I have eaten the food Mr. Hoover Alexander cooks since he was back at Good Eats in the 80s. I know all places have bad days and some of these reviews seem to reflect that. I personally have never had a one star meal here, and as I said I have eaten this man's cooking for thirty years. read more

I picked up two turkeys (smoked and roasted) for our school staff for a thanksgiving meal. They were really helpful and nice while I was picking them up. The staff seemed to love them, they were gone by the end of the day! Lots of good feedback on the taste of them. I don't eat much meat so I didn't try it but it was certainly a hit. The next morning I realized the box leaked all over the backseat of my car -- turkey grease! Working on home remedies to get it out now. I wish I had been warned that it was possible that it might leak, I would have had him put it in the trunk or bring something to cover my upholstery. Total bummer! read more

I've never had southern cooking so I thought I'd give this place a try. I really wanted to like this place but the food doesn't even compare to Luby's. Outside Hoovers looks great and inside the place looks nice and cozy but that's where it ends. Waiter told us everything is made from scratch so that seemed like a plus to us, but everything we ordered from the Chili Queso, Fried Porkchop, Sausage, and sides were anything but fresh. My Sausages were pre-cut for me and they tasted like old jerky. My sides were the worse, the Mac and Cheese you would think is the bomb... sorry no... it was a watery mess... cheeze wiz would have been an improvement. And my Caribbean Rice... Uncle Bens would have been an improvement as well. Only thing I enjoyed were the cornbread and the cinnamon biscuits. Unfortunately, I can't say I would be returning back to this place unless they replaced the chef!! read more

I was visiting the Carver Cultural Center & planning to check out Stubbs for lunch. Instead I was directed to Hoovers which was nearby. I must say that Hoovers was delicious!!! They didn't disappoint. I ordered the half BBQ chicken with 2 sides. The meat was very flavorful & juicy. The sides were tasty too. Large portions. Everything was just right, nothing was too salty or greasy. The price was right too! Nevertheless, I decided to try Stubbs the next day and there is no comparison. Hoovers has better food, better prices and free parking. read more

It was at Hoover's Cooking that I discovered the Arnold Palmer - a wonderfully refreshing drink also known as the "half and half". Made with one part lemonade and one part sweet tea, the Arnold Palmer is the perfect drink to go with any soul food selection on the menu. Their entrees are generously portioned, and if you're not that hungry when you arrive, you'll come home with a to-go box. The Chicken Fried Steak is the best I've head in Austin, so I don't do much experimenting when I order. In four years, it has never let me down, so why mess with a good thing? My friend always orders the meatloaf (tried it. delicious.) and another always orders the catfish (tried it. delicious.) Their Mac & Cheese is pretty bland, so I'd stay away. My sides of choice are the Mashed Potatoes and either Green Beans or Mustard Greens. I've recently discovered their weekend brunch and don't know how I ever went a Sunday without it. Their standard biscuits and gravy are good, but the real gem is the Chicken Etouffee and Biscuits. Four pieces of chicken on four biscuit halves doused in a delicious sauce that I can't even describe. With a side of Cheddar Grits, you've found one of the best breakfasts in Austin. The service is first-rate, as well. Large groups are always welcomed, though during busy times it may be tough to get a table. And splitting checks? They do it happily (unlike some businesses I won't mention.) read more

Used to go to Hoover's back in the day, it was always decent but last night, Very impressed! The catfish, cowboy beans, and chicken fried chicken were all great, the gravy was a major bonus. The service was fantastic, not some hipster jackass, trying to get some extra change to buy a new bike. The catfish was really fresh and tender, crunchy, great consistency, but lacked spiciness. Oh, the bloody mary was fantastic as well, lots of pepper, very refreshing. Wow, wouldn't think I'd say this but here goes, Hoover's and I will probably have a once a week relationship, if they keep this up! read more

If you want some yummy chicken fried steak, this is the place to go! It was really good. Their chipotle quesadillas were the best ever. It's an appetizer but they give you 6 huge pieces. I ate it as a meal. The waitstaff was friendly and I will definitely be coming back. read more

