Crook’s Corner

Here for work and went on the recommendation of a friend. Had the shrimp and grits – (AMAZING!) and the honeysuckle sorbet for brunch. Apparently you have to know the secret handshake to get the honeysuckle sorbet. If you ask for it they will give it to you but they will not offer it. Unfortunately, I had heard about it and asked. It’s not that the sorbet wasn’t good but the price when I got my bill was outrageous. $ 9.50 for sorbet! My shrimp and grits were $ 13.50 so I figured dessert wouldn’t be more than $ 5 or $ 6. It’s my fault for not asking but wow some consistency in pricing and a little warning when something is so out of line with everything else would have been nice. I’d go again for the shrimp and grits but definitely will pass on the honeysuckle sorbet next time. It was tasty and interesting but certainly didn’t blow me away and especially not at those prices.

I really wanted to like this place, but this was another reminder that I should trust my fellow Unilocalers when they say a place isn’t a 4+ star place! We made reservations here for 12pm on a Sunday. It was crowded since it was Father’s day, but that doesn’t excuse the slowwww service we had. It took forever for our appetizers to come out, our entrees, and the bill. The ambiance is cute – very kitchsy, reminiscent of an old school diner — but the ambiance didn’t make up for the underwhelming food. I had the french toast, which was MEH! The texture was hard (not crispy, more like nasty old bread), and the fruits on the side were nearly inedible. For $ 9 I’d expect much, much better. The mint julep was ok, but overall this brunch was not worth my $ 23. I wouldn’t go back, but if I did I would definitely get something else…

Shrimp and grits is what they are known for and it was ok… Hoppin John was good… Bread was so dried out we couldn’t even eat it. Steak was ok — nothing amazing tho.
The service — AWFUL! Bartender just stared at us when we came in the door. The girl waitress didn’t bother to come by for over 25 min after we were sat with no apology. She took orders — ZERO PERSONALITY. Then she removed wine and drink glasses with no offer for another drink. Some other guy bright out our food or I might still be waiting.
We really wanted to like this place but it was impossible. Let alone the table behind us with the 2 boys that were running around crazy and lifting chairs over their head… They had no manners and grandpa was just sitting there taking pictures — what the heck the menu says keep your kids by you? There are too many good choices in the triangle — I do not recommend this place at all!

Came to Crook’s Corner for Sunday brunch. Hushpuppies were good — had a little kick to them; wish the sauce was cool and creamy to help balance the heat but it was tomato sauce. Was expecting the sausage biscuit to have more actual sausage in it. The gravy was flavorful but mostly mushrooms — I wouldn’t order this again. When I asked for an iced coffee, the server told me they didn’t serve it because they felt like it watered down the coffee. The coffee was already pretty watered down tasting so I can see why that would be of concern. Had a bite of a friend’s grits and they were good. Might try that if I go back. Local art for sale on the walls — that was cute!

Amazing southern comfort food. Such a staple of southeastern dining and culture. The patio, atmosphere, and decorations are unique and very cute. As a college student who frequents the local food scene, the service is friendly and wonderful. Go later in the afternoon for drinks with the staff to get fancier, classic cocktails. The honeysuckle sorbet is one of the most unique, delicious desserts to exist. Vegetarians beware — the options are great but this place is a meat eaters paradise. The BBQ is off the charts. Jalapeño cheddar hushpuppies are ones to grow slowly but steadily on you. Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone with ordering — usually the soups are some of the best things on the menu. My housemate worked as a host here and would bring home leftover food pretty often. Everything she brought was out of this world. Cracked peppercorn cornbread, succotash, a southern feast oasis.

I had lived in Durham for five years and heard about this restaurant as a local, outstanding staple that I had to try. I finally made the time when family came into town shortly before we moved out of the area. In our larger party (five folks total), we ordered wine, a round of appetizers, different entrees, and dessert. There was absolutely nothing spectacular, original, or interesting as far as we could tell. We’ve had hush puppies from the west coast to Watts Grocery, and this was nothing to write home about — except to say: «why bother?» I was so shocked at how average everything looked and tasted, that I was confused given the rave reviews we’d heard and a little embarrassed about the fuss I made dragging my family out there. It was honestly so below average that I don’t know if I would bother going back to give them another chance. There are too many other delicious, consistent, inspired restaurants in the area. I imagine this place is popular because it has a history that is meaningful to folks who grew up here.

