I first discovered this business during the pandemic when it operated as a food truck, serving some of the best Philly-style cheesesteaks in the area. Unfortunately, the quality of the cheesesteaks declined over time, but I was excited when they opened a new fish location here in Harrisburg. Until recently, I really enjoyed this spot because the quality and ingredients were consistently excellent.My latest experience, however, was highly disappointing. I placed an online order and received a text notification stating it was ready for pickup. When I arrived, the food was not ready. I stood waiting for nearly 15 minutes, ringing the counter bell, but the staff ignored it. When someone finally appeared, I told them I was picking up an order. I was told it would be just a few more minutes because they were "waiting on the fries."After waiting another 7 minutes, I asked for an update. The employee immediately walked to the back counter and handed me a box that was already wrapped and sitting there. I hadn't heard anyone packaging food the entire time I stood there. When I got to my car and opened the container, the fries and the rest of the meal were completely wet and soggy from trapped condensation. It was obvious the food had been sitting out for at least 15 minutes while I was told it was still being cooked. I will not be returning to this restaurant. Hopefully, this review helps others looking for a reliable place to eat in Harrisburg. If you want more reviews, please check out my YouTube channel at @brandenleebutler read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - soggy food - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

I first discovered Hookers Seafood Joint thanks to social media doing what it does best -- aggressively showing me videos of garlic butter crab and shrimp fries until resistance became pointless. One look and it immediately earned a spot on my "we're going here soon whether the universe likes it or not" list. Friday Night Date Night doesn't usually send me into the city. After a long week of people-ing, I typically lean toward easier parking and fewer humans. But this Friday? I was willing to tolerate civilization just a little longer for seafood that looked that good. We rolled in around 5pm and somehow scored a street parking spot just a few doors down -- AND it was free after 5pm. At that point I assumed the night was blessed. Walking inside was...an experience. The space was pretty dark, with most of the lighting focused near the kiosk ordering stations at the back. A few empty tables, music playing overhead, and honestly -- it felt a little chilly inside for a February evening. But we didn't come for ambiance. We came for garlic butter seafood chaos, and we were committed. Ordering is done through self-service kiosks. We selected dine-in and ordered the garlic butter crab and shrimp fries ($13.99), the crab cake, shrimp, and cheesy grits ($27.49), and two Diet Pepsis ($1.25 each). Total came to about $55 with tip -- very reasonable considering what we were about to experience. While we waited, a few people came in for pickups and one very busy staff member (hoodie included) was hustling back and forth like a one-person operation keeping everything moving. A little while later, our food arrived -- already packed in to-go containers, which honestly felt like a thoughtful move because leftovers were inevitable. And then we opened the containers. And then...we fell in love. Garlic Butter Crab AND Shrimp Fries: Absolute insanity in the best possible way. Piled high with shrimp and crab -- and I mean no skimping whatsoever. Garlic butter sauce everywhere, perfectly crispy seasoned fries underneath, and rich, savory flavor that made it impossible to slow down. This is the kind of dish you think about later while staring into the void. Crab Cake, Shrimp, and Cheesy Grits: I am not a grits person...or at least I wasn't before this moment. These creamy Gouda cheesy grits have officially converted me. Smooth, savory, and ridiculously good. The crab cake was golden perfection with minimal filler, the shrimp were huge and perfectly seasoned, and the Cajun cream sauce tied everything together into what might be one of the best dishes I've had in months. Possibly longer. I'm still thinking about it. We ate until logic intervened and still left with about a third of the food for round two -- which I'm already excited about. Hookers might be easy to overlook if you're just passing by, but do yourself a favor and make it a destination. If you love seafood, this is easily one of the most underrated spots around. Big flavor, generous portions, fair pricing -- no over-the-top "trying too hard" seafood theatrics required. I showed up curious, left full, and now find myself emotionally attached to cheesy grits. That feels like a successful night. read more

See all

I tried the garlic butter shrimp and fries! It was good, some parts where seasoned more than others but that's nothing. It was really good! I'll be back! read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

A seafood joint that doesn't make their own tartar sauce? Just got a crab cake sandwich delivered via an app, the crab meat was sooo pulverized I couldn't really tell it was crab meat, the breading on the outside was hard and over cooked. So disappointed when it came on a SLIDER sized potato roll. And to top it off, they sent packaged tartar sauce- WHAT? A seafood joint that doesn't make their own house tartar sauce?!? Good thing we still had some of Tepp's house made tartar sauce in our frig. Three stars because our other meal looked and tasted okay! Just a little too salty fr me.. read more

