I Did Bonefish Grill’s Tides of Flavor Dinner… and Now I’m Hooked on Their Special Events
If you’ve ever sat at Bonefish Grill, taken that first bite of Bang Bang Shrimp, and thought, “Okay… why doesn’t dinner always come with a perfectly matched drink?” so let me PROUDLY introduce you to one of their best-kept little secrets: Bonefish Grill Special Events.
These are limited-time, reservation-style dinners where Bonefish turns a regular night out into a mini tasting experience with multiple courses and intentional pairings.
I went to the Tides of Flavor event in January (5-course cocktail pairing dinner), and after that? Yeah… I’m officially the person who checks to see what the next event theme is.
And coming up in February, they’re leaning into romance and red wine energy with The Prisoner of Love (4-course wine pairing dinner).
Today I’ll be giving you the full experience and my review so that you know what to expect on your visit.
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What to Expect at the Bonefish Grill Special Events
Bonefish special events are prix fixe, multi-course pairing dinners that happen on a specific date (usually once a month) and time (usually 6:30 PM) and feature:
- A set number of courses (typically 4 or 5)
- A drink pairing with each course (cocktails or wine, depending on the theme)
- A guided, “this was designed to go together” menu that feels elevated but still approachable
Examples and Prices:
- Tides of Flavor (January): 5 courses + cocktail pairings (priced at $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity)
- The Prisoner of Love (February 19): 4 courses + wine pairings (priced at $70 per person, excluding tax and gratuity)
- Elite Pairings March Martini Madness (March 19): 4 courses + cocktail pairings (priced at $65 per person, excluding tax and gratuity)
And yes, prices and timing can vary by location, so it’s worth confirming when you RSVP.
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Atmosphere
Here’s the vibe: date-night meets foodie adventure, but not in a stiff way.
When I went, it felt more energetic than a normal dinner service as if the room collectively knew they were there for something special.
You’ll see people dressed up a little more, leaning in over their menus, and doing their happy “foodie dance” between courses.
It’s still Bonefish (warm, polished, coastal), but the event format gives it that exclusive pop-up dinner feeling, without being intimidating.
How Does it Work
Bonefish makes this easy, which I love because I’m not trying to do advanced math in heels.
- Reserve your seat (usually via an online RSVP link/QR code).
- Pick your location (events are hosted at participating restaurants so enter your city information in the box).
- Show up hungry and on time (these dinners are paced like an experience).
- If you go solo (like I did), expect to sit with a group of strangers. Don’t be scared, you got this!
- Enjoy the set menu: each course comes out in order, with its matching cocktail or wine pairing.
- You will pay at the restaurant.
A few helpful details:
- Tax and gratuity are not included in the advertised price.
- A non-alcoholic beverage may be substituted upon request (so you can still enjoy the dinner even if you’re not drinking).
- Some items are cooked-to-order, and as always, there’s the standard advisory about consuming undercooked foods.
List of Event Themes From the Past and Possible Future
Below are themes I’ve seen (and attended / currently advertised)
- Tides of Flavor (5-course cocktail pairing dinner): A celebratory, coastal-inspired cocktail pairing lineup that felt like a vacation in courses.
- The Prisoner of Love (4-course wine pairing dinner): A wine-focused dinner featuring pairings from Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner, and Unshackled—aka a lineup that understands the assignment.
- I’ve also seen a Tequila-themed event, Anniversary events, and a Wicked-themed event
Here’s what’s included for The Prisoner of Love event:
- Course 1: Crispy Bang Artichoke Salad + Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc
- Course 2: Scallop & Shrimp Risotto + Meiomi Pinot Noir
- Course 3: Lobster Imperial Filet + The Prisoner Red Blend
- Course 4: Red Wine Caramel Brownie + Unshackled Cabernet Sauvignon
Here’s what’s included for The March Martini Madness event:
- Course 1: Crab and Avocado Salad + Sparkling Cucumber Martini
- Course 2: Scallop & Shrimp Scampi Pasta + Lychee Martini
- Course 3: Mediterranean Salmon + Island Breeze Martini
- Course 4: Mixed Berry Mousse Cake + Strawberry Rose Sidecar Martini
Themes I could totally see (and would personally sprint to RSVP)
- Bourbon & Bites: Old Fashions and smoky seafood (please and thank you)
- Tropical Escape: Rum cocktails + island-style seafood
- Surf & Turf Showcase: Filet, lobster and bold reds
- Holiday Sip & Savor: Winter martinis, classic holiday dishes, dessert pairings (sounds like cozy vibes to me)
- Rosé & Brunch Bites: Springtime, bubbly, and light coastal plates
Overall, bonefish has the perfect menu style for this format, so I honestly hope they keep experimenting.
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Dining Tips and Details
A few things I’d like to share with you before you get to my review:
- Book early. These events are limited seating and people do show up for them.
- Arrive a little before 6:30 p.m. (closer to 6:10 p.m.). It helps you settle in before the coursing begins.
- Eat something light earlier. This is a full experience, not a “let me grab fries” situation.
- Ask about substitutions ahead of time if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- Budget for tip and tax since it’s not included in the ticket price.
- If you’re going solo (hi, my people): bring a note in your phone of what you want to remember—because you’ll want to.