I’ve eaten here a few times for brunch. The shrimp and grits are worth it. I didn’t find the eggs Rachel to be very tasty. Overall lack of seasoning, dry biscuit, and scrambled eggs were over. Other egg dishes I found similar. Big portions and good ambience though.

If you’re looking for something unique and flavorful — this is a great choice! The atmosphere is pretty casual and eclectic. It is very «Carrboro-​y».
We went for brunch and ordered our top 3 entrée choices to share around the table. We ordered the French toast, ham hash, and the Estelle’s big biscuit breakfast. All were delicious! The combination of flavors and ingredients really made Crooks stand out in the crowd of epic food choices in the area. Their sweet tea is made fresh daily served with their own homemade sweetener made of simple syrup, mint and other goodies. It was delightful and so refreshing.
I will say — the French toast was to die for. SO. GOOD. It was the table favorite for sure. It comes with a large heap of homemade whipped cream, too. Get ready to loosen your belts
Friendly, prompt service on top of it all! Definitely will be back again!

Awesome food and great waitstaff. I had the vegetarian red beans and rice, which were just perfect with the crème fraîche. It’s hard to get beans and rice just right… but they did. Husband got the Carolina Sampler, and loved the pork barbecue. He also really enjoyed the collards, which is saying something because he’s not a dark greens kinda guy. We finished off with Bananas Foster. Oh my god, the Bananas Foster. If I could just have a straight shot of the rum sauce I would. My husband started out saying he’d «just have a couple bites» and ended up eating more than I did!
The service was fantastic. The waitstaff seemed to have a good groove and helped each other out with keeping water glasses filled, clearing plates, etc. Mark was our server and was attentive and helpful. It’s a small restaurant and the tables are close together, so you do kind of get to know the folks next to you, whether you want to or not. But if you go in knowing that, it’s not too bad. I’m sure this wouldn’t be as much of an issue during the summer when the patio is open.

This place was awesome! they were quick, the food was just outstanding! Southern food but has light and healthy options. The flavors they had were just amazing can’t wait to come back here!!!

I’ve eaten at Crook’s many times over the years, but last weekend was the first time I went there for Sunday brunch. Yum! The menu was interesting, and it took a while to decide what to have. Our waiter was adorable and very helpful since I’m a veg. I ended up getting Eggs Rachel (with tomato, not ham) and it was great. The biscuit was perfection, and I loved the Creole vegetables on top. And let me also mention the delish Bloody Mary which was spicy enough to perk me up, but not painful.
Bill Smith (the chef) is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. And so is Gene, the owner. I love their commitment to local art. I admire them both. This place is one of the reasons that I love Chapel Hill so much even though I don’t live there anymore. Cheers to Crook’s!

The shrimp and grits here are a classic. Local veg and quality ingredients are in play here. There’s a lot of flavors coming together while tender, fresh– shrimp, sharp cheddar cheese, and bacon steal the show.

There is a reason why Crook’s Corner has been around forever and today I had the pleasure of experiencing why.
After walking into this quaint and casual spot, we were greeted with a smile. The hostess sat us and this is where we met our server, Jake, who cheerfully welcomed us. He was very helpful by answering all my questions because they are able to taste the chefs food. Bonus for the servers and hats off to the owners and management!!!
I ordered the rich omelette with potatoes on the side. The omelette was rich with cheese and crème fraîche. Yum!
My husband ordered the shrimp and grits. This is one of the dishes Crook’s Corner is known for. It was delicious.
If you are the area and want to experience a landmark food establishment, this is your place.
Enjoy my friends!

