SHACK

I’m rating 3 stars because the service was pretty good, I was helped immediately and was checked on frequently. What’s taking points off is the prices and the actual food, I’ve ate Harold’s my entire life in Chicago so I know how much a 6 piece with lemon pepper and mild sauce costs… and it’s not $17 lol😭 not only that I’m not sure if it’s the lemon pepper that’s different or the mild sauce.. or both, definitely doesn’t taste like back home but it isn’t nasty. I personally knowing what real Harold’s taste like would not spend $17 on it again and wouldn’t mind just waiting until I go home, but If you’re craving it I guess I’d suggest it.

We arrived this Saturday at 11:15 AM to find the restaurant doors open, but the lights, music, and TVs were off, and the chairs were still turned upside down on the tables. One of your cooks informed us that the servers were late. He graciously took our order and was both professional and apologetic. Around 11:30 AM, two servers arrived. One entered and immediately asked if anyone had taken care of us. However, the other young lady came in wearing very short pajamas, a bonnet, and house shoes. Please understand that the business was already open, and this attire and behavior disregard basic safety and sanitation standards. Our order came out 45 minutes later. We still wanted to tip both the cook and the server because we felt embarrassed for the poor representation of one of our favorite Chicago restaurants. To ownership: Please accept this feedback from someone who has operated a successful restaurant for years in the hospitality industry. When we returned to our car for a quick taste, the fried shrimp breading fell off immediately, and the mild sauce tasted noticeably altered. This feedback is about the overall experience, not the amount spent. Additionally, the catfish did not taste like catfish at all, which raises concern that a substitute fish may have been used.

I ordered a four chicken wing dinner w / fries and cold slaw. The food was good, but I received no cold slaw. Also I was urged by the owner to stop in being from Chicago. His staff was hospitable; but he was not during my visit. He was more hospitable asking me to visit. That took away a bit of the home charm. I also recommend call in your order, I waited 35 minutes.

Great food. First time back since they re-opened and I gotta admit their service has gone down hill. The lady that took my order was more interested on her phone than taking my order. She didnt know how to process my card that doesn't tap pay. When I asked for a receipt, she didn't know how to reprint it. When she escalated it to her manager, she also didnt know how to reprint my receipt either and had to call tech support. After it was all said and done, it took me 40mins to get my order, I paid $46 bucks for two plates and when I got home, realized they forgot my coleslaw. I called them and spoke to Mike (the owner) and he mentioned the coleslaw was complimentary and not included but I could drive back and get it. Horrible experience. Not worth the headache.

1st time ordering & I’m highly disappointed 😔 for what I paid. $16.66 for a breast & wing “dinner” tht did not come with a drink. It was not busy I waited 35 mins & my fries were stiff/cold the breast had pink in the middle I completely lost my appetite the wing & skin of the breast was the best part🥲the bread was buried at the bottom which made it soggy as well. I wanted to take it back bt I had somewhere to be. But customer service was great friendly staff.

A Chicago Transplant Where the Chicken Shines, But Everything Else Falls Short Overall Rating: 3/5 stars (Food pulls it up; service and value drag it down) As someone originally from Chicago, I have a soft spot for Harold’s Chicken Shack. The food is undeniably the highlight and the only reason this place gets any stars from me. The wings are consistently flavorful, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and fried to order just like the classic Harold’s style. That signature mild sauce ties it all together perfectly. But that’s where the positives end. Service is consistently subpar. The cashiers often come across as disinterested or outright grumpy like they’re doing you a favor by taking your order, it’s especially grating here. The real slap in the face is the pricing. Charging $15 for 4 wings or $20 for 8? That’s outrageous compared to original Chicago spots, where wing dinners often run much lower. Even accounting for inflation and regional differences, these prices feel inflated especially since this location started higher than Chicago originals and then hiked them further after expanding with a bar. For a family order (say, six 4-piece wing meals), you’re looking at $90+ easily. In an era of rising costs, I get that businesses adjust, but this crosses into exploitative territory when the core experience is still basic takeout style. If the business is thriving and lines are out the door, owners can charge what the market bears. But for me? I’ll pass. There are too many places delivering great fried chicken without the attitude or the wallet shock. Support businesses that earn it through value and respect, not just nostalgia or convenience. As a Chicago expat, this one hurts. the food reminds me of home, but the rest makes me want to hop a flight back for the real deal at a fair price.

The food was recook old and nasty. I paid a 100.00 and the young lady behind the counter gave her self a 25 tip. While waiting for my order at the bar, the skinny server began to spray a Chemical not saying excuse me to clean of the bar top. Just poor customer service. Cooks were upset that order continued to be place. Make some changes you guys represent our city bad we classy act that way and also change time on your website for Sundays y'all are not open until 12am. I will not recommend this Harold’s to no one!

Before they closed, this was one of the best chicken places in Houston. Since they recently re opened, we have been 3 times and all 3 times it has been horrible. To the owner not sure what happen, but you need to go back to your service and food quality before you closed. Hire staff that actually act like they want to work..