Great Atlanta Restaurant Find - Boneheads

For those who know me, I tend to be somewhat obsessive compulsive when I discover something I really like.
I'm embarrassed to admit this but I was going to the Boneheads in Roswell about three times a week after my girlfriends introduced me to this little treasure. I've scaled back now, so the question of therapy is still up in the air.
But, now my mother is semi-secretly going at least twice a week-- that she is willing to admit. She doesn't want to hide her bank transactions from my Dad so she stops at the ATM for cash, prior to our lunch dates. Bonehead's food is addictive!

The story behind Boneheads starts with a group of Restaurateurs from the U.S. and South Africa, master chefs and people with a vision wanting to "offer a healthy, appetizing alternative: Freshly grilled gourmet chicken and fish, made to order in a fast-casual setting." They built a recipe book around a signature spice that was discovered centuries ago along coastal Mozambique by Portuguese explorers en route to the Far East.

The Piri Piri spice is made from a tiny pepper, that grows wild in Sub-Saharan Africa. The locals would use this spice for sauces, marinades with herbs and oils.

I talked with the very friendly and charming General Manager of the Roswell location, Neil Viljoen-- I love his South African accent....he could tell me he was serving me grilled "Piri Piri" tree bark and I would have said, "Sure..." But luckily that is not the case-- Everything I have tried at Boneheads is savory.

The menu offers the most unforgettable flavored shrimp appetizer (that I often just get as my meal) - the Boneheads Shrimp. It is crispy shrimp (very light) tossed in a spicy aioli with a hint of piri piri, served on a bed of delicious Asian coleslaw, and a wedge of lemon. And it is only $6.49!!! It as quite a significant serving too-Perfect meal for me!
They offer three other appetizers: Crispy Calamari with sweet Thai chili and also Wings and Peel & Eat shrimp.They offer soups, various salads with a choice of meats- Grilled Fish, Shrimp, Piri Piri Chicken or Roasted Portobello Mushroom.

There is a great selection of grilled fish entrees, including: Salmon, Tilapia, Mahi Mahi, Shrimp, Grouper or Crispy Fish & Chips. The toppings are scrumptious too; there is a choice of either, Pineapple Salsa, Cucumber Lime & Yogurt or Sautéed Piri Piri Mushrooms. The chicken dishes are fire-grilled with your choice of lemon & herb, medium or hot to extra hot. Both the grilled chicken and fish are served with a side of delicious seasoned rice and a choice of sides: grilled Zucchini strips (YUM!), Asian coleslaw, seasoned fries, chilled marinated broccoli, or a side salad. One of my favorites is the hot ½ chicken with a side of grilled zucchini...there's plenty to share or take home for lunch the next day.

There are also sandwiches and another favorite- Tacos! You can get a sautéed fish, shrimp or piri piri chicken taco filled with Asian coleslaw for only $2.59! Wow... Maybe I should think about calling that number for franchise information?!....

They also offer a selection of premium and domestic beer as well as reasonably priced domestic wines by the glass, from Copper Ridge, Ecco Domani, Five Rivers, Liberty School, Coppola, and more, fora very reasonable price. Desserts? Of course, I've never tried them though. Surely they are good! The selection varies depending on the location.

The atmosphere is clean and contemporary casual with a bit of upbeat, Mediterranean bistro flair. There are tables as well as booths that are upholstered with funky fish fabric and it is tastefully decorated with a few beautiful impressionist style oil paintings of boat and ocean scenes. For those wanting to dine Alfresco, Boneheads offers seating outside and dogs are welcome!

The lighting inside is nice and subtle and the music is wonderful...when I was there today Sarah McLachlin's jazzy version of "It's a Long Way Down" was playing, so that was a bonus for me.

There is a quick wait, so you can get in and out for lunch or dinner in thirty minutes, or stay and eat your meal at your leisure.

And yes, there is a menu for kids and it is very kid friendly. My four year old niece knocked a table over (she is very industrious...my namesake) and the response from all, with the exception of me being mortified of possible damage control issues, was positive.

The staff responded as though she merely dropped a fork. Well, it appeared positive while we were still there. The entire place may have clapped after we left.

If you like healthy food that has incredible, sumptuous flavor and is reasonably priced, you have to go to Boneheads! Catering is available.

Bon Appetite! Guard your plate and your table if you encounter a little blond-haired girl named Libby!

Locations:
660 West Crossville Road, Roswell, GA 30075 770.650.6770
(You may see me there! Or at the Peachtree Battle location! )
Peachtree Battle - 2349 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta, 404.446.1350
Perimeter South - 4511 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta 770.206.4800
2022 Powers Ferry Rd., Ste. 1

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 am - 10 pm
Sun: 11 am - 9 pm