I like the food here and would visit more often if the parking lot wasn't full of hookers. Thankfully there aren't any windows facing the direction of the parking lot where they do their business. Speaking of parking lots, theirs is tiny. I think it holds about 10 cars. I made the mistake of parking in the gigantic lot that surrounds them and came out to find a lovely woman using my car as a table to sort out her purse and eat her dinner. I used to wonder why everyone looks at you when you enter the restaurant, but as I've eaten here more often I've figured it out. On one occasion a man walked in and, very loudly, asked if they could spare any food. The employee asked if it was for the child he had waiting outside and he replied, "yes, 1 kid and 4 adults." They gave him the boot. Another time a half naked man ran in asking where the bathroom was while he frantically dug around in his crotch. If you're lucky, your dining experience could end up being a nice piece of entertainment. If you do end up going, try the corn nuggets and "add a link". Also, the sauces aren't anything special so you might want to try them before going crazy on your food with them.
(3)
Eddy L.
All you can eat chicken this month.
(3)
Amanda R.
On business travel and faced with very few appealing options. I settled on Bonos after the Vietnamese Restaurant in the area ended up being closed on Wednesdays. I ordered the fried squash appetizer and a smoked turkey platter with Mac and cheese and coleslaw. I had three fried rounds of squash and ate almost every bite of the platter. I was hungry! The worst part was the Texas toast. Chewy and flavorless. I Liked the turkey and used the mustard based sauce. This was take out so the sauce came in a packet so there was no mystery as to do they make their sauce in house. They really do have good coleslaw! I was neither in love with or mad at the Mac an cheese.
(3)
James W.
Our first visit to this location. The decor was much nicer than others I've visited. Stacy did a wonderful job of taking care of us. The food was absolutely delicious. My Hawg Three meat salad was spot on. Food was served quickly, the ribs my wife and in-laws ordered were fall of the bone tender.
(5)
Ana B.
It took almost one full hour to receive my food along with my four friends that were with me. It looked like they were short handed and need to hire more staff. I ordered the Brisket, most of it was just fat and not edible. When you finally get to leave the place, your clothing will smell like smoked food!! Yuck! Especially if you are going out somewhere right after you eat like I did.
(2)
Lucy G.
Beware the isolated "Truck Stop Potty table" at the Lane Avenue Bono's. I cannot imagine why a restaurant would put a table in this location. We were seated at a lone table against a wall, basically IN the way to the bathroom. My chair directly faced down the hall to the men's restroom door and interior, and the "Restrooms" sign was hanging over my husband's head! Are you kidding? The only other view, if I twisted in my chair, was of the waitress station. It was extremely annoying having waitresses and customers flying by the table nonstop, ten inches from my elbow while I tried to eat and avoid looking at all the men exiting the bathroom adjusting themselves and their clothing. My husband got tired of potty people walking behind his chair throughout the meal and the napkins getting blown off the table from the nonstop drafts. The table needs to be moved, or Bono's should put up a room divider so a patron can at least stare at a blank wall while trying to eat. The dangling "restrooms" sign over a guest's head is inexcusable. The service was excellent since we were IN the main line of travel, but within five minutes, my appetite was gone and I just wanted to get it over with and get out. Thirty-five dollars for a lunch that turned my stomach and made me want to take a shower? No thanks. Been going to Bono's since the early 70s at the Beach Blvd. location. This was my first and last trip to the Lane Avenue location. Casual is one thing, but this was gross.
(2)
Antony D.
Best barbeque I've had in a while.
(4)
Bill K.
Good everyday lunch place for BBQ Meats are well smoked right in front of you over oak wood, sauces are plenty sweet tangy, original, mustardy and hot if ya want the sides are usually hot and fresh fries, onion rings and the best baked beans in Jax (with loads of pork in them), service is above par and it will not break the bank when its time to pay
(4)
Brian H.
I actually really like this Bono's. Always had excellent food and service here. This location has been here as long as I can remember. So they must be doing something right. Tonight I tried the new smoked chicken wings. You get 10 for $8.99. And that is a great deal. They were tender, juicy and delicious. Great smoky flavor that was not overpowering. You can get it with a side of Buffalo or ranch sauce. I chose the Buffalo and it was great. I'll definitely be back
(4)
Kevin L.
Not the best in town .better then sonnys .
(3)
Mary T.
