For steak lovers who measure value by portion size, this Texas-sized menu demands attention before you even pull up a chair. The Bonanza Steakhouse Menu with Prices is built around the idea that a steak dinner should not require a second mortgage. You are here because you want the real numbers, the actual cuts, and the current cost of a meal that fills a plate to the edges. Let us get straight to the point: this is a guide to what you will pay, what you will get, and how to order smart on your next visit.
Bonanza has been around for decades, often paired with Ponderosa under the same corporate umbrella. While locations have shifted over the years, the core promise remains the same. You get a protein, you hit the salad bar, and you leave full. Below, we break down the current pricing structure, the famous “endless” options, and the little details that affect your final bill.
Bonanza Steakhouse Menu With Prices
Before we list every cut of beef, you need to understand how the pricing works. Unlike fast casual spots, Bonanza uses a “build your own meal” system. You pick your main protein first. Then, you choose whether you want the meal to include the salad bar and side items. This is where the price jumps, so pay attention to the difference between the “entree only” price and the “complete meal” price.
Most locations also run daily specials. A Tuesday might feature a smaller sirloin for a reduced rate, while Friday night brings the ribeye to the front. The prices below reflect the standard menu rates, not the promotional discounts. Always check the local board for the daily deal before you order, as it can save you several dollars.
Signature Steak Cuts And Pricing
The steaks are the reason you walk through the door. They are cooked over an open flame, which gives you that charred exterior and juicy center. Here are the standard offerings with their typical price ranges. Remember, these are average prices; your specific state or franchise might adjust by a dollar or two.
- Ribeye Steak (12 oz): $16.99 – $18.99. This is the fatty, flavorful choice. It is the most popular item on the menu for a reason.
- New York Strip (10 oz): $15.99 – $17.49. A leaner cut with a firm bite. Good if you want beef flavor without the heavy marbling.
- Sirloin Steak (8 oz): $12.99 – $14.49. The budget friendly option. Still a solid piece of meat, but not as tender as the higher cuts.
- Filet Mignon (6 oz): $18.99 – $21.99. The most tender cut on the menu. Smaller portion, but melts in your mouth.
- Ranch Steak (10 oz): $13.99 – $15.99. A hidden gem. It is a sirloin derivative, but often seasoned more aggressively.
- T-Bone (14 oz): $17.99 – $19.99. You get two textures here: the strip on one side and the tenderloin on the other.
Do not forget that these prices are for the steak alone. If you want the full experience, you have to add the “Endless Salad Bar” option. That addition typically costs between $4.99 and $6.99 on top of the meat price. This is where the value really kicks in, because that salad bar is not just lettuce.
Chicken, Ribs, And Seafood Alternatives
Not everyone in your party wants beef. The menu covers the other bases, though the selection is smaller than the steak list. The pricing here is often lower, making it a good choice for lighter eaters or those watching their wallet.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: $10.99 – $12.99. A simple, boneless breast. Usually cooked with a light seasoning.
- BBQ Ribs (Half Rack): $13.99 – $15.99. These are slow cooked and slathered in a sweet sauce.
- Fried Shrimp (8 pieces): $12.49 – $14.99. A crispy option that comes with cocktail sauce.
- Country Fried Steak: $11.99 – $13.99. Not a grilled steak, but a breaded, fried patty covered in white pepper gravy.
- Fish of the Day: Market Price. Usually a white fish like cod or tilapia, grilled or fried.
If you are really hungry, look at the “Combo Platters.” You can get a smaller sirloin paired with a half rack of ribs or a piece of chicken. These combos usually run around $16.99 to $18.99. It is a lot of food for the money, often enough for two meals if you take half home.
The Endless Salad Bar Breakdown
This is not a standard salad bar. This is a full spread that includes soups, breads, and hot items. The price for adding this to your meal is usually around $5.99, but if you order it as a standalone entree, it costs about $9.99. Here is what you can expect to find in the cold and hot sections.
- Fresh lettuce and spinach bases.
- Toppings: shredded cheese, croutons, bacon bits, eggs, and various dressings.
- Pasta salad, potato salad, and coleslaw.
- Fresh fruits, usually melon or pineapple chunks.
- Hot soups: often a chili and a chicken noodle or broccoli cheddar.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls.
Here is the trick that regulars know: you can just order the salad bar as your meal. You do not have to buy a steak. If you load up a plate or two, you can get full for under ten dollars. This is the best budget hack on the entire menu.
Side Dishes And Extras Pricing
When you buy a complete meal, you usually get one side item included. If you order the entree alone, sides are a la carte. The standard sides are baked potato, french fries, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice. Upgrading to a specialty side, like a loaded baked potato, adds about $1.99 to the total.
- Baked Potato: Included with meal. Add butter and sour cream for free at the bar.
- Loaded Baked Potato: +$1.99. Adds cheese, bacon, and chives.
- Side Salad: $3.49 if not part of the meal deal.
- Cup of Soup: $2.99.
- Extra Dinner Roll: $0.79.
