Bonefish Grill Restaurant in Rogers, Arkansas: 5 Stars Despite the Attitude

One restaurant my roommate and I did not get kicked out of in Arkansas (yes, I'm holding a grudge), is the Bonefish Grill in Rogers, Arkansas, located near the lovely Pinnacle Hills Promenade.

Despite my love for seafood, this was my first visit to the Bonefish Grill but not my last. In summary, Bonefish Grill is a four-star restaurant that deserves five stars for quality and price. As an occasional dining critic, few places pass my palette and service requisites to garner above a three. It's not that I'm hopelessly picky, but often dining out seems like such a waste of money --especially, when you fail to get what you pay for. At the Bonefish Grill, double the price would have been a fair ticket.

Bonefish Grill - Full of Ambiance but not Fuss

It was a Tuesday night, the restaurant was indeed nearly full, and yet we were seated promptly. Luckily, I didn't stumble or knock someone over on my way to the table as I was a bit engaged by the decor.

First sold on the silver fish door handles, I eagerly took in nearly a full restaurant view from the vestibule. Though the place was dimly lit, the light was adequate and I admired some of the hand blown lamps and 3-D metal sculptures. Enough chatter flowed from the bar side and throughout the restaurant I felt at ease immediately.

Soon after seating, our young server came and was prepared to educate potential newcomers to Bonefish Grill. I resisted the urge to show her I not only knew the difference between a trout and a tilapia, but probably skinned more fish than their chief ever did. Time for some fried calamari, I thought, a bit cranky from low blood-sugar, apparently.

It didn't take long to select my dinner order at Bonefish and I opted for two appetizers: coconut shrimp and lump crab cakes as well as a side-order of au gratin potatoes. My friend ordered shrimp and scallops, I believe. Sorry, but I tend to lose interest in other people's seafood as I'm hyper-focused on my own.

Bonefish Grill Server Gets on My Nerves

Soon a loaf of exceptional baked bread was placed and the server laid down a plate of pesto. Then, looking at me, she thought she needed to explain the nuances of preparing dipping oil. I don't think my blond highlights were obvious in the dim light but when someone half my age tries to tell me the obvious, or how to cook, I become more or less amused.

This was the second restaurant in a week to engage in this Food Network TV style practice. It's a nice touch, but if you're not a fun middle-aged waitress or an Italian who knows good food and conversation, just serve and be quiet already.

Otherwise she kept my tea glass from seeing bottom, so I shouldn't fault her for looking and acting like a teenager from Scary Movie while simultaneously trying to fill her grown-up foodie shoes. Maybe some sugar with that tea was needed, after all.

Dinner at the Bonefish Grill

The calamari arrived promptly and it was the only part of the meal I didn't adore. The breading was perfect but the squid was cut a little thick for my taste. The texture was good, considering the size, so I can not fault the Bonefish Grill chef. Basically, I don't like my calamari to taste like calamari, so rarely do I order it.

Some minutes of small talk later, the Coconut Shrimp and famous Bonefish Grill Lump Crab Cakes sat primed before me. One bite of the former and I was lost in my zone. It's some blissful state usually reserved for perfectly cooked lobster tails or fresh crab legs drenched in clarified butter. The coconut coating, shrimp and sweet sauce could hardly be improved within reason, and the portion was quite ample. After three Coconut Shrimp, I noticed the other food I had ordered.

I tried the potatoes au gratin first and they out-shined most homemade versions I have ever eaten, and, dare I say, cooked. It's similar to a recipe I had many years ago, and am now on a dedicated mission to find it. Maybe I should offer a reward.

Oh, and yes, the Bonefish Grill Lump Crab Cakes were about as perfectly done as could be. I managed to eat one of two. It's not my favored dish, but gets me through crab leg deficient times at least when it's of this caliber with hearty chunks of crab meat.

Worth mentioning, the Bonefish chef decorates a pretty plate. I believe the green and red daubs on my plate were a (thankfully) diluted form of green horseradish, around a cocktail sauce daubed center. My friend's plate looked exquisite and quite colorful, but otherwise the details of his meal include, "wonderful," "great" and "fantastic."

Bonefish Grill Review and Conclusion

The food and service well exceeds the menu price and Bonefish makes a delightful place to go on a semi-formal romantic date without too much sappiness or pomp. It also works equally well for semi-casual business and subdued family dining. Some guests donned jeans, a few brought well-behaved children and one table apparently traveled by black stretch limousine.

I can't say enough good things about the food and ambiance for a less than $20 per person meal. And, after one bite of the Coconut Shrimp any tension with my server was soon forgotten.

Check the Bonefish Grill Website for additional information,, and though reservations are not required, they may be preferred.