Reviews of Hodak's Restaurant & Bar (Restaurant)

Chris

Best fried Chicken I've ever had. Reasonably priced as well. If you come here on the weekends I suggest get there early or be prepared to wait. They get super busy.but their is a good reason for that.

Sara Winchester

First time tonight, drove from an hour away. I’d say food was 8/10 (could use a little more seasoning). BUT, Melissa was our waitress and she was on point! Very attentive and on top of our service. We will be back! Thank you Melissa for a wonderful family dinner.

Chris Spencer

I go here for the frog legs, I've never found another restaurant that has them as big, others have little ones. But hodaks has great fried chicken, their batter is great tasting. Okra, Coleslaw, Mashed potatoes, whatever you want to go with it. I have been going there since I was a kid, it's great if you're from out of town and want to go out to eat with the family. Any occasion and they have a bar that you can sit at too that serves a variety of liquor. It's not a loud music bar either.

Jennifer Parker

We came here on a Tuesday night and it wasn't too busy. We were seated right away and took a look at the menu. I ended up getting a 1/2 fried chicken plate to share since it came with four pieces. We got baked beans, slaw, and french fries as our sides. We also got the jalapeno poppers and the deep fried mushrooms as an appetizer. This was so much food! Way more food then we needed so we ended up taking some leftovers back to the hotel.The chicken was really good. It was very moisture and light on the batter so it wasn't too heavy. The deep fried mushrooms and the jalapeno poppers were good too! The jalapeno poppers with ranch were amazing! I loved their ranch! It was made it house and they also had a sweet spicy sauce too. The baked beans were my favorite side. Everything was made to order and very fresh!

Greg Mayer

Service was excellent. Several of us had the 1/2 Golden Fried Chicken while others ordered the Drumstick Dinners. We had an order of fried mushrooms to start out. They were some of the best that I'd ever had. The chicken was moist, the fries were hot and plentiful. My only disappointment was the coleslaw, which I thought was just so-so. (Everyone else thought the slaw was good, so maybe it's just me.) Would definitely return.

Kailey Martin

BEST FRIED CHICKEN EVER!!! Its about an hour from my house but we make the drive once a month bc the chicken is THAT good! The breading is unlike any ive had before

Michele Kurtz

We used to love Hodaks. I think the fried chicken has lost its deliciousness. Today it was very bland and tasteless. The last few times we went we have been disappointed. Time for a change.

Alyssa Scott

The atmosphere and food were okay. It's nothing like the ratings say. The chicken is okay, but bland and the beer was alright. If you want some place to eat, but can't find anything to eat then this is the place. It's just okay nothing more.

sandra o'keefe

Delicious chicken! We love going to Hodak's when we're in St. Louis. Lots of wonderful memories there.

Christine Mitchell

Always good to come home! One of St. Louis' pride and joys of our great city. Take you friends and family you won't be disappointed. Clean atmosphere, friendly staff, food is absolutely delicious, home sized portions and at an affordable price. Always a free meal ON your birthday.

I ROCK OG RETRO SNEAKERS

Food was good but catfish had bones in it good staff and atmosphere.

Anthony Luster

Awesome place to dine out with family and friends. Every time I go to Hodaks I buy one of there cheerful color tee shirts, with a chicken on it. People just love my tee shirts. LOL

Marla Taggart

Awesome as always. I live Hodaks Fried Chicken, chicken livers, fried Catfish, froglegs and do much more. Yummy yummy yummy in my tummy

Kimberly Dierkes

Wait staff was wonderful food was okay nothing to get excited about. Portions were huge.

Kapree Graves

Our waiter was fantastic. No lines to wait. Wasn't long getting our food and the food was great.

Dustin Moritz

Chicken was delicious as always, staff is so friendly. It's a great atmosphere with incredible food. Been going for years!!

Kevin Felton

Amazing food. Patty our waitress was so nice and helpful. I had just lost my aunt to renal failure and had to take our daughter to the er. We left so drained and just wanted good food. Well we found great food and such a friendly place. We will be back again. Thank patty. You made a difference in our day exponentially! Thank you!!

