Maple Tree Inn — Restaurant in Bloom Township

I am a truck driver. I took a Lyft to this restaurant. When my server came I was very clear on expressing to her that I CANNOT eat anything spicy. With that said, she should have recommend entrées, that had was “not spicy at all.” I sent the catfish back. The batter on the catfish was cooked too hard for my pallet. Also, I didn’t like the sauce it was spicy and I let her know a second time “I can’t eat spicy food.”

She then brought me out the Burnt Ends. The BBQ sauce was poured on top of the burnt ends. (She should have recommended to me to have the sauce in the side and told me the BBQ sauce was spicy). It was dark in the restaurant and she should have considered with it being my first time I may have missed something. The burnt ends BBQ sauce was too spicy as well, however I tried to make a go at it because, I had to take a Lyft and couldn’t just walk out (plus, I didn’t know the area and the Lyft was already $30 and to Lyft somewhere else was just to much of an inconvenience). Therefore, I at 1/2 of the burnt ends and Gouda grits yet, I didn’t eat the smothered cabbage with horseradish. (Which was spicy, as well) Nor did I eat the macaroni and cheese.

This dish was way to spicy for me and my chest was burning. I let my food server know and reminded her that I said I couldn’t eat anything spicy.

The manager Elizabeth came over and I explained to her and she understood.

Yet, I was still charged for this and I didn’t want to make a fuss. I ordered some dessert to try and help with not having a good meal that I enjoyed however, I didn’t feel I should have been charged for a meal I didn’t enjoy that was too spicy for me. Left there frustrated and disappointed.

Even my Lyft driver said he has been in the food industry for over 20 years and they didn’t do me right as a (dissatisfied customer).

I am so mad knowing that trip and dinner cost me $70. I’m sitting in my tractor trailer feeling like I wasted my money and I know I was treated unfairly. They shouldn’t have charged me. Treating a first time customer like they came in in the restaurant to look for a free mea, It’s just...

While driving by I noticed a parking lot full of cars at a restaurant I haven’t visited. After googling and viewing the menu, we made reservations for the following week. The cuisine was labeled as Cajun Creole. I am often hesitant when trying authentic food so far from its rooted location but I felt a little risky. Upon arrival the space was dimly lit with focus lighting above tables and very inviting. The music was also a great touch. Seeing this was our first time we chose the divide and conquer plan for the menu. I ordered the Creole Voodoo Zombie, which was more than delicious and got the job done. I would’ve gotten another but after a long day I was already getting sleepy lol. We ordered fried green tomatoes and the skillet cornbread. As a person who visits and has southern family these two items were top on my list, however it didn’t hit the mark for me. Fried green tomatoes are always such a light classy dish but today they were pickled and I think it took away the freshness I was hoping for. Pickling can be very overpowering and in this case it was too much for me, especially with my expectations already on more of a classic vibe. The cornbread was cooked hard and provided with two spreads, I preferred the sour cream and onion tasting one. I have no idea what was in it but it did remind me of a tasty cocktail cheeseball. The cornbread paired really well with our last appetizer, gumbo. Our entrees included fried catfish and burnt ends. Both were plated well and were flavorful. For me the catfish was fried soft and not hard, more of a preference but not to its detriment. The burnt ends were tender and the sauce complimented each piece. Lastly we ordered the peach cobbler. This was low on my list along with the tomato dish. It had a sour milk taste, similar to buttermilk. After I inquired of buttermilk had been added it was confirmed to be in the ice cream. Very different and took away once again from a classic dish. Although this experience was not the best it was not terrible but just very unique and I can...

MAPLE TREE INN located in Homewood, IL is a reputable restaurant venue known for its fine Cajun cuisine. I had the opportunity recently to visit its Homewood location. Upon arrival I noticed complimentary valet services. A service generally offered at upscale dining establishments. The building looked beautiful from outdoors with pretty landscaping. Inside I was more-so impressed by colorful wall art with a southern manor vibe. The atmosphere was relaxed, inviting yet with easy charm (old money). The bar oozed classic hard liquors & racks of assorted wines. The service was impressive and our server attentive providing extra carafes of water to (put out the flames)🔥 of the shrimp entree I had ordered. My shrimp was undoubtedly, as expected HOT and quite delicious .. perfectly tender with the right balance of chewiness. The rice & beans sidedish I found hot & spicy but at the same time bland. This is not to say it wasn’t good .. in my experience just could have been better. The cornbread was served up in a cast iron skillet warm, crumbly & so very delicious! My guests enjoyed the steak & blackened ribs entrees. I couldn’t help hear them repeatedly rave. The presentations were colorful & plenty. I did enjoy the house Malbec wine it was a neat 5 oz pour in a crystal clean goblet. We shared a chocolate volcano cake after dinner. Never enough dessert! All in all a positive & well received venue. The restaurant accommodation service, atmosphere & food all justifiable for its pricepoint. I would recommend this establishment for special occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays or impressive dates. This is a (find a sitter) date night place for adults rather than hangout sports bar. Fine to better casual attire (my opinion) and expect to spend approximately $50 pp. I am not affiliated with this restaurant, owner or any of its employees. This is my unbiased review based solely on my recent (June 2025) experience. I review mainly to help others navigate local businesses in their community and...