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    Hoover's Cooking

    3.6 (1.1k reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    HOOVER'S COOKING ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Happy hour specials
    Good for kids

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    Gumbo Cup
    Fellman B.

    Hoover's has been an Austin staple for Southern soul food cooking since the late '90s. It's very sad that they will be closing after 30 years in June. I went there this week for a sad event: a memorial to celebrate the life of Jamie Breaux, the husband of a friend of mine, who was a manager and chef there for 20 years. Owner Hoover Alexander and other friends and relatives shared heartfelt memories of Jamie. After the speeches, Hoover's opened a buffet line featuring some of their famous dishes: brisket tacos, barbecue wings, fried chicken, gumbo (Jamie's famous recipe), and étouffée (a classic Louisiana dish meaning "smothered," featuring shellfish like crawfish or shrimp in a rich, savory sauce served over rice). And the desserts!: banana pudding and a fig cake, (À special combination of churro and another ethnic dessert I forgot.) À band featuring Jamie's friends played a few songs. Milford Milligan, À local favorite blues singer, joined for an appropriate song: "À Good Day for the Blues." It made me cry! The restaurant is cozy, and it was specially decorated with flowers on the tables and images of Jamie throughout. Hoover Alexander was so welcoming and personable. Austin will miss him at this restaurant (though he may have another restaurant concept up his sleeve after the closing). He is too committed to serving great food to stop now! Before Hoover's, he owned a restaurant called "Good Eats." Hoover's Heals: "I have long sought to live in a state of gratitude and love, believing as l do that love-love for community, love for neighbors and friends, love for oneself-will deliver us from the obstacles and difficulties in life. Now I am bringing love into Hoover's Cooking in a new way that embraces everyone through Love Rocks Texas. We all know that Love Rocks our world, but Love rocks are a physical expression of all we hold dear. I hope you will join us in creating and sharing Love Rock by painting or posing with a Love rock. The permanence and stability of a rock lends its strength to becoming a Love The Love Rocks will, in part, be used to sustain the Hoover's Community Fund. 33% of the sale of Love Rocks will go to the Hoover's Community Fund to be disbursed to nonprofits focused on our community. This is one way that we spread the love. At Hoover's Cooking, we know that Food is Love. We invite you to share the food and love with us.".

    Chicken-Fried Steak Cutlet (1) & 2 House Mates
    Pax S.

    Well, the chicken fried steak might not be completely dead! My friend and I went to a KUTX show (ATXplained) and learned that this dish is slowly fading out of the city. Wild! Yes, chain restaurants serve a chicken fried steak but are they doing it this well? Not at all! I ordered unsweetened tea, okra, and mashed potatoes with mine. Everything was perfect with the addition of some more cracked pepper. Our server was nice (a little rushed for only having two tables) and he made sure the drinks were full and that we ordered dessert. Lord have mercy--the praline bread pudding is otherworldly. I remember eating it cold out of my fridge the next day...it was that good! Only thing I was underwhelmed about was my friend's jalapeño creamed spinach. It didn't have a jalapeño bite to it and the bitterness took over. My okra was warm, not hot. The ambiance felt like an after-church service dining room -- super cozy. I will definitely be back to keep this place on Manor Rd. It was cool to see Mr. Hoover himself! Support this business!

    Small cornbread serving with fried catfish in the background.
    Sherrill J.

    Great location and environment. Authentic down home menu. Great service and great food. L ordered fried catfish with collard greens and fried okra. I ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes (gravy), fried okra and a small cornmeal. Everything was outstanding. Comfort food at its best!

    Buttermilk pie
    vonnie v.

