Crook's Corner

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godofsilvio

Joined 6 years ago

GREAT OYSTERS. You can't beat their fried oysters. Yeah, it's pricey. The atmosphere is urbane without being insufferably pretentious. I prefer the outdoor seating when it's warm. Staff is friendly. A great place to have someone else foot the bill!

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sabadone

Joined 6 years ago

Nice place, ok but unimpressive food. I have been here twice, once for bruch, once for dinner. The place is very nice and service excellent. The food is OK, but honestly not worth its price if you go for dinner. Brunch is less pricey and maybe be worth it, but $60 for some average BBQ+rice & bread, a minuscule soup, shrimp & grits, one glass of wine & one beer is too much. The food is OK, but not memorable, and honestly I ate better and for much less at Mama Dip's or Bullocks. I do not think I will be back for a dinner here, maybe I will for a brunch.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A unique vision of the subtlety and diversity of American Southern cuisine.. In Short
The building is festooned with hubcaps and surrounded with all manner of flowering plants. A pink pig stands watch on the rooftop. Inside, the restaurant can be cozy or crowded--depending on your attitude and dining time. When it comes to the menu, the restaurant successfully expresses the diversity of Southern cooking with down-home charm and uptown sensibilities. The dishes are seasonally based, often with local ingredients.

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c_squared_a

Joined 8 years ago

On a 2nd Visit...... We had 2 items - Baked Hubbard Squash Soup and the Shrimp & Grits. The soup was excellent - I wish I got a bowl instead of a cup. The Shrimp & Grits were very good, but not the outstanding plate I had experienced earlier. The S&G were light on grits (really necessary to offset the other powerful flavors) and overpowered by scallions. There didn't seem to be the right balance of flavors this time. I will go to Crooks again, but I will probably try something else next time. Overall - still excellent.

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sejack

Joined 9 years ago

Best Shrimp and Grits Ever. Crook's Corner is home to the best shrimp and grits ever made, not to mention the fried oysters that melt in your mouth. Bill Smith takes southern classics to a new level with his homemade honeysuckle sorbet, steak with bourbon sauce and green Tabasco chicken. It's not too expensive and the seasonal changes to the menu make you feel right at home.

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chnative

Joined 9 years ago

A Chapel Hill Must!. Crook's Corner defines what casual southern dining should be. Our waiter was kind, knowledgeable, and attentive. We shared an order of the fabulous Jalapeno Cheddar Hushpuppies and the Crab Claw's St. Charles. For dinner we had Pan Seared Tuna, which was amazing, and Shrimp and Grits. Our dining experience couldn't have been better. We will definitely be back again!

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jedm

Joined 10 years ago

Service could be better. The pulled pork sandwich was fabulous! And, although a side of fries was extra -- it was a mountain! The coleslaw was truly misrepresented as it was only cabbage doused in vinegar. The veg. red beans and rice lacked spices, and the peppered cornbread was extremely dry. Our waiter came by only twice; service definitely needs improvement. The beverages and beer is fabulously priced -- both under $3. The bread & butter (the free pre-meal appetizer) came untimely: with our dinners. Looking forward to a second turn where hopefully the service will be better, and a different order from the menu will be more pleasing. For instance, the Hushpuppies and Carolina Sampler dish both look appealing. A bit overpriced for service, menu, and ambience.

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AliNC

Joined 11 years ago

What is Wrong with the past reviewers?!. Crook's is one of my favorite places to eat. Although it is true that the food is expensive, the atmosphere, staff, and of course the food itself more than make up for it in my opinion. The dishes are unique and flavorful, and my whole family loves eating there. I am completely unable to understand how anyone found serious fault with it.

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BryanMiller_Citysearch

Joined 11 years ago

Crook's for Shrimp. Part diner, part restaurant, Crooks is a nightly celebration. I like to sit at the small tile bar and eat tidbits of appetizers like the excelllent crab cakes and their signature dish, shrimp with grits.

They have a charming and romantic patio area out back with a small fountain and bordered by illuminated bamboo trees.

Other house specials I like are the crackly fried oysters with hot sauce, and jalapeno hushpuppies.