smaller boutique and classic wine selections, and hire on a Sommelier to manage it, then the overall star rating will move up in no time.
Dessert:
We did not have dessert during this visit however the Jen's Jamaican Coconut Pie™ did look of interest on our next visit with creamy coconut custard, Myers's Rum sauce, and fresh whipped cream.
But check out some of these wonderful selections from Wine Dine and Play:
Please see these guidelines for Tipping in Restaurants and on following proper etiquette, customs, cultures, and avoiding assumptions when you dine out.
Wine regulatory’s for the tastings in this article:
“In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is the strength, in the water there are bacteria.” - David Auerbach
United States:
California:
Oregon:
Other noteworthy seafood articles and restaurants similar to Bonefish Grill:
Seafood cuisine is any form of sea life regarded as food by humans. Seafood prominently includes fish and shellfish. A seafood restaurant is a restaurant that specializes in seafood cuisine and seafood dishes. They may include freshwater fish, sushi, raw bars, or rarer items such as the deadly Fugu Blowfish.
Alioto’s Restaurant Historic restaurant serving Sicilian-infused seafood in San Francisco, California
Hank’s Seafood A classy southern seafood eatery house in Charleston, South Carolina
Moshulu New American dining on a restored ship in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Perla’s Seafood and Oyster Bar Laid-back Cape Cod-style seafood restaurant in Austin, Texas
Red Snapper Kiwi “fush n’ chups” takeaway restaurant in Sumner, New Zealand
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary”
Other St. Petersburg restaurants and articles on Wine Dine and Play:
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At the Magnuson Hotel
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Part of Datz Restaurant Group in the James Museum of Western Art
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Artistry with exceptional flavor
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
A Few Florida Favorites:
|
A Burger joint chain started in 1972 San Fransisco gay district
Clearwater, Florida USA
|
Vibrant spot for classic Spanish dishes & tapas
Carrollwood, Florida USA
|
Small shop for good sushi
Cape Coral, Florida USA
|
See the whole list by visiting “The Wine Dine and Play Article Glossary by country”
Final notes, review basics, observations, and more pictures:
Most reviews are subjective, depending on the writer; but they should also be responsible, and respectfully written, upholding the truth, and accurately conveying the experience to the best of the writer's knowledge, even if it includes metaphors the restaurant may not like to read about. My ratings are by the stars I award (from 0 to 5). The rating is calculated on a point accumulation of six separate factors based on individual experience. They include wine and other beverage selections, plate presentation, customer service, restaurant or café ambience, food quality, and wow factor.
To see more details of this rating list, read this article:
Overall from this experience, and the score factors outlined in the ‘about page’ section, based on my individual experience and rating, I give Bonefish a 3 out of 5 stars, meaning that they not only exceeded my expectations and were far above the average dining experience of most restaurants. The other four visits review scores were also 3 of 5 stars, so they have remained at the same excellence as my previous visits.
Scores are detailed in the factor chart below:
Formula Factor Conclusions and Overall Ratings for Bonefish Grill
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Max Points Possible:
|
Total Points Awarded:
|
Total Points deducted:
|
Ambiance
|
11
|
11
|
0
|
Food quality
|
11
|
9
|
2
|
Plate presentation
|
10
|
10
|
0
|
Customer service
|
13
|
8
|
5
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Alcohol and other beverages
|
10
|
7
|
3
|
Total regular points awarded
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55
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44
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11
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Total percentage — less the Bonus
|
0.8
| ||
“Wow” factor BONUS
|
5
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0
|
0
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Total bonus percentage
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0
| ||
Total percentage and bonus for a final star rating
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0.81
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Stars Awarded (see chart below)
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0 - 5
|
3
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**A full break down and explanation of the observations and point disbursement is available in the linked article above. To receive a detailed copy of your score, feel free to contact me at any time and I will provide it to you.**
***
Overall Star Rating:
|
3 of 5 Stars:
80% Rating with a 0 point “wow” bonus
Exceeded My Expectations in a Dining Experience
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Wine List:
| |
Bonefish Grill Wine rating:
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5 of 10
Old World selections:
France, Italy
New World selections:
Argentina, New Zealand, California, Oregon, Australia, Washington State
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Corkage fees:
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Bonefish charges $10.00 per bottle, and the wine you bring in cannot be on their wine list. See the wine list link above before bringing your own bottle.
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Restaurant-style:
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Casual dining
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Cuisine Style at Bonefish Grill:
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American, Chain, Seafood
Allergen or dietary accommodations:
Low Carb Choices, Pescatarian, Sustainable, Vegetarian Options
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Reservations:
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Not Required
Walk-Ins:
Accepted
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Dress code:
|
Casual attire
It’s Florida, everybody wears flip-flops!
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Child policy:
|
The Restaurants reviewed on this site may have a kids menu or cater to them; however, for full enjoyment of food and wine, it is recommended that kids not to be in attendance, unless they have been trained in proper etiquette.
If not then:
Hire a Babysitter!
|
Bonefish Grill Experiences:
|
Modern, Business parties, Great bar, Tourist grabber, and a Neighborhood Gem.
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Payments:
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Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express
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Parking:
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Bonefish Grill has a public lot
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Wifi:
|
The restaurants reviewed on this site may have Wi-Fi, but do not require you to go online, because the excitement of the food and wine alone will keep you too entertained instead of checking your social media and emails.
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Noise level:
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Low
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Smoking:
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Bonefish Grill is a non-smoking restaurant
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Patio or terrace:
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No
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Food Prices
(excludes, alcohol, taxes & 20% gratuity’s)
$£€¥ - Under 50.00 (inexpensive)
$£€¥ x 2 - 51.00- 99.00 (moderate)
$£€¥ x 3 - Over 100.00 (pricey)
$£€¥ x 4 - Over 200.00 (expensive)
$£€¥ x 5 - Over 400.00 (very expensive)
**Currencies reflect the world’s major travelers, restaurant, or wine connoisseur’s**
Currency:
|
Price
|
United States Dollar (USD)
|
$
|
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP)
|
£
|
Canadian Dollar (CAN)
|
$$
|
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
|
¥¥¥
|
European Union (EUR)
|
€
|
Alcohol prices:
$15.00 USD
Bonefish Grill:
5062 4th St North
St Petersburg
Florida 33703
Contact Information:
Restaurant website:
| |
Maître d or host:
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+1 727 521 3434
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Website Contact:
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Serving hours:
Eastern Standard Time
(GMT, Zulu, or UTC - 5:00)
|
Mon - Thur
11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Fri - Sat
11:00 am - 11:30 pm
Sunday
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Social Media
And
Accolades for Bonefish Grill:
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****
The world’s best restaurants is a subjective list of who is writing it and changes on a regular basis. The Wine Dine and Play best experiences are based on my highest rated stared restaurants, meaning that the visit was an outstanding or extraordinary experience. From cafés, chains, mom + pops, hole in the walls, to fine dining including a few Michelin spots. Visit the Top 100 page to see the entire list.
A few to tease you with…
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A hip burger chain with space-age decor
Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
|
Colonial Portuguese Fusion with tapas
St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
|
Posh and artful French cuisine + culinary experimentalism at Intercontinental Hotel
Festival City, Dubai, UAE
|
“Culinary perfection consists not in doing extraordinary things,
But in doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
-Angelique Arnauld (1591-1661)
Who is John Galt?
TTFN
