Hodak's is kind of iconic. The number one fried chicken in St. Louis. Decorated with interesting chicken themed artifacts the place was packed for lunch. We got a seat and ordered. I heard about their chicken strips. Which is what I ordered. Here's my take on Hodak's. It's kind of cool and will create a memory of it's interior. The chicken was pretty good. In fact, I got a shirt cause that's the thing in St. Louis. The chicken was pretty good, light on the batter. Also light on flavor. Certainly has its own flavor. The service was top notch, considering. I did like the food. I imagine every time I go to St. Louis that we'll have to stop there. St. Louis? Jackman's Fabrics that's why. read more

One of the best fried chicken places in St Louis. Been going there since I was a child! Used to go every Sunday after church. Was my grandma's favorite place to go read more

Very clean good service and great food cold beer always a plus easy to find and lots of parking

I believe Hodaks has the best whole wing size in St. Louis. Where they need help is their seasoning. It taste so plain and boring. Fried food is supposed to be a little salty. One more thing their batter is not as good as it used to be. I think if they had KFC batter on their Hodak wings. It would be amazing! read more

My husband and I and our friends came here for dinner today. To start with the good- our server- she was wonderful! We always had our drinks full and she was very nice. The bad- fried mushrooms- greasy and not much flavor or crunch. French fried- crinkled and not crispy. The ugly- my husband's chicken and my jack salmon- no flavor what so ever. I had a tartar sauce that made the fish ok to eat. Food was hot and for the most part good textures, but there needs to be some salt and pepper involved. I do not think that we would come back or recommend this place to our friends and family. read more

I was there June 29th after the St.Louis Cardinals game with my family. I try to go here every time I'm in town. The fried chicken was great as usual! I was celebrating my birthday. The service was awesome! The Tim and Melissa team for our party was impeccable. Thank you for everything and see you when I return to town. read more

Starting this review out to let you all know that the service was exceptional. Our server, Tim, was attentive, friendly and helpful! Actually I would go as far as saying he was the best server our family has ever had. Our kids loved his jokes and stories. This place has a great atmosphere and is family friendly. The sticky wings were exceptional. I wasn't a fan of the Mac and cheese, noodles were over-cooked however, they make up for it with their homemade ranch dressing. We will be going back and hopefully seeing Tim again! read more

Hodak's - Frog legs are huge! - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

It was really good food, service was super slow, atmosphere was nice. Overall it was good experience

I've been wanting to try this place for awhile as I've heard how good the chicken is. I finally had the opportunity to try it and even Though it has a good fried crunch to it has no seasoning whatsoever. My expectations weren't met and I wouldn't recommend. read more

My husband and I stopped at Hodak's because we both craved fried chicken after a road trip. We walked into a major line but then saw that the bar was empty so we sat there. (That's my tip if there are only a couple of you!) The bartender (I can't remember his name, Ian?) was so personable and friendly. He made the experience for us. You could tell the locals knew and loved him as well. We both had the golden fried chicken plate. I had the mac and cheese along with the crinkle fries. I'll say the prices are low and that makes it more worth it. I was sad to say that I did not love the fried chicken or the macaroni. The macaroni lacked flavor and texture. The pasta didn't stick together. I'm sad as I even write this because I wanted to love it after all the hype but I felt it was average, not bad at all. read more

Hodak's - Half fried chicken - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I've heard many rave about this place for their fried chicken--me thinking that fried chicken only ever means breaded chicken--but honestly their Momma's Sticky sauce is where it's at!! It seemed that the staff, in general, gave really obvious preference for their regulars, engaging them in a lot more friendly conversation and such. Not gonna lie, it made us noobs feel like we didn't belong. Also, their menu was very confusing to me and the group I was with, so we had to ask quite a few questions before ordering. But our waiter was very helpful! read more

Hodak's - it ain't food if it ain't fried! - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Great place to eat. Provide larger portions for the menu prices. Our service was fast and friendly. They offer a bar area and plenty of booths. Will return again. read more