Excellent bbq and green beans. Service was okay, could of been better. CAME OUT SMELLING LIKE BBQ.
(3)
Kerry C.
Bono's is usually our family's favorite BBQ place. We ate in last Saturday and came away disappointed. The waitress was nice, a bit forgetful, but apologetic and seemed authentically embarrassed by her mistakes. The menu has changed and seemed to promote sandwiches more than actually BBQ dishes. Actual BBQ entrees (ribs, chicken, etc.) were relegated to the bottom corner of the menu, not in the center where you would normally look for it. We were puzzled by that - it gave us a feeling that they were moving away from traditional BBQ? The prices have shot up dramatically and were quite a shock. The food was good - hot and "fresh", but didn't WOW us like it usually does. One of us ordered a burger and it was literally charred around the edges - but the inside was cooked well. The ribs were good, tasty and smoky. I don't know how to describe the experience other than we felt let down. This particular Bono's no longer has that WOW factor we came to expect, especially for the price we paid. Maybe it was just a bad day?
(3)
Marty C.
We tryed Bono's again... we ate there a week ago and the turkey a week ago was so dry it wasn't eatable. Today the turkey was nice and juice.. I had the pulled chicken sandwich. The chicken was so dry and tough you couldn't even eat it. The server was Carrie I think. She was very nice asking if I wanted something else I said no so she took the sandwich of the tab unlike the last time we were there the server before just said she's sorry and didn't offer for any solution nor did it get off our bill... we went there around 3 and the place wasn't busy and we had to find our own silverware.. I don't take my phone in when I go eat but I wish I could have taken a pic to show you how nasty the mens restroom was.... we will not be going there again....
(1)
Ed L.
Mounted high above, on the pit wall is a set of 6 foot wide Texas steer long horns. I had to remind myself, I wasn't in Texas anymore. Note to self; convert, convert... be open to new tastes. This definitely is not Texas style que. Continuing my genre of re-visiting restaurants in Jax. that I had previously eaten at, 10 to 15 years ago, I've returned to Bono's. Established in 1949, it could be on its way to becoming an institution, if it's not already. To some loyal dinners, I'm sure it is. I sat at the counter because I wanted to catch all the action of the pit boss at the red brick pit. They use oak fire to cook and smoke their minutely distinct style Que, and I confirmed once again, they still haven't mastered the process. The beef is always a little chard on the outside and the pork has very little pit taste. To avoid the black crunch, ask for center cut. Not being sure if I wanted a beef or pork sandwich, or a slab of ribs, I sat sipping a beer and listening to others around me as they ordered. The chopped pork sandwich won out, with a side of fries and coleslaw. The finely chopped pork was tender and piled an inch thick on the bun, but again, not impressive until it's slathered and drenched with their mustard based sauce. And even then, I had to add the hot sauce to give it a wake up call, and some zing. On the other hand, the fries were some of the best in a long time and the coleslaw was low-country, Carolina style and quite tasty. They use chopped cabbage, not shredded and was good and creamy. Next trip, I'm trying the BBQ po-boy. It's three meats that have been pit cooked, chopped, then simmered with peppers, onions and secret spices, then drained and served on a bun. They aren't fooling me none, it's the left overs from the day before, but that appeals to me somehow. In talking to the assistant manager, he shared this recipe and some of their processes. Particularly the baby backs. They partially pit cook them, then they are moved on the stove and bathed in a pot of sauce and simmered to perfection. Sounds good to me. Specials are available and posted by day of the week. And lastly, not to forget, they have homemade nanner-puddin'. That's banana pudding for you foreigners. It's not super sweet and simply exquisite, a word that can't be used to describe anything else at Bono's. But I'll go back and update as needed.
(3)
Samantha H.
Wow.....do I miss this BBQ place! The BBQ salad with the ranch dressing and sweet BBQ sauce is off the hook! The smoked turkey and pork was deeelish!!!!!! Their sweet tea is the perfect addition! This place has a down home type feel. The waitresses were cordial, and my food was always prepared correctly. I can't say enough about the sweet BBQ sauce. It was so good that I could drink it. I have never found any other comparable sauce. They are generous with the sweet tea. They will serve it to you to go in an extra large Styrofoam cup. You know that you are drinking real southern sweet tea when you can feel your teeth aching from the sugar. =) This place is first on my list when I go back to FL to visit.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Anthony L.
