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Mara's Homemade Reviews List

Mara's Homemade

Mara’s Homemade is family owned and operated serving authentic Barbecue, Southern and Cajun cuisine. Barbecue is smoked on premise. Gulf seafood, Andouille sausage and spices are flown in from New Orleans to make traditional, authentic dishes. When not utilizing Southern products, Mara's buys local.
Live crawfish are available when in season and weather permits.
Family recipes are the staple plus new creations developed by Chef Josh.
Signature dishes include Char-grilled Oysters, Crawfish Stuffed Bread, Crawfish Cheesecake and BBQ Black Peppered Shrimp.
Mara's now house grinds fresh brisket for their burgers. The hamburgers are served on pretzel buns baked daily on the premises. Turkey burgers are also available.
Homemade desserts are available daily and whole cakes and pies may be ordered to go with at least 24 hours’ notice.
See more Mara's Homemade details
46 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
(46 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 46 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.4 / 5
(Very Good) 3.4 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(21)
  • fit for foodies(20)
  • good for groups(7)
  • special occasion(6)
  • great for lunch(5)
  • hot spot(5)
Mara's Homemade Reviews List
Review 1 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Consistently Good to Excellent

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We have come for dinner on a few Saturday nights since I found out they moved from Manhattan. Their food has always been very good to excellent and have been packed on every Saturday we've gone. I recommend making a reservation which was honored and available when we arrived.
The wait staff is extremely knowledgable of the numerous daily specials for the day in addition to their vast menu.
My only compliant, rather wish, is that the restaurant was less noisy. If you are looking for a quiet romantic night don't plan to come on a Saturday night. If you are looking for a festive atmosphere with a lively crowd enjoying themselves with a husband and wife team as your hosts who really care about their customer base then come to Mara's Homem"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2005
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Review 2 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

So disappointing with hopes high!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Was so excited to dine at Mara's after getting numerous recommendations from friends. Right from the start we were off on the wrong foot. Had a 6PM reservation made on Open Table and they did not have a table ready. We were seated in the far back of the restaurant and the service was fair at best. The food was very good (although the 4 shrimp platter came unpeeled and were almost impossible to handle) but the gregarious waiter got absolutely lost on us on three occasions and it took what seemed like an eternity for the main course to be served. The most frustrating was the ridiculous wait we had to pay the check. I had to walk to the front of the restaurant and almost force the waiter to take my credit card. Disappointing!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
 2008
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Review 3 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ribs

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It is great but pass on the ribs. I had them twice and they just aren't good. To fatty sides are great. I will be back"
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great New Orleans food and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great New Orleans food and just great food."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I CANNOT RECOMMEND MARA'S ENOUGH.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We went on a Tuesday night (so keep that in mind when I said it was quiet and good for groups- I wouldn't know if that's the same for a Friday or Saturday night) with a group of six. The food was outrageous- I don't remember if it was a special or a normal menu's appetizer but I highly recommend their seafood bread. It was absolutely delicious. Crawfish, cheese, spices... All baked into a bread. We had a wonderful time and the staff was very friendly and helpful. We will most certainly be back!!"
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 6 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good food: need more waiters......

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Enjoyed the food. Went on a Saturday night and the place was packed. I only saw 2 service people serving food. It was just the little things like asking how your food was or getting water when 99% of the dishes were spicy that would make me not go back for dinner."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 7 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

YUM

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The service was friendly and accommodating and the food was scrumptious. There are many gluten free items on the menu to choose from. The atmosphere is casual and fun. We will most definitely be returning with friends and family."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Crawfish. Mac & cheese.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Crawfish. Mac & cheese. Ribs. Bar-b-que. soufflé for dessert.
This small neighborhood restaurant is always a home run. Everything is made fresh and the owner is always there and ready to try and meet your every need.
"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Ugh

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Don't bother making a res. They'll give you the worst seat in the house and you will freeze the entire time. Food is nothing special."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
+1point
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Review 10 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Mara's Homemade is a definite

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Mara's Homemade is a definite "go to" for great Cajun and BBQ.
Luckily, we had made reservations and although we arrived much earlier than anticipated we were seated upon arrival. The service, while attentive lacked towards the end only because the waiter was busy with all his tables. The food from appetizers and main entrees was authentic and delicious! We shared a Cajun seafood platter and a BBQ platter of chicken, brisket and ribs. The seasonings were spot on and the slow smokey heat flavor is amazing!
We began with Hush puppies and they were light, not greasy and definitely homemade.
Overall, our experience was great. The only complaint I have is the blast of cold outdoor air that rushes in every time the front door is opened.
"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food was mediocre service

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was mediocre service was fair at best. We were given someone else's appetizer accidentally and charged for it. Very expensive for mediocre. Would not frequent."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2008
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Review 12 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved it. The gumbo was the

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Loved it. The gumbo was the best!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 13 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

So far my only visit was for

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"So far my only visit was for their Mardi Gras event. Food and general atmosphere was great! I was happy I made a reservation! Only service problem was once we finished our entree they wanted us out of the table for the next seating - dessert was not offered that night but also we were not allowed to get another drink or appetizer at the table. I know it was a special event night and if I were waiting for a table I would be happy, but this was the first time at a restaurant that I was ever told I couldn't order another course or drink. I would return again at a quiet time - the food was great!"
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2006
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Review 14 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food. (Many delish

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food. (Many delish Gluten-free choices) and the band was fun but, alas, a bit too loud for such a small space.
don't think too many people minded. Just meant you couldn't hear your table talk.
"
Dined on 02/12/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 15 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is our new favorite restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This is our new favorite restaurant. Whatever we order is always delicious. We highly recommend trying this place out!"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2010
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Review 16 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice people and good food.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
"Nice people and good food. Incredible menu."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2013
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Review 17 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

authentic Cajun Cuisine.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"authentic Cajun Cuisine. Key lime pie was amazing. Everything we ordered was great. Fun, loud, casual/low key place with great service. Would definitely go back."
Dined on 02/01/2013
 2009
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Review 18 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you want outstanding food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you want outstanding food then you have to go here.....food is fresh and tasty....unusual food for this part of New York....crawfish pot pie was outstanding and the char grilled oysters were out of this world.....wait staff are friendly and accommodating and Mara greets each table...."
Dined on 01/31/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sunday at Mara's

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our table was ready, our friends were there, other friends were celebrating a family birthday too. No one rushed us. Mara herself told us the specials & checked back to see if things were OK. We all 4 had different meals & it all was delicious. Will try lunch too."
Dined on 01/27/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Mara's Homemade
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everyone there were friendly

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Everyone there were friendly and attentive. Food was phenomenal. After looking at the menu, we realized we will need to go back on a regular basis in order to try everything on it. It was a really great experience."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mara's Homemade
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
4 out of 4 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
3.5 / 5
(Very Good) 3.5 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic