Hodak's Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in St. Louis

We have been going to Hodaks since the mid 1990s. It was one of our favorite restaurants we ate at on a weekly basis for two decades. They could be lined out the door or completely dead and the service was always good and the food even better.

We moved away about 10 years ago but always try to go there when we come back. This weekend we came in town with some friends and were so excited for them to try the best chicken place in town. When we arrived an older gentleman directed us to choose a booth from a series of 3 that were open. We sat down. There continued to be other patrons come in after us and sit down and each and everyone of them got served before we were even acknowledged. Finally, my friend got up and went over and got us menus himself. A waitress was standing there and said he startled her but she didn’t offer to help or go tell our server we were still waiting.

Finally the waitress (who had no personality) came to get our drink orders and that took a really long time. By the way they weren’t at all slammed. They had open tables all night. At one point we were scared to death by a loud slam on the plastic divider between our booth and the next. It was a little kid who was throwing a fit because his mom wouldn’t let him do what he wanted. It turned out the Mom was the waitress on duty. He kept screaming at the top of his lungs while she kept yelling at him she was going to call his father to come pick him up. He’d scream even louder.

Quite some time later our food came out. Our food was cold as ice. The fries were awful, the onion rings were cold, the chicken had no flavor. The only thing that was good was the Cole slaw and the fried chicken livers.

They also had plenty of staff running around so they weren’t short staffed either. I’m not sure what the issue was but was so sad at how the quality and service had gone down and was completely embarrassed that we had built this place up to our friends about the experience...

A year later (2023) and I edited this review to give all areas a five. Great in all ways. Glad to see things turned around. We were meeting someone and arrived early. They welcomed us to sit and wait, gave us great coffee and checked on us regularly. Waiter was very kind. Food was out in 10 minutes. I had sticky wings and they were delicious. The price was $18.99 which was pretty stiff but they were good. Coffee and tea fresh brewed. They refilled us well over the period of 90 minutes. The restroom was very clean. They greeted everyone as if they were customers for years. My sister ordered Country Fried Steak, my husband had livers, my son had roast beef and nephew had chicken legs. All delicious. Coffee hot and flavorful. Clear cup. No film on top. Tea smelt great brewing. My son said it was as good as it smelt while brewing.

I’m guessing the problems in my old review were caused by Covid comeback problems. It was a struggle for everyone for awhile. Things are better.

Old review: 2022 I’d like to give this a five but the service was so bad I can’t on this visit. Add to it the restroom door didn’t have a lock and it took us an 1 1/2 to order and get our food I can’t give the high rating one might expect. My beer sat on the bar so long that all ice left the mug and it warmed. I only order beer here because of their reputation for ice cold beer. Like all restaurants they must be struggling with help....

Tracey our waitress took our order for drinks quickly after being seated immediately at our booth. We asked what was good on the menu and she asked us what did we come here for. Told her we were out of town and was wanting to experience the chicken we heard was a St. Louis favorite. She said what you want then is the 1/2 chicken dinner with their homemade vinegar coleslaw and whatever side we wanted and as a appetizer she suggested the Toasted Stuffed Ravioli that St. Louis is known for. The appetizer was amazing and enjoyed every bite. The chicken was hot, fresh and very juicy with an exceptional crusted breading that had the best seasoning I have ever had on a chicken dinner. The coleslaw was yes vinegar based that had a enjoyable tangy bite to it. We all ordered Tea for our dinner and not only did she bring us three glasses but a whole pitcher to boot for our own refill pleasure, and man did that Southern Type Tea have a great flavor and yes you could not see the other side of the glass so it was steeped perfectly. I would recommend anyone who loves fried chicken to come to this great restaurant with good food, great customer service and a wonderful atmosphere. I wish Springfield Missouri had a chicken place like this. We did with Grandy's and a Church's Chicken until they were both closed years ago and never had a great fresh chicken...