I like the food here and would visit more often if the parking lot wasn't full of hookers. Thankfully there aren't any windows facing the direction of the parking lot where they do their business. Speaking of parking lots, theirs is tiny. I think it holds about 10 cars. I made the mistake of parking in the gigantic lot that surrounds them and came out to find a lovely woman using my car as a table to sort out her purse and eat her dinner. I used to wonder why everyone looks at you when you enter the restaurant, but as I've eaten here more often I've figured it out. On one occasion a man walked in and, very loudly, asked if they could spare any food. The employee asked if it was for the child he had waiting outside and he replied, "yes, 1 kid and 4 adults." They gave him the boot. Another time a half naked man ran in asking where the bathroom was while he frantically dug around in his crotch. If you're lucky, your dining experience could end up being a nice piece of entertainment. If you do end up going, try the corn nuggets and "add a link". Also, the sauces aren't anything special so you might want to try them before going crazy on your food with them.
(3)Eddy L.
All you can eat chicken this month.
(3)Amanda R.
On business travel and faced with very few appealing options. I settled on Bonos after the Vietnamese Restaurant in the area ended up being closed on Wednesdays. I ordered the fried squash appetizer and a smoked turkey platter with Mac and cheese and coleslaw. I had three fried rounds of squash and ate almost every bite of the platter. I was hungry! The worst part was the Texas toast. Chewy and flavorless. I Liked the turkey and used the mustard based sauce. This was take out so the sauce came in a packet so there was no mystery as to do they make their sauce in house. They really do have good coleslaw! I was neither in love with or mad at the Mac an cheese.
(3)James W.
Our first visit to this location. The decor was much nicer than others I've visited. Stacy did a wonderful job of taking care of us. The food was absolutely delicious. My Hawg Three meat salad was spot on. Food was served quickly, the ribs my wife and in-laws ordered were fall of the bone tender.
(5)Ana B.
It took almost one full hour to receive my food along with my four friends that were with me. It looked like they were short handed and need to hire more staff. I ordered the Brisket, most of it was just fat and not edible. When you finally get to leave the place, your clothing will smell like smoked food!! Yuck! Especially if you are going out somewhere right after you eat like I did.
(2)Lucy G.
Beware the isolated "Truck Stop Potty table" at the Lane Avenue Bono's. I cannot imagine why a restaurant would put a table in this location. We were seated at a lone table against a wall, basically IN the way to the bathroom. My chair directly faced down the hall to the men's restroom door and interior, and the "Restrooms" sign was hanging over my husband's head! Are you kidding? The only other view, if I twisted in my chair, was of the waitress station. It was extremely annoying having waitresses and customers flying by the table nonstop, ten inches from my elbow while I tried to eat and avoid looking at all the men exiting the bathroom adjusting themselves and their clothing. My husband got tired of potty people walking behind his chair throughout the meal and the napkins getting blown off the table from the nonstop drafts. The table needs to be moved, or Bono's should put up a room divider so a patron can at least stare at a blank wall while trying to eat. The dangling "restrooms" sign over a guest's head is inexcusable. The service was excellent since we were IN the main line of travel, but within five minutes, my appetite was gone and I just wanted to get it over with and get out. Thirty-five dollars for a lunch that turned my stomach and made me want to take a shower? No thanks. Been going to Bono's since the early 70s at the Beach Blvd. location. This was my first and last trip to the Lane Avenue location. Casual is one thing, but this was gross.
(2)Antony D.
Best barbeque I've had in a while.
(4)Bill K.
Good everyday lunch place for BBQ Meats are well smoked right in front of you over oak wood, sauces are plenty sweet tangy, original, mustardy and hot if ya want the sides are usually hot and fresh fries, onion rings and the best baked beans in Jax (with loads of pork in them), service is above par and it will not break the bank when its time to pay
(4)Brian H.
I actually really like this Bono's. Always had excellent food and service here. This location has been here as long as I can remember. So they must be doing something right. Tonight I tried the new smoked chicken wings. You get 10 for $8.99. And that is a great deal. They were tender, juicy and delicious. Great smoky flavor that was not overpowering. You can get it with a side of Buffalo or ranch sauce. I chose the Buffalo and it was great. I'll definitely be back
(4)Kevin L.
Not the best in town .better then sonnys .
(3)Mary T.
