Let's call the cuisine 'elegant Texas cuisine' with a bit of Mexican spice. Favoring dishes made from wild game (buffalo, quail, and elk are specialties) and fine cuts of pastured Texas beef, the menu varies by day and season. Leaning heavily on Texas graphic images and art works, the interior is on the dark and moody side in this restaurant by the side of Interstate Highway 20 as it heads through Fort Worth on its way west to Abilene. Exit Bryant Irvin Road and watch for the Bonnell's side that rides high up over the one-story restaurant building.
We save this restaurant for special evenings with friends, as it is a bit on the expensive side for an ordinary evening out. There is a full bar. I wouldn't call the atmosphere child-friendly, as it is a gathering place for adults. The lounge area is 'adults only' for sure.
I settled in to a spicy chili relleno with fresh grilled vegetables and mushrooms. At about $14 at this writing, it is one of the least expensive dinners on the menu. My husband wrapped himself around a buffalo tenderloin, $34, which was a heavy and large serving of tender buffalo, usually served with vegetables, but he had his with mountains of mashed potatos.
We started out with house salads, $5.50, and he finished up with a Black and White Chocolate Mousse, $6. Fresh-brewed coffee is $6, and there is a long wine list.
If the thought of eating wildlife bothers you, give this restaurant a pass, but if you enjoy such, it is a very nice place to have a fine dinner.
www.bonnellsrestaurant.com