Metairie isn't exactly short on places to grab a bite, but honestly, Bonefish Grill Metairie occupies a weirdly specific, successful niche in the local dining scene. It’s tucked away in the Lakeside Shopping Center area, right on 17th Street. You know the vibe. It’s that reliable middle ground where you aren't paying Brennan’s prices, but you’re definitely not hitting a drive-thru. People go there for the Bang Bang Shrimp—obviously—but there's more to the story of why this specific location stays packed while other "polished casual" chains struggle to keep the lights on in Jefferson Parish.
It is loud. It’s energetic.
If you've ever tried to get a table on a Friday night without a reservation, you've felt that specific brand of Metairie frustration. The parking lot is a battlefield. But once you’re inside, the smell of wood-burning grills tends to calm the nerves. The Metairie location specifically has to compete with a million local seafood joints that have been around for fifty years, so they have to lean hard into the "big city bar" aesthetic mixed with consistent, high-end prep.
What Actually Makes Bonefish Grill Metairie Different?
Most people think every chain is a carbon copy, but the Bonefish Grill Metairie kitchen deals with a clientele that knows their fish. You can't serve subpar redfish or shrimp to someone who grew up eating at Deanie’s or Drago's just down the road. They’d see right through it.
The core of the menu revolves around that oak-burning grill. It’s not just for show. That wood fire gives the Chilean Sea Bass and the Atlantic Salmon a char that you just can't replicate with a standard gas broiler. It’s a texture thing. The outside gets that slight, smoky snap, while the inside stays buttery. Honestly, the Sea Bass is usually the sleeper hit here. Everyone talks about the appetizers, but the way they handle white fish over open flame is where the actual skill shows up.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Siege of Vienna 1683 Still Echoes in European History Today
The Bang Bang Factor
We have to talk about it. The Bang Bang Shrimp is basically a cultural phenomenon at this point. It’s crispy, it’s spicy, it’s creamy. It’s also everywhere. You’ve probably seen a dozen "copycat" recipes online, but there is something about the cornstarch dredge they use in the Metairie kitchen that keeps the breading light. It doesn't get soggy.
Pro tip: If you're looking to save a few bucks, go on a Wednesday. They’ve been running "Bang Wednedays" for years, where the app is significantly cheaper. It’s the busiest night of the week for a reason. You'll see everyone from local business owners having a quick meeting to families celebrating a birthday. It’s a democratic appetizer.
The Bar Scene and the "Metairie Martini"
The bar at this location isn't just a waiting area. It’s a destination. Metairie has a very specific "happy hour culture," and Bonefish leans into it with a heavy hand. Their martinis are famous for being cold—like, dangerously cold—and they use those shakers that leave little ice chips floating on top.
- The Bonefish Pomegranate Martini: This is the one you see on every third table. It’s sweet, but they use real pomegranate juice which gives it a tartness that cuts through the sugar.
- Fresh Press Grapefruit Martini: They actually squeeze the fruit. You can taste the difference. It’s not that syrupy concentrate stuff.
- The Beer List: They usually keep a few local Louisiana brews on tap, which is a nice nod to the region. You might find a Gnarly Barley or an Abita seasonal rotation if you’re lucky.
The Seasonal Rotation: Don’t Get Stuck on the Classics
One mistake locals make is ordering the same thing every time. The "Exclusives" menu usually changes every few months, and that’s where the chefs get to play around a bit more. Sometimes it’s a Georges Bank Scallop dish; other times it’s a specific preparation of Swordfish with a pumpkin ravioli side during the fall.
🔗 Read more: Why the Blue Jordan 13 Retro Still Dominates the Streets
The sides deserve a mention too. Most people go for the garlic mashed potatoes, but the Jasmine Rice cooked with a hint of coconut is actually the better play if you’re getting anything with a ginger or lime sauce. It balances the acidity. And the broccoli? It’s wood-grilled too. It’s not just steamed mush.
Dietary Nuance: Gluten-Free and Beyond
Surprisingly, this is one of the easier places in Metairie to eat if you have dietary restrictions. Because so much of the menu is "fish + fire + salt/pepper," it’s naturally lower in gluten than a place that batters and fries everything. They actually have a dedicated gluten-free menu. They take cross-contamination seriously, which is a relief for people who are tired of just eating a plain salad every time they go out.
Navigating the Crowds at 17th Street
If you are planning to visit Bonefish Grill Metairie, timing is your best friend.
- Reservations: Use them. They take them through their website or OpenTable. Showing up at 6:30 PM on a Saturday without a plan is a recipe for a 90-minute wait in the lobby.
- The Bar Top: If you’re a party of two, skip the host stand and head straight for the bar. It’s full service. You can eat your whole dinner there, and the service is usually faster because the bartenders are right in front of you.
- Lunch Hours: People forget they do lunch. It’s much quieter, the light coming through the windows is actually quite nice, and the menu is slightly smaller but cheaper. It’s a great "power lunch" spot if you need to actually hear the person sitting across from you.
Why It Works in a Foodie City
New Orleans is a tough crowd. We are spoiled. So why does a Florida-born chain thrive in the heart of Metairie? It comes down to predictability. In a city where service can be "relaxed" (to put it politely), Bonefish runs a tight ship. The servers are trained to a high standard, the kitchen is consistent, and you know exactly what that martini is going to taste like every single time.
💡 You might also like: Sleeping With Your Neighbor: Why It Is More Complicated Than You Think
There’s a comfort in that.
Sometimes you don't want a culinary adventure or a three-hour experimental tasting menu. Sometimes you just want a piece of grilled salmon that isn't overcooked and a drink that’s cold enough to freeze your teeth. That’s the "Metairie Bonefish" promise. They aren't trying to be a Creole bistro. They are trying to be a high-end grill that happens to be in a shopping center, and they nail it.
The Cost Breakdown (Roughly)
You can expect to spend about $30 to $50 per person if you’re doing it right.
- Appetizers are in the $12-$16 range.
- Entrees usually start around $22 and go up to $40 for the premium steaks or sea bass.
- Cocktails are usually $10-$14.
It’s not "cheap," but for the quality of the seafood and the atmosphere, the value proposition holds up. Especially when you consider the bread. They bring out that warm loaf with the pesto oil for dipping. It’s addictive. Don’t fill up on it, even though you’ll want to.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Book Your Table Early: If you're going on a weekend, set your reservation at least 48 hours in advance. The Metairie location is one of the highest-volume spots in the area.
- Join the Rewards Program: They have a "Dine Rewards" system (shared with Outback and Carrabba's). If you eat out often, you get $20 off every fourth visit. It’s one of the few loyalty programs that actually pays off quickly.
- Try the Brunch: Most people don't realize they serve brunch on Sundays. The Bang Bang Shrimp Eggs Benedict is a weird combination that somehow works perfectly. It’s a great alternative to the usual crowded New Orleans brunch spots.
- Check the Specials: Before you order your "usual," ask the server about the "Off the Menu" fish. They often have a seasonal catch that isn't printed on the main laminate.
Whether you're there for a date night or just a Wednesday night "I don't want to cook" whim, the Bonefish Grill Metairie remains a staple for a reason. It's consistent, it's polished, and that grill makes all the difference. Just remember to park a block away if the main lot is full—it’ll save you twenty minutes of circling.