Hodak's - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

My family and I went to Hodack's to celebrate my uncle's birthday. He's from out of town so it's rare that he gets to eat at Hodack's. Our server Tim was super friendly, quick, and so nice. Even though my uncle wasn't able to come to get his birthday dinner yesterday for his actual birthday, Tim decided to buy my family & I drinks to celebrate instead. That was so kind of him and it helped make for a wonderful evening. read more

I'm a vegetarian, so my review probably doesn't hold as much weight, but they had a surprising amount of veg-friendly food! The others in my party were big fans of their fried chicken dishes. The starters (especially the fried mushrooms but the fried pickles also) are massive portions and nice and crispy. A good place for some fried food if that's what you're in the mood for! Also ample parking across the street, which is helpful in that area. read more

Went in for a late dinner wife didn't eat, I'm burned out on chicken so I had the catfish. Now.... Last time I ate the catfish there, it was good, breading was on the mark, the flesh was just the right consistency, and the flavor was spot on. This go-around. Terrible. The fish literally tasted like they soaked it in mop water, the bad taste was evident in the batter and the flesh, the, inside of the fish was very watery and the flavor was just as bad. I ate a quarter of the fish and that was it, a little voice in my head told me to stop, I only fear I ate too much by that point, amazing I had to choke it down with raw onion and that barely helped. The fries are not like they use to be, fluffy and crisp, they are I believe baked and just not what they use to be, they are dry, crunchy and just sub par, leaving a bad taste in your mouth (literally). I have noticed the chicken has went down over the years. This use to be our go to place, unfortunately tonight was the last visit. Goodbye Hodaks, you had a good thing going, but ya messed up. I do expect quality of food whether I spend 20 or 200, this place just isn't it any more. read more

Have you ever seen that hilarious scene in Five Easy Pieces where Jack Nicholson tries to substitute something in the menu - something the restaurant sells already - but the waitress treats him with a cold denial?? "It's not on the menu ! " if not - you HAVE to watch !! https://youtu.be/hdIXrF34Bz0 This is what the waitress did to us when we ate there today. I just asked for a thigh instead of another piece - AND WOULD PAY ANY PRICE - and was denied. The reason ? "We don't do it that way." I swear I was at the diner with jack Nicholson back in the 60s! On top of that - our waitress threw her head up in the air and her hands towards the ground as she stomped away when I asked her to ask the manager for an exception! Of course - another server brought out the dish ( apparently my request was far too emotional for her ) - with, of course, no changes - and nobody bothered to explain what the manager said. Hey - the place has been around forever - and so have all staff ( and from the looks of it - most of the customers ) so I can understand their lack of appreciation for today's level of customer service. But I think being treated that rudely is uncalled for - even in 1960 !! Adios ! read more

Have recently fallen in love with this place! I knew it was a popular place but once apon a time we just happened to not want to wait at Pappy's Smokehouse (the BBQ fest was in town) and ended up at Hodak's. At that time I was very anti fried chicken and don't remember what I ordered... It wasn't terrible, but not worth the drive at the time. Since then I have been back two Sundays in a row, I recenlty discovered that the boyfriend gets fried chicken cravings. They give you so much food on the plate for the price, I'm sure I wasn't able to clean my plate either time! Ordered the same thing both times, 1/2 chicken with fries and coleslaw. Love the crinkle cut fries, and love the vinegar coleslaw, but I'm a big fan of vinegar anyway. Francisco gets the 4 leg meal with the same sides, I've been trying to get him to eat my wing, when I reach the point of "no more food can enter" and he can't eat it either! read more

I have lived in St Louis for most of my life. I've been hearing about Hodak's for years..."best fried chicken ever". So I finally decided to give it a try. I was definitely not impressed. I give it three stars because you do get a decent amount of food for the money, the service was good, fast, and they knew how to make a proper Arnold Palmer. The chicken, however, was just "meh". First, they use a cornmeal type breading rather than flour. Not a fan. It was grainy and not flavorful at all. There were obviously no spices of any kind. The Mac & cheese was bland as well and the macaroni noodles were basically mush. Not sure what all the hype is about. Definitely won't be going back. Rather go to Popeyes. read more

