That fish I can say nobody fries fish like my granny but this place sure is close. I love the swamp water but the red beans and rice needs more seasoning. Let’s not mention the peach cobbler that they served to me hot I almost cried it was so delicious, I like this place a lot. I felt I was back at home with my aunt and granny’s and let’s not mention the prices are great KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB GUYS
Disclaimer: we are food snobs. We’ve been to New Orleans several times b/c my sister use to live there, so our standards are pretty high.With that said. We had the pork chops, shrimp, sausage, and fish and they were all very well seasoned and full of flavor. We also had the shrimp Poboy and it’s probably the best I’ve had outside New Orleans. It was saucy (not dry like I’ve had else where here in San Antonio) and the bread was soft. The corn bread is not the moist kind it’s the dry one but it was so good and freshly made! They were very welcoming and their hospitality was beyond great! Lastly, the price does not break the bank. We ordered 5 meals and paid about 65.Heads up: the wait from ordering to receiving the food took about 30mins (and I’m being generous). This is not a place where you go if you don’t want to wait. The red beans and rice lacked flavor. I didn’t take stars off b/c the wait is worth it and the red beans and rice weren’t the worse, plus it was the only thing that wasn’t on point.
Our plates did not look anything like the photos posted here. Very small portions, and over priced. The owner was pushy and yelled at me to eat her so-called famous cornbread. It was too sweet for my liking (and yet plain and dense), and I felt forced to explain that I'm a Diabetic. I didn't appreciate being watched over my shoulder while we ate. Owner said "I'm a Martinez! I don't let that dollar go out the door!" (Whatever that means) So I stayed, because I first thought she was a bit outlandish with a weird humor. I was wrong, and we won't be going back.
A friend suggested going here. And we're still friends. LOL. Red beans and rice weren't as spicy as my moms but still yummy. That's what hot sauce is for, right?... cornbread was great. My friend had the fish plate and said it was really good, very tasty. I had the shrimp poboy sandwich that was fantastic! if you don't like wet, don't get this sandwich or get the mayo like mix on the side. The shrimp were delish! Cooked to perfection... Ratio of bread to shrimp was perfect. Would I like more shrimp? Well duh, but it was shrimp in every bite.... Loved the tea! We didn't save room for the peach cobbler so we ordered it to go. Don't leave without it in a to go box or your belly. This was so close to my moms peach cobbler (moms usually had loads of cobbler) that I can hardly wait to try the sweet potato pie! And more cobbler of course. Maybe the next visit will be all about desserts!..... Almost forgot, Ma Harper actually came out to check on tables. She asked how everything was and when we said it was great, she said "that's what I like to hear"... What an honor. See you soon Ms Harper!
I haven't visited Ma Harpers in a few years but I am glad I came back today. Everything was really good. I still can't get how good that catfish tasted out of my mind. I will definitely not let this much time go by before I come back. ♡
Not all that. 40 minutes to get our food. Salad dressing and tartar sauce was Kraft. Out of dessert. Not impressed.
Our first time there and the food was amazing. The service was great and the gumbo was great. Also the portion was worth the money. My wife had the fried pork chops that was seasoned just right. Can't wait to try the fried fish next visit. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Slow slow slow. People were sweet but in slow motion. No alcohol drinks and were pushing a political agenda. One hour for food
amazing. true creole soul food. Hands down best gumbo I've ever eaten from a restaurant. maybe best ever. Ma Harper and family makes you feel at home. Be prepared to be patient with your order, they truly cook fresh to order with lots of love! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. limited hours right now. open weekends.
Positives: the food was AMAZING.Easily one of the best in town. The staff were nice. The atmosphere was very relaxed almost as if you were in ma harpers home. There's a warmth to being there.Negatives: The restaurant wasn't clean. The restrooms were not cleaned. We didn't get our drinks until almost 30 minutes after we arrived and we were only one of two tables in the whole restaurant.Overall the positives outweigh the negatives and ma harpers is truly one of the more unique experiences here in San Antonio. Everyone should visit ma harpers at least once.