    My bf and I used to LOVE Hoover's. Their breakfast menu on the weekends was amazing especially their hoe cakes and cheddar garlic grits. Their ribs and creamy jalapeño spinach was the main attraction on the dinner menu. Then their breakfast menu was discontinued. Then the jerk ribs disappeared from the menu. My bf and I stopped going. We heard Hoover's was closing its doors forever on May 31, 2026. We decided to go back for old times sake's. We started off with the wings as an appetizer and those were delicious however we didn't get them until much later. The server apologized and said there was a mixup and offered us a free cornbread on the house. I never tried their world famous chicken that's boasted about on their t-shirts. I got two housemates (sides) so I chose the fried okra and mashed potatoes. My bf selected the jerk chicken and butter beans and creamed spinach. The cornbread arrived and was dry. The highly anticipated fried chicken had no flavor at all. The mashed potatoes were dry. I asked for gravy but it never came. The okra was hot and fresh. My bf's jerk chicken was also flavorless and a small serving. No seasoning whatsoever although the sauce that came with it made it better. His sides were good. We had never tried their pies so got two buttermilk slices and two peach pie slices to go. They were very disappointing. The buttermilk didn't taste like buttermilk and was full of nutmeg, we thought for a second it was pumpkin but pumpkin wasn't an option. The crust on both pies tasted old and was soggy in texture. We were charged for the cornbread so we called server over who corrected it. The servers were friendly. On the way out we decided to buy some t-shirts to remember Hoover's. We talked with the cashier and he said the head cook who smoked the jerk ribs left and they couldn't get them right after that so that's why they were discontinued because the quality was no longer there. We wanted to support Hoover's and pay tribute to the restaurant but the quality of the food has definitely declined although I'm sad to see its doors closing after 30+years. A lot of good memories there but this last visit isn't one of them. Bottom line: good sides and appetizer but flavorless main entrees and sad desserts is why I gave it 2 stars.

    Meatloaf
    Rich M.

    Hoover's has changed. The restaurant that was an absolute GO-TO for years seems to be in decline. The food was OK. The service was OK...except that our server didn't seem to have any clue about the menu. Low energy, a lazy vibe and paint-by-numbers food. What was spectacular is now just average. It's sad.

    Ambulance Delivery
    Paul D.

    Hoover's Cooking is all about serving the local community with southern comfort food much of which is locally sourced. I have dined here before a few times in the past and was excited to return. It is located in an area full of new popular eateries, but this place is a landmark. There was plenty of parking and was easy to find. It is all table seating except a few booths. I noticed the staff took their time to seat and serve you. No rushing which made me feel more like being at my parents. It was very calm. I also noticed the "Love Rocks TX." slogan all over with a huge collection of painted rocks to spread love which remind when I myself painted a rock during Covid. There was a charm about this place watching an older man painting away. I ordered the 2PC Fried Chicken Dark with 2 House Mates, Macaroni & Cheese and Green Beans, and Sweet Tea. From looking around this place it displays local Austin history all around including items from the Frisco Shop. Once our heavy plates of food arrived the fried chicken looked very good. The food was very hot. I tried a chicken leg and the crust was crunchy and tasty. The chicken was also very delicious. The mac & cheese was great along with the green beans which had chunks of brisket in it. Overall it was really good where it was not spicy at all and perfect for older folks. Really good fried chicken. Planning to return to try the fried catfish or BBQ chicken.

    Interior
    Calondra B.

    Texas home cooking at its best, owned by Hoover Alexander. There's a great culinary bio of this African American Austin native on their website. There's a hostess stand as you enter, then you are led into the dining area. It has a clean welcoming interior with a large chalk menu on the wall. No wait, with several customers streaming in during our visit. Delicious reasonably priced entrees and certainly a neighborhood gem. It is clearly visible from the street with parking in front. This one is a keeper. Not far from the restaurant, in this well known East Austin neighborhood is the Dr. Charles E. Urdy Plaza tile mural great for selfies.

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    4 years ago

    Is there better fried chicken in Austin than at Hoovers? Nope. Just wish I lived closer.

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    The food, service, and ambiance we're substandard at best. The automatic service fee (tip) should explain some of it. I will not go back.

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    Page 5 of 27

    Hoover's Cooking Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Hoover's Cooking

    Mr. Hoover, Why have you stopped serving breakfast? Best cheese grits I've EVER eaten!

    I heard it had to do something with staffing. I miss those pancakes :(

    Has Hoover's stopped serving breakfast on Saturday mornings?

    Yes

    View All 6 Questions

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    Salty Sow

    Salty Sow

    4.3
    (3.4k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$

    We came here before a baseball game. Great casual ambiance, friendly staff, and good food…read more Had Brussel sprouts, deviled eggs, duck fat fries for appetizer. We decorated all of them with the brussels sprouts, being the favorite. For main course, we had crispy chicken thighs, Wagyu cheeseburger, and chicken and rabbit Mole. Everyone really enjoyed their meals. We finished with banana fosters Beignets. Plenty for 5 of us to share. Will definitely come back

