One of Austin’s most iconic soul food restaurants is officially closing, marking the end of an era for a place deeply woven into the city’s food culture.
Hoover’s Cooking, founded by longtime Austin chef Hoover Alexander, is closing after nearly 30 years in business. The restaurant, known for its Southern comfort dishes and community-centered atmosphere, has long been a fixture on Manor Road and a gathering place for generations of diners.
The closure comes after Alexander announced his retirement, bringing a heartfelt goodbye to a restaurant that opened in 1998 and quickly became one of East Austin’s most recognizable dining destinations. While the full-service restaurant is ending, limited private events and special programming are expected to continue for a short time before operations fully wind down.
Hoover’s Cooking built its reputation on classic Southern flavors blended with Texas and Cajun influences. Over the years, the menu featured favorites like fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, catfish po’boys, chili con queso, and house-made sides that reflected both comfort and regional tradition…