Wear elastic pants! Soul food done the way it should be - BIG BOLD and GREASY!! Probably the best chicken fried chicken and chicken fried steak i have had anywhere. GIANT portions of delicious food. Excellent Mac and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, and Fried Okra. I've alaso had some great fish specials here as well. read more

So you think Sunday lunch should be like eating at Grandma's house---not this trip. First of all we were met by a grouse-y hostess who could not be bothered to smile or greet. Then she seated us, while the main dining room wasn't even a third full, in the overflow room that feels like a crying lounge or time out palace at a nursery school. They even have a fan to move the air around back there. This room should be used ONLY when the need arises! So I opened my menu to a slimy sticky mess. Bummer. We got up and ask to be moved to the main dining room. Back amongst light and air, we were moved to a great waitresses section. She recommended the consumate Sunday lunch meal of chicken and dressing. So we both ordered that. I got mine with a salad. Okay--this was the worst salad I have ever had. How can you mess up a dinner salad? Well, to start, make sure the tomatoes are hard and pink. (Don't serve stuff like this!!! ) Then make sure the lettuce looks like it was cut yesterday---purple cabbage too. It probably was. Really, this was just terrible. Then the meal comes. This entree was just uninspired. It was a dry chicken breast with some bland gravy and some okay dressing. I have been eating at Hoovers for years, but I won't be back. Hoover---you need to crack the whip on some side work. Clean your menus and your salt and pepper shakers--they were GREASY! Your booths are all banged up. Go spy on Trudy's and see how they make their servers slave over side work after each shift. Run those table condiment containers thru the dishwasher---daily! It matters. I have seen great restaurants in this town go down because of stuff like this. You were not full on a Sunday at noon---that's a bad sign. All of this stuff could be solved with a little management---lest you end up on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares. read more

After everything I'd heard about Hoover's... I gotta say, I was unimpressed. Everything was just pretty average and so-so. There are way better places over here to go to on the eastside.... that actually have some flavor! read more

Not only does this place have really great food, but the employees are also wonderful. My boyfriend and I just ate and waited for about 30 minutes, because of the New Years Day bustle. The host was very nice and fun to be around. I don't mind being patient for a meal from a good business like this. I love the cook's story and will definitely be supporting this place for a long time! read more

MAN! I absolutely loved my experience at Hoover's. Being from a small town, I loved the atmosphere. Everyone was super friendly. Our waiter, Rosco was excellent. Did I mention the food? Amazing! Seriously. Those mustard greens are better than Grandma's. (Don't tell her I said that.) And even though it wasn't on the menu, we had a delightful root beer float for dessert. This is definitely one of those we will visit regularly. read more

Hoover's is a new favorite for me. Great southern food in the heart of downtown. Everything that I've ordered thus far has been sooo good!

Very solid southern comfort food. I would not classify this as a BBQ joint. Fast, efficient, and friendly service. Oh yeah, and great food.

The gumbo is made with smoked chicken so it ruins the flavor to me and I love gumbo- the cfs, Cobb salad and catfish are all to die for! He also makes butter beans just like my grandmother used to make! read more

This place is great. Fish is tasty. Pork chops can be cut with a fork. Great atmosphere. Great staff. Nothing left in the plates.

This is my new favorite spot in East Austin. It has everything I love!!! Well prepared food, nice selection...great homey-themed decor...spacious...Full Bar!!...Perfectly fried catfish!!! I even came on a Saturday, around noon and it was still Wonderful!!! 5 stars from me, Baby!!! read more

This is hands-down my favorite comfort food in Austin. The smothered porkchops are TO DIE FOR.

At first, this was a four star review because the service was slow, but then the food came. Don't know about their other offerings, but the burger was terrible -- a small dry, over-cooked patty on huge bun. Don't get the burger! read more

Yum! Took the advice and tried it out. Let me tell you! Great food, great service. Must try!