MadBalmer chuckyD

This is just a tradition to me and my family. Since I was a kid the place to get the best chicken in Stl is Hodaks. It started back when my mom was a kid. Her dad would take the family there every Sunday. So mom kept that tradition with us as kids. Now I live in Colorado, so anytime I'm in town I have to get my fix. And yet another great time at hodaks. Love their hot wings, but you can never go wrong with the original chicken plate.

Tom Meerschaert

Best damn chicken in the state! A classic restaurant everyone should get to enjoy at least once. Our server tonight, Robert was awesome. Food was great as always.

bc Frisse

Love the fried chicken! Always have good service. Nice local St. Louis restaurant/bar

Carl Fortner

If there is better chicken in St Louis please let me know where it is located. We really enjoyed the atmosphere, the decor, the waitress was super, very attentive but not over bearing. The restaurant was busy and I guess we were lucky as …

Austin Terrill

Was here on a Sunday evening with my family 12 including me. Took about 10 minutes to be seated but let me tell you it was worth it. We got a lot of apps barbecue wings, hot wings, regular wings, fried mushrooms, and frog legs and let me tell you it was very delicious. For dinner I got the chicken strip dinner with double fries with honey mustard and ranch. The food was great and their homemade dressing pretty damn good I got the ranch and honey mustard, and I also tried their hot sauce it was great. Our waiter was very nice gave my little brother and sister some ice cream for free. Highly recommend for a good weekend dinner.

Clint Legendre

This is where you get chicken. Simply put if you want chicken and are within 20 miles you go here. Many times quality does not match the price. That is the case here. This is far cheaper than one would expect for how good it is.

Judith G

Took our 85 year old father and his wife here last night. Had a party of 7. Great food and the mushrooms were a hit with us. The menu has something for everyone, and price's were great. You get big portions, so plan on a to-go box. Our waiter Ted, was so pleasant and funny. To top it off he looks and sounds like Tom Hanks. Thank you Ted, we enjoyed our meal and service.

Rachel Steenberg

Love hodaks. The food pricing is extremely reasonable for the amount of food you get. The service is always good, but it is normally very busy so you may have a small wait. Get the fried chicken or wing dinner. You won't be disappointed!

A Guy

Our waiter Robert, was fantastic. Food amazing.

Angie Bacon-Sanson

Chicken was really good. Generous portions. Great service. Will be going back

Joe M

Great food! The COD plate special on Friday is the best around! You receive quite a bit of food for the price!

Rick Miller

This is the best chicken you'll find anywhere. The menu has other options if you're not in the mood for chicken. You will not be disappointed.

Lori Dunahee

What happened? Hodaks used to have the best chicken, but we went for lunch yesterday and the breading tasted different. Looked and tasted like they used too much bread crumbs and there was no flavor. We live almost an hour away, so coming here doesn't happen often. And if this is a new recipe, I doubt we'll ever come back.

Charleen Brown

Childhood favorite. Hodak's NEVER disappoint. Great food & great service.

Sarah Jacobs

My husband and I really enjoy eating there. Staff are always on point with their service. Especially Tim, Rayetta, Phil, and Lupe.

Martha Mayse Dieteman

Had to order their specialty, fried chicken, 1/2 chicken with breast, wing, leg, and thigh. Chicken was good, not greasy, but didn't have any seasoning.... Breaded Mushrooms are hand breaded and the best we've had!!!! Service was very good!! Definitely be return visits in the future!!!

Krystal Robertson

I have tried their strips before, which reminded me of hospital chicken strips. I decided to give it another try and ordered the half chicken meal. Taste just as bad as the strips. It's dry, no flavor. I am pretty sure they are using frozen pre-cooked chicken, how else can they make it so dry? Oh, and there was a special surprise, a soggy piece of bread under all my chicken.

Part1

Good food but takes a little too long to get served

Angela V

This place is famous for a reason. The food is delicious. We have never been unhappy with anything we've chosen. We especially love the fried chicken thighs and dipping our french fries in their brown gravy. Be sure and ask for extra. It's a winner!

Arnold Baker

Busy place! They are famous for their fried chicken. This doesn't explain why they were busy. Ponderosa had way better fried chicken. I think the location has a lot to do with their business. There aren't a lot of restaurants nearby.

