Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar — Restaurant in Lubbock

when the bill came they added 28 dollars in gratuity, I did believe a tip was coming but that just felt excessive and predatory. I had zero knowledge of this policy , they say for parties of 6 or more at this location and that's low for what I normally see. They explained it's on the menu, it is in fact there amongst the warnings about shellfish allergies and other stuff you don't read. No signs anywhere in the building . I ask to speak to the manager because I one had no clue about the gratuity policy and two I had terrible service , I never got a refill, we waited a long time for our server to come give us our check to leave she dropped the plates and that was about it, kids where running around and playing all over the place with no one stepping in, screaming at the top of their lungs .. at 3 different tables. I have 3 kids that didn't move or respond but at some point its not a chucky cheese the manager should step in when the building is ringing with kids barking and howling , playing tag across an entire half of the resturant. When I challenged the bill and explained my terrible service the manager called police on me so I filmed her, she lied about me refusing to pay my bill as she would not take payment for the meal and let me tip her cash ( I even stated I was comfortable tipping 15 as they may split tips) , I was disputing the charges because my service sucked , she knew it sucked as she was at the desk glued to her phone the whole time vs managing a business. 28 dollars isn't going to break me, it's an ethics thing, I legitimately felt robbed and was unhappy with my service. The manager went so far as to ask me to not return. The waitress with the absolute most entitled attitude ever berrated me for complaining about my service. I have since filed a report with the attorney General as the law states the customer must be aware before they order , it does say it can be on the menu but it must be predominantly displayed. This was the most petty experience I've ever had at a resturant, I just felt like as a consumer I needed to stand up for myself and make a point that if you do a terrible job you shouldn't be paid as if you gave great service. Most issues at restaurants I just take in stride , if I have issue with the food, I let them know after I've paid so they don't think I'm trying to get a free meal. We live outside of town now and don't eat out as often as it's a long drive, last Christmas they where open for some reason so we stopped in and had dinner and I tipped 100 dollars because they where doing a great job and I knew anyone working that day deserved a big tip, this is my first time back since then at it was night and days different in service and quality, it's like the service of a waffle house with fancy steak...

Rating: ★★★★☆

Review:

Hook & Reel is a seafood restaurant known for its Cajun-inspired dishes and vibrant dining experience. Here's my review of Hook & Reel:

Flavorful Cajun Cuisine: ★★★★☆ Hook & Reel offers a tantalizing menu of Cajun-style seafood dishes that are packed with flavor. From steamed or boiled seafood options to their signature seafood boils, the restaurant delivers a true Cajun culinary experience. The combination of spices, herbs, and sauces creates a delicious and unique taste that sets them apart. Fresh Seafood Selection: ★★★★☆ The quality and freshness of the seafood at Hook & Reel are generally commendable. The restaurant sources a variety of seafood, including shrimp, crawfish, crab, mussels, and clams, ensuring a diverse selection for seafood lovers. The dishes are often prepared to order, enhancing the overall freshness and taste. Customizable Seafood Boils: ★★★★☆ One of the highlights at Hook & Reel is their customizable seafood boils. Customers have the opportunity to select their preferred seafood, spice level, and sauce options to create a personalized boil. This interactive dining experience allows you to tailor your meal to your own taste preferences. Lively Atmosphere: ★★★★☆ Hook & Reel strives to create a lively and engaging atmosphere. The vibrant decor, energetic music, and friendly staff contribute to an enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant often attracts groups and families looking to have a fun and interactive meal together. Portions and Value: ★★★☆☆ While the portion sizes at Hook & Reel are generally generous, the pricing can vary. Some customers feel that the prices are a bit on the higher side for the portion sizes offered. However, considering the quality of the seafood and the overall dining experience, many find the value to be satisfactory. Service: ★★★☆☆ The service at Hook & Reel can be a bit inconsistent. While some staff members provide attentive and friendly service, others may be less attentive or slower in their response times. It's advisable to be patient during peak hours when the restaurant tends to be busier. In conclusion, Hook & Reel offers a delightful seafood experience with its flavorful Cajun cuisine, fresh seafood selection, and customizable boils. The lively atmosphere adds to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience. While pricing and service can vary, the restaurant generally delivers a satisfying seafood feast for those craving Cajun flavors.

Note: Please remember that this review is based on general observations and experiences, and your specific experience at Hook & Reel may vary depending on the location and...

I spend so much money here me and my family go here almost weekly and the customer service has dropped drastically I went for my birthday last night and was treated like we didn’t matter by the server she was rude and snotty and she kept on trying to rush us by saying are you ready now and when I finally made up my mind she denied me to get what I wanted and said no you can’t get a half pound of crawfish it has to be a pound since when did it have to be a pound in a small catch makes no sense she made me so uncomfortable and quiet literally ruined my birthday I just wanted to enjoy my day and then when I ask if they could do the birthdays special she told me no they don’t do it on weekdays there busy and Mind you it wasn’t busy. She was rude and awful and ruined my day now the manager came out and took are order but I still had a bad time and I won’t be coming back to spend my money at hook n reel there’s been other times as well we’ve been treated badly here the hosts that was there last night on 06/04/2025 I think her name was Azariah maybe around 6-7 pm she was amazing sweet and kind and she was amazing they should have more workers like her she was amazing she even cleaned the high chairs and she seated us well to where we all had enough room to eat but hook n reel just lost regulars I will now be eating at hot and juicy I won’t waisted another dime here I will go to hot and juicy from now on.!!!! Because I love seafood we spend 60 or more here almost weekly guess we can take that and give it to hot and juicy ! Thanks for ruining my birthday hook n reel I really...