There’s talent in the kitchen here, but unfortunately it is not supported by professional restaurant management. What could have been an excellent meal was undermined by a lack of dining room supervision, under-​prepared wait staff and a tone-​deaf response to being informed politely about their failures to meet minimal standards for service. I normally don’t write reviews like this one, but since no one responded to our problems, I had no one to talk to about them, so now future customers are going to hear about them too.
So many problems to go through, but let me start with what is probably the main problem: they want to run a busy restaurant on the backs of under-​trained college student employees. Our order was wrong, the grilled meats were cooked incorrectly, we were brought a mixture of what we ordered and an adjacent table’s food, appetizers came out before entrees, the bill was incorrect, and we when very politely asked if something could be done about all this we were offered a free dessert. We were told if we wanted more consideration than that «we’d have to talk to the manager» as if we were being sent to the principal’s office.
The manager never came, I never even saw anyone who looked like a manager on the dining room floor. I’m not sure any of them were old enough to drink. This was Friday night before a home football game at UNC.
Next problem: there was a table of highly intoxicated women (grown women in their 40’s-50’s mind you, not college kids) screaming loudly next to us. We couldn’t speak to each other at our table, my ears literally hurt from the peals of drunken laughter and repeated tired jokes they screamed at each other. These women were the age of the employee’s parents, so I assume they were disinclined to act on their own, and clearly no professional standards of diner decorum exist for these kids they employ, undoubtedly for minimum wage, to follow.
Next problem, some of the food, not all, was plated and presented with all the artistic flair of a cafeteria line employee slopping gruel on a cafeteria-​line lunch tray. I had a side of sauteed leeks and cabbage, it tasted excellent, but it looks like someone had scraped the vegetables off their burger on to a coffee saucer. The Hoppin’ John was buried under a mountain of what looked like Uncle Ben’s instant rice.
I would just give it zero stars and tell you to stay the hell away from this disaster, but the food is good. I had fried oysters, not an easy dish to get exactly right, and it was exactly right. A salad of blue cheese and brussel sprouts was very memorable for all the right reasons, and the hushpuppies were some of the best I’ve ever had. I really would have liked to have enjoyed the food in the sequence it was supposed to arrive, and without needing earplugs to keep from getting nauseated by the screaming drunks at the next table.
A companion’s burger was given to the screaming drunks at the next table, and my companion got the burger they ordered. Intentionally. The college student server actually asked if we would accept the swap without an offer to get it made correctly by the kitchen. My companion wanted a well-​done burger, the one delivered was medium rare, had cheese that was not ordered, and we were still asked to pay for it.
My companion’s burger, the one ordered, sat almost untouched at the adjacent table of screaming drunks, perhaps because they were too wasted to notice they had food, or perhaps they didn’t care for their meat to be over-​done and without the cheese they ordered, I don’t know. I wasn’t inclined to ask them anything but to leave.
It’s a shame, because there’s an executive chef working very hard at this place who is being completely undermined by incompetent management. He or she can cook, well, and the menu is creative, interesting and there was much left that I wanted to try.
I wish I could go back, but I can’t. I recommend you skip it too.

Crooks really aims to exemplify authentic coming cooking and send to do a good job. While there is better and more authentic barbecue in the RTP region, I’m sure heartier and classic shrimp n grits elsewhere, and better values, Crooks is a good option in eclectic Chapel Hill. I enjoyed the shrimp n grits personally, fresh mushrooms and tender shrimp were plentiful, the grits creamy and just flavorful enough not to detract from the rest of the dish; I may be an anomaly but I found the quantity of bacon atop a bit distracting and salty.
With a short menu with only a few entrées and relatively common small plates, the atmosphere and southern style really do shine and in general, message Crooks a great unique part of the local food scene. Service was reasonably prompt and friendly however the reservation system left many tables vacant, disappointing given I’d hoped to sit outside on the beautiful patio but that is a lesson for next time. I’ll be back to Crooks dit certain.

A unique atmosphere. Understated fare with over the top, eye rolling flavor. Totally dig the folk art and sitting outside near the fountain is a must! The green peach salad was refreshing and a complete ah-​ha moment (mildly spicy but in a really good way), and the Mushroom Risotto was perfection. Their signature Lemon-​Lime Pie was a perfect ending. Def going here again!

