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Hoover’s Cooking is a true Austin original where the aroma of slow-simmered Texas Southern comfort food welcomes you like family the moment you walk in. From perfectly seasoned fried chicken and fall-off-the-bone ribs to creamy macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and classic desserts made from scratch, every dish reflects generations of down-home cooking and Texas hospitality. Whether you’re stopping by for a hearty weekday lunch, gathering with loved ones for a soulful dinner, or craving an authentic taste of Austin’s food heritage, Hoover’s delivers bold flavors, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors coming back again and again.
Chicken-fried steak, pork ribs, sandwiches & sides are the calling cards of this Southern kitchen.
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Hoover’s Cooking – Austin
Hoover Alexander’s roots run deep through Texas. A native East Austinite and a fifth-generation Texan, Hoover and his cooking are inspired by the state itself.
Hoover’s, beloved Austin soul food restaurant, to close after almost …
Native Austinite Hoover Alexander will close his Hoover’s Cooking on Manor Road this spring, though the patron saint of the “cosmic pudding …
Austin southern restaurant Hoover’s Cooking closing after nearly 30 …
AUSTIN, Texas — An East Austin southern restaurant is closing its doors for good after nearly 30 years. On Thursday, Hoover’s Cooking owner …
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Reviews
Lee Lastovica
When I looked at the menu, the meatloaf sounded like a good choice. But when I realized that this was a place known for its fried chicken, I decided to try it out. The chicken itself was actually juicy, but the batter was not really crisp like I expect from fried chicken. For sides I had black eyed peas, mac & cheese and mashed potatoes. And while nothing I had today was “bad” I also was not overly impressed. Pretty average flavors with no real standouts. I will say that the table next to me ordered the meatloaf and it looked good and smelled amazing as it passed by.
The walls are filled with newspaper articles and accolades. I don’t want to discourage anyone from trying this restaurant, but it just didn’t appeal to my tastebuds.
… moreThe walls are filled with newspaper articles and accolades. I don’t want to discourage anyone from trying this restaurant, but it just didn’t appeal to my tastebuds.
Karen
I got a delivery. The best thing about this food was the delivery driver! For as much as this food cost, it was a dismal disappointment. I’m not from Austin, but a friend told us if we wanted GOOD soul food, go to Hoover’s. BOY WAS HE WRONG!!!! This food was nothing to write home about or suggest to anyone. We got the Chicken Fried Steak with Mustard Greens and Potato Salad. Nothing was good. It was just all okay. The greens were WAY too sweet. The potato salad needed salt, and the chicken fried steak was bearable. The gravy was mediocre. We also got Turkey & Stuffing with Candied Jams, and Green Beans. The turkey was dry. The stuffing was the dry hard pieces, and the Jams had a weird taste to them. I don’t think I need to say anything about that so called Peach Cobbler. Just see the picture. Absolutely HORRIBLE!! Obviously, I will never go to this place again or recommend it to anyone. What a waste of $80.
… moreBlack&White Photography
Stopped in and had some honest food.
There was no wait and the staff was pleasant.
From the website.
Hoover Alexander’s passion for food is rooted in Texas soil, inspired by his upbringing on a family farm in Utley. From freshly picked peas and melons to farm-raised meats, he grew up eating what is now called “farm-to-table.” Thanks to strong relationships with local farmers, Hoover’s Cooking continues to bring fresh, high-quality ingredients to every plate, honoring the rich traditions of Texas cuisine.
… moreThere was no wait and the staff was pleasant.
From the website.
Hoover Alexander’s passion for food is rooted in Texas soil, inspired by his upbringing on a family farm in Utley. From freshly picked peas and melons to farm-raised meats, he grew up eating what is now called “farm-to-table.” Thanks to strong relationships with local farmers, Hoover’s Cooking continues to bring fresh, high-quality ingredients to every plate, honoring the rich traditions of Texas cuisine.
M B
Had a great experience at Hoovers after a UT game. Friendly staff with a great menu selection. Service was quick considering the circumstances. Group of four all said their meals were excellent. Great selection of sides. Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.
… moreColleen Duncan
Wonderful food, have been coming here for years from time to time. Been a while however, since I don’t live close to Austin anymore. I think it’s kind of sad that they don’t include a small basket of biscuits & corn muffins as complimentary table service, I suppose they would blame inflation. It hits us all, but these items are very cheap to produce.
I would not let this stop me from going… it’s just sad to see the little customer service perks go by the wayside.