Isreal Palmer

Love this place! Fun, relaxed and non- pretentious atmosphere. Staff are friendly and helpful, This place has great vibes and great music. Drink specials aren't the best though and they end quiet early. Bar staff are friendly

Barry Parsons

The fried chicken here is amazing. In fact the only thing I've had that I don't like is the coleslaw because it has too much of a vinegar taste for me. It's not bad, it's just not my thing. The rest of it is really good.

Ashley Cooper

The Mac and cheese was over cooked the mashed potatoes taste like they were out the box

Holesapple Zachary

It was really good food and not bad o price will go again. Server was nice and was good at checking up it was our first time and she told us she loves first timers. Really is the best chicken was moist and disintegrated in your mouth.

Jen R.

First time eating here. I ordered the chicken livers meal. I was expecting only a few livers and a couple small sides. What I got far exceeded my expectations!! I received a HUGE pile of livers, a good size portion of mashed potatoes & gravy and coleslaw. It was DELICIOUS! Highly recommend & I can't wait to go again next year!

Margaret Fleming

I love Hodaks! They give you your money worth of delicious food. They do have a bar.

Jackie Dalton

Nice place. We had the 1/2 chicken dinner. Chicken was alright. Not alot of seasoning. To each his own.

Tamara

So delicious. Brought hot to your table. Great service. I think I want some more today.

Tina Stephan

My husband n father in law has raved about this place for 40 yrs. Finally got to try it. Was very good. I'd like to go back sometime n try there wings.

C Moore

Great service, delicious food, and friend atmosphere

Kellie Reese

This was our first visit to Hodak's, and we were very pleased. We went to Hodak's after spending the day at the zoo so we were thirsty and hungry. Harry never let our drink glasses go empty, and the food was delicious with generous portions.

Tracy Bovaconti

Awesome chicken, huge portions. Wait staff was extremely attentive.

Alvin Jonathan

This is a good place to try a southern fried chicken. I tried their 1/2 fried chicken with fries and coleslaw for almost $10. The quality was good but the taste should have been tastier. Comparing the amount of food that I had with the price, it's relatively cheap. A good place to stop by in St. Louis.

jesse graftenreed

Great service for carryout, friendly staff, even helped me load it into my car (big order). The food was good, but I'm not sure about the "best in the city" hype. Frankly I think Schnucks has better chicken.

Jeff Hale

Amazing chicken. Maybe the best in St. Louis

Tim Clark

I love this place the chicken is is great but the frog legs and breaded mushrooms are a must have if you want my opinion.

Diane Wagner

These aren't chicken wings - they're turkey wings. Great breading, friendly servers, icecold beers

Diana Lanham

I have been coming here for 54 yrs. I will frequent this place for life.

Natalie Stanley

Great place to eat! Best fried chicken! My family all enjoyed their meal. We got fried chicken, country fried steak, chicken livers, and chicken strips. All was wonderful. So much to choose from. Definitely will be back! Cant believe we hadnt tried this before!

jim Biggs

Busy but they get you in pretty fast. The food also comes out fast and hot. The chicken was good but didn't have a ton of flavor could definitely use some spice.

Toby Williams

Best chicken in town. Good ole Home cooking. Cant beat the price. Good restaurant environment.

I.E. Xam

Long time St. Louis institution. The fried chicken is as good as advertised. It is really really good. Very good service.

Nancy Mesey

Very good, very clean. Loved all the chickens in Blues shirts, really funny. Good time

DeAnna Nicole

Service was great, but the food was very subpar besides the fried chicken. Which I understand it's what they are known for, just wish their sides and other options didn't taste like cafeteria food. Also, don't go here if you're gluten free, 100% not worth it.

Salmonella Steve

Fried chicken and fish at a great price! Have been coming here for 30 years and for good reason. The food is always great, well prepared, friendly service and fairly priced. We like to order the fried mushrooms as an appetizer because they're fresh not frozen! I've been told their pasta and sandwiches won't disappoint however I get the fried half chicken dinner with fries and slaw - sometimes sub onion rings or a side salad. I believe my favorite part of coming to Hodak's is already knowing what I'm ordering before I sit down. I'd also recommend Hodak's for catering. They're on time and the food is piping hot!

