Hook Fish & Chicken — Restaurant in Cincinnati

PROS ➕ Healthy options ➕ Economical Lunch Special combo

CONS ➖ Restroom is unavailable for customers

Date visited: 08/31/2024

I used to live just steps away from this small shop, yet somehow, I never stepped inside. Not once. But life is strange like that. It was a rainy day in August 2024 when I found myself back in the area, no longer living there but drawn in by work. Maybe it was the weather, or maybe it was the way things lined up that day, but for the first time, I walked into that shop.

It stood alone, surrounded by parking lots, like it had been forgotten by time. No one was inside, not surprising since dine-in wasn’t even an option. A few chairs sat in the corner, serving the few who chose to linger while their food was being prepared. Behind the counter, through a thick glass wall, I could see the kitchen where everything happened.

A young girl worked the counter, her accent giving away that she was likely from somewhere in South Asia or the Middle East. I ordered the usual—Lunch Special combo number 1: one piece of deep fried tilapia, five pieces of headless shrimps, fries, and a free drink of choice.

The girl spoke with a sharpness that might’ve seemed rude to some, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t here for pleasantries, just for my food. It made me think of those one-star reviews people leave, complaining about an interaction that lasts less than a minute. What did it matter if my food came out fresh and hot?

I sat down at a chair that I bet remained unoccupied most of the time in a corner of the shop. I took a good look of the interior. The inside was simple, worn by years of use, but well-kept, as if it had seen countless days just like this one, the old floor tiles, the chipped walls, the vending machine in the corner that reminded me of things long gone. And for a moment, it felt like I was the only one there, even as others came in, searching for their own piece of comfort.

When my food was ready, it was handed to me in a small paper bag, warm to the touch. I left, walking back to my car where I could escape the rain. I opened the bag and found a simple meal. It wasn’t much, not by any standard, but there was something in the way it tasted that made it feel like more. The fish was tender, the shrimp just enough, and the fries, though not perfect, were exactly what they needed to be in...

Dear Hooks and Fish Patrons I am writing this to provide feedback on a recent experience I had this establishment. On [12-18], I called in a takeout order and encountered several issues that I believe warrant attention.

When I initially called to place my order, I was hung up on by the female staff member who answered the phone. Upon calling back, she rudely informed me that she could not hear me, but eventually took my order. When I arrived at the restaurant, I asked her for the total amount of my order, which she stated was $15.98. After retrieving my money and returning to the counter, I requested to add two sodas to my order. She responded loudly, almost yelling, "I’m not waiting on you yet. I will call you when I’m ready." She then proceeded to take the orders of two other customers who were in line before attending to me.

I observed that she was very friendly to the other customers, who were African American, while I am white. She even encouraged them to leave a five-star review on Google, which she did not mention to me. Her demeanor towards me was rude and dismissive, and I felt intimidated and discriminated against.

As someone with over 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, I understand the importance of treating all customers with respect and courtesy. I would never have spoken to a customer in the manner that I was addressed. If this staff member had been rude to everyone, I might not have taken it so personally. However, her behavior was unprofessional and unacceptable.

I hope you will take this feedback into consideration and address the issue with the staff member in question. I believe that no customer should have to experience such treatment, and it is important for any establishment to maintain a high standard of customer service.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I wish you everyone a happy...

I just went to the new location on Hamilton in College Hill. I've been craving some comfort food, but I mostly just got irritated. First off, I'm not sure anyone should order a gyro when the people who work there pronounce it guy-roh. That was my son's order. It was filling but lacked seasoning. It's a build your own dish. We only live about 2 minutes from Hook's, but the first thing we did when we got home was put the cold mac& cheese in the microwave & the soggy, cold fries in the toaster oven. My kids ended up loving the mac & cheese (once warmed up), but $2.50 was also a little expensive for a $.75 portion. We got the zucchini sticks, which for $2.99, 8 little fry sized fried zucchini pieces just isn't worth it. We also got the 4 piece fried chicken with 2 legs & 2 thighs. This was my favorite part. My daughter thought it was over-seasoned, but I thought it was just right. My fries were cooked by the time I got done eating my chicken. I don't think there was ANY seasoning on them at all, so I added salt & seasoning salt & then I was happy with them. I didn't realize that there'd be so much work involved. I'm not entirely sure why these places are all over Cincinnati. Is everyone okay with just mediocre, overpriced food? That was my first time there & that will be my...