Meatloaf is marvelous, The greens (with cornbread) are my favorite plus the okra & tomatoes!! Also had peach cobbler pie to take home & it was wonderful. To go containers happily provided- plenty of food for 2 meals for me, at least.
… moreI would not let this stop me from going… it’s just sad to see the little customer service perks go by the wayside.
Meatloaf is marvelous, The greens (with cornbread) are my favorite plus the okra & tomatoes!! Also had peach cobbler pie to take home & it was wonderful. To go containers happily provided- plenty of food for 2 meals for me, at least.
Desira Glenn
I really wanted to love this place. It was my first time visiting Hoover’s Cooking, and it was a special occasion—my father had flown in for his birthday. My sister picked the restaurant because she thought the family-owned feel would remind him of his favorite eatery back home. There were 12 of us, and we were able to reserve the private room, not the main dining area.
On the positive side, it was easy to book the private room in person, and it was the perfect space for our gathering. They even let us decorate it, which was a nice touch. Mr. Hoover himself and the host (an older gentleman) were both incredibly kind and welcoming.
Unfortunately, the experience went downhill from there. I would strongly recommend avoiding the restrooms. The food, which is the most important part, was a huge disappointment. My fish was beyond bland—ketchup only got me a third of the way through it. My father’s fried chicken was flavorless, and my mother’s yams and coleslaw weren’t even edible. My little niece wouldn’t touch her grilled cheese. I could go on, but let’s just say it was our first and last time dining there. Adding to the poor experience, our two wait staff never smiled once and seemed truly unhappy to perform their duties of taking orders and bringing refills.
I really wish we had a better experience because Mr. Hoover was a cool guy, and I am a strong supporter of black-owned businesses. In that spirit, I’d say try it for yourself; maybe our experience was an off night.
… moreOn the positive side, it was easy to book the private room in person, and it was the perfect space for our gathering. They even let us decorate it, which was a nice touch. Mr. Hoover himself and the host (an older gentleman) were both incredibly kind and welcoming.
Unfortunately, the experience went downhill from there. I would strongly recommend avoiding the restrooms. The food, which is the most important part, was a huge disappointment. My fish was beyond bland—ketchup only got me a third of the way through it. My father’s fried chicken was flavorless, and my mother’s yams and coleslaw weren’t even edible. My little niece wouldn’t touch her grilled cheese. I could go on, but let’s just say it was our first and last time dining there. Adding to the poor experience, our two wait staff never smiled once and seemed truly unhappy to perform their duties of taking orders and bringing refills.
I really wish we had a better experience because Mr. Hoover was a cool guy, and I am a strong supporter of black-owned businesses. In that spirit, I’d say try it for yourself; maybe our experience was an off night.
Rosa Briceno
Not what it used to be. I am so disappointed. Food was so bad. Server was unfriendly. She made us feel like she didn’t want us there. They do not have to worry about us returning. We tried ordering dessert but she informed us that the kitchen was closed. Online site and sign on door said we still had an hour. THEN, another table ordered dessert to go and got it. Again, this is not the Hoovers from before.
… moreTina Kelley
I looked at the menu and said to myself well you have eaten at Hoovers and it was good. Do I ordered delivery and got the fish which turned out to be a taste disappointment and disaster to my taste buds!! It had absolutely no seasoning and flavor at all! The broccoli was a 2 cluster spear with no butter and a lemon slice in inside (wondering if this was to assist in keeping it fresh) then to the fried okra which was trash and had no seasoning at all! The entire meal was a waste and total disappointment
Thank you kindly for understanding
… moreThank you kindly for understanding
Sarah Summers
We’ve been revisiting all of my uncle’s favorite restaurants in Austin, and we always get a coconut cream pie wherever it’s served. Hoover’s take on this classic was SO GOOD! Not too sweet and really excellent custard. Arguably the best we’ve had. Everything we ate was delicious – the spicy chicken sandwich, chicken fried steak, ham with jezebel sauce, chicken and dumplings. And the cole slaw was honestly incredible. My favorite so far.
To top it off, the staff was so kind and conversational. We will definitely be back again and again.
… moreTo top it off, the staff was so kind and conversational. We will definitely be back again and again.
Joumana Accad
This is a place for anyone who has a hankering for the 70s, and Austin as it was back then. The special was chicken and dumplings and we were told it was « real good » but the temperature outside was around 105F so we passed. The waitress was sweet and hard at work. The clientele was for the most part over 60 or 70 old-timers and big fans of the place and it’s famed chef, Hoover. The collard greens side was a disappointment however.
… more