Bonfire
Boston, MA 02116
Phone: (617) 262-3473
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Park Place
- Hours:
- Mon-Wed 5pm-10pm, Thu 5pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Bonfire – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
Befitting the priciest, gaudiest entity in celebrity Chef Todd English's local stable of restaurants, Bonfire entertains a steady stream of out-of-towners and local celebs. Most of the heat, figuratively and literally, comes from the bar area, where stylishly dressed 30-somethings down refreshing, house-brewed sangria while gawking at the open kitchen's fiery grills and spits. The expansive dining room, with its arched crimson ceiling, maintains a romantic, mysterious air.
The Food
English gives the contemporary steakhouse menu a decidedly Latin twist, sometimes sacrificing authenticity for quality. After starting with crisp beef empanadas or a trio of soft tacos filled with scallops and mango, most patrons head straight to one of the top-quality steaks and chops. A juicy cut of prime rib weighs more than a pound and comes with a freshly baked popover, while a tenderloin is butterflied and served with a savory potato cake.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Save MoneyGargantuan desserts, including a dense lemon pound cake with tropical fruits, can easily be shared.
Know Before You GoBonfire's dining room is one of the city's darkest, causing many a patron to squint. It's not a bad idea to bring in a pocket flashlight to help navigate the menu.
User Reviews for Bonfire
05/06/2008 Posted by scats
My husband and I went on a whim on a Monday night. We did not order any wine or drinks so our palates were fresh. The butter with the bread was tasty, but we were underwhelmed by some of the food. Both the calamari and the smoked duck taquitos were disappointing. The duck taquitos especially missed on flavor, with the avocado cream simply bland. The tuna tartare tacos had flavorful components, except for the taco. I ate the filling, but left the shell. The mac and cheese side (only six bucks) was a full sized meal (I couldn't finish it) and was probably the best mac and cheese I've had in a long time. My husband ordered a mixed meat dish and, while most components were tasty, it was only slightly above average. For two, this meal came (with tip) to about 100 bucks. I think I would have gotten the most for my dollar (not to mention a tasty meal) if I had only ordered from the six dollar side menu. The food service was slow, while the water service was very prompt. We probably won't go again unless I have that mac and cheese hankering, in which case I would go and order the mac and cheese side for 6 dollars. It is probably the only thing we had whose value met or exceeded its price. On the plus side, portions are relatively large for a restaurant of this supposed status.
Pros: Great mac and cheese side
Cons: most dishes dissappointed and did not live up to price
05/02/2008 Posted by paule123
Thought we'd give this a try since it had the Todd English name on it, more reasonable prices than Olives, and without Olive's arrogant $25 per person reservation cancellation fee... First warning when walking in the room - place was empty on a Thursday night... Sat down in the large, creaky chairs and wondered if we were going to fall over. Room is dark, and a bit dungeon-like. Hostess was extremely pleasant, and the runners were very attentive. Waitress was a bit odd, but no complaints about the service overall. Menu was interesting, food was good, but not "iron chef" knock-your-socks-off caliber. Calimari app was good. Scallops were smallish, but artfully presented and very good. Paella was good. Halibut not so great. None of us ordered steaks, so can't comment on the quality of the beef. Drinks tasty. Would I return? Probably not, in this town with so many other dining options.
Pros: Interesting menu
Cons: Dark, dungeon-like decor
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