You should always choose the “Complete Meal” option when you order. The difference between the entree price and the complete meal price is usually only $4 to $5. Since the salad bar alone costs $9.99, you are getting a bargain by bundling it with your steak. It is a no-brainer for anyone who is hungry.
Children’s Menu And Portion Sizes
Kids eat for less, but the portions are still decent. The children’s menu covers chicken tenders, a small burger, or a small sirloin. Prices for the kids menu range from $6.99 to $8.99. This usually includes a small drink and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
For the adults, be aware of portion distortion. The 8 oz sirloin is smaller than it looks on the menu photo. If you are a big eater, go for the 12 oz ribeye. If you are average appetite, the 8 oz sirloin with the salad bar will fill you up because you will eat a plate of salad first.
Drinks, Desserts, And Final Bill Factors
Soft drinks are not free. A standard fountain drink will cost you around $3.29. Coffee and tea are usually slightly cheaper, around $2.79. If you want a milkshake, expect to pay $4.99. These add up quickly if you have a family of four.
Desserts are simple. You have a brownie sundae or a slice of cheesecake. These run about $4.49 to $5.99. The ice cream machine is often self-serve for kids, but the sundaes are made to order.
One thing to watch out for is the “suggested tip” on the receipt. Bonanza is a casual dining spot, but they still expect 15-18% for table service. If you order at the counter and they bring the food to you, a 10% tip is acceptable. If they clear your plates and refill drinks, tip the higher amount.
How To Save Money On Your Visit
There are a few ways to reduce the damage to your wallet. First, sign up for the email club on their website. You get a birthday coupon for a free meal, usually a sirloin with a salad bar. Second, check the local paper or the app for “Buy One Get One” coupons. These appear frequently in the Sunday inserts.
- Always order the complete meal, never the entree alone.
- Skip the bottled water and drink the tap water or fountain soda.
- Fill up on the salad bar first, then order a smaller steak cut.
- Ask for a to-go box immediately and put half the steak in it before you start eating.
- Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday when the “Senior Discount” or “Value Night” is active.
If you follow those steps, you can get out of there for around $15 per person. That is a solid deal for a fresh grilled steak. The key is to avoid the add-ons like the loaded potato and the appetizers.
Locations And Menu Variance
Here is the catch about the Bonanza Steakhouse Menu with Prices: they are not all the same. Corporate owned stores have set prices, but many locations are franchises. A franchise owner can adjust prices by up to 10% based on their local food costs. So, the ribeye might be $17.99 in Ohio but $19.49 in New York state.
Also, some locations have removed the “Endless” label from the salad bar. They now charge for a single trip. This is a recent change in some high-cost areas. Always ask the cashier if the salad bar is “one trip” or “all you can eat” before you pay. If it is one trip, pile that plate high like a mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the salad bar really endless at all Bonanza locations?
No. While most locations still allow unlimited trips, some franchise owners have switched to a single-visit policy to control waste. You must ask before ordering to avoid disappointment.
Are the prices on the menu inclusive of tax?
No. The prices you see are pre-tax. Expect to add about 7-10% for sales tax depending on your state. The total bill will be higher than the menu math.
Can I get a steak cooked any way I want?
Yes, they will cook it rare, medium rare, medium, or well done. However, do not ask for “Pittsburgh rare” or “blue.” The grill cooks are used to standard temperatures only.
Does the menu price include a drink?
No. Beverages are always separate. The menu prices cover only the food items. Drinks are rang up individually at the register.
Are there any hidden charges for splitting a meal?
Yes. If you and a friend split a steak entree, the restaurant will often charge a “plate fee” of about $2.50 to cover the extra salad bar visit and table service.
Now you have the full picture. The pricing is fair for the quality, but you have to be smart about the add-ons. Stick to the complete meal deal, watch the drink costs, and you will leave satisfied. The Bonanza Steakhouse Menu with Prices is a relic of a time when eating out was affordable, and it still holds up today if you order correctly.
Go in with a plan. Skip the appetizers. Hit the salad bar hard. Pick the 8 oz sirloin if you are on a budget, or the ribeye if you want the best flavor. Your total should land between $18 and $25 per person for a full dinner. That is a fair trade for a hot, fresh grilled steak and all the fixings you can handle.
Remember to check the local store hours before you go, as many locations close earlier than they did in the past. Some are now lunch only on weekdays. Call ahead to confirm they are serving dinner, otherwise you might show up to a dark restaurant. The steak is worth the effort, but only if the grill is actually hot.
Take your time when you are there. The service is usually quick, but the atmosphere is relaxed. You are not rushed out the door. Sit back, enjoy the salad bar, and let the steak settle. This is comfort food at a comfort price. Just keep an eye on the final receipt for any “kitchen appreciation” fees that some locations have started adding without notice.
One last tip: if you have a senior in your group, ask about the senior discount. It is not advertised heavily, but many stores offer 10% off for guests over 60. Similarly, veterans often get a discount on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no, and you are already getting a decent deal on a decent steak.
That is the complete breakdown. You now know the cuts, the costs, and the tricks to keep the bill low. Go get your steak, enjoy the grill marks, and do not forget to grab a mint from the counter on the way out.