Hoovers catered my wedding two weeks ago and did a fantastic job, and Skip was a pleasure to work with. My guests raved about their meals, saying it was some of the best wedding food they ever had. Little did they know that it was an extremely affordable catering option! We loved giving our guests from Ohio a taste of delicious Southern food. Their staff even packaged up the leftovers in trays for us. We also had them bartend, and their bartender Taylor got along well with the guests and made some fabulous-tasting margaritas. Look into Hoovers if you are planning a party or a wedding and want an affordable option that doesn't skimp on taste or service. read more

This place does not get enough recognition. The experience that my friends and I had at Hoover's cooking was comparable to none. The service is top of the line, I had never been treated better in my life. The food is amazing and with the "home cooked" feel. Hoover's cooking is the best place to get southern food in Austin in my opinion. If you are in Austin just for a day, I would say this is a must go place to get a good Austin meal with the famous southern hospitality of Texas. read more

Friendly server who was very attentive. The meat was fantastic, the sides were sub par.

I've been here a couple of times. The smell from outside inspired me to get the bbq chicken and links this time. Very good. And the desserts are great. read more

I could not have had more fun than I did. Service was good, food was tasty, all kinds of different flavors, and the atmosphere was chill. I might go back before I leave Austin in 3 days. read more

See all

Everything was delicious. There was three of us and we all had different mains and sides. Everyone agreed that while it all needed a bit of salt, all of the food was really great. I will definitely be coming back. read more

I work for a hotel in Austin and had some guests who wanted to get a taste of local flavor, so I sent them to Hoovers. Their experience was so poor that I had to comp them all a glass of wine when they got back. For a party of three, two entrees had to be sent back, there were also concerns about the cleanliness of the restaurant, and the level of service provided. When I called to check if the restaurant accepted American Express, the host told me they did. My guests were told otherwise by the waitstaff. This experience made me look bad at my position, and Hoovers will not be something I suggest in the future. read more

Really Awesome Jerk chicken!!! Everything at this restaurant was great! From our server Stephen to the amazing jerk chicken to the mustard greens, fried okra, & cobblers, it is definitely on the list for many happy return visits. read more

Chicken fried steak was tough, and itsy-bitsy but the breading was huge. Mashed potatoes were borderline cold. The salad I ordered came out late, so I finished it for dessert. The mustard greens were too sweet for my taste. Been here 5 or 6 times, and I've reached the conclusion Hoover's is overrated. read more

yeah, hoover's is on point. honestly, i can't even give the review i'd like to because it would be too long...i've had about everything on the menu and i could easily review each dish here - but i won't :) how much do i enjoy hoover's? my wife and i had our rehearsal dinner here the night before we got hitched (well, at the north location, but this review applies equally to both stores). the staff was totally awesome to us and very accommodating to the vegetarian complement in our wedding party! hoover's is about some down home southern soul food. great barbecue (especially the ribs), chicken fried steak, fried chicken, mac'n'cheese, greens and juicy burgers. the manor location is a lunch hotspot so you might have to wait a sec to get a seat - but it's worth it. the north location is much larger and not nearly as busy (being halfway to cedar park and all). some menu highlights for me: half chicken - savory, barbecued awesome on your plate jamaican jerk ribs - goddamnitsomuch these are the BEST!!!!!!!! meatloaf - classic texas-style meatloaf...as good as mom's fried chicken - perfect...not greasy or gristly and covered in gravy fried pork chops - if you've never had battered, fried 'chops this is the first thing you should try at hoover's mac and cheese - oh so cheesy...another of my favorites jalapeno creamed spinach - sometimes is just order a double portion of the jalapeno spinach...this is my favorite thing on the menu! creamy and spicy mustard greens - mmmm, mmmm good. don't forget to put hot sauce on 'em! read more

