What Bonanza Steakhouse Is and How It Operates
Bonanza Steakhouse is a casual dining chain where you order and pay at a counter, then sit down to eat. Unlike a traditional steakhouse where a server brings your food, Bonanza operates more like a buffet-style restaurant — you walk through a serving line, select your meat and sides, and carry your plate to your table. The chain has locations across the United States, though the number of open restaurants has shrunk over the years.
The core experience centers on grilled steaks cooked to your preference. You choose your cut (ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or similar), tell the staff how you want it cooked (rare, medium, well-done), and they grill it while you move through the rest of the line. Most locations also offer chicken, seafood, and sometimes ribs as protein options.
Bonanza is positioned as an affordable steakhouse — you pay less per person than you would at a full-service steakhouse, but more than you would at a casual chain restaurant. The trade-off is that you serve yourself and bus your own table.
Key Takeaways
- You order at a counter, choose your meat and how it should be cooked, then move through a serving line to select sides and other items.
- Pricing varies by location and the cut of meat you choose, but the total meal typically costs between $15 and $30 per person before drinks and tax.
- Most Bonanza locations are open for lunch and dinner, with some offering breakfast on weekends, though hours vary by restaurant.
- You pay before you eat, not after, so you know your cost upfront and do not receive a bill at the table.
- The restaurant does not take reservations at most locations, so you arrive and wait if there is a line during busy times.
How Pricing Works at Bonanza
Bonanza charges by the protein you choose and the size of the cut. A smaller sirloin costs less than a larger ribeye or filet mignon. The exact price depends on your location — restaurants in different regions and markets price differently, and prices change over time.
When you order, you pay for your meat choice, and that price typically includes access to the sides bar. The sides bar usually has baked potatoes, fries, vegetables, salad, and bread. You do not pay extra for each side you take — you load your plate once you have paid.
Drinks, dessert, and any add-ons (like shrimp or extra sides) cost more and are charged separately. Tax is added to your total at the register. Many locations accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
What Happens When You Arrive
When you walk in, you either join a line at the counter or wait to be called if the restaurant is at capacity. There is no host stand or reservation system at most Bonanza locations — it is first-come, first-served. During peak hours (lunch around noon, dinner between 6 and 8 p.m.), you may wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the location is.
Once you reach the counter, you tell the staff member what meat you want and how you want it cooked. They write it down or enter it into a system, and the kitchen begins grilling your meat. You then move down the line, selecting your sides, salad, bread, and any other items included with your meal.
After you have gone through the line, you pay at the register. The staff gives you a number or buzzer, and you find a seat. When your meat is ready, they call your number or your buzzer goes off. You go back to the counter, pick up your hot plate, and return to your table to eat.
The Sides Bar and What Is Included
The sides bar is where you build the rest of your meal after you have ordered your meat. Most Bonanza locations include a baked potato bar where you can add butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives. You can also choose fries, a baked sweet potato, or rice as your starch.
Vegetables typically include corn, green beans, or peas. There is usually a salad bar with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and dressing options. Bread — rolls, cornbread, or garlic bread — is almost always available and included in your meal price.
Some locations offer additional items like mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or soup, though these vary. You can take as much as you want from the sides bar once you have paid, but the expectation is that you take what you will eat rather than loading up and wasting food.
Hours, Location Variations, and What to Bring
Bonanza locations are typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Lunch hours are usually 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and dinner is 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., though these times vary by location. Some restaurants open earlier on weekends for breakfast service, but this is not standard across all locations.
Because Bonanza is a chain with independently operated franchises, the experience can differ between restaurants. Some locations are newer and recently renovated; others are older. The quality of the meat, the variety on the sides bar, and the cleanliness of the restaurant can vary. If you have a specific location in mind, calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea.
Bring a valid payment method — cash or a credit or debit card. Most locations accept all three, but calling ahead if you only have cash is wise. You do not need to bring anything else; the restaurant provides plates, utensils, napkins, and condiments.
Dietary Restrictions and Special Requests
If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, tell the staff member at the counter when you order your meat. They can tell you what is available and what is not. For example, if you need your meat cooked without butter or oil, or if you have a shellfish allergy and want to avoid cross-contamination, let them know before they cook your food.
The sides bar is self-service, so you can see what is available and choose accordingly. If you are vegetarian, the sides bar usually has enough options — baked potato, salad, vegetables, and bread — to make a full meal, though you would not be ordering a meat protein.
Bonanza does not have a separate allergen menu or detailed ingredient information readily available at most locations. If you have severe allergies or complex dietary needs, calling the restaurant ahead of time is safer than relying on what staff can tell you on the spot.
What to Expect in Terms of Quality and Portion Size
Bonanza steaks are grilled fresh to order, not pre-cooked or microwaved. The quality is middle-of-the-road — better than a fast-casual burger chain, but not as high-end as a fine dining steakhouse. The meat is typically USDA Choice grade, not Prime. The thickness and tenderness depend on the cut you choose and how well the kitchen executes the cooking.
Portion sizes are generous. A typical steak is 6 to 10 ounces depending on the cut, and the sides bar allows you to fill your plate. Most people leave full. If you are not satisfied with the size or quality of your meat, you can ask to speak to a manager, though the restaurant is not obligated to replace it.
The overall experience is casual and family-friendly. You will see groups, families with children, and older diners. The noise level is moderate — it is not a quiet, intimate setting. The pace is faster than a traditional steakhouse because you are not waiting for a server between courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to order a steak, or can I get chicken or fish?
Most Bonanza locations offer chicken breasts and seafood options like shrimp or fish fillets in addition to steaks. You order whichever protein you want at the counter, and it is cooked the same way — grilled to your preference. The price may differ from the steak options.
Can I take leftovers home?
Yes. If your steak or sides are too much to finish, you can ask for a to-go container at the counter. Bonanza does not charge extra for this. You pack it yourself or ask staff to help.
What if my steak is cooked wrong?
Tell a staff member when ready. Most locations will cook you a replacement steak at no charge if it is not cooked to the temperature you requested. Do not wait until you get home to complain — the restaurant needs to know while you are there.
Is there a kids menu?
Most Bonanza locations have a kids menu with smaller portions and lower prices. Children can order a smaller steak, chicken, or hot dog, and they get access to the sides bar. Ask at the counter what the kids options are and their prices.
Do I need to make a reservation?
Most Bonanza locations do not take reservations. You arrive and wait if there is a line. During very slow times, you may be seated when ready. If you are planning a large group, calling ahead to ask if they can accommodate you without a reservation is worth doing.