Wishbones is a beloved restaurant chain known for its homestyle southern cooking and diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. Established with a focus on quality ingredients and hearty portions, Wishbones offers a menu that balances classic comfort foods with fresh and flavorful options.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or just craving some southern-inspired dishes, the Wishbones menu provides numerous choices that promise satisfaction. This guide will walk you through the entire menu, highlighting popular items, nutritional info, and unique offerings.
History and Concept of Wishbones
Wishbones was founded in 1993 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of southern-style dishes combined with a casual dining atmosphere.
The restaurant prides itself on scratch-made recipes, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming environment.
“Wishbones brings the taste of Southern comfort food to your plate with every visit — fresh, flavorful, and made with love.”
Over the years, the menu has evolved to include a variety of grilled meats, seafood, salads, and daily specials, but it has always stayed true to its southern roots.
Menu Overview
The Wishbones menu can be broadly categorized into several sections:
- Appetizers & Starters
- Salads & Soups
- Sandwiches & Wraps
- Entrées (Chicken, Seafood, Steaks)
- Kids Menu
- Sides
- Desserts
- Beverages
Each category offers a diverse selection crafted to satisfy different preferences, dietary needs, and cravings.
Appetizers & Starters
Starting your meal at Wishbones means diving into a variety of flavorful appetizers. These dishes are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo while you wait for your main course.
| Appetizer | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Pickles | Crispy battered pickles served with a zesty ranch dipping sauce. | $6.99 | 350 |
| Buffalo Wings | Classic wings tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dip. | $8.99 | 480 |
| Loaded Potato Skins | Potato skins topped with cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and green onions. | $7.99 | 520 |
| Hush Puppies | Golden-fried cornmeal batter balls served with honey butter. | $5.99 | 400 |
Note: All appetizers are made fresh daily, and many can be customized to accommodate dietary preferences.
Salads & Soups
For those looking for lighter fare or a fresh side, Wishbones offers a refreshing selection of salads and comforting soups. Each salad features crisp vegetables and house-made dressings.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Mixed greens topped with grilled chicken breast, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheddar cheese. | $9.99 | 420 |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine lettuce with classic Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and croutons. | $7.99 | 350 |
| House Salad | A fresh mix of greens, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes with your choice of dressing. | $5.99 | 250 |
| Chicken & Wild Rice Soup | Hearty soup with chunks of chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth. | $4.99 (cup) / $6.99 (bowl) | 180 / 300 |
Pro Tip: Add grilled shrimp or salmon to any salad for an additional charge, perfect for boosting protein intake.
Sandwiches & Wraps
Wishbones sandwiches and wraps offer a convenient and tasty option for lunch or a lighter dinner. The bread is freshly baked, and all sandwiches come with your choice of side.
| Sandwich/Wrap | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken BLT Sandwich | Grilled chicken breast with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. | $8.99 | 620 |
| Turkey Wrap | Sliced turkey with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, and ranch dressing wrapped in a flour tortilla. | $7.99 | 540 |
| Fried Fish Sandwich | Crispy fried fish filet with tartar sauce, lettuce, and tomato on a bun. | $9.49 | 700 |
| Veggie Wrap | Grilled seasonal vegetables with hummus and mixed greens in a whole wheat wrap. | $7.49 | 480 |
All sandwiches and wraps are served with your choice of fries, coleslaw, or a side salad.
Entrées
The entrée section is the heart of the Wishbones menu, featuring signature southern dishes and grilled specialties. From fried chicken to seafood platters, these meals are designed to satisfy hearty appetites.
Chicken Entrées
| Dish | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken Plate | Golden fried chicken pieces served with two sides and a biscuit. | $12.99 | 950 |
| Grilled BBQ Chicken | Juicy grilled chicken breast basted with smoky BBQ sauce served with two sides. | $13.49 | 800 |
| Chicken & Waffles | Crispy fried chicken served atop a fluffy waffle with syrup and butter. | $14.99 | 1200 |
| Chicken Tenders | Hand-breaded chicken tenders served with honey mustard and two sides. | $11.99 | 850 |
Seafood Entrées
| Dish | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Catfish | Southern-style breaded catfish fillets with hush puppies and two sides. | $15.99 | 1000 |
| Grilled Salmon | Fresh salmon filet grilled and served with lemon butter sauce and two sides. | $17.99 | 750 |
| Shrimp & Grits | Sautéed shrimp served over creamy southern-style grits. | $16.49 | 900 |
| Fried Shrimp Plate | Crispy fried shrimp served with cocktail sauce, hush puppies, and two sides. | $15.49 | 950 |
Steaks & Other Entrées
| Dish | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ribeye Steak | 12 oz hand-cut ribeye grilled to order with two sides. | $22.99 | 1100 |
| Country Meatloaf | Classic southern meatloaf topped with gravy, served with mashed potatoes and two sides. | $13.99 | 950 |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Plate | Slow-cooked pulled pork smothered in BBQ sauce with two sides and a bun. | $12.99 | 900 |
Chef’s Recommendation: The Grilled Salmon paired with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables offers a balanced and flavorful meal.