Excellent bbq and green beans. Service was okay, could of been better. CAME OUT SMELLING LIKE BBQ.
(3)Kerry C.
Bono's is usually our family's favorite BBQ place. We ate in last Saturday and came away disappointed. The waitress was nice, a bit forgetful, but apologetic and seemed authentically embarrassed by her mistakes. The menu has changed and seemed to promote sandwiches more than actually BBQ dishes. Actual BBQ entrees (ribs, chicken, etc.) were relegated to the bottom corner of the menu, not in the center where you would normally look for it. We were puzzled by that - it gave us a feeling that they were moving away from traditional BBQ? The prices have shot up dramatically and were quite a shock. The food was good - hot and "fresh", but didn't WOW us like it usually does. One of us ordered a burger and it was literally charred around the edges - but the inside was cooked well. The ribs were good, tasty and smoky. I don't know how to describe the experience other than we felt let down. This particular Bono's no longer has that WOW factor we came to expect, especially for the price we paid. Maybe it was just a bad day?
(3)Marty C.
We tryed Bono's again... we ate there a week ago and the turkey a week ago was so dry it wasn't eatable. Today the turkey was nice and juice.. I had the pulled chicken sandwich. The chicken was so dry and tough you couldn't even eat it. The server was Carrie I think. She was very nice asking if I wanted something else I said no so she took the sandwich of the tab unlike the last time we were there the server before just said she's sorry and didn't offer for any solution nor did it get off our bill... we went there around 3 and the place wasn't busy and we had to find our own silverware.. I don't take my phone in when I go eat but I wish I could have taken a pic to show you how nasty the mens restroom was.... we will not be going there again....
(1)Ed L.
Mounted high above, on the pit wall is a set of 6 foot wide Texas steer long horns. I had to remind myself, I wasn't in Texas anymore. Note to self; convert, convert... be open to new tastes. This definitely is not Texas style que. Continuing my genre of re-visiting restaurants in Jax. that I had previously eaten at, 10 to 15 years ago, I've returned to Bono's. Established in 1949, it could be on its way to becoming an institution, if it's not already. To some loyal dinners, I'm sure it is. I sat at the counter because I wanted to catch all the action of the pit boss at the red brick pit. They use oak fire to cook and smoke their minutely distinct style Que, and I confirmed once again, they still haven't mastered the process. The beef is always a little chard on the outside and the pork has very little pit taste. To avoid the black crunch, ask for center cut. Not being sure if I wanted a beef or pork sandwich, or a slab of ribs, I sat sipping a beer and listening to others around me as they ordered. The chopped pork sandwich won out, with a side of fries and coleslaw. The finely chopped pork was tender and piled an inch thick on the bun, but again, not impressive until it's slathered and drenched with their mustard based sauce. And even then, I had to add the hot sauce to give it a wake up call, and some zing. On the other hand, the fries were some of the best in a long time and the coleslaw was low-country, Carolina style and quite tasty. They use chopped cabbage, not shredded and was good and creamy. Next trip, I'm trying the BBQ po-boy. It's three meats that have been pit cooked, chopped, then simmered with peppers, onions and secret spices, then drained and served on a bun. They aren't fooling me none, it's the left overs from the day before, but that appeals to me somehow. In talking to the assistant manager, he shared this recipe and some of their processes. Particularly the baby backs. They partially pit cook them, then they are moved on the stove and bathed in a pot of sauce and simmered to perfection. Sounds good to me. Specials are available and posted by day of the week. And lastly, not to forget, they have homemade nanner-puddin'. That's banana pudding for you foreigners. It's not super sweet and simply exquisite, a word that can't be used to describe anything else at Bono's. But I'll go back and update as needed.
(3)Samantha H.
Wow.....do I miss this BBQ place! The BBQ salad with the ranch dressing and sweet BBQ sauce is off the hook! The smoked turkey and pork was deeelish!!!!!! Their sweet tea is the perfect addition! This place has a down home type feel. The waitresses were cordial, and my food was always prepared correctly. I can't say enough about the sweet BBQ sauce. It was so good that I could drink it. I have never found any other comparable sauce. They are generous with the sweet tea. They will serve it to you to go in an extra large Styrofoam cup. You know that you are drinking real southern sweet tea when you can feel your teeth aching from the sugar. =) This place is first on my list when I go back to FL to visit.
(4)