Absolutely awful! Never going back. This place is a shit show. The price doesn't match the little…read moreamount of food I actually got. It was way to expensive. I had to wait for 45 unbearable minutes and when I asked where my food is they said "oops it was in the back the whole time" they thought it was funny I thought I'm starving and I have been waiting FOR 45 MINUTES , some of the girl employees were talking and screaming for everyone to hear. Personally for me it wasn't a good experience. I am very sad because I have gone before and nothing was wrong. The food was also really discusting this time.

Let me preface this review by saying, I love barbeque…read more So not too long ago, I was mulling around White Bear Lake on lunch break and out of the 80's suburban regularity CG Hooks appeared. I knew as soon as I saw it from the Taco Johns parking lot that this CG Hooks and I had a date with destiny. For there has always been a great dilemma in this Northern clime of where to find good barbeque and I thought I had found it. Alas, my experience with CG Hooks the next week was mixed at best. What attracts the senses to good barbeque is always the scent of smoking brisket and indeed, that is what caught my attention. In front of the unassuming restaurant is a large smoker from which emits that dark meaty fragrance that lures in the passersby. This is how CG Hooks makes its initial impression to me, all of which seemed good. After taking a look at the menu, I was encouraged by the selection. So, I ordered a beef brisket sandwich with my favorite fixins: baked beans and corn bread. Then comes the bad; I was surprised after getting the total which came closer to $20 than I really feel comfortable with for just lunch. I tried to comfort myself by saying the portions waiting for me in the little bag I clutched must be huge. But then, just another disappointment; the beans were in a container I normally associate with condiments and the cornbread was closer to a cookie than a muffin in size. The brisket was good, but there just wasn't much there. To be fair, they made me a sandwich which, isn't really on the menu because I was getting takeout. Overall the taste was decent, portions small and price high. I intend to visit again and eat in to see if my experience is any better, but for now I cannot rate ye high, CG Hooks.

Overall Score: 4/5 Solid spot for a Chicago-style fast food…read morefix. Messy, greasy, and flavor-forward in the way you want. Food [2/3] Let's talk flavor and execution. Philly Sandwich Steak - This was a well-built sandwich. The onions, peppers, steak, and cheese came together in a cohesive mix, so each bite included a little of everything rather than feeling uneven or scattered. The cheese melted into the filling nicely, acting almost like a binder that brought the flavors together. The roll looked oversized at first, but its soft, airy texture created an excellent meat-to-bread ratio. My only criticism is that the beef seemed slightly overcooked, which introduced a touch of dryness. That may vary from sandwich to sandwich, but it was noticeable here. The sandwich can feel a bit heavy bite-after-bite. Italian Beef Sandwich with The Works - "The Works" included hot peppers, dipped in broth, and American cheese. Presentation-wise, this sandwich did not make the best first impression. The pale roll and heavily soaked exterior were not especially appealing visually, and with the extra dip, this is absolutely a sandwich best eaten fresh on-site rather than taken to go. But the first bite changed everything. The jus soaked into the bread and delivered a rush of flavor, while the beef was sliced and portioned in a way that made every bite feel substantial and satisfying. The giardiniera brought welcome heat and acidity, cutting through the richness and keeping the sandwich from feeling too heavy. The American cheese stayed in the background, but that actually worked to the sandwich's advantage by allowing the broth and beef to remain the focal point. This was the standout item, and easily the reason I would return. Cheese Curd - These were lightly battered, which let the cheese take center stage. For a fast-food setting, they were quite good and better than expected. Breaded Mushrooms - These are good if you miss and crave breaded mushrooms. Biting into these, one would expect a hot oily broth to flow out adding to the mushroom flavor, but there was no broth and the mushroom flavor was light. The marinara type sauce didn't pair well, so I did get a side of ranch to dip these in. Would order these again only if I crave bread mushrooms. Service[1/1] Service was exactly what it needed to be for a fast-food restaurant: prompt, clear, and helpful. The cashier took my order efficiently, clarified the available add-ons for the Italian beef, and responded well when I asked for a water cup. When I came back for ranch, he accommodated that request without issue. It was not full-service dining, nor should it be judged as such, but it met the standard for good quick-service hospitality. Atmosphere/Ambiance[0/1] The dining area is functional but not inviting. Seating is limited to a handful of booths and a small round table, and while the tables had been cleared, they were not especially clean. Flickering menu boards added to the worn fast-food feel, and the steady presence of people coming in to use the ATM created a somewhat distracting atmosphere. It gets the job done, but ambiance is not part of the appeal here.

