Bonfire - Conway

This restaurant needs a thorough, deep cleaning of all surfaces including bathroom and floors. dust and dirt build up everywhere. that was okay, but the last time I was here was ok 2020 better. we drove 3 hours from raleigh, nc.

Great ambiance, great view of the Waccamaw River and really good food! It will be added to the list of places we will frequent

I liked how many options they had. It's rather refreshing, especially when everything else in the area seems to focus on seafood. We tried the catfish and authentico tacos. Both were really good. The authentico taco fell apart immediately and there was no saving it, but it was delicious. We also tried the pulled pork sandwich and sweet potato fries. Very good. The fried chicken sandwich was massive. The Mac and cheese could be a meal by itself. And the pork chili rellenos was really good. The side of street corn was also good, but quite salty. I wish it had not. been so hot or I would have enjoyed lunch outside.

I want to love this place. It's like a bad relationship. Some good times, but the bad were too frequent, we must break up. We are over. For good. The decor and location are gold. The Bonfire could be one of the best places to eat in Conway if the food and service weren't so horrible. The last five visits, yes five, have been bad, but yet, I keep making excuses for this place because I love the location and the idea of it, but it consistently falls short. I keep tying a new dish to keep me coming back. That for me was the alligator bites and the smokehouse salad with blackened shrimp. Until yesterday. Upon arrival (this is pretty consistent every time we go) we are told by the hostess that there will be at least a 45 min wait, and a disappointment in her face when I say no problem. I watched groups of people just turn around and walk out and this very young staff seemed delighted. Bizarre. I totally understand there is staff shortages post covid, but occupancy was about 30-40%. I consistently found that this very young staff basically doesn't want to work. There is no adult management overseeing that this place is imploding from within by a majority of kids with absolutely no work ethic. We get our table in 15 mins as usual, even after being told of this long wait We order the alligator bites and they came petrified. Left in the fryer for probably 5 extra mins. I haven't sent food back in a restaurant since 2007. (No joke) I was a waitress for 3 years while attending school, so I know for many reasons not to, but more for respect, it's got to be pretty bad, and in this case this was. But worse was the waitress's attitude when I brought it to her attention. It was like she birthed these alligator bites and I offended her babies. The meat was disintegrated inside the breading. I showed her and boom, it was a super attitude spectacle. It was again, bizarre. I was apologetic, just didn't want to pay 14 bucks for something that was inedible. She stormed away with them. I apologized again when she returned that I didn't mean to be in any way confrontational, that they were just so overcooked and she said, I quote, well I took them of off your bill so? Shrugged her shoulders and continued to be so incredibly rude and passive aggressive. It was embarrassing, and it ruined our dinner and I couldn't believe I was apologizing repeatedly to her over this darn petrified app. I'm in the upside down world. The rest of the dinner was spoiled and awkward. I vowed never to come back. So long story long, the food has been pretty bad but now the service has become unbearable for bad food. You can get away with mediocre food with great service, but at this point the only thing going for this place is the location.

Bonfire has a fantastic location, great decor, and authentic food. I got a combo plate that gave me a taste of their pulled pork, ribs, and sides. I'm a self-proclaimed potato salad enthusiast, and this place has southern food done right. The ribs fell off the bone with tons of flavor. My pulled pork was vinegar-based (the correct way, in my opinion) and went well with bread. Local beers available, and prices are reasonable for some good and quality barbecue. I went with a vegetarian friend who was impressed with their selections. Overall, I will be returning soon. Hopefully by boat, as they have a dock off the back of the restaurant! My only wish is for them to be open longer.