Rebecca Wright

Rick is my absolute favorite! Don’t get me wrong, there are several wonderful employees! Good food, good price. Big family? They will take you in arms wide open. Highly recommend.

Sheri Miesner Phegley

Grat food & great service as always. I live an hour away, but this place is always worth the drive.

Miles Walz-Salvador

Has some pretty good fried chicken but everything else reminds me of cafeteria food (frozen meats and canned sides). If you go here be sure to get the items they are actually known for or you will be disappointed like we were.

mark potts

Great service and perfect food. Even adhered to our autistic child who only drinks sprite and called the Sierra Mist sprite. Will eat there again

Dusty Vines-Mudd

Best fried chicken in St Louis. We've been several times and the chicken just gets better and better. You HAVE to try this place and the sides are outstanding also.

Tiffany Le

I went here with a lot of hype surrounding this place! We first got the mini tacos as an app. And were surprised to see 10 bite sized tacos. They were crispy and delicious but were unexpected. Both types of fried chicken were delicious, juicy and crispy!! Unfortunately we didn't get to try any white meat, but I'm looking forward to try it next time. The sides were okay. The mac and cheese resembled something that I might find served in a school. Their fries are crinkle cut, so personally, they weren't my favorite. Dessert- pie and ice cream was solid. Service was amazing! Our server was kind, patient and informative. Overall, good place with good chicken, don't expect too much from the sides though.

Rog- Oh

Great fried chicken. Always a long waiting line. Informal/casual atmosphere. No reservations.

Jeff Thorpe

Loved everything about this place. The service was as good as the food.

D Hawes

Really enjoyed our lunch after church. Seems always busy but you'll be seated and served quickly. The fried chicken is a must try and all the sides are good too. Not fancy or expensive. Overall a great value with great food.

Nathan Brandt

First time at Hodak's. Friends said they have the best chicken in town and they did not disappoint. Breaded chicken sandwich was delicious. Didn't try any sides. Portions overall looked very generous. The service was pleasant. I was surprised by the number of big groups and families. Made for a nice atmosphere.

April MomOF3

Waitress was not friendly at all Manager was The best I mean super amazing sorry if waitress was in training someone should have helped her but common courtesy is something you should have and not something someone should have to teach you respect is something you should have and not something someone should have to teach you and customer service skills when you work in a restaurant like that I have grown up on Hodak's my entire life and I'm 34 years old and she had had like no customer service skills whatsoever no smile no have a great night nothing upon those words were even said to us by the manager in the host he was amazing I don't I wish I would have got his name because I will give him five stars but as far as her I wouldn't even give her half of a star I'm sorry that is crucial and I understand training and things like that happen but if you're training and it's a Saturday night you guys are busy yes I get it I've been there wasn't restaurant business for 15 years I understand but I have never once been Hodak's and been this unsatisfied my daughter never received her macaroni and cheese after asking for times we just gave up we just gave up

Julie Haegele

This place is great. The food is good. The servers are friendly. The price is right too.

Daryl Dachroeden

1 of the best fried chicken meals for the price . Homey atmosphere.

Joshua T

Best friend chicken, catfish, etc in this entire state. Have not found better fried chicken anywhere.

Stacey Brandt

Their chicken is the best, obviously, but their Patti melt is great also. Great atmosphere and excellent prices.

Kelly Spray

My grandparents loved this place. They passed but my dad and I go sometimes. The drinks I love!! Great suggestive sales having the to go cups. Had trouble figuring out jobs of people that worked there. Seemed a little chaotic at the bar. Other than that one bar thing greatness like always.

Tina Brown

Tonight is "Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Night" to celebrate my husband's recent business successes, one daughter's straight As and another's successful initial lacrosse performance with 2 goals. Woot! Woot! The only place that came to mind was Hodak's. Their chicken is unique with their cornmeal breading.

Emily Lynch

You get a LOT of food here. The prices are very reasonable as well. You will not walk away hungry. The waiter we had and the staff as a whole were very friendly and very attentive to our table. The food was very good too so it made for a great experience. Would definitely go back.