Came here with friends after Mardi Gras in Soulard and OMG this is the best chicken I have ever had I don't know why but the bird was so juicy inside and the skin was light and crispy. Got the recommended 1/2 chicken with fries and taters and gravy and was gone in like 5 mins. I wish I lived closer cause even as I'm writing this I want more of this chicken. Till next time I'm in STL, I'll just have to dream of it. DEFINITELY COME HERE. read more

This place serves excellent fried chicken, shrimp, French fries, and the best fried mushrooms I've ever had in my life! Hodak's somehow manages to present the fried foods without them having a bunch of grease on the outside. (Supposedly they change the fryer oil every six hours.). The inside is moist and tender while the outside maintains its nice, crispy coating. And the fried mushrooms really are the best you'll ever have! You can search around St. Louis if you want spicy chicken and you might find some that's tasty and served by lazy employees, but a more certain bet for success is to go to Hodak's and ask for a bottle of hot sauce for your chicken or shrimp. Also, for the best experience, go in the middle of the afternoon or early evening when it's not crowded. read more

If you are in STL, you MUST visit this place! They flash fry their chicken, then bake it, so it comes out extra juicy. The healthiest fried chicken and dare I say the tastiest. Prices are amazingly cheap, and quality is worth the price. Mushroom barley soup was fresh, scratch made and only needed pepper, but I like it spiced. I have been coming here since I was a kid, and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. read more

Hodak's - Drumstick meal, sides are pick your own - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

My girlfriend is a fried chicken Addict and while she was visiting this past x-mas I brought her here to try some of St. Louis's best. Lot o great chicken joints in the Lou. But this one is classic. You can even get fried frogs legs here, and guess what? They don't taste like chicken ,... .... They are delicious. My girlfriend still raves about this place to her friends in New York, and I can't wait to stop back by! read more

I waited for almost 30 minutes for the Big Frank meal!! And when I did get it the food was lukewarm. Hodaks is slowly turning into the rest of the dying city surrounding it. Dying from a slow cancer that just keeps spreading. No thank you. I really hope they can turn it around. read more

Found this spot while visiting St. Louis one Friday afternoon. I yelped it of course and not surprisingly the food and atmosphere was great! I had Hodak's famous house wings with a side of fries and cottage cheese. Delicious and filling is all i can say! read more

Hodak's - Hodak's Hodak 's Chicken Wings - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Worst fried chicken I've had in STL. Everything I bought was bad; chicken, fries, slaw, mushrooms. All bad

I visited this restaurant after seeing the "Best Fried Chicken" ranking. I was very surprised by how bland the food was. The chicken was cooked with no seasoning at all. I would actually prefer chicken from a place like KFC before this place. To top it off, the Mac & Cheese was straight out of the Kraft Box. I couldn't even finish my food. Our waiter knew it was bad and didn't even bother asking us if we enjoyed it. I won't ever be coming back! read more

Hodak's - Southern Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Great sized wings compared to a lot of other places. The take out is excellent. No long lines...just in and out.

Very busy around lunch .. got in right away very good.food as fast friendly staff an service I had the chicken liver very good. But way to.much for me too eat read more

Was told by a head chef I worked for years ago that this place had the best fried chix in all of STL. Finally made the point to go and I have to say I was glad I did! Went on a Saturday at around 4 pm and the place was already packed. Got a table within seconds of walking in the door and our server, Mari, was great! I had the half a fried chix dinner with French fries and cole slaw and it was delicious! Judging by all the servers carrying out over 5 plates of this using their arms only, I could tell it was the most popular dish on the menu! Mari was pleasant and very fast as our server. This place has this system down to a science and I would recommend it to anyone who craves fried chix as much as I do! read more

Niche place. Old School personified. Great fried chicken. Go and eat a lot.