My Review of the Bonefish Event (Tides of Flavor)
Tides of Flavor was the kind of dinner that reminds you food can be entertainment and quite adventurous.
It was a 5-course cocktail pairing dinner, and every course felt like it had a purpose.
My favorites from the night:
Course 1: Bang Bang Shrimp + Winter White Bellini
We kicked things off with the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, and honestly, starting with an icon is always a power move.
It was perfectly crispy, tossed in that signature creamy, spicy sauce, and immediately reminded me why this appetizer has a fan club.
The pairing was the Winter White Bellini, a light, bubbly complement that kept the first course feeling bright and festive instead of heavy.
Plus, It was the kind of sip that makes you sit up like, okayyyyy Bonefish, I see you.
It’s also very similar to my favorite Winter White Cosmo drink that is seasonal during the colder months.
Course 2: Sweater Weather Salad + Hpnotiq Martini
Now this was my favorite course of the night…and I wasn’t expecting a salad to steal the show, but here we are.
The Sweater Weather Salad came out looking fresh and vibrant with crisp romaine and shaved broccoli tossed in a chef-crafted tangy dressing, finished with pickled onions and roasted grape tomatoes.
The flavor combo? So good.
The dressing had this creamy-tangy kick that made every bite feel bright, refreshing, and just a little fancy.
If you like a salad that actually has personality (not just “lettuce… existing”), this one understood the assignment.
Now let’s talk about the tomatoes for a second: they were… fine.
But I’ll be honest, they were a little underwhelming to me. I kept wishing they were riper, because that deeper sweetness would’ve balanced the tang even more.
Still, the salad itself? Chef’s kiss.
And then there was the pairing: the Hpnotiq Martini, a returning fan favorite made with Hpnotiq liqueur, Malibu rum, and pineapple juice. It’s fruity, fun, and gives “vacation in a glass.”
I was told it would pair perfectly with the creamy kick of the dressing… but for me?
It immediately transported me back to a college house party and I couldn’t stop giggling about it. Hehe!
Not my #1 pairing of the night, but it was entertaining, nostalgic, and honestly… kind of iconic in its own chaotic way.
Course 3: Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops + Orchid Oasis Martini
After that refreshing salad moment, Course 3 came in like, “Alright, let’s get indulgent.”
The Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops were that perfect mix of smoky, savory, and tender which to me, was one of those dishes that makes you slow down because you don’t want to waste a single bite.
The Orchid Oasis Martini leaned tropical with coconut rum, dragon fruit, fresh lime, and pineapple juice, basically a mini island getaway in cocktail form.
And with the salty richness of the scallops? It worked beautifully.
This course felt like the official turning point of the night where the whole dinner went from “fun” to full-on experience.
Course 4: Orange Soy Glaze Unicorn Fish & Shrimp + Parker’s Margarita
By Course 4, I was fully settled into the rhythm of the night…bite, sip, smile, repeat. And this course felt like Bonefish showing off a little (as they should).
The Orange Soy Glaze Unicorn Fish & Shrimp was beautifully balanced with that sweet-savory glaze that clings in the best way.
It came with jasmine rice and roasted vegetables, which made it feel hearty but still light enough to keep the experience moving.
I have to be honest because I was a bit intimidated by the Unicorn Fish (never thought I’d eat it) but the seafood was flavorful, light, and comforting.
Then came Parker’s Margarita, inspired by the founder (which makes it feel like you’re sipping a little piece of Bonefish history).
It’s made with Patrón Silver tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh sour, finished with fresh orange juice. Plus, it was refreshing in a way that cleaned up the palate and kept everything feeling bright.
This pairing was one of the most enjoyable “food plus cocktail harmony” moments of the night.
Course 5: Bananas Foster + Birthday Cake Martini
And then we hit the grand finale, where Bonefish was probably like, “Let’s end this with fun!”
Bananas Foster is such a comforting dessert choice: warm, sweet, and just indulgent enough.
It was served with fresh banana slices in a chef-crafted rum sauce, plus vanilla ice cream and crispy cinnamon-sugar tortillas for crunch. It felt like a cozy hug in dessert form and the perfect way to land the whole experience.
The pairing was the Birthday Cake Martini, made with Frangelico liqueur, vanilla vodka, coconut, and lemon, topped with a layer of cold foam and rainbow sprinkles.
It was playful, creamy, and definitely leaned into celebration; however, it was too sweet and didn’t pair well with the Banana Foster. I would’ve preferred an Espresso Martini with this pairing.
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My Final Thoughts
The Bonefish Grill special events are one of those things that you have to do in your town.
Whether you’re a cocktail lover or you want a wine-forward dinner, these events are a fun, low-effort way to make an ordinary weeknight feel like a celebration.
What I loved most was that the pacing made the night feel intentional and exciting like you weren’t being rushed, but you also weren’t left waiting forever.
It genuinely felt like a special event, not just a regular dinner at Bonefish Grill with a few extra steps.
If you love a curated experience, enjoy trying new pairings, or just want an excuse to dress up and romanticize your life a little, put these Bonefish events on your radar.
I did one… and now I’m watching the calendar like it owes me another course.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
About the Author
My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!
Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.
Connect with me on Instagram!
