Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen in San Antonio - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

The gumbo is amazing! I'll definitely go back for that. It was quite warm inside the restaurant. Outside was close to 100. I'm not sure if the AC was broken. Regardless, having warm gumbo with a bit of spice to it in a warm room, I broke into a bit of sweat. But it was well worth it. I'll definitely go back in a cooler day.

First time here for what it's worth for what I had it was good,jus need more for the brothers and sisters that don't eat PORK. Great customer service guys keep it up

A+ all around. Being from New Orleans I have yet to find ANY place that reminds me of home, until now. I had the pleasure of meeting Ma Harper herself sharing stories and talking with someone I just met but with that home vibe like I've known her all my life. I'm not sure there is one single word that could even explain how amazing the food was. If this place was close to where I live now, I would be they everyday. A MUST try if you want to experience what good southern comfort cajun style food taste. Thank you for the southern hospitality yall. Oh and the swamp water was delecious, must try!

Great food and service. A true hidden gem!!

Delicious food! Ma visited with us and others thanking us for dining there. Wonderful experience and we highly recommend.

Last of a dying breed so wise and the best corn bread in the world I love it so good 👍🏿 pork chop 😮 OMG so juicy

Gumbo was excellent, pork chop as well. Ma Harper's a living legend and the staff is really kind.

Felt like I was in Louisiana! The food is absolutely delicious and authentic. Ma Barker herself, age 95, came out and introduced herself and chatted with us a bit. So glad I found this place.

The Gumbo is fantastic! The Shrimp plate, big quantity of shrimp! Boudin was delicious as well.

Still the best she doesn't change her love is always the same along with her food. Loveee ma harper Blessings to her

Fantastic Creole Kitchen The gumbo was divine with Ma’s cornbread. The fried pork chop and red beans & rice and the fried shrimp po’ boy were straight out heaven. The atmosphere is inviting and meeting Ma Harper was a delight. Such a fun and lovely person. At 95 years young still stopping by each table and chatting and making sure you have what you need. What a blessing to this community she is. When in San Antonio this is a must visit place for food and conversation.

This was my first time there I just moved into the neighborhood around corner from restaurant and me and my husband have wanted to try this restaurant for a while and it was well worth the wait cause we weren't disappointed what so ever I had the seafood gumbo and pork chop and imy husband had the sausage sandwich and fries and we split a red beans and rice with sausage plate and we both had the peach cobbler and swamp water . all in all it was all very delicious i also met ma harper she was so veey sweet and the staff is very welcoming I highly recommend this place if your in the mood for some good creole cooking this is the place to come 😋

Ma Harper’s is legit!!! My friend and I had the fish plate and the shrimp plates with rice and beans. Shrimp was large and flavorful and the rice and beans were just right. Cornbread served as an appetizer was perfect, washed it down with swamp water (lemonade and tea). Very short wait for food and the staff was very friendly. Ma Harper was even there and she is now 95!!! Total bill with tip was $38. Definitely a must visit!!!!

Love Ma. ❤️ Get it whole you can

We stopped by for something other than Tex Mex. Ma Harper's is well worth the time to stop and eat. Ma Harper stopped by our table and she is a rare jewel in the restaurant business. We talked for well over 30 minutes. Learned how to cook a pork chop and how to make gumbo. Food is good, service is fine and the atmosphere is quaint but aged. I'd recommend eating there for sure. You'll enjoy the experience.

OMG if you want real authentic Creole food,come to this restaurant. The owner Ma Harper is the kindest sweetest lady I have ever met. You won't regret eating here especially the gumbo

Loved the feel, food, and especially getting to chat with Ma Harper! She told me to tell y'all she's 95 and still alive! 🙌 The Gumbo is a must and the cornbread was moist and delicious!

Amazing food and cozy atmosphere. Its just a blessing to find authentic New Orleans cuisine in San Antonio . Absolutely delicious!

Lots of items to choose from, friendly staff. Felt like I was in New Orleans earing my lunch.

Ma Harper’s Gumbo is always delicious. It is very tasty and flavorful. Cornbread is moist and good. Fried pork chop is a good size. It’s was not dry it was moist cook to perfection. Service is great. Atmosphere is very welcoming. Ma Harper always greets us with her smile and makes us laugh. She is a kind hearted person.

The food was beyond delicious 🤤 the staff was super friendly and attentive.

