Q: positive

A: This. Place. I can't believe I've lived in Charlotte for 5 years and somehow hadn't wandered over to Brooks'. It's perfect casual location for a take-out lunch with friends. I looked on Yelp to make sure we were all talking about the same place. Greasy, happy food in paper bags-cash only. Yep, that's the one. We arrived and I was immediately overcome with the aroma of sizzling beef. Vegetarian or not, you can't argue with that smell. It's divine. One of my dining partners, a MD, is a regular, and I heard shouts of, "Hey, Doc!" and realized the owners have a personal relationship with their customers. Something I truly appreciate. Having perused the menu ahead of time, I found that there aren't really any overt vegetarian options, but I didn't let that dampen my enthusiasm. I opted for an off-the-menu grilled cheese with tomato. No balking by the staff, and I think my sandwich was sublime. Coupled with fresh, nicely salted fries and a canned soft drink, it left nothing to be desired. What I appreciated about the grilled cheese is that it was served on a hamburger bun, but was pressed almost like a cuban sandwich...so the edges were crisp and held up well to the potentially soggy tomato situation. Once we received our orders, labeled in small paper bags, it was out to the covered, long, standing picnic table just outside the door. I love the communal dining aspect of the experience and the opportunity it afforded to enjoy a lunch while standing and chatting with my friends. One of the twin brothers stepped outside to share a joke with our party. Super southern, super kind. They're open for breakfast and lunch, Monday through Friday, and appear to have a large, fiercely loyal following. Apparently their chili is a big deal. So go try Brooks'. Take along a few friends, a $20 and some TUMS. You'll leave happy.

Q: negative

A: Definitely not worth 4-5 stars! The price is expensive at $65 for 2 people for sub par food taste, quality, selection, ambiance, and decor. This place looks like a staff canteen with few decorations and some lighting. Other than that the food were served in an ordinary looking like plastic bowls and tray. I was looking for the sexy-posh-blingy flair that the hotel exude which was definitely missing in Wicked Spoon. We saw food preparers with piled up plastic containers filled with food just right behind the counters refilling the food. This can view can really looked very unappetizing. There is a discreet way to do this I am sure.The cheese selection was nothing extra ordinary unlike the Bacchanals. The salad table was nowhere to be found, the prime rib was tough and chewy, the seafood selection was limited and most of the food available were cheap eats. They had 3-4 pizza selections? Why and for what? I dont have to go to Wicked spoon for pizza. Again cheap eats. And if I can I would give Zero star to the unhappy, mean and unfriendly man serving the ice cream on the desert section. Of all places why in the dessert section. They need to fire that man because he is very miserable. Really, eating here I felt like I was in a different lower quality hotel but paid for the Cosmopolitan rate.

Q: positive

A: Free wi-fi, tv and reading materials while you wait, which is really nice to offer. Price is competitive for the type of wash, however they seem to take great care when doing windows and interior once truck comes out of conveyor. The fifth star is earned by the shoeshine that is also offered while you wait. I'm a sucker for old school service like that and love this place for it. They also have a check-in discount which is also kinda awesome.

Q: negative

A:
Way too pricey for the chain. I realize I'm stuck at the airport, but the combos are $1-2 more expensive than anywhere else. I'd hate to wait in line if they were very busy aswell. Otherwise, the food is what you expect.