    We went to Salty Sow on a Friday evening. We had a reservation and were promptly sat outside. They…read morehave huge fans, so in spite of the heat it was very pleasant. We were excited to try the food, and were hungry. Our server appeared (I can't remember his name but he was a short guy with blond hair). I ordered a cocktail and my husband ordered beer to begin with. He went away and then came back asking my husband if he wanted some whiskey cocktail, and we corrected him that we had asked for a particular beer. No big deal. We then ordered the deviled eggs and shishito peppers, and the red fish and short ribs for entree. A lady brought us the drinks, and the deviled eggs. Our server swung by and then disappeared. We thought the shishito peppers were on their way. We waited for what seemed like a really long time and still no shishito peppers. We also noticed that each table had a carafe of water except ours. We were just given water once, and then our server never bothered to fill the water up. Anyway, we kept waiting since there was no sign of the server. At this point, we felt he might have forgotten the second appetizer and we just did not want it, but he was nowhere to be found. A man (not our server) brought out our entrees. We then told him that we had been waiting for our second appetizer and would just want to cancel it. We asked if we could get the biscuits instead. He brought out the biscuits within a few minutes. Now this is where it really annoyed us. Had our server just come over and said he had forgotten our shishito peppers, it would have been okay. Human. What he tried was act smart and dropped by saying the shishito peppers would be out to which we said that we didn't want an appetizer after an entree and had cancelled it. I almost felt like he was treating us as if he thought we don't really dine out or whatever and he could just make fools of us. This really didn't sit right with me. We asked him for water and he filled it up left. The food was above average. The short ribs were good but my red fish had been hammered! The biscuits were good. The deviled eggs were good as well. Anyway, we finished our meal, and got the check, paid, and were waiting to finish our drinks. The receipt was on our table. Also, note, it was not a particularly busy day with several empty tables. What our server did next was absolutely unacceptable. I think he wanted to see if we had tipped him after his awful service. We did, but not 20% as we always do because of the soddy job he did, not to mention his attitude. We paid 15% which I think was more than what he deserved now. Out of nowhere, and mind you,after being absent for long periods before, he just came by, grabbed the paid up bill from our table to our shock, while we were still sitting and talking, looked at the bill, turned towards us, and muttered something angry under his breath and walked away. I have never seen this level of entitlement and bad behavior. We left right away. We had been really looking forward to this meal but I would not want to go back. The food was good, but not great, and I would not want to put up with such obnoxious behavior as a paying customer.

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    Mixologists doing their thing!
    Mixologists doing their thing!
    Whipped ricotta
    Whipped ricotta
    Twice baked potato

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    Twice baked potato
    Colleen's Kitchen

    Colleen's Kitchen

    4.0
    (695 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I had a lovely brunch with my family at Colleen's Kitchen. They have a nice patio area that is…read moreshaded in the morning and seats inside that make you feel like you're in a southern home. Service is quick and good. The biscuits are AMAZING. Highly recommend trying. I also had the half portion of shrimp and grits. It was too salty in my opinion. Dishes are decently priced and the restaurant is never too crowded. They offer 3 hr parking validation in the garage!

    Really disappointing experience from a place we have supported for years…read more We have lived in the neighborhood since 2019 and have been to Colleen's many times. This visit started off well. A manager kindly helped seat us at the last table that could fit a high chair, and our server was perfectly pleasant. Then we watched an older Uber Eats driver ask for an update on an order after being told it would be ready in five minutes. More than ten minutes later, when he checked again, the assistant manager was openly rude and dismissive. He told the driver he could not make the kitchen move any faster and then said, "Why don't you leave and come back then if you're in such a hurry." That interaction was bad enough that we canceled our food order, paid for our drinks, and left. When asked why, I explained exactly what we had witnessed. The response: "Don't worry about that, he's just an Uber driver." That told us everything we needed to know. We do not want to support a business where management treats people that way and then defends it. We will not be back. John, you should be ashamed of yourself.

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    Long table
    Long table
    Chicken and waffle
    Chicken and waffle
    View from our booth

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    View from our booth
    Veracruz Fonda & Bar

    Veracruz Fonda & Bar

    4.3
    (364 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    Mercedes was our WONDERFUL waitress for our Sunday lunch! She was super attentive, sweet, and made…read moreus feel like we were visiting our cousins at a tita's house to eat. Ambience and decor were all beautifully curated while paying homage to the culture behind the menu. I can't remember what I ordered but it was FANTASTIC. It looked like a sandwich of sorts? I will have to update this review when I come back and get the proper name of it. Hubby got the chicken milanesa and cochinita pibil tacos. He was expecting chicken strips but got a whole patty instead lol both were good but excited to come back and try the other tacos!

