Finding a consistent spot for seafood in landlocked Central Ohio is always a bit of a gamble. You’ve got your high-end steakhouse options downtown where the sea bass costs as much as a car tire, and then you’ve got the fast-casual joints where everything comes out of a deep fryer. Bonefish Grill Dublin Ohio sits in that weird, comfortable middle ground. It’s located right in the heart of the Avery Square shopping center, surrounded by the usual suburban sprawl of grocery stores and fitness centers. Honestly, it’s the kind of place you go when you want to feel a little fancy without having to put on a tie or worry about which fork to use first.
Dublin is a competitive food town. Between the upscale Bridge Park development and the old-school charm of the historic district, a chain restaurant really has to pull its weight to keep the tables full on a Tuesday night.
People around here are picky. They want the service to be fast but not rushed, and they want the fish to taste like it actually saw the ocean within the last forty-eight hours.
The Bang Bang Shrimp Obsession at Bonefish Grill Dublin Ohio
If you haven’t heard of Bang Bang Shrimp, you probably haven’t been paying attention to American dining trends for the last twenty years. It is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the Bonefish menu. It’s basically crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits that perfect "I should stop eating this but I can't" note. At the Dublin location, the kitchen staff handles the volume of this appetizer with a level of precision that’s actually kind of impressive.
The sauce is the secret. It’s a mix of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and just enough Sriracha to make your nose tingle.
The texture is what matters most. If the breading gets soggy, the whole dish is ruined. Most nights in Dublin, they nail the crunch. It’s a great starter for a group, but let’s be real—you’re probably going to want your own order. They even do a "Bang Bang Wednesday" special where the price drops significantly, which usually results in the bar area being packed with locals catching up after work.
Why the Bar Scene Actually Works
Suburban bars can be depressing. This one isn't. The bar at Bonefish Grill Dublin Ohio is designed with this big, open feel that makes it feel less like a "waiting area" and more like a destination. You’ll see a mix of people: couples on a first date trying to look cool, business travelers staying at the nearby Marriott, and regulars who know the bartenders by name.
They do a "martini" list that is heavy on the fruit flavors—think Pomegranate or Tropic Heat—but they can also pour a decent stiff drink if that’s your speed. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a chain, leaning heavily on Chardonnays and Pinot Gris that actually complement the acidity of a lemon-butter sauce rather than fighting it.
Wood-Grit and Fire: The Main Event
When you move past the appetizers, the menu focuses heavily on wood-grilled fish. This isn't just a marketing gimmick. They use oak and hickory to get a specific char on things like Chilean Sea Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Mahi Mahi.
The Sea Bass is usually the star. It’s buttery. It melts. It’s everything you want in a high-fat-content fish.
You get to pick your sauce, which is where things get interesting. You can go safe with the Lemon Butter or get a bit weirder with the Chimichurri or the Mango Salsa. A lot of regulars in the 43016 and 43017 zip codes swear by the Pan Asian sauce, which adds a savory, soy-based depth that works well with the smokiness of the grill.
If you aren't a fish person—which, why are you at Bonefish?—they have steaks and chicken. The Lily’s Chicken is a staple. It’s got goat cheese and spinach and artichoke hearts. It’s very "early 2000s bistro," but it tastes good, so nobody complains.
Managing the Dublin Crowds
Dublin, Ohio is a town of planners. If you show up at 6:30 PM on a Friday without a reservation, you’re going to be staring at the host stand for forty-five minutes.
Use the app. Seriously.
The parking lot at Avery Square is also a nightmare during peak hours. It’s shared with a Kroger and a bunch of other retail spots, so finding a space near the front door is like winning the lottery. Just park further back near the periphery and walk; it’ll save you the headache of navigating the minivan traffic jams.
Sustainability and Sourcing
One thing people often get wrong about Bonefish is thinking it’s all "frozen-to-fryer." They actually have a pretty robust sourcing policy. They follow the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines for a lot of their species. This means they are at least trying to avoid the most egregious overfishing practices.
- Freshness Check: They get shipments of whole fish that are inspected daily.
- The Specials: Check the chalkboard. There is usually a "seasonal" fish that isn't on the main glossy menu.
- Side Dishes: Don't sleep on the garlic mashed potatoes. They are heavy on the cream, which is exactly what you want when you're pretending to be healthy by eating fish.
The seasonal specials often feature things like Georges Bank Scallops or Rockfish. These are usually the best things coming out of the kitchen because the chefs actually get to deviate from the corporate recipe book a little bit.
What to Know About the Service
The staff at the Dublin location tends to stay around longer than your average high-turnover restaurant. You’ll see faces you recognize from a year ago. That matters. It means the kitchen isn't in a constant state of chaos.
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They are trained to be "polished casual." This means they'll fold your napkin if you get up to go to the restroom, but they won't act like they're serving royalty. It’s a nice balance. If you have a gluten allergy, they are remarkably on top of it. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu that isn't just "eat a plain salad." They can do the Bang Bang Shrimp with a different coating, and most of the wood-grilled items are safe as long as you skip the heavy sauces.
Is it Worth the Price?
Let's talk money. This isn't a cheap night out, but it's not a "special occasion only" budget breaker either. You're looking at $25 to $40 per person for an entree and a drink.
If you're looking for a deal, the Happy Hour is the way to go. It usually starts at 4:00 PM and offers significant discounts on those "hand-crafted" cocktails and small plates. It’s one of the better values in the Dublin/Hilliard area if you can get out of work early enough.
The atmosphere is dark. Lots of wood, lots of amber lighting. It’s designed to feel intimate. This makes it a great spot for a date, but it’s loud enough that you don't have to worry if your kids aren't perfectly silent. It’s a "family-friendly fine-ish" environment.
Final Practical Advice for Your Visit
Don't skip the bread. The loaf they bring out with the pesto-infused oil is addictive.
If you’re watching your salt intake, ask them to go light on the seasoning for the grilled fish. The wood fire provides plenty of flavor on its own, and sometimes the corporate spice rub can be a bit aggressive.
Also, keep an eye on the "Exotic Martini" list. They change it up seasonally. The Winter White Cosmo is a local favorite when the Ohio weather starts getting miserable in November.
Next Steps for Your Trip to Bonefish Grill Dublin Ohio:
- Book Ahead: Use the Bonefish Grill website or their mobile app to secure a "Join the Waitlist" spot before you leave your house. It functions basically like a remote reservation and cuts your wait time in half.
- Check the Seasonal Chalkboard: Before ordering from the standard menu, look at the specials board near the entrance or ask your server for the "Fresh Catch of the Day." These items are typically sourced more locally or seasonally than the core menu.
- Target Happy Hour: If you want the Bang Bang Shrimp experience without the full entree price tag, arrive between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM on a weekday to take advantage of the bar-area pricing.
- Parking Strategy: Enter the Avery Square lot from the Avery-Muirfield Drive side rather than the Post Road entrance to avoid the heaviest traffic flow near the grocery store.
The Dublin food scene is always changing, but this spot remains a reliable anchor for those who want seafood without the pretension. It’s consistent. It’s comfortable. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.