Craving the kind of Southern comfort that makes you pause mid-bite and smile You found it. Hoover’s Cooking on Manor Road has been feeding Austin with soulful plates locals swear taste like home. From golden fried classics to slow-braised favorites, the kitchen serves honest, satisfying food at prices that feel friendly. Pull up a chair, bring your appetite, and get ready to feel cared for.
Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy
Order the chicken fried steak when only a true Texas hug on a plate will do. The crust is shatter-crisp, seasoned just right, and it gives way to tender beef that stays juicy under that velvety cream gravy. You will want extra black pepper and a swipe of mashed potatoes.
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The sides make the plate sing with balance. Choose garlicky greens or green beans for a fresh, savory bite that cuts the richness. A warm cornbread muffin with butter makes the whole thing feel like Sunday supper.
This is the dish folks recommend first to newcomers. It is familiar, filling, and completely satisfying without trying too hard. One bite, and you will understand why locals keep coming back.
Smoked Pork Ribs Plate
These ribs are the slow-smoked kind that pull cleanly from the bone without falling apart. You taste smoke first, then a balanced spice rub, and finally a molasses-kissed glaze that keeps things sticky and joyful. Bring napkins, or just lean into the mess and enjoy.
Pick bright coleslaw and sweet yams for contrast, or double down with mac and cheese. Either way, the plate lands hearty but not heavy, thanks to careful seasoning. The portion size is generous without feeling over the top.
Locals love these for game days and family dinners. The ribs hold their own as leftovers too. If you are deciding between ribs and chicken fried steak, start here and thank yourself later.
Oxtails with Brown Gravy
If slow-braised comfort calls your name, oxtails answer with deep, soulful flavor. The meat turns silky after a long simmer, and the brown gravy carries layers of thyme, onion, and slow-cooked richness. Spoon it over rice and let the grains soak up every drop.
There is nothing rushed here, just the kind of patience that tastes like home. Add cabbage or black-eyed peas for tradition and texture. Each bite reminds you why classics stick around for generations.
This plate is perfect when you want warmth from the inside out. It is hearty without feeling fussy, and the portion hits the sweet spot. Settle in, take your time, and enjoy the comfort that lingers.
Chicken Fried Chicken
Think of chicken fried chicken as the lighter, snappier cousin to the steak. The crust is clean and craggy, and it crackles when your fork hits it. Underneath, juicy chicken soaks up the white gravy in all the right places.
Pair it with collards for that savory-green counterpoint and a cornbread muffin to keep things classic. The balance here feels playful and familiar, like a backyard picnic upgraded. You will not miss the beef one bit.
This is the order for crispy fans who crave comfort without the weight. It travels well too, making it an excellent takeout choice. Add a splash of hot sauce and dig in while it is hot.
Macaroni and Cheese Side
This mac and cheese walks the line between creamy and baked, with a toasty top that hides a gooey middle. The noodles stay tender but hold their bite, and the cheese sauce lands sharp rather than one-note. It is the side that comforts every plate.
Order it with ribs, chicken fried steak, or oxtails, and you will see how it bridges flavors. That golden crust adds a little crunch without getting heavy. Ask for pepper if you like a subtle kick.
Some days, this side becomes your main, especially with a cornbread muffin. It reheats nicely, which is rare for mac. Keep a fork handy because you will be sneaking bites between conversations.
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
These collards are tender but not limp, seasoned with smoky turkey so they feel rich without being greasy. The pot liquor carries gentle heat and a deep, savory backbone. A squeeze of vinegar brightens everything like a secret handshake.
They pair beautifully with heavier plates and keep you grounded through all the indulgence. You will want a cornbread muffin to sop up every drop. This side turns vegetables into a highlight, not an afterthought.
If you are new to collards, this is a welcoming introduction. Regulars treat them like a must-order, especially with oxtails. The portion size is just right for sharing, though you might not want to.
Black-Eyed Peas
Comfort starts simple with a bowl of black-eyed peas. These are earthy, tender, and gently seasoned with aromatics and just enough smoke. The broth tastes like New Year good luck any day of the week.
They are great beside pork or chicken, but also shine under a splash of hot sauce. The texture stays creamy without turning mushy. You can taste the care in every scoop.
For anyone craving a nourishing, affordable side, this one delivers. Pair with greens and cornbread for a mini comfort trio. It is the kind of bowl you finish without noticing because it just feels right.
Cornbread Muffins
Golden cornbread muffins arrive warm, with a tender crumb that holds together yet melts in your mouth. They are lightly sweet, more Southern than cake-like, and perfect with butter or honey. Break one open and watch the steam curl out.