Ma , is incredible black lady who is 92 years old and still working and running her business like a Ma should

Great service and friendly staff. We had shrimp po’boys and gumbo; both delicious, piping hot, and clearly made from scratch. Perfect balance of spices and salt.👌 Our rec: go for the housemade kettle chips instead of the french fries for a great crunch on your sandwich. It may look unassuming, but don’t be fooled by the humble exterior — Ma Harper’s is the real deal.

I've had this place bookmarked for nearly 2 yrs. I was so glad to be in the area during lunch time today because the food is fantastic. The fish & shrimp were fried to perfection. The fish was quite possibly the most perfectly seasoned fish I have ever had. The red beans and rice, while not my favorite dish, was extremely good and the portion was huge. Now for the most important item, boudin sausage. I added a link of boudin sausage to my order and I am so glad I did. Boudin sausage can be very hit or miss for me, it's either too mushy or to dry, sometimes overcooked, sometimes cooked just wrong. Not here, this is easily the best boudin sausage I have had, and that includes half a dozen restaurants I have been to in Louisiana along I-10. I give this restaurant a 10 out of 10 because customer service was on point, the place was very down home and cozy, and after a rainy morning at work I couldn't ask for a better meal. Thank you ladies so much. I will be return.

Must try their gumbo!! It was freaking delicious!!

If you're looking for gumbo, it's the place to go

Fried Catfish, red beans & rice, phenomenal! The peach cobbler here is the best peach cobbler I have ever had in my life! I was shocked! Better than my grandmothers! The sweet potato was great as well! Good Swamp water too! Atmosphere could use some work! Momma Harper is a delight!

As out of towners- this was our first time visiting Ma Harper's. The seating staff was so friendly and inviting. However, We waited 40 minutes for someone to acknowledge us and take our drink orders. We waited another hour or so for a bowl of gumbo and a fish plate. What was most upsetting- a family (not of my same ethnicity) arrived and sat behind us. Within minutes they received their salads and plates which were similar to ours. I'm not saying this was racism but it definitely was upsetting to see the difference in customer service provided to both families. The fish was nothing short of amazing and the Gumbo was great too.. The rice could use a bit more flavor also. But due to this bad experience, we will not be visiting again.

Food was very good. The service was great. The atmosphere is awesome with all the history.

Food is always great. Fish is cooked fresh, red beans and rice cooked ahead and simmering as it should be. Ma Harper is great to talk with when she comes around. She's been through a lot but the love she gives everyone shines in her food. Like she says, she isn't getting younger. Please go on in while the place is still open. No fixed plans of succession here, which is quite sad.

Flavorful, gumbo was perfect. Cornbread off the hook good and peach cobbler was good to boot!

Delicious food & delightful wait stuff. Wonderful place to step back into time with authentic creole food. Ma Harper is still going strong. She runs the kitchen & cooks as well. Well worth going back!

The place is awesome! The hours are ridiculous, though. Can't blame them, there's only two people there and the job is more a hobby then a career or retirement plan. I'm just made I can't get more of their good cooking. Haven't been in years because the hours are unattainable for me.

Food was great could of had bigger portions.

This place is a gem. Family owned restaurant feels like you're eating at Grandma's house. Staff was friendly and prompt. Very generous portions. Gumbo roux was nice and dark. Big shrimp. Fried fish was fantastic... Hot and cooked perfectly. My kids loved the red beans and rice that were not too spicy. The best treat was cornbread finished with honey butter with each meal. Ma Harper and her daughter were in the kitchen and we will be back!

Absolutely amazing!!! This is by far the best gumbo I’ve ever had! Everything was authentic and fresh! The staff was friendly and Ma greeted us as soon as we came in the door! All you need is a tall glass of swamp water, some gumbo & cornbread! You will not be disappointed 🔥🔥🔥

Reminds me of what food was really like as a young bull. My new place of consumption.

Ma Harper offer excellent Creole food and hospitality.

Awesome place great food and service I recommend this place to everyone

Ma makes each visit memorable. Usually, there is no problem, but today, there was some confusion with orders in the kitchen. Will be back again.

Walking into this place manages to take you back in time. Southern comfort food at it's finest. With items like "swamp water" and house-made deserts it feels like a home away from home. and man I should of came here a long, long time ago! Truly a hidden gem! They definitely have a regular now

It has a nostalgic atmosphere. Owners are still working there and they have very friendly staff. Food was delicious! Awards and pictures of past times are everywhere! They even won several Blue Plate awards for spotless and clean place! I recommend you swing by. You'll enjoy your time and great food!

Food and atmosphere are wonderful. Best bread pudding ever! Ma Harper is a great mentor!