It's worth a try just to prove the alleged buzz about this place is based on 1960's Southside tastes . Chicken had evolved far beyond the flavorless offering of Hodak's, I'm certain the crowd is seeking nostalgic flashes of days gone by with their visit. read more

Great atmosphere and service! Food is really good too. I had the chicken fried chicken with mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, and coleslaw - all of which were really good. My husband got the 1/2 fried chicken with fries and slaw and he loved it as well. We will definitely be going back. read more

I don't even know why I bothered giving this place a second chance. The breading doesn't stay on the chicken and the food is just flat out bland. read more

Food is always amazing! The gentlemen who seats everyone is the nicest person on the planet! Service is always top notch and it's always clean! read more

We had a wedding shower here yesterday with 50 people. Ron was our bar tender. He was great! We had a delicious buffet of chicken and roast beef. Thank you for providing a wonderful setting for our event! read more

Food was amazing and the service was great.Come see Mike W. As he was great waiter and attentive. This place is know for their chicken which was the bomb! read more

Geez, I can count on about three fingers the times I have not been disappointed when I've tried a restaurant that is a perennial favorite in a given city. If it's won "the best of" multiple times, for some reason, it won't strike me the same way. Much to my delight, Hodaks does not fall into that black hole, despite being voted "St. Louis Best Fried Chicken 25 Years in a Row." I agree. I was out looking for restaurants on the "Mother Road," or at least the remnants of same, Route 66, the old main highway that ran from Chicago to St. Louis. Ordinarily, fried chicken isn't something I'd go out of my way for, tho I am fond of quality preparations. It wouldn't be in my top 10 of things to order at a restaurant. But here we are/were, and it's on Route 66, been around forever, so why not. And besides, I needed a "good" St. Louis experience to make up for my last time there, trapped by a master con woman for three days initially, then sucker punched into spending 7 years together. Hodaks was busy, it was Saturday lunch time, holiday weekend, but not so busy we couldn't be seated straight away. I understand there are times when there is a substantial wait for a table. Started with the traditional St. Louis appetizer, fried ravioli, deep-fried pasta pockets stuffed with meat and accompanied by a marinara dipping sauce. My initial thought of just having a couple bites vanished....and did the entire plateful. Oops. Onto fried chicken, my choice, a pounded breast, with mashed, gravy, beans, slaw. Superb. I mean it, superb in every aspect. Would I go again? You wouldn't be able to stop me if I was passing through town. read more

Best fried chicken in town. But more impressive is the service, which has been excellent both times I was here. I tried the chicken parmesan for the first time last week. I would say it was respectable--I'm not sure I would drive all the way into the city for that, but I'll definitely be back for the fried chicken and great service. read more

As I stepped out of my car, I was taken back to my youth, back when I lived in Soulard, as the scents of the local breweries wafted past my face. Automatic good vibes. But I knew that. We've been here before. Many times. For work luncheons, family dinners. And we keep coming back. Tonight is "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Night" to celebrate my husband's recent business successes, one daughter's straight As and another's successful initial lacrosse performance with 2 goals. Woot! Woot! The only place that came to mind was Hodak's. Their chicken is unique with their cornmeal breading. But somehow it's not dense or coarse. And most importantly- never greasy. I do not generally like fried chicken, but I'll get a craving for this a few times/yr which, for what it's worth, is as often as I crave fried chicken. The restaurant is clean and exudes a sense of efficiency and experience-unlike some places where the staff always seem frantic. I generally reserve my "5s" for swankier places, but in my opinion this place deserves it: Great food Consistent quality Good service Clean facility Good for kids Wholesome atmosphere with food to match! Oh and they have a bar. Added bonus. No ratings. Have had beer with meal. read more

The chicken is plentiful! But.... It's covered in the thickest, bready-est batter known to man. Tooooooo much.