Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar — Restaurant in Wheaton

UPDATE #2: Sadly, the restaurant was forced to remove the ramen side of the business (due to contractual franchise issues) so it's back to straight seafood. That being said, it remains the same wonderful, clean and friendly establishment with some of the best seafood boils in Maryland! :)

UPDATE: THIS PLACE IS NOW DOUBLY AMAZING, as they have added KINYA RAMEN to their menu option since mid February! Imagine having half of your party wanting a seafood boil, and half having a taste for a piping hot bowl of ramen, and ALL can be satisfied at the same table or at the bar! The KINYA menu features TEN styles of ramen, bowls, salads, and appetizers such as edamame, wings, buns, and octopus balls! And on top of it all, their Happy Hour is now extended from a staggering 1PM to 6PM - no other Happy Hour in the area is as long or starts as early! Bonafide drink specials such as $3 beer pints and $5 cocktails and wine choices, many available on your lunch break! On to my original review, which still holds up today! ...

I've been to multiple Hook & Reel locations and the Wheaton location is head and shoulders above the rest. The first thing that you'll notice as you walk in is the cleanliness - the place just sparkles, particularly at the bar (which I frequent). I work in Wheaton so the two times I typically drop in are during lunch or Happy Hour, and it simply never disappoints. I got to admit - I am often shocked at how empty the place is, but I assume that means that the bigger crowds come on the weekends. In any event, Jackie, Nicole and the crew behind the bar are courteous, competent and friendly. The bar has a TOUCHTUNES jukebox which is always a plus, allowing the patron to set the music and the mood through their own iPhone. The beer and wine is ALWAYS ice cold, and the food is - for lack of a better word - EPIC. Try one of the "mini boils" and if you like your seafood spicy, order it "hot." If fried fish is your thing, and I don't say this lightly, Hook & Reel has the best fried catfish I have ever tasted. Seasoned breading, not overly greasy, and a generous portion along with fries. I have also had the clam chowder which is a great value at $6 and will REALLY be a good way to warm up when Autumn approaches! I always have a great time here at lunch and usually have TOO great of a time at Happy Hour(s)! Trust my opinion...

I’ve only ever stepped foot in here for my mom because I don’t eat seafood. However with this last visit, I refuse to ever do it again. This was our second visit at this location and it hasn’t gotten any better. For this to be a newer location it’s sad how run down and rude they are, already. Unprovoked on the rude part, mind you. My mom and I came in to get drinks and a snack before seeing antman. I came in with my small pizza from Ledos, but as I stated I still had every intention on giving business to their bar. We were seated quickly and both hostesses saw that I had my pizza in hand. We sat down and were greeted by the server. We weren’t ready to order yet so she said she’d get us some water and come back to see if we’re ready. She barely introduced herself so I do not recall her name. She was one of the petite asian ladies with glasses. She came back with the water and we still weren’t ready. I started to eat at my pizza because I didn’t want it to get cold. I’m well aware that they sell sides that would be vegetarian friendly. I got them last time and they weren’t good & on top of that cold so that was out. Once she came back and saw me eating she said that outside food wasn’t allowed. There’s no sign for that. However there is one for “bathroom for customers only”. I make her aware that I’m planning on spending money on alcoholic beverages between my mom and I + my mom’s meal. She then says yeah but no. We say okay fine and we leave. My issues isn’t being turned away about the pizza. My issue is not being informed about this prior to sitting down, prior to deciding on my beverage and her attitude in how she went about it. The fact that on top of cold tasteless sides, watered down drinks (from my last visit), dirty sticky menus/ seating area etc. they’re turning away money. That’s perfectly fine as I stated my mom brings them business more than me, but she’s wrote them off at this point as well. They don’t have to worry about us and they had plenty of packed tables so I’m sure putting a sour taste in one person’s mouth compared to entire groups means nothing. That’s fine as well. I took my...

We went to the Wheaton, MD restaurant on Sunday to have crabs and watch football. Overall, I would love to make this a regular stop but was disappointed in out first visit.

First the good. We loved the atmosphere - upscale casual bar with some large TV's to watch football. The reason it is only a 4 rating is that they couldn't turn up the volume for the local NFL game so we had to listen to the piped in music. Left at halftime so we could hear. I think they could get a great football crowd as their Sunday bar specials are excellent and a good value, but the bar was almost empty. What a waste of a good bar.

Other good was the friendliness of the staff, who were very helpful. Also the specialty drinks were excellent as well.

The downside was the food and service. We ordered Oysters which were on the pricey side but the sauce was very good. We ordered a half dozen large crabs with Old Bay Seasoning and which seemed reasonably priced. The crabs came out were clearly no larger than medium and not a spec of Old Bay. They were also not heavy at all. Extremely disappointing (especially in Maryland).

This is where the service goes down as well. The crabs came on a metal platter with a half ear of corn and two baby potatoes. But no paper or even paper placemats to eat them on, just the granite (or marble) bar. I asked for paper plates and received two small rectangular french fry containers. Also, no paper towels, just flimsy napkins from a dispenser that stuck to your hands. I believe this was not the servers fault. It appears to be general restaurant policy or management.

Again, we may go back and try again but I would caution on ordering steamed crabs there. Great potential but...