Yes!
Their shrimp grits are amazing.
Their Atlantic lime pie is amazing.
Their appetizers are amazing.
A
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So in summary, not too shabby.

Had a nice meal here. We shared the shrimp and grits and the Carolina pork sampler. Both were great, but the shrimp and grits stole the show. They were fantastic.
Enjoyed some beer as well, they have a great local selection on draft!

Items Selected:
JALAPENO-​CHEDDAR HUSHPUPPIES w/​cocktail sauce
HOPPIN’ JOHN — a bed of rice & black-​eye peas flavored w/​bacon, topped w/​tomato, scallions & cheddar cheese
SHRIMP & GRITS — shrimp sautéed w/​bacon, mushrooms & scallions & served over cheese grits
Black Pepper Cornbread
GOOD BANANA PUDDING w/​meringue
Unable to resist a visit to a Beard Award recognized America’s Classic, no matter how aggressive the days dining plan, it was mere minutes after opening that we crossed the cusp of Crook’s Corner and greeted by a pleasant older man who would later turn out to be our waiter it was at a cozy two top in the retro-​style café that we soon found ourselves sat, the days specials quickly highlighted though there was little doubt that the order would be focused on the iconic space’s classic plates.
Long heralded for its influence on Southern Comfort Food, and said by some to have conjured up the very idea of pairing shrimp with grits under the toque of Bill Neal, the small café at the corner of Merritt Mill and Franklin is now helmed by native North Carolinian Bill Smith and sourcing everything from the ingredients to the art on the walls locally it would be difficult to say there is a more ‘quintessential’ restaurant in all of Chapel Hill.
Full of Southern Hospitality, both waiters and bussers all «Sir, Ma’am, P’s and Q’s,» it was not long after seating that water was filled and drinks were offered but short on time due to a later dinner reservation the later was declined, an order of two appetizers, an entrée, as well as a side soon ordered and requested to be delivered all at once.
Every bit the lively space, nearly every table talking loudly with broad smiles as light music played overhead, it was just as the dining room reached 75% capacity that our meal arrived and with portions quite modest considering the size of the celebrated entrée while appetizers proved a much better value it can only be said that both the dry-​as-​dust cornbread and small shrimp and watery grits were a major letdown, the golden fitters and hoppin’ john far more appealing with the later offering a complex balance of nutty black eyed peas juxtaposing briny pork while crisp vegetables added levity to slowly melting cheese.
Still a bit miffed about both the price and quality of the shrimp and grits, but willing to give the sweets a chance to shine, it was with a few puppies as well as the rest of the chickpeas and rice boxed to go that Banana Pudding was ordered and with ripe bananas amidst a sweet custard base the bowl was indeed «good,» the cloud of meringue and lack of soggy wafers actually bordering on great.

We came to Crook’s Corner for brunch on a Sunday — it’s about halfway between a casual brunch /​diner kind of place and a hipster /​bohemian artsy establishment. Contrast the inside art with the open patio for what I mean.
In town for a conference, I followed Unilocal’s recommendation and ordered the shrimp and grits. This was my first experience with grits — ever! — and Unilocal did not disappoint. The shrimp is fresh and flavorful, and the bacon adds a nice texture and salty flavor. Not sure if grits are exactly my thing, but if you like them the grits here seem worth it. It’s a tad on the expensive side for how much you get, but you’ll get some tasty food out of it.
My friend ordered the Eggs Rachel, and I tasted that as well. It seemed a bit like a hodgepodge of different ingredients, but I really liked the creamy egg texture and salty ham addition as well. The tomatoes round out the taste in that dish.
It was kind of a cold day when we went and, although there were heaters in the outdoor patio, there was a bit of a draft coming though the bottom of the side panels which led for a bit of a cold experience. You may want to sit inside if you get cold easily.
Overall, it was a fine brunch meal with only a slightly Southern flavor. Were it not for grits on the menu or the odd Southern amenity, I feel like it could’ve been anywhere else in America. Solid, but not spectacular.