(Warning - unpopular and contrarian review ahead) Let me be honest, I was drawn to coming here just based on the name alone. But that aside, while the menu looks very appealing, what's the point if you can't actually deliver on it? I rumble in about an 90 minutes after opening on a Sunday. No one in the store front. Music and what sounded like some sporting event blaring from the back. I place my order and pay on the touch screen then hover around waiting for the food. Maybe three or four minutes later, a guy comes out from the back and says that they have no crab cakes that day and he doesn't know why it's still on the screen to order. If I want crab, I can do the cream of crab soup or the garlic butter crab fries just no crab cakes. Whatever. Audible on going with shrimp and grits. Maybe 10ish minutes later he comes out and with the shrimp and grits along with an on the house order of the soup and an on the house order of the crab fries. He said he would also have spotted me a dessert but they were out of all three of the choices. Soup - Not at all like the website picture. It looked and tasted like the grits with a small crab ball/cake in the middle of the cup. Oh, and it was stone cold. Fries - Decent sized portion but while the fries were lukewarm, the crab was again, stone cold. Shrimp and Grits - The grits were nuclear hot and took a while to cool down enough to try. Very good flavor and the portion was ludicrously large. I asked for the five shrimp to be steamed but he recommend fried so I went that way. Again, large portion and the shrimp were definitely seasoned aggressively. The kind of aggressive that is still in your mouth a few hours later or until you eat/drink something with a strong opposing flavor to cleanse your palate. I get it, it was only one visit and that makes for a very small sample size but either way, what happened is still what happened. Multiple menu items not available and even though I didn't pay for it, multiple menu items served cold when they're not supposed to be served hot. Not the worst stuff ever, but I'm also not going to rush back either. read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

We stopped in on Sunday...and while quiet,people we coming in and getting take out the entire time we were there. There is a bit of an automated ordering process but don't let that throw you... this is incredible fare and you won't regret stopping in. read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Crabcake and gouda and crab grits... flipping awesome - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

See all

Found this hole in the wall seafood joint on maps and was pleasantly surprised by the steamed shrimp and cheesy grits. Portion was large and temperature was perfect. Flavorful to say the least. I'm DefinAtely going back there. There is no ambiance there what's so ever, but fabulous food. read more

Awesome service -- food made fresh on the spot! My favorite dish was the Gouda cheesy grits! I recommend everyone try this spot out!

Food was horrible! The fish is frozen, not fresh, fries were taste less and soggy. I ordered the three piece whiting with a of fries. Food was hot, but the fish had a peculiar smell to it and it tasted just like it smelled, oily and on the verge of going bad. The "seasoned" fries were a long way from seaso Ed, no salt no pepper. They tasted old not fresh cut, just old reheated frozen fries. I had placed a pick order through GH, when I arrived to pick up my order, the guy at the counter could not find d my order statin " we have no orders under that name" I asked him to look again he went to the back and "found!" my order. I should have left it right there. It really was bad dry taste less frozen fish, old soggy unseasoned refried frozen fries. Seventeen dollars went I to the trash and I am still hungry! Ambiance? There is none. A few tables and chairs, no pictures on the walls, and a very small kitchen I think it was a kitchen, I did not see a stove or any other appliances. Hookers is off my list!! read more

I found this place by google seafood restaurant and I'm happy I found it. The food is amazing. The atmosphere was great and the service was fantastic. A must visit place. read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - (3pc.) Whiting - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

See all

Grease tastes old. Fast service. Not a place you'd sit and eat and enjoy, more of a take out vibe.

The food here is always so yummy! And honestly I think it's super affordable especially for the portions you get. The ambiance is relaxing, and the service is always quick and friendly. read more

See all

Quality crab cake and quality grits. Don't care for the Sheetz-style order kiosks, but it may be a one-woman show and it is managed admirably. My dining companion enjoyed his fried fish sammy. read more

Good service,fast service good ambiance credit card only restaurant slushy can't be deliver read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Looks are deceiving bottom line service was commendable food was very good and plates were plentiful! We took 2 bags home!

Finally!! A good seafood place downtown. The cheesy grits were soooo good, the green onion on top and seasonings were perfect. The only thing was some of the grits were clumping up, made it look like chunky mashed potatoes. The fish batter is delicate, not greasy at all! Be ready to place your order on the pad at the front counter, it took us a min to figure out where to put the credit card - this place is cashless! Unfortunately there wasn't anyone around to help but someone did come out eventually. The music was playing loud so it was hard to hear inside. The slushies were delicious, and since you pour your own you can mix flavors. Price-wise it's a little bit higher than other places downtown but you're paying for quality flavor and seafood. I definitely want to try the garlic butter seafood fries next time! read more

See all

Easy to order online. I got the fried shrimp and grits, so good. Plenty of grits left over for a second serving. Shrimp was fried and seasoned very well (more salt than I'm used to but with a cold beer it was great!) read more

We were in town for a church conference (October 1-4) and stopped by on Friday and again on Saturday before heading to the airport because it was that good! This is by far one of the best restaurants in the city. I've never had grits so delicious, and the fried shrimp and flounder were absolutely delightful. What really stood out were the owners young men who are truly making it happen. Their service, professionalism, and genuine politeness were second to none. If you're in the area, you have to visit this place. You won't regret it! read more

