Bonefish Grill in South Carolina: Fresh Seafood and Coastal Dining

What Bonefish Grill offers and where to find it

Bonefish Grill is a casual-upscale seafood restaurant chain with locations across South Carolina, known for wood-grilled fish, fresh catches, and a relaxed atmosphere that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The menu centers on grilled fish—mahi-mahi, salmon, sea bass, and seasonal specials—alongside non-seafood options like steaks and chicken for those in your party who don't eat fish. Most locations sit in suburban shopping centers rather than downtown, making them accessible for families and groups looking for reliable, well-prepared seafood without the formality of fine dining.

South Carolina has Bonefish Grill locations in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and several surrounding areas. Each restaurant follows the same format: an open kitchen where you can watch your fish being grilled, a full bar with craft cocktails, and a wine list focused on seafood pairings. The dining room is typically bright and modern, with wood accents and coastal décor that reflects the restaurant's fishing-lodge aesthetic.

Key Takeaways

• Bonefish Grill specializes in wood-grilled fish with the option to choose your protein and sauce combination, letting you customize your meal.
• Prices range from moderate to upscale depending on what you order, with entrées typically between $18 and $35.
• The restaurant accepts reservations through its website or by phone, which is especially useful during dinner rush or on weekends.
• Most South Carolina locations are open for lunch and dinner daily, with happy hour specials on drinks and appetizers in the late afternoon.

How the menu works and what to order

Bonefish Grill's signature approach lets you pick your fish, your preparation method (usually grilled), and your sauce. A typical order might be Atlantic salmon with a lemon-butter sauce, or mahi-mahi with a spicy Asian glaze. The restaurant sources fish daily and rotates seasonal catches, so what's available changes throughout the year. Servers can tell you what came in that morning and recommend pairings based on what you like.

Beyond grilled fish, the menu includes wood-grilled steaks, chicken, and pasta dishes. Appetizers lean toward seafood—shrimp, scallops, crab cakes—though there are also salads and non-seafood starters. Sides like mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and rice pilaf come with most entrées. The dessert menu is small but includes classics like chocolate cake and key lime pie.

Happy hour typically runs from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays, with discounted appetizers and drink specials. This is a good time to visit if you want to try the restaurant at a lower price point, though the dining room will be busier than mid-afternoon.

Pricing and what to expect for your bill

Entrées at Bonefish Grill generally range from $18 to $35 depending on the fish and market prices. Seasonal or premium catches like yellowfin tuna or wahoo sit at the higher end. Appetizers run $8 to $16, and sides are usually included with your main course rather than charged separately. Drinks—beer, wine, and cocktails—are priced like most casual-upscale restaurants, typically $6 to $14.

A typical dinner for one person, including an entrée, one drink, and tax and tip, will cost between $35 and $55. If you order an appetizer or dessert, add $10 to $15. The restaurant does not charge a service fee or automatic gratuity, so tipping follows standard restaurant practice (18 to 20 percent on the pre-tax bill).

Making a reservation and timing your visit

You can reserve a table through Bonefish Grill's website, by calling the restaurant directly, or through third-party platforms like OpenTable. Reservations are not required for lunch or early dinner on weekdays, but they are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially during peak season (May through September in coastal areas). Walk-ins may face a wait of 30 minutes to an hour during busy times.

Most South Carolina locations are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Hours vary slightly by location, so check the specific restaurant's page before you go. The restaurant is typically quieter between 2 and 5 p.m. on weekdays if you prefer a calmer dining experience.

Dietary needs and what the restaurant can accommodate

Bonefish Grill can work for several dietary approaches. The menu is naturally high in protein and low in carbohydrates if you're looking for grilled fish without heavy sauces. You can ask for any sauce on the side or request a simple preparation—grilled with just lemon and butter. The restaurant also offers gluten-free options, including a gluten-free menu available upon request, and can prepare dishes without certain ingredients if you have allergies.

Vegetarian diners have limited but real options: pasta dishes, salads, and some appetizers. Call ahead if you have a specific dietary restriction or allergy so the kitchen can plan accordingly. The restaurant is not a dedicated vegetarian or vegan establishment, but the staff is accustomed to working with dietary preferences.

Atmosphere and who this restaurant suits

Bonefish Grill occupies a middle ground between casual and formal. It's comfortable enough for a family dinner with children (though it's not a kids' restaurant), but polished enough for a date night or business meal. The noise level is moderate—you can have a conversation without shouting, but it's not quiet. The décor emphasizes wood, stone, and nautical touches without feeling kitschy, and the open kitchen adds energy to the space.

This is a good choice if you want fresh seafood prepared well but don't want the expense or formality of a high-end fine-dining restaurant. It's also reliable: the quality and service are consistent across locations, so if you've eaten at one Bonefish Grill, you know roughly what to expect at another. The restaurant draws a mix of tourists, locals, families, and business diners, so you'll fit in regardless of your group size or occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings and during summer months. Lunch and early weekday dinners often have shorter waits. You can reserve through the restaurant's website, by phone, or through OpenTable.

Can I bring children?

Yes. Bonefish Grill is family-friendly and has a children's menu with simpler options like grilled fish, chicken tenders, and pasta. The restaurant is not loud or formal enough to make dining with kids uncomfortable, though it's busier during typical dinner hours.

What's the difference between the fish options?

Each fish has a different flavor and texture. Salmon is rich and buttery; mahi-mahi is mild and flaky; sea bass is delicate. Servers can describe what came in that day and recommend based on your preferences. You can also ask how each fish pairs with the available sauces.

Is there parking?

Yes. Most Bonefish Grill locations are in shopping centers with ample free parking. Parking is not a concern at any South Carolina location.

What if I don't eat seafood?

The menu includes wood-grilled steaks, chicken, and pasta dishes, so you have options beyond fish. However, this is a seafood-focused restaurant, so if you rarely eat fish, you might prefer a different type of restaurant.