Sides
Wishbones features a variety of traditional southern sides that complement any entrée. Most entrées come with two side dishes of your choice.
| Side | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes with Gravy | Creamy mashed potatoes topped with savory brown gravy. | 200 |
| French Fries | Crispy golden fries, lightly seasoned. | 300 |
| Steamed Broccoli | Fresh broccoli steamed to perfection. | 60 |
| Coleslaw | Creamy southern-style coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. | 180 |
| Baked Beans | Slow-cooked beans with a smoky, sweet sauce. | 250 |
| Hush Puppies | Golden fried cornmeal balls served with honey butter. | 200 |
Kids Menu
Wishbones offers a kids menu designed to delight younger guests with familiar favorites served in smaller portions. Each kids meal includes a side and a drink.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Tenders | Two hand-breaded chicken tenders served with fries. | $5.99 | 450 |
| Grilled Cheese | Classic grilled cheese sandwich with fries. | $4.99 | 400 |
| Macaroni & Cheese | Creamy macaroni baked with cheddar cheese. | $5.49 | 500 |
| Mini Burger | Small beef patty with lettuce and tomato, served with fries. | $6.49 | 600 |
Desserts
End your meal on a sweet note with Wishbones’ selection of desserts. The offerings reflect southern favorites, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.
| Dessert | Description | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peach Cobbler | Warm peach cobbler served with vanilla ice cream. | $5.99 | 600 |
| Banana Pudding | Classic southern banana pudding with vanilla wafers. | $4.99 | 450 |
| Chocolate Brownie Sundae | Fudgy brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. | $6.49 | 700 |
| Key Lime Pie | Tart and sweet key lime pie with a graham cracker crust. | $5.49 | 500 |
Beverages
Wishbones offers a variety of beverages to complement your meal, including soft drinks, iced tea, coffee, and specialty drinks.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Tea | Classic southern sweet iced tea. | $2.49 |
| Lemonade | Freshly squeezed lemonade. | $2.49 |
| Soft Drinks | Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and more. | $2.29 |
| Coffee | Freshly brewed hot coffee. | $1.99 |
| Milkshakes | Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry. | $4.99 |
Nutritional Information and Dietary Options
Wishbones is committed to offering menu choices that accommodate various dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-calorie options. Many grilled items and salads can be customized to be gluten-free upon request.
The restaurant also provides nutrition facts on all menu items, helping guests make informed choices. For example, the Grilled Chicken Salad is a great option for those seeking a balanced meal with moderate calories and high protein.
Specials and Seasonal Items
Wishbones frequently offers seasonal specials that highlight fresh, local ingredients. These specials may include holiday-themed dishes, new seafood items, or chef-inspired creations.
Check the website or ask in-store for current specials, which are often paired with discounted prices or combo deals.
Customer Experience and Ambiance
Beyond the menu, Wishbones is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor reflects a cozy southern charm, with friendly staff dedicated to creating a memorable dining experience.
“The best part about Wishbones isn’t just the food—it’s the feeling of coming home to southern hospitality.”
Many customers appreciate the casual setting, making it a great spot for family dinners, casual dates, or group gatherings.
Location and Ordering
Wishbones has multiple locations primarily in the southeastern United States. Most locations offer dine-in, carryout, and delivery options through third-party services.
For convenience, many guests choose to order online or via phone ahead of time. This ensures their meals are ready when they arrive, perfect for busy schedules.
Summary
The Wishbones menu is a celebration of southern cooking done right. From crispy fried chicken to fresh salads, from hearty steaks to sweet desserts, the offerings are varied and thoughtfully prepared.
With reasonable prices, generous portions, and a focus on quality ingredients, Wishbones remains a go-to destination for those craving authentic southern flavors in a friendly setting.
Explore the menu, try the specials, and enjoy a true taste of southern comfort at Wishbones!
