Bonfire (a smokin' taqueria) is the only place you can eat with a view of the beautiful Waccamaw River—and luckily, it's also delicious.
We don't go out to eat very often, which is Scott's fault because he cooks so well. So when we do, we want to get dishes he doesn't typically make at home that are also top quality (so that Scott doesn't feel the nagging urge to wax poetic on the "constructive criticism" he would offer the chef). Bonfire meets these two criteria and beyond.
Their website says they uncover "flavors and an experience never before found in this rivertown" and we have to agree. The restaurant is located in downtown Conway right on the Waccamaw River. Scott and Holden have even pulled our little jon boat right up to the dock and grabbed a bite. It's always fun to watch the boats, kayaks, and canoes go by while sitting out on the big porch—and last night we even saw some unlucky kayakers get stuck in a torrential downpour from our dry and cozy spot on the large, covered porch.
Bonfire accepts reservations, and we always request an outdoor table. Last night we went to celebrate Scott's birthday, and he got a fierce, frozen FireStarter to celebrate. It was strong and delightful.
While they're known for smoked meats (smoked over oak and hickory, to be exact), we skipped the chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and bratwurst combos to try something new.
The Cuban ($12.95), featuring ham and smoked pork, was delicious with crispy grilled bread and big pickles. Our server recommended the mac and cheese side, and we demolished it.
We also chose three tacos: BBQ Sweet Heat Shrimp with poblano cheese, napa cabbage, and pickles ($6), Down South with smoked chicken, house bacon, mustard q, creamy slaw, and a pork rind ($5), and Street Corn with roasted corn, smoked chicken, spinach, cilantro, lime crema, and cotija cheese ($5).
Down South was our favorite thanks to the flavorful levels of toppings that added some punch and crunch to it. The shrimp was also a standout—a generous portion with the perfect mix of sweet and heat. The Street Corn taco provided a nice, fresh finish with that delicious lime crema.
Holden opted for the cheeseburger ($6.95) and Skyela chose the "Velvet Elvis" with banana, peanut butter, and Nutella on a flour tortilla ($5.50). They both chose onion rings as their side. This marked the first time our kids ate every bite of their own meals, which is saying something because the portions were more than generous.
What's On the Menu
Bonfire boasts a "careful and deliberate process in every bite." The Tex-mex style menu consists of starters from BBQ spiced pork rinds to NOLA shrimp and alligator sausage; salads; 11 unique tacos (we recommend "Top Dog" for first-time visitors); sandwiches like the Kickin' Chicken made with fried chicken thigh; platters ranging from chimichanga to a seafood sampler with catfish, shrimp, and oysters; to all the of the smoked meats mentioned earlier.
There are loads of sides to choose from including rosemary fries, smoked potato salad, street corn chilled salad, collard greens, smoky beans, and more.
They also offer blue plate specials; Saturday and Sunday brunch specials like the Cowboy Casserole and Breakfast Nacho Pie; and Happy Hour options on Wednesday-Sunday from 4-7 p.m. which include $2 draft beers, $3 can beers, $3 shots and well drinks, $4 frozen drinks, and $5 specialty cocktails and wine.
The restaurant is open on Wednesday - Thursday from 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Bottom Line
Bonfire is one of the best restaurants in downtown Conway. The delicious food is matched by excellent service, a welcoming environment, and the added bonus of dining on the river. It's perfect for families or a date night. We recommend making a reservation when dining on a weekend evening because it gets busy—and for good reason.
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