Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar — Restaurant in Elmwood Park

4 1/2 Stars - While We've been to other Hook & Reel locations, this was Our (Me, my Wife, and 2 of Our teens) first time Dining in at this location. I generally give both the POSITIVES & the NEGATIVES; but this Review is all Positive. Let's begin with: Great location to get to; Outdoor Mall style Parking; no long line or waiting time; the staff greeted Us professionally, nicely and was pleasant. The restaurant is long, going towards the back, so it's like a Sea/Row of Tables that seem to go on and on. Essentially, plenty of tables for seating. Our Server was very friendly and accommodating.(Young guy, very respectful, with a cool vibe) Our Appetizers and food all came to the table within a reasonable time ... was Fresh ... and all tasted Great. My family enjoyed the Crab legs, while I enjoyed my fried Golden Shrimp. On a side note: one of Our drinks fell over as the Crab legs were being served. Our Server quickly moved us to the next table, and another staff member came over to clean up the spill. He wiped down the table, the chairs, and thoroughly cleaned under the table as he mopped up. This Duo was AWESOME!! OH ... and a Manager came over to make sure everything was running smoothly. ANNNND ... Did I mention everything is Affordable? We highly recommend this location, to anyone in the area, or willing to drive there. Hey ... We'll definitely be...

The Service

WOW! Where do I begin? First off I want to personally thank our server Madeleine for the A+ service and care for us. I felt that she was almost family because of the way she was so patient with my grandma and aunt. Every single thing that we asked for, there she was as quick as she could be to deliver the best service I've seen since the start of covid so from the bottom of our hearts we thank you, Madeleine.

The Food

Being a first-timer in the seafood boil community, I could honestly say that it could NOT have gotten any BETTER. From the sweet shrimp to the delectable mussels, this place had it ALL. We had all gotten the cajun seasoning and it was a little hot and super savory, something so good that it was addictive. I had the spicy version with noddles (which I got a whole box of) and they were swimming in that savory sauce, but it was as the name implies very spicy. They even have a fire version and I cannot imagine the heat on that. I couldn't find a thing wrong with our experience so I want to make a list of all the things they got right.

*Outstanding Service *Quick Food/while being delicious *Clean Restaurant *Seated Quickly *Cared for like family *Did I mention the food is AMAZING??

I will be back and I will finish my...

A pretty good spot for a seafood boil.

Every shellfish I tried (crawfish, black mussels, scallops, shrimp, snow crab, & lobster) was very fresh and tender. I’ve been here twice, and both times the seafood served was cooked perfectly, no rubbery or chewy issues here.

After trying both options, I recommend getting the shrimp with the head on because the meat retains a briny taste. When the heads are cut off most of the ocean flavor is boiled out of the shrimp.

My one complaint about the boil would be that the seafood comes out very sandy. Especially, the black mussels. I used my cup of water to rinse every mussel before eating it.

Definitely not a place I’d order salad again. We got crabmeat salad for the table. The leaves looked like they came out of a bag, and we had to search for the promised crabmeat. The dressing came in a bag on the side. Felt like a waste of $9.

The drinks, however, were quite delicious. The frozen drinks are much lighter in alcohol, and a bit sweet. The House Margarita on the rocks was tangy and stronger, which I preferred as a pairing with the seafood.

Overall, a fun hands-on and tasty experience! Side note, I wouldn’t recommend coming here if you plan on catching up with someone, the music is...