Came here on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend for the first time, and based on the great reviews I had high hopes. Boy, was I disappointed. Sadly, other than the place having a cool vibe and a friendly and welcoming hostess, nothing else was really good.
We got the Calamari as a starter, and I will say this: it was actually cooked well and not over or undercooked. But it was very salty (probably from the parmesan crust) and something seemed off since it was darker than it seemed it should have been for not being overcooked. It wasn't the best id ever had, but it wasn't the worst or anything. So, I ate it and had no real complaints. Yet.
We ordered their cocktail special: a "watermelon mojito". Based on the name (and no other information was given) it sounded like a nice refreshing drink to enjoy after a hot May Florida day. It was not good. We each took one sip and set it aside. They added strawberries to it along with muddled watermelon, which gave it a chunky texture, but because they substituted basil for the usual mint, it was bitter and skunky. (Also, I am mildly allergic to basil and nobody told me, nor did I expect, there would be basil in my mojito). After the waitress ignored the full drink perched on the edge of the table for about 15 minutes as a clear sign we were not going to drink it, we finally had to ask them to take it away.
Then the food came. I got the crab cake BLT. My wife got the BBQ Salmon Hoke Bowl. The first bite into the Crab cake and I knew it was off. I gave it one more bite and confirmed my suspicions, and stopped. I could tell if I ate any more it would probably make me sick and hoped I was okay. But it was too late. When I got home, clearly it was bad because everything I ate ended up in the sink. I think that is descriptive enough for you to figure out what happened. The Hoke Bowl was also just... Bad. Salmon was simply grilled on a flat top and then slathered with BBQ sauce, but it was still refrigerator-cold in the middle. The mango was barely defrosted and intensely cold. The other ingredients were also just... Not quite right.
All in all, based on their great score and reviews, we expected great cooking and food from this place, and instead we regretted our choice. Now we're out $60 (even with the BLT and the drink having been comp'd) and after the terrible time I had at the sink, I'm still hungry.
Maybe I was there on an off night? Who knows. But I won't be giving them another chance. If you do, good...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Hooked On, and it was an experience worth sharing! From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by Mia, who welcomed us with a genuine smile and set the tone for an outstanding evening. Her friendly demeanor made us feel right at home, and she expertly guided us to our table.
Once seated, our waiter Joshua took over, and he was simply fantastic. His knowledge of the menu was impressive, and he made excellent recommendations that highlighted the restaurant's mouthwatering cuisine. Each dish we tried was a delightful explosion of flavors, showcasing the freshness and quality of the ingredients. The attention to detail in every plate was remarkable, and it was clear that the chefs take great pride in their work.
Joshua's service was impeccable; he was attentive, cheerful, and ensured that our dining experience was seamless. He checked in on us at all the right moments, making sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. His enthusiasm for the food and the restaurant itself added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.
The overall ambiance of Hooked On is inviting and vibrant, making it a perfect spot for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends.
In summary, Hooked On is a culinary gem that should not be missed. With Mia’s warm greeting, Joshua’s outstanding service, and the exquisite cuisine, it was a night to remember. I can't wait to return for another delicious meal! Highly...
Read moreThe atmosphere is lovely. My hubby and I arrived early 5:20 ish and the place was empty so we ordered two drinks. Ten minutes later, no drinks. Our daughter and hubby joined us and ordered their drinks at which point our server told us they were out of Budweiser. Really? Budweiser? We got comped Edimami rolls which were delish but then had two dishes sent to us that we didn’t order. New place….it happens. We finally got our drinks and ordered. We waited and waited and waited and when the table that came in after us got their food, I found our server and asked why the delay on drinks and food when the place was literally empty. Finally our food arrived and my daughter’s grouper was beautiful, my son in laws salmon tacos were great any my hubbys stack was also delish. My $30 Lobster Mac and cheese was very tasty until I realized there was not one chunk of Lobster in it but there was a rubbery piece of something in it that I wouldn’t even consider eating. I sent it back and ordered the Lobster Roll. Ok, it was good but the bun was soggy because it hadn’t been toasted and it was more like Lobster salad. Instead of chunks of lobster it was a mish mosh of celery mayo and Lobster. Look, the bill was $150 and the $5 Budweiser hadn’t been removed. I didn’t feel like waiting for the bill to be reprinted. We tipped $40. For close to $200 you have to do better. The place has potential but even when you are slow, you have to deliver to the customers who show up on a...
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