Hooter's at the Mall of America in Minneapolis: Restaurant Review

Hooter's is always worth the visit. Where else are you going to get served some of the best wings on the planet by attractive scantily clad women. Since opening the first Hooter's in Clearwater, Florida in 1983, the chain has grown into a common staple among restaurants. Since opening twenty-five years ago, little has changed from the original decor of the restaurants, the menu and the uniform. Obviously, if it's not broke, don't fix it and people seem to enjoy Hooter's just the way it always was. It is quick, convenient and tasty food. With over 435 restaurants in 42 states and 24 countries that are either company owned or franchises, you're almost sure to find one wherever you go. These days it is also become a more family friendly oriented restaurant then the way it was 25 years ago. It used to be rare to find many females patronizing this establishment, let alone kids. I guess it was only a matter of time before the wives and girlfriends were getting sick of their husbands and boyfriends always going to Hooter's alone and they decided to start joining them. Eventually it became one of the more popular restaurants for families of all ages. Let's face it, most schools require less of an outfit in physical education class. With that said, let's move on to why you should go and that is for the food.

Hooter's at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota is located on the fourth level opposite of Bloomingdale's and can easily be accessed by parking in the East Parking Garage. This location is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday and Saturday they stay open until 1:00 a.m. and on Sunday until 11:00 p.m. All major credit cards are accepted as well as good old fashion cash. This is your classic sports bar, so come as casual as you can, but don't be afraid to show up in a suit and tie. Even the pretty people have to eat and if you happen to be short on time, then get your order to go by phoning 952-854-3110 and it will be ready when you get there.

The appetizers here would cost in the range of $4 for a bowl of chili or soup up to around $17 for a sampler platter of shrimp, crab and wings. My must have is the fried pickles. Though I have attempted several times to make these at home, they just don't compare to Hooter's and their dipping sauce. Yes, it sounds strange and I was a little weary before the first time I tried them, but once I did, I was hooked. The only problem is now they just don't give me enough of them. Another one of my favorite appetizers is the Quesadilla which you can get with chicken, beef or just cheese and comes with lettuce, sour cream and salsa. Believe me this is more than enough for your meal, especially if you have the pickles before hand. The salads are also very large and very filling. My husband likes to get the Caesar Salad with the grilled chicken, however he has them blacken the chicken which gives it a little extra kick. The Hooter's Cobb Salad is so massive, I'd be impressed if you were able to finish the whole thing. For something a little more filling, though not necessarily, the burgers are all very tasty and big. You can get the burgers done anyway you like and have cole slaw, baked beans or potato salad on the side or get an order of curly fries on the side for $2. The Western BBQ Burger is fantastic, but very, very messy. Good thing they keep rolls of paper towels on the tables. Hooter's also offers an authentic Cuban Sandwich or Philly Cheese Steak for around $8. The Steak Sandwich is a little more, but is worth it.

However, with all the above choices of food, you must not forget what is at the top of the food chain at Hooter's. It's the wings at this nearly world famous restaurant that most people order. Whether you need a little or a lot, mild or hot, you can't beat the tastiness of their wings. Seriously, the sauce is so good, you can even purchase it at the supermarket, which I have done on many occasions. Hooter's has always been a beer establishment, however recently they have started offering a full liquor service so order whatever you want, but I would prefer to wash down my wings with a good ice cold Corona, especially if I order the 3-Mile Island sauce on my wings. It's a hot, hot, hot one.