Hoover's Cooking

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.

Hoover's has gone so far downhill since several years ago. We went recently on a Sunday at lunch which used to be a very busy day. There were only 5-6 tables and just two people at each. And only one rattled waitress. Service was woefully slow. But the real difference came when the food finally arrived. The butter beans were just a bowl of tasteless mush. I guess they had been made several days before and reheated until the basically dissolved. The fried chicken was ok but not great like it used to be. The small pan fried cornbread was so hard on the bottom that we couldn't eat it. Not burned but just plain tough. The candied yams were pretty good. We never saw Hoover himself, so I'm not sure how hands on he is these days. He needs to get back in there and be visible to his customers and whip things back into shape. And change the worn out tablecloths. We won't be back any time soon.

I haven't been here in about 12 years. The restaurant certainly isn't bustling like I remember. We got here around 1:00 pm and there are many available tables. The problem is that there aren't enough waiters working. We are almost 20 minutes into it and are still waiting for a table. We finally got seated, but now are waiting for the wait person to come get our order. So far, I'm not impressed the customer service. The waitress finally made it to the table and had the personality and attitude of the oak wood we saw coming in. I had the jerk chicken with the jalapeno cream spinach and fries. The chicken and spinach were both bland and nothing to write home about. I had to add Tabasco just to get some heat out of the chicken. The fries are frozen and not fresh cut. This certainly isn't the place I remember and I will certainly not be putting it on a short list to come back.

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.

Customer service was A1. Greeted immediately at the door, no wait time. Waiter was very attentive. I had high hopes on the food and was slightly disappointed. Everything seemed to lack seasoning. Yams were the best item on my plate. Collard greens were bland. Beans were missing something, just couldn't put my finger on it. Will try again with different menu items the next time.

I can't believe that I received such a disappointing meal. Although the chicken was edible, the mashed potatoes were already mixed with the gravy which was soupy and gross, and the mac and cheese was sludgy and thick. Needless to say, I'll choose to eat elsewhere.

Had the turkey meal with cornbread dressing, cranberry, fried okra, and mashed potatoes. Everything homemade and made with love.The beet kale salad with a homemade dressing was excellent! Wish they still served rolls with the meal but glad you can still order. My 8 year old says to write "the food is marvelous and the pie is the best!"

Felt like a kid again. Miss that home cooking...Everything was scrumptious. Free refills on lemonade & Arnold Palmers.

I love fried chicken so that's what I got. It was delicious! I got a 2 pc. Should have gotten 3 pc. It was crispy and juicy. Most importantly it was flavorful and not real salty. Everybody flavors with salt now, but they didn't. My potato salad wasPerfect with the right amount of acid-wonderful. Portions were very large. You probably won't eat it all. I had iced tea-sweetened. It wasn't too sweet or under sweetened. Surprisingly delicious. Definitely southern hospitality. The waitress was top notch. Handling a room by herself. (We were a group of 17+) Nothing threw her off. Everybody on staff seemed like they enjoyed working there. Comfortable, friendly, accommodating, and good food! Only sorry I didn't get a platter to go!

Really good southern cooking. Food was fresh. I had the meatloaf and my grandson the fried catfish. Sides were excellent. People were very friendly and warm.