Hot diggity dog ! I travel for work and eat so many places but when I see Harrisburg pop up in my schedule I get excited like a little school boy! Not because it's 12 degrees but because I know I am gonna get some of the best grits that ever hit my tongue ! It's doesn't stop there those huge shrimp and white fish!! Y'all are making some darn great food there and I am a repeat customer !! read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Shrimp,grits,white fish - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The staff was friendly, but the restaurant felt a bit disheveled and unorganized. Unfortunately, the food was disappointing because the grits were served cold, I really can't think of a good reason for grits to be cold. read more

Get the fires with crab and shrimp, holy cow and don't forget to get cream of crab soup and oh my gosh have a fish sandwich, hot and heavy!!!! They are killing it. STUPID GOOD!!! I'll be back soon! read more

This modest (mostly) takeout place was a surprise treat that I'll definitely be returning to anytime I'm performing at The Forum across the street. Great tasting food and a really nice guy in the back made this a happy find on a Sunday afternoon when most of Harrisburg is shut down. read more

$15 for a paper tray of fish and chips to eat in. Fish was thin and over seasoned. Fries were good. I would not return. Didn't taste very good and was fairly pricey. read more

Well I keep going back and keep forgetting to take a picture, but not this time!! I again went with my tried and true, flounder, shrimp and cheesy grits and again, I wasn't disappointed. I have yet to dine in because the location is literary right next door to my place, but I like the fact that they don't skimp on the food portions when you have take-out. I've watched other customers receive their food while dining in and it's exactly the same amount of food I get with take-out. The food has never been disappointing and it's perfectly cooked. The price is slightly high, but what isn't these days and I don't mind paying more for good quality food that has me stuffed before I can take the last bite. Hours have been adjusted a little, but I think that's what needs to be done when you have a business downtown that pretty much shuts down when everybody leaves the Capital. Again, come out and support this black owned, very friendly business. You won't be disappointed!! read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Flounder Shrimp and cheese grits - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

After driving 10.6 hours from Atlanta my wife and I found this restaurant thirty minutes before they were due to close. We were greeted by an extremely nice female who went out of her way to help us order on the computer. We ordered take out-fried shrimp for me and flounder and grits for my wife. Got back to our motel to eat. Both meals were absolutely delicious. Great meal to end a tiring day traveling. read more

The fish was good. The whiting appeared pre frozen and the flounder according to my friend was good. The prices were comparable with the exception of the crab soup which is over priced rounded off at $10 and salty in a small wonton type plastic container. Not worth the money. The ambiance needs upgrade and more welcoming atmosphere. They need to attend the tables for wipe downs after usag. Location is in a very well maintained area looks better than NY or DC read more

Just grabbed carry out @Hookers Seafood Joint.. Notice the Polite Staff, Fairly Quick Service, Cool Ambience & Decent Music Choice.. needs more inviting Decor. Food was Fresh/Tasty & Nothing was overcooked or over seasoned..Ordered the Fried Shrimp & Whiting Platter with Gouda Grits. The shrimp are colossal! $18 for the platter, and it will feed you 2X!! Grits surprised me! ..most restaurants I've been to in the area can't get them right..oh and The Garlic Crab & Shrimp fries are top tier! Money Well Spent :-) #Itis read more

Hookers Seafood Joint - Garlic Garlic Butter Crab AND Shrimp Fries - Seafood Near Me - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

See all

Been back on the East Coast from NM since October. We have been looking for that down home, fresh and authentic seafood! Well tonight? We found it. Very simple seafood restaurant with great quality ! Will be back! read more

Just had this for the first time, and I'm going to be back! The shrimp 'n grits are on point!

The food was delicious, perfectly fried fish, shrimp and french fries. I would order again if I was passing through town again. Hookers is a place you order for take out. It was very uncomfortable sitting waiting for our food with extremely loud club music playing. The music was so loud the cooks in the back had to yell over each other to talk. There was no one in the place at the register when we went at 4pm. There are two kiosks to place your order. Once your food is done someone comes out with it bagged up. So the assumption is you are not going to be eating in the restaurant. The young man who brought the food out from the kitchen, called my name and didn't even look at me when he said, "Have a good day." He put the bag on the counter and walked away. Food 5, Service 4, Ambiance 3 I would have given 5 stars were it not for the loud music. read more

Great service. Great atmosphere. The food took a good amount of time so you know it was coming out fresh. And it did. Everything was good. The crab & fries was great aswell as the grits. Highly recommend if you in the area. read more

The seafood is seasoned and cooked perfectly. Don't get me started on the Cheesy Grits! I started eating and could not stop. So far, we have had the Whiting, Flounder, Shrimp and the Grits. We have not been disappointed in anything. At Last, someone who knows how it should be Done! read more