Diane Marrs-rodgers

We were a group of 12. The service was superb. Every dish was delicious and prepared to perfection..

Rachel Phillips

I truly enjoyed the atmosphere. The restaurant is very clean and the staff is friendly. We went on a Saturday afternoon. It didn't take long for us to be seated. The chicken is huge! But bland for my liking. I had the catfish it was scrumptious, veggies and mashed potatoes off the chain. I go back again.

Mike Saindon

Service was good.. portions were enough to fill me up ...price was not too bad... the beer was ice cold..

Mary Turner

Lots of great food at a very reasonable price

Tony Chien

I went to this restaurant since it was highly recommended by my friend. There was a large restaurant parking lot located across the street. I decided to order 12 pieces of fried chicken for $25 from their carryout counter. The restaurant was decorated with southern country style and variety of chicken. The restaurant was packed with people at 6pm on Tuesday. Staff were friendly and helpful. It took them less than 10 minutes to get my chicken ready. I love their fried chickens. The meat beneath the fried coating was well cooked and juicy.Their fried chickens were less greasy and crunchy than KFC or popeyes' chicken. Their fried chickens had less flavor compared to other chain store fried chickens. If you like a strong flavor or a spicy fried chickens, then this is not the place to go.

Stephanie

Love Hodaks, I've been goung there since I was a teenager. I went a few days ago and there were a couple of menu changes. The drumbstick dinner was different...not sure exactly what it was. I think it was the quality of the chicken! Plus, they changed the bbq sauce they keep on the tables. Some things should NEVER change.

Debby Leonard

Good food, great service, wish the neighborhood was better

Michelle Nitsch

Amazing job by our waiter! Food was delicious

Nancy Kistner Greenwalt

Had a Birthday party there tonight.The waiters were awesome.The food was delicious as usual.

James Walker

This was my first time eating at Hodaks. The chicken portions are generous and the meals are inexpensive for what you get. I quickly realized that the chicken coating has a large amount of cornmeal in it. This makes the texture more firm, though I wouldn't say more crunchy. Nevertheless, fortunately I really like things fried in cornmeal. I don't know if someone would enjoy this chicken if they prefer chicken with only a flour coating. I am glad we had a waitress named Sandy! Efficient, conscientious, and all around good natured. We could tease and she could give it right back. I saw her carry 6 heavy plates without a tray to a single table.I will ask to be seated in her section when possible the next time we go. The mashed potatoes were instant but tasty with the white gravy. I really enjoyed the coleslaw, not creamy but not sour either. Dining in a restaurant that goes back so many years in old St. Louis was delight. The ambiance is warm and embracing. Can't wait to go back with friends.

Dianne Schilling

The chicken was good. Service was a little slow.but still good lots of food for a small price

Bree

Really surprised at everyone saying how great the food is. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t very good. Steak was unseasoned and had no flavor, pork chop was pretty dry, and the cole slaw was just not good. Prices are really cheap; so I guess we got what we paid for. Definitely wouldn’t go back.

Rachel Link

Service was wonderful, however the cod and chicken subtracted flavor from the taste buds.. I wonder if I was just oblivious to how bland their food really is!

Jimmy de Villiers

Get the chicken! Anything fried here is awesome. The people are the best part about Hodaks. Cheers!

Ronald Shaw

Great food, great prices, great service...love Hodaks!!!

Lauralee Coakley

The best have you on my face book page.

Josh Scruggs

Great fried chicken. If you like wings try the Amaya's wings. Great comfort food ... If you're in St Louis it's a great place to grab a bite.

Mark Levy

Fun and friendly place. Very much a pub atmosphere. Cant understand any infatuation with the chicken though, it's very bland and reminds me of Vegas buffet fried chicken. Again, nice fun place but the chicken and fries dont hold a candle to KFC's extra crispy & potato wedges.

Doug Walter

Great quality food for a great price.

leeann waldvogel

Good food, generous portions, decent prices. Even if you go on Sunday afternoon when 95% of South St. Louis eats there after church, it's a short wait and still excellent service.

