Maras Southern Kitchen Reviews
Submitted by Danny Dombal on 12/31/2019
Danny Dombal 5 stars rating.
Had the taste for good southern fried chicken. Came across this place sat down placed a to go order and was told 20-25 mins. Make it from scratch. Had a shelters from Arkansas, little chit chat, great selection of all food and all spice preference . Inc alligator. Got home broiled 5 mins and was the best ever fried chicken , taste , consistency flavor moist excellent
Holly Pulis 5 stars rating.
This review is way overdue, but alas life gets in the way. My husband and I went here for the first time, and sat at the bar, (as is our usual choice when we are out without the children) one afternoon around 5ish, and were greeted by none other than Mara as our bartender, and Josh running the kitchen. What a hard working family they have here! What was supposed to be a quick dinner ended up turning into me and my husband being welcomed by the regulars, and staying until closing!!! We ate multiple appetizers, entrees, and even dessert, as well as having a bunch of different drinks from their bar menu.
It was our first time, but it felt like we had been going there forever with how we were treated. I don't know what to say other than their food is delicious, and it is fresh. The drinks are great, and so is the atmosphere. I don't really know what to say about the owners (Mara & Josh) that would do them justice. They really are some of the kindest people in this industry. I personally have been in the restaurant industry for about 25 years now, and to find people who are this dedicated to their craft, is truly rare.
You can tell that there is love for what they do, and it is absolutely reflected in their food that comes out of that kitchen.... It is so refreshing to see a local spot that has great food, drink, and caring compassionate owners.
I hope that you have many, many more years to come. Hands down some of the best southern food and hospitality I have seen up here in NY.
Bottom line- Go visit them NOW!!! Their food is AMAZING and so are they! Super great down to earth people that truly care about what they do!!!!
Submitted by Holly Pulis on 07/19/2022
Denise Tura 5 stars rating.
Always a great meal at Mara’s. My mom loves their soft shell crab, and their char-grilled oysters are my absolute favorite!
Submitted by Denise Tura on 07/18/2022
I 5 stars rating.
I just want to leave a review because the staff here is amazing. My ride was late picking me up, and they were nice enough to let me sit at their outdoor dining area. I was waiting for a while, and they constantly checked on me, and even brought me water. If I knew my ride was going to be that late, I definitely would have gotten some shrimp & grits. I’ll be back for some for sure next time :)
Submitted by I on 06/17/2022
Eric Jordan Nussbaum 5 stars rating.
This place ROCKS!!!! Mara's southern kitchen is Melville's best kept secret. It's time that we all recognize the delicious food that comes from their kitchen. Two thumbs up to Mara and her staff who not only know true hospitality, but excellent Louisiana BBQ.
You can not come here and NOT get their Stuffed crawfish bread!!! HOLY F#*% that was incredible. I just wish I had more. Bravo. This stuffed Baggett with all its savory cheesey, crawfish and sauce... its Sandwich heaven.
The baby back ribs were spot on, fall from the bone, finger smacking delicious. Their BBQ sauce was an excellent addition to the ribs. Loved loved loved all the sides and the portions.
The onion rings are the ???? ???? ????
The cornbread is fire! ????
And the fried pickles with their cornbread coating was cooked perfectly.
I got my 16 month old daughter the gator bites, and she LOVED them!!!
Love this place and their food. Can't wait to go back with friends and family!!!
Submitted by Eric Jordan Nussbaum on 06/04/2022
Joanna Jahn 1 stars rating.
The food was terrible. It was dry. The service was very unprofessional. I had to take the food off the check which I might have done probably never being a waitressmyself. No check back! Thats my biggest problem in service. Jesus Christ daughter says keep driving.
Submitted by Joanna Jahn on 06/04/2022
Plushee One 5 stars rating.
Enjoyed this place! Small, located in a strip mall, blink and you'll miss it but don't. For real southern food, emphasis on Cajun style. Had excellent brisket, fried okra and the best char grilled oysters outside of Bourbon Street. I will be back for shrimp and grits and crayfish etouffee. Probably popping on the weekends 'cause they got a full bar
Submitted by Plushee One on 04/05/2022
Paolo Pelizzoli 5 stars rating.
One of the few places that remained open during CV. Great southern Louisiana cuisine! Lots of gluten free options. Great gator-bites and fried pickles. Good BBQ as well.
Submitted by Paolo Pelizzoli on 04/01/2022
Jennifer Carrieri 5 stars rating.
I discovered Mara’s restaurant in the early 2000’s when they were located in the Lower East Side. I was pleasantly surprised when I found them again in Syosset. It was good then and still good now. I’m also gluten free and her menu labels accordingly. I can’t wait to go back again and again! Everything is fresh and delicious and the restaurant is also kid friendly!
This place is a treasure! Mara brings the culture and taste of Louisiana to the north shore!
Submitted by Jennifer Carrieri on 03/27/2022
Tom S 5 stars rating.
Great food with a warm welcome!
Went here for dinner and was so glad that I did. When we walked in we were greeted right away and loved the New Orleans decor. The restaurant was extremely clean and they were following the governors COVID protocol.
My friend and I ended up splitting a bunch if dishes. We ended up getting the Gator bites, blackened fried shrimp, Jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, Banana butterscotch rye pie, and prosecco cherry delight.
The starters came out fast and fresh. The Gator bites were okay. They were kinda small and not a lot of Gator taste but the fried taste and sauce were very good. The shrimp were very lightly coated and very tasty.
The main courses were the best I've had in a long time. The Jambalaya was perfect. Nice and thick, flavorful and just the right amount of spice. The crawfish etouffee was so hearty and had such a unique taste. The crawfish meat was plentiful and the garlic sauce it was in was amazing. It was a hard choice to pick a favorite, but I like the crawfish the best.
I'm not one to save room for desert but I had to this time. The slices that are served are huge and heavy. The cherry prosecco was this nice whipped and fluffy slice but was heavy and thick because of the soaked ladyfingers. The clear winner to me was the bannana butterscotch rye pie. Words can't describe how good this was. The thick custard with huge slices of banana were as good as the dense rye infused crust.
If you're still reading this review and not going to eat here now, I've either failed at posting a food review or you're crazy. Go eat!
Submitted by Tom S on 01/11/2022