One of our favorite weekend breakfast joints. Never have been a big fan of grits, but Hoover's Garlic Cheese Grits are what food fantasys are made of. Really don't care what else I order, I want a side of those grits!!! Entree serving sizes are large and today we both ate our grits first and had leftovers of the main entree. For the main breakfast entree, I look forward to the chicken fried chicken etouffee over biscuits or the honey dipped fried chicken. A close second is the Breakfast Muffuleta. Today, I tried the Migas and they were good, but nothing that I would go specifically for, unlike the grits. For dinner, the BBQ meats are above average and the Chicken Fried Steak is one of the better ones around, which is saying a lot in Texas, where chicken fried steak is a separate food group in the food pyramid. However, once again, maybe the best thing on the dinner menu is one of the sides. I don't like creamed spinach, but Hoover's Jalapeno Creamed Spinach is outstanding. read more

This is an old haunt for me. I lived very close by in 2001. The food is not as fresh as it used to be and just a slight decline in the overall goodness. It is still noisy and could use a partition wall or something. I still love this place and the chicken fried steak is still one of the best, but Hoovers just doesn't have that mind blowing quality it used to have. . read more

Took my mom to Hoover's last night and was a little disappointed. It is too often hit or miss and last night was a miss. My mom had the ribs, which was a generous portion, but undercooked and very tough and chewy. Not only did they not fall off the bone, you couldn't even pry the meat off with a knife; you to gnaw if off and then do some chewing. My black eyed peas had an odd sour wang to them and I did not finish them. read more

okay, My boyfriend and I were in the mood for some country cooking and decided to come here. We got there, the hostess was very nice, the server was nice at first. My boyfriend ordered the chicken fried chicken with carrots and green beans ( which were totally plain and not that great). I ordered the meatloaf and it was drenched in tomato sauce. One of the food runners took my boyfriends plate without even asking if he was done or not and the server did not pay that much attention to us. Overall, the food isnt that great, the service sucks, and there are other better cheaper places, read more

Shrimp and grits or biscuits and gravy are very tasty. Very nice waitstaff and a much nicer atmosphere inside then you would expect judging by the street food. Downside is that the food is addicting and this may lead to heart disease. Perfect place to eat for southern soul food. I agree with other comments that suggest that Hover's is good for your soul and bad for your heart. read more

I used to visit their restaurant located on Research Blvd and Anderson Mill, but decided to visit their Manor Road location after the first one closed. What a mistake. The Manor Road location had a dirty appearance both inside and out. The interior walls looked disgusting and when my wife and I were seated, we had to swat gnats flying around our table. The food was subpar, in fact, my wife didnt want to finish her plate. This will be our last visit to Hoover's. read more

Amazing service, great food. The canned yams are like sweet potato pie in a bowl. Our waiter was extremely helpful and knowledgable about the menu. If you feel like some good southern food with great hospitality my family highly recommends this place. read more

The chicken fried steak was better than most you can find in austin but was still very pedestrian. The creamed spinach and cowboy beans were both good enough to pull the rating up to three stars. Don't even try the corn bread, just leave it for decoration. At least the iced tea was not instant, and I don't really mind the server refilling it with water, but it wasn't worth the $2.25 they charged for it. read more

Hoover's has become our Thanksgiving tradition. This year we arrived about 12:30 and the wait was about an hour, which is what we were told. Food was fine and good portions. We will probably be back next year again. Food at Hoover's is not fancy, but is solidly traditional, and that's what this day is about. The turkey was moist and tender, yams were not overpowered with syrup, and stuffing was superb: nicely seasoned, rich but not greasy, with identifiable but well cooked vegetables throughout. Carlos, our waiter, remembered us from previous visits. We were looking forward to the cranberry chocolate chip cheesecake, but there was none this year, so I can't give this visit 5 stars. The bar was backed up so our food arrived slightly before our drinks, but it's hard to fault that on their busiest day of the year. read more

SOOOO disappointed after being excited to eat here. Had been told the food was great. Well it's not. Ordered the Bella Muffaletta. HORRIBLE. I was served the smallest portabella mushroom between two of the largest, thickest, driest pieces of bread. So I paid $9.00 for a mushroom because the bread was not edible. I tried and it stuck in my throat. My fiancé and his brother ordered 2 different types of ribs. Fiancé ate them because he eats everything but they were dry. The brother wouldn't eat them because they were dry! What a shame :( Not going back. read more