When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Hoover's Cooking
Why Hoover's Cooking is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Hoover's Cooking in Austin, Texas, stands out as a beloved spot for friends and family to gather and enjoy authentic Southern soul food in a warm, casual atmosphere. Located on Manor Road in East Austin, Hoover's offers hearty, home-cooked meals including favorites like chicken-fried chicken, jalapeno creamed spinach, mashed potatoes, chicken-fried steak, Southern fried pork chops, and Jamaican jerk chicken. The restaurant is known for generous portions served on red trays lined with butcher paper, embodying a no-frills, comfort-food dining experience that focuses on flavor and satisfaction. Guests can also indulge in classic desserts such as peach cobbler, banana pudding, chocolate cranberry cheesecake, and the nostalgic brownie sundae. The weekend breakfast menu also features unique items like Hoover's muffuletta sandwich, a stack of fried eggs, bacon, ham, and cheese on a buttery bun. Hoover's Cooking offers a cozy and approachable setting with casual dress code, a full bar, and family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent spot to catch up with friends over soulful and flavorful Texas-style comfort food.
Here's what people think of Hoover's Cooking
As of recent, Hoover's Cooking holds a 4.1-star rating based on 2721 reviews.
Customer reviews of Hoover's Cooking reflect generally positive experiences, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from over 2,700 reviews. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its authentic down-home soul food and large portion sizes, highlighting the chicken-fried steak as "the best in town" and the flavorful sides like jalapeno spinach and candied yams. Positive reviews commend the friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and the strong, smoky flavors of dishes like pepper-fire chicken wings and house-recipe sausage. Desserts, while generally well-liked, receive mixed comments with some saying the peach cobbler and banana pudding could be improved. On the downside, some reviewers criticize the quality of certain dishes such as macaroni and cheese and note inconsistent food quality described as "average." Some customers also mention issues with service, including understaffing and an unexpected service charge added to the bill, which led to dissatisfaction in select cases. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviews celebrate Hoover's Cooking for its soulful menu and welcoming environment, making it a go-to place for comfort food lovers in Austin looking to meet up with friends and enjoy honest, flavorful meals.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Colleen 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.
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.
Charlie Elliott
So much delicious food to choose from. 12 different dessert selections. The best soul food in the ATX. U better stop by or stop following my posts! đ€ đ
RedCloud58
I have wanted to eat at this place for a long time, so when my son offered to take me out to eat for Father's Day recently, I chose Hoover's because it was close to his home. My wife and I both ordered the chicken fried steak and I chose mashed potatoes and broccoli for sides while my wife ordered a double order of fries. My son had the chicken fried chicken with mac and cheese and his girlfriend had the honey mustard chicken sandwich. The food was pretty good although my steak could have been a little more tender, but the fried breading was delicious. The mashed potatoes were awesome while the broccoli seemed uninspired. Both couples shared pecan pie for dessert. We all felt the service could have been better. For example, we ordered cornbread as an appetizer, but it didn't arrive until we were well into our meals. Wasn't as good as I hoped, but if you're in the area and like Southern-style comfort food it's worth trying for yourself.
Kerry D.
Google for the fail! This is not it for soul food. Iâm so sorry. I had catfish, Mac and cheese, mustard greens. The catfish was lacked any seasoning, the Mac and cheese was definitely craft, and the greens extremely vinegary. The restaurant got packed and Iâm wondering how. The Adrienne Palmer was really good and the chips and salsa decent. I normally pack up my food and didnât want my catfish strips to go. Iâm sorry but this isnât it. I would probably just go back for the drink.
How to reach Hoover's Cooking
None
Website: None
Why Hoover's Cooking may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Hoover's Cooking with your friends?
When deciding where to gather with friends, the choice often centers on a place that offers more than just foodâit should provide atmosphere, comfort, and an experience that fosters connection. Hoover's Cooking in Austin, Texas, is precisely that kind of place. It offers a welcoming, casual vibe steeped in Southern soul food tradition, making it an ideal spot to rally a group and enjoy hearty, satisfying meals together. The large portions, friendly service, and casual setting encourage relaxed, unhurried conversations, allowing friends to catch up over comfort food classics. Whether youâre craving crispy chicken-fried steak, charbroiled catfish, or jalapeño creamed spinach, Hooverâs dishes out generous helpings that satisfy big appetites and hearts alike. The atmosphere is unpretentious and lively, making it easy for groups to feel right at home. Moreover, its mix of friendly staff and a full bar ensures everyone in your group can find something to enjoy, making your meetup memorable and fun. It strikes that perfect balance between casual comfort and genuine culinary expertise, which makes gathering here not only about the food but also about the shared experience with good company.
What activities can you enjoy at Hooverâs Cooking for a group meetup?