Great Chicago style food. The Gyro platter is the best and…read morethe Philly Cheesesteak is right on

I have been twice and my last visit was underwhelming but I still give them a 5 stars. I'll come…read moreback to give them a best out of 3 The first time here I was so comforted by the truffle fries and their signature burger. I don't know what happened this last time but it didn't taste as fresh and came out a little warm. Oh but definitely don't skip out on their bacon wrapped curds. I forgot to order them this last time and boy did I regret it... I love the vibe, a bit of a classic diner joint with modern touches. The menu is fairly simple and straightforward with some twists. Service is friendly! I would recommend anyone to try them out. I will revise after my third visit, hopefully adding more compliments!

Everything went well! Special shout out to the staff that…read moremakes everything perfect! Great food! Never disappointed!

I came here for the bakery items. My friend was raving about the bakery items. She brought me here…read morefor my first time! I got a ham and cheese bread and the hot dog bread! I enjoyed both! The place is very clean and sleek! The service was friendly.

Reposted from May 2023: So happy for a new boba choice in Maplewood! We felt like the BP location's…read moreblack milk tea was a bit inconsistent and not strong enough on the tea flavor/too creamy. However, here was perfect at 70% sweet, less ice. We tried one with the soy pudding, a new topping. They were kind to let us sample it. it's really good I don't think we've seen us on the menu anywhere else in the US. We did not try the boba today, but will keep going and update! UPDATE: tried the brown sugar milk tea as well- super good and not too sweet at regular sweet level. Boba is good texture and flavor Their baked goods are delicious! Today got the shredded pork bun. My only wish is that you could order a plain milk tea without getting charged for a topping.

I love their meat. Came by here just for some experimenting with different meat shops and can say…read morethis is my new go-to place!

Excellent customer service. Friendly staff and quality cuts. I visit this location regularly and…read moreget consistent quality service.

Great place to stop in for a quick bite on the go. It's a deli/convenience store that does up…read moreChicago style dogs, Gyros and Phillys, etc. Fries are excellent. They've got chicken wings as well. Most of all, this place is really affordable ($5 meal?). There are a couple of benches to sit on, but no table seating. Maybe the first Gyro I've had with fried onions on it, which gave it a sweeter flavor. Nonetheless, great lamb and sauce. If you're in the 'hood, it's definitely worth stepping into. Great guys working the counter too.

Did not enjoy my food I waited 30 mins for a my food and it was not right I have been going to…read morethis restaurant for years different people take it over and the food is getting horrible me and my family will never never eat at this restaurant again

Cashier was kind and friendly. The restaurant was clean and bright. I ordered the ube milk tea and…read morethe Nutella Mochi Donut. The boba pearls were fresh tasting. The Mochi Donut was soft and fluffy. I would recommend stopping here for a refreshing pick me up. They also sell specialty corn dogs that seem very popular!

All the boba tea is premade. No adjusting sugar level. Just as pricey as normal boba shops that let…read moreyou do that. I do like their Korean hot dogs.

Such a wonderful neighborhood treasure Delicious, fun and…read morelocal institution that supports the community What's not to love?

If you can walk or bike here, you are very very lucky. If it's a short drive, you should come here…read moreoften. The wait on a Sunday at 3 pm was surprisingly long, but everyone was in a good mood and I saw a lot of good food. Many different colors of flavored cones were being eaten and lots of cheese curds too. Sadly, my peanut butter cone was almost vanilla. Still good.