Bonefish Grill Opens in Woodbridge

What was once a pizza restaurant known for deep dish is now a Bonefish Grill, and it’s serving up robust flavor.

The restaurant chain expanded to Woodbridge and opened its doors on Monday. Inside, gone are the old reminders of the Uno Chicago Grill that used to be housed here, and closed earlier this year.

Newly renovated, the bar has been relocated to face more of the restaurant instead of being closed off as it was before. And if it weren’t for so many people who packed the house Tuesday night for dinner, I might say the place seemed a bit larger.

Bonefish invited us to try their food, and seeing that my wife and I had never been to a Bonefish Grill before, we accepted the invitation.

We were given a menu that stated “Tuesday Tales,” featuring steamed cold water lobster, and steak topped with lobster thermidor sauce – I’m told the thermidor is the restaurant’s “celebration” sauce. The restaurant has themed nights everyday during the week.

We started with “bang, bang shrimp” to find out what all the fuss over this much-talked about appetizer was. Zesty and generous, there was more than enough shrimp on the plate for two people to share.

Next came our Caesar salads with goat cheese added – something our sever Stephanie suggested. The cheese was a bold change from sprinkled the parmesan cheese these salads are normally topped with. The side salad rivaled that of Sweetwater Tavern’s – which is quite possibly my favorite place to dine.

My wife ordered the Mahi Mahi because she’s smart – it’s a fish restaurant and that’s what you do here. The Mahi Mahi steak was plump and satisfying, and was served with vegetables and their seasonal side, spaghetti squash.

For me, it was the filet mignon (yes, I know what you’re thinking – steak at a eatery known for fish?) But I had to try it.

It was a good choice. Severed medium well, there was a thin line of pink in the steak just as I like it. With no sauce required, I could taste the charbroil flavor from the grill which paired nicely with garlic mashed potatoes.

We were also served bread with an olive oil-pesto-basil dipping sauce but it proved to be too much food for us.

The desert, key lime pie, was ordered but taken home to my mother in law. While it looked delicious, you’ll have to ask her how it tasted.

Inside the bar area are three large community tables that seat large parties. So far, they’ve come in handy.

“I’ve met so many people the past couple of nights, and everybody has been waiting for Bonefish around here, so that’s been the most exciting part for me,” said the restaurant’s proprietor Anna Bennett.

She’s been with the restaurant chain for 15 years. She attributes her tenure with the company, in part, to its charitable endeavors in the community.

This past weekend the restaurant helped to raise $10,000 for the Arc of Greater Prince William. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go to help The Arc assist those with developmental and intellectual disabilities, according to a press release.

Bonefish’s new Potomac Mills location is the 13th in Virginia, and it joins others in Gainesville and Fredericksburg.

Want to go?

Hours: Lunch

• Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dinner

• Monday through Thursday 4 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

• Sunday 2 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Brunch

• Brunch 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Reservations welcomed: While reservations are not required, they are available on a limited basis by calling 703.490.3693. An ample number of seats are available nightly for walk-ups.