Hooverâs Cooking isnât just a restaurant; itâs an experience tailored to groups looking for a laid-back, soulful meal with some great social opportunities. First and foremost, the food itself is a communal experience. Many dishes come with multiple âhousemates,â or sides, that you and your friends can share, fostering a spirit of sharing and discovery around the table. The generous portion sizes mean no one leaves hungry, and conversation flows naturally over comfort dishes like chicken-fried chicken, jalapeño creamed spinach, and southern fried pork chops. For groups with varied tastes, the menuâs diversityâfrom house-recipe sausage to the half Jamaican jerk chickenâmeans everyone can find something they love and introduce friends to new flavors. Beyond eating, Hooverâs Cooking features a full bar, ideal for socializing. Whether you want classic cocktails or a cold beer, the bar area provides a space for casual mingling before or after your meal. The casual dress code and kid-friendly policy mean the environment suits multi-generational gatherings as well. Additionally, the restaurantâs parking lot access supports group visits without parking hassles. With all these elements, Hooverâs Cooking creates a welcoming setting for friends and family to relax, catch up, and make new memories.
Why is Hooverâs Cooking perfect for a group meetup?
Hooverâs Cookingâs casual, friendly environment is a significant draw for anyone planning a group meetup. The restaurantâs ethos centers around serve-yourself style with red trays lined with butcher paper instead of plates, offering a relaxed and informal vibe that encourages people to focus on good company and great food, not on formalities. This non-pretentious atmosphere has made it a neighborhood favorite for decades. For groups, this means less fuss and more funâno need to worry about stiff decorum or slow service. The menu is thoughtfully built around classic soul food staples with a Texan twist, providing a taste experience that is both comforting and distinctive, making it easy to please a crowd with diverse palates. Starters like pepper-fire chicken wings and mains like the chicken-fried steak or catfish have a reputation for quality, allowing groups to share dishes that are reliably delicious. Moreover, the option for breakfast on weekends, featuring standout items such as Hooverâs muffuleta sandwich, adds flexibility for groups looking to meet earlier in the day. Customer reviews highlight the generous portions and flavorful sides, reinforcing that itâs a place where groups can indulge without worry. Hooverâs Cookingâs blend of value, taste, and atmosphere makes it an excellent venue to reunite, celebrate, or just hang out with friends and family.
What makes the food at Hoover's Cooking special for group dining?
The food at Hooverâs Cooking is deeply rooted in soul food tradition with a Texas comfort food flair, making it particularly suited for group dining. One of the unique aspects is the concept of âhousematesâ or sides, such as mac and cheese, candied yams, and jalapeño creamed spinach, which come with many entreesâperfect for sharing and sampling among a group. This encourages a communal style of dining where friends can try multiple dishes and share favorites, enriching the group experience. The portions are notoriously generous, catering to appetites of all sizes and making sure everyone leaves full and satisfied. Popular dishes like the chicken-fried steak, southern fried pork chops, and half Jamaican jerk chicken highlight the blend of Southern spices and hearty cooking techniques that define the restaurant. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts like the chocolate cranberry cheesecake or the nostalgic Good for Nuttinâ brownie sundae offer a delicious finale that can be passed around the table. The foodâs comforting flavors and hearty portions lend themselves naturally to group celebrations, fueling good conversation and plenty of laughter.
How does the ambiance support socializing and group bonding at Hoover's Cooking?
The ambiance at Hooverâs Cooking is designed to feel welcoming and unpretentious, creating the perfect backdrop for socializing and group bonding. The use of casual seating, butcher paper-lined trays, and large portions creates a sense of shared experience right from the startâthereâs no pretense here, just honest food and friendly vibes. The presence of a full bar complements the warm environment, offering beverages that encourage friends to unwind and toast together. The establishment is kid-friendly and casual, making it suitable for groups that include families or friends of all ages. Parking availability removes a common stressor when gathering larger groups, so more energy can go towards enjoying the company rather than logistics. While service charges have been noted in some reviews, overall, the staff is known for friendliness, which adds to the relaxed, convivial atmosphere. This setting allows groups to focus on what matters mostâgood food, great drinks, and even better company.
What should groups know before visiting Hooverâs Cooking?
Before visiting Hooverâs Cooking with a group, there are a few practical details to consider to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. The restaurant operates on a casual dress code, so thereâs no need to dress upâcomfort is key when enjoying soul food classics. While the atmosphere is lively and relaxed, it can get busy, so arriving a bit early or calling ahead for larger groups might help avoid waits. Parking is available onsite, which is a helpful convenience for those driving in groups. Be mindful of some customer feedback regarding additional service charges that may appear on the bill; itâs wise to review the receipt carefully to understand whatâs included. Although some reviews mention the food can be average and the staff occasionally understaffed, the overall consensus highlights the hearty portions and flavorful sides that make gatherings worthwhile. Finally, Hooverâs Cooking offers weekend breakfast with unique options like its famed muffuleta sandwich, giving groups flexibility in timing their meetup for brunch or lunch. Being aware of these nuances ensures the group can make the most of their visit.
In summary, Hooverâs Cooking offers a welcoming and tasty destination for group gatherings. Its generous portions, soul food authenticity, and casual atmosphere combine to create memorable shared experiences. With ample seating, a full bar, and a menu that encourages sharing, it provides everything needed for a fun, relaxed day or evening with friends and family. Whether youâre celebrating a special occasion or simply catching up, rallying at Hooverâs Cooking promises good food and great company.