    I work in the Mueller area, so I'm pretty familiar with Veracruz and have visited several of their…read morefood trucks around Austin over the years. The brick-and-mortar restaurant offers a much more expansive menu and a welcoming atmosphere with vibrant pops of color, bright wall art and friendly service. While tacos are still a major focus the menu also features larger entrées like enchiladas, quesadillas and pescado al mojo, which is what I ordered on my most recent visit. The fish was enormous, perfectly cooked and packed with flavor. It was served with rice, salsa and blue corn tortillas, making for a satisfying and well balanced meal. For drinks,my coworkers enjoyed the freshly made aguas frescas but there's also an impressive selection of cocktails with a heavy emphasis on tequila and mezcal. I highly recommend stopping by for happy hour to take advantage of discounted drinks and appetizers. As a Michelin-recognized restaurant, Veracruz isn't the cheapest option around but the quality of the food, drinks and overall experience makes it well worth the visit.

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    Inside
    Ceviche and Aqua Frescas
    Ceviche and Aqua Frescas
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    Rose Gose

    Rose Gose

    4.4
    (239 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    Family-owned & operated
    Free parking

    Some friends took us here for a birthday celebration, taking a chance because they'd never been…read morethere either. What a find! Rosé Gosé (note accents) is in an unassuming Airport Blvd location (right next to Jewboy Burgers, an Austin favorite). It is run by a couple from Belarus that came here right after Covid to open up a restaurant, with a sister in Minsk. Defying expectations, the menu is not Balkan at all. If anything, there is a strong Asian influence with poke bowls and a lot of seafood. But the menu also offers beef tartare on their raw bar menu, as well as a steak offering and grilled chicken. It's a diverse and adventurous menu, all the way from small plates to hefty mains and vegetable sides. For the dessert, try the pavlova, a meringue confection stuffed with coconut mousse and topped with lime sorbet and a grapefruit slice sidecar. Everything is superbly presented, and unquestionably fresh and healthy without veering into twigs and berries territory. The cocktail menu is also playful, with a lot of nontraditional glassware and slight spins on popular drinks; their version of a Paloma uses prosecco instead of a splash of soda. The servers are all dressed in rosé jumpsuits and very attentive. The space is amiable and elegant without being pretentious. The table spacing is a little close, so that conversations carry between guests. The table setting has some nice touches, like the little wooden bench that holds your fork and knife off the table. In European fashion, water can be asked for but it won't be served with ice. Plan on taking your time and enjoying course after course.

    My hubs chose Rosé Gosé for my Mother's Day brunch location. In full transparency, choosing a…read morerestaurant is not his jam. However, today major shout out to the hubs. Rosé Gosé was a delightful Mother's Day lunch spot. It is a whole vibe, and it is uniquely French! When we walked in an artist was playing romantic music on his keyboard, which set the tone for the brunch. It is a small restaurant inside with a larger area of seating on the patio. Of course, our reservations were inside in the comforts of air conditioning. You immediately notice a wine wall hence the name Rosé Gosé. The restaurant has many windows which provide lots of natural light. The tables house miniature yellow roses and utensils sat in a small wooden block...very French. All the servers were dressed in mauve clothing that resemble scrubs from a hospital. If someone stepped out in a French beret, I would have fallen over. Our server, Sergey, immediately served us water and took our order. The restaurant was highlighted as a modern European bistro. The atmosphere was charming, elegant, and stylish making it ideal for a Mother's Day brunch. My hubby ordered a ribeye, eggs and French Fries. I ordered the avocado toast with salmon and egg whites. While I'm not a huge red meat eater, I tasted a piece of the hubs ribeye and it was nicely prepared. My avocado toast was yummy to the nth degree! Everything was perfect. The avocado was precisely cut and at the right level of softness. The salmon was chopped into tiny little squares and so enjoyable to eat. We could not be more pleased. With a name like Rosé Gosé you would expect their drinks to be superb. My hubby ordered a hibiscus tea, which was delightful. I ordered a mimosa that had high quality ingredients and was perfectly balanced...so smooth. We were also pleased with the drinks. This was the first time at Rosé Gosé, however, it definitely will not be the last.

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    Rose Gose
    Rose Gose
    Rose Gose

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    Hoover's Cooking - southern - Updated June 2026

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