These muffins are the glue that ties your plate together. Sop up gravy, pair with greens, or enjoy one solo while you wait. The edges have just enough toast to keep things interesting.
Locals order extra to take home because they disappear fast. They also freeze well for future cravings. If comfort had a smell, it would be this basket, buttery and welcoming from the first bite.
Catfish Fillet Fried or Blackened
Catfish at Hoover’s hits two moods: fried for crunch lovers or blackened for spice seekers. The fried version is golden and delicate, never greasy, with flaky fish under the crust. The blackened fillet brings a Cajun kiss that wakes your palate up.
Pair with hushpuppies, slaw, and fries for the roadside fish-camp feel. A squeeze of lemon brightens both styles. Tartar sauce stays tangy and cool, balancing the heat.
This plate shines at lunch when you want satisfying without overdoing it. It is also perfect for a casual dinner with friends. Either way, you will leave happy, planning which version to try next time.
Meatloaf with Tomato Gravy
Meatloaf here is cozy and deeply savory, sliced thick and crowned with tangy tomato gravy. It tastes like a family recipe polished over years, with a soft, satisfying texture. The gravy brings brightness and a gentle sweetness that keeps every bite lively.
Mashed potatoes make a natural partner, and green beans add snap and color. You can cut everything with a fork, no effort needed. It is the kind of plate that makes the day slow down.
When you crave nostalgia without the work, this delivers. Leftovers make a great sandwich with extra sauce. Order confidently, then settle in for the kind of comfort you will want again.
Yams with Brown Sugar Butter
These yams are silky, caramel-kissed, and just sweet enough to feel celebratory. Brown sugar butter melts into every corner, lifting the natural sweetness without tipping into dessert. A whisper of cinnamon rounds it out with cozy warmth.
They add balance to salty, smoky plates like ribs or pork chops. The texture stays lush yet structured, never watery. You will find yourself saving a bite for the end as a treat.
Families order extra because the table keeps stealing forkfuls. If you want comfort that tastes like holidays year-round, this is your move. Pair with cornbread for a bite that feels like a hug.
Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans bring snap, smoke, and a little shine from bacon and onions. They hit that sweet spot between tender and crisp, so every bite keeps its shape. The seasoning is confident without being salty.
When your main plate leans rich, these cut right through. The bacon adds depth while onions bring sweetness. It is a simple side that tastes like a backyard cookout memory.
They are crowd friendly and dependable, perfect for sharing and pairing. Add hot sauce if you like a spark. You will miss them if you skip them, so save space and enjoy the balance.
Fried Okra
Fried okra at Hoover’s proves how good simple can be. Bite-sized pieces are lightly breaded, crisp outside and tender inside, with no slimy texture. The seasoning leans peppery, making them dangerously snackable.
They arrive hot, perfect for sharing while you wait on mains. Dip in ranch or enjoy them straight from the basket. The crunch lasts, which is not always the case elsewhere.
If you grew up on okra, this will feel happily familiar. If you did not, consider this your gateway bite. Either way, the basket empties fast, so grab a handful and keep chatting.
Peach Cobbler
End on a high note with peach cobbler that tastes like summer afternoons. The peaches are soft and syrupy, tucked under a buttery biscuit crown that turns golden and crisp. Add a scoop of vanilla and watch it melt into the edges.
It is not too sweet, which lets the fruit shine. Every bite blends warm spice, juicy peaches, and comforting crust. You might want a spoon and a fork to chase every bit.
This dessert feels right after anything smoked or fried. It is also worth a special trip on its own. Share it if you must, but you will probably want it all.
Sweet Tea and Lemonade
Some days call for a classic mason jar of sweet tea. It is cold, balanced, and refreshing, the kind of sip that resets your palate between bites. Lemonade brings bright tartness if you want something zippy.
Go half-and-half for a porch-swing mood in a glass. Both drinks play well with rich plates and spicy rubs. You will finish one and casually order another without thinking twice.
They are simple, affordable, and exactly what comfort food needs. Add extra lemon if you like things bold. Sit back, clink the ice, and let the meal slow down like an easy afternoon.
Visiting Details and Local Tips
You will find Hoover’s Cooking at 2002 Manor Road, right in the heart of East Austin. It is a beloved Southern restaurant with locally sourced comfort food and prices that feel fair. Hours are lunch most weekdays, dinner on weekends, and closed Mondays, so plan ahead.
Call +1 512-479-5006 for updates, or check the website for specials. It can get busy, especially near reopening at 4 PM, but the line moves quickly. Parking is straightforward, and the atmosphere stays relaxed.
With a 4.1 star rating from thousands of reviews, expectations run high and deliveries higher. Bring friends, share sides, and linger. You will leave full, happy, and already planning a return visit.
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