John Wrapp

The best fried chicken in town! Great service and moderately priced.

Dan Curry

Today was a special day. Baby shower for our daughter-in-law. What a great way to finish the celebration, eating delicious food at Hodack's restaurant. As always the food was cooked perfectly and tasted so great. Make this a must eat place on your list when visiting or especially if you live in St. Louis. 5 plus stars in my book.

Tiffany Mcneal

We chise this place according to Google. We got there and the ambiance was great! You felt at home because so many people spoke when we walked in. The food was wonderful! We had chicken, fish, mushrooms and cheese sticks! We had to taste everything! Our waiter made sure we had everything we needed. This is definitely a place to visit!!!

Tony Galati

ALWAYS GREAT FOOD SERVICE & it shows as they seem to always be busy.....I go there almost once every week

Tamara Nelson

Bartender in the picture, cool. Chicken tender meal, mashed and slaw.i dint care for their slaw but that's my preference. Mashed potatoes seemed like they were instant but ok. Friendly quick service for lunch.

Tom Goodman

Best chicken, fast and friendly service.

The Selfmaid Empath

The service wonderful....and that is where it begins and ends. The food is cheap and for a reason. The quality of the food is poor. The chicken wings should be turkey because they are huge. I will not be returning

Jerriishant Johnson

Very nostalgic. The food was hot and good. I'm going back next weekend. Parking was not a problem.

Marie Bond

Hodak's is a southside St. Louis classic place to get great chicken! They have more than just chicken on the menu, they have delicious comfort foods as well. Everytime we go we always need a box because we can't finish our plate! In fact you will see a lot of people walking out with white boxes! Their fried mushrooms are really good too! They do have a bar, so if you are thirsty you can get your drink on!

Erika Brekalo

Chicken is great, but the later u go the more breading is on the chicken.

RClark Digital Art

I was disappointed this Visit! Three years ago It was Awesome.. I'm not sure what happened.

Toni Stroder

Best chicken ever. been going there for years. Food is always hot fresh. Wish they would put some flavor in the green beans.

Carmen Godina

Visited about 2-3 weeks ago (on Friday night)with a party of 30 to celebrate my sister and her boyfriend’s graduation. Jon, our server was AMAZING and gave us his full attention! Not to mention that he had 2-3 other tables to assist. The food orders were all correct, taste great, he was attentive, gave amazing customer service and nice ambiance. I highly recommend this place! Ps. The best part of the night was that a customer paid our full tab!!!!!

Bryan Chapman

Their chicken dinners are always a favorite but their chicken wings are the bomb! I don't know where they get these chicken wings from but they are humongous and they are delicious as well.

Jenna Farmer

Comfortable and delicious - staff was super friendly! They also have their own parking lot which makes it nice :-)

Chris Dedert

Love momas stiky wings

Livi Gordon

Coleslaw tasted old, macaroni and cheese was watery and had coleslaw water seeping into it. The chicken was good, but needed more seasoning and breading in my opinion.

John Samson

Best chicken in St. Louis. Always taste the same sin 1986!

Amanda Rosinbaum

Waitress was really friendly and quick. Food was hot and service was quick for how busy they were on a Friday night.

Richard Homuth

Have to stop here every time I'm in St. Louis. Best chicken around. Excellent service and prices that can't be beat.

Marsha Butler

The food was good and plentiful. The service staff was polite and respectful. I enjoyed my dinner there.

John Paul Angeli

They sell good food The Cherry lemonade is really good

Rita Cox

Fast and nice service especially the man who sat us very pleasant

Mike Huff

Chicken wasn't greasy and tasted great.

Linda Summers

Love this place. Chicken is awesome. Ate catfish tonight and it was fabulous. Atmosphere is great.

Kathy Styer

Great family restaurant. Full bar if you want a drink. Chicken, especially fried, is the specialty but burgers are good too. Affordable too.

kimberly Russell

I like Hodak's food it was very good. I like to go very often I'm very pleased with there service. Thank you again Hodak have a great day..

Loria Simms

Food is always great when I go. Fried Chicken is what i get plus a salad. Never fails as far as taste goes. The servings are large enough for 2.