We found this place by accident and we will for sure go back. I loved the family atmosphere, so comfortable. They treat anyone who walks through that door like they've known you for years. Oh and the food was delicious, it tasted like we were back in Louisiana. The gumbo had just the right amount of spice and flavor. The boudin had a sweet but spicy flavor and over a bed of red beans and rice, yummmm. We will absolutely be going back to this one!

It's a nice friendly place with ok food.

Wonderful gumbo! Corn bread was really good as well... And that is saying a lot since, I don't like corn bread!

This place has amazing food! Ma Harper and Priscilla are excellent workers!!!♥️

My first time in, been watching DDD re-runs and hitting some of the Texas based locations, Ma was in there just working away, hope I’m half they active when I hit 93! Good food, good service. we had the gumbo, boudin and shrimp po-boy no complaints on any of it, pretty darn good. (Cornbread was amazing)

Ma & her husband of 60 years chatted with all the customers

Felt so welcomed as we entered, had an old school feel, and was clean. The shrimp, catfish, and porkchop were seasoned and fried well; the boudain sausage was packed with flavor! The cornbread was soft and buttery, the swap water wasn't too sweet , and the sweet potato pie was one of the most flavorful and soft slices I've had in awhile. I expected a little more flavor from the red beans and rice and I was really looking forward to the bread pudding but it was still cooking. Will definitely be back to try the gumbo and hopefully the bread pudding.

Delicious food made by the warmest souls. Don't you dare leave without trying a desert!

Wanted a quick bite for something different, so we stumbled across this southside joint. Parking was fine, though the lot could use some refurbishment. Inside the restaurant was quite warm. AC is definitely something every eatery should invest properly in when in TX. Hostess was nice and seated us. Menu was pretty simple with about a dozen items or so listed. My wife and I tried the gumbo and fried fish with shrimp. The gumbo was quite delicious and had a fair amount of meats inside such as chicken, sausage and shrimp. Main complaint was the portion size. Not everything in TX has to be as big as my forehead, but 10.99 is a bit steep for what we ordered. Next was the fried fish and shrimp, again very small portion sizes. Only one piece of fish and 4 shrimp. The breading was great and was coated with flavor. We would've appreciated one more piece of fish though.. Every peice of silverware is plastic, down to the bowls, plates, and utensils, not a fan. Plus it seems more costly to do so and unfortunately doesn't help the planet. But to each it's own. In the end, I could see us returning but not sure if it will be anytime soon. I do encourage you to stop by if you get the chance. The food is tasty, I assure you that. 3.8/5

This place has food so good it'll keep you coming back for more. The staff is friendly and Mrs. Harper really is an inspiring individual. No matter how many years pass by you can still keep the dream alive.

Fried fish, Shrimp, Red Beans & Rice with Corn Bread plus a Swamp Water. 😋

Great southern food, southern hospatility, family atomophere

Service & food were wonderful. We ordered shrimp po boy, sausage red beans & rice & gumbo. Everything was great. Delicious corn bread too.

Best fish poboy I've ever had!!!

Fantastic food and an even more fantastic woman behind it all!

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

Must've been better pre Covid. Not what I imagined. Corn bread serving is a one biter. Not enough individual servings.

Fantastic service by the Harpers (!!!) and their staff. The Shrimp Po boy was incredible with a healthy portion of shrimp. Highly recommend.

Had the Grilled Ribs n Chicken Sunday MEAL W/ Cabbage and Potato Salad...Let me Tell You the gospel truth 🙌 ALL the FOOD IS UMMMM UMMM GOOD!!! You must try the Rum-Glazed Bread Pudding 🍮 and You'll get hooked 😉 like me!

Had lunch with a friend today, Jun 02. Sausage Po-boy for me, He had the Fish Po-boy. My sandwich just popped with flavor. The roll was fresh, lettuce and tomato tasted fresh. I had the catfish ala carte, it was great. The cornbread was awesome. Service was spot on. Just everything to make your lunch enjoyable was in play here. I highly recommend this place. Only open Thurs-Sun, check for hours. Worth the drive!!

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.

Ma Harper's GUMBO is SIMPLY THE BEST I Have Ever Tasted!!!😋💥💫💯😋💫💥💯

First time visiting. I'd been craving gumbo since a trip to NOLA and was skeptical of places in San Antonio, but Ma Harper's gumbo was great. So was the cornbread. Everyone was so friendly. Ma even came over to check on us. I'll definitely be back.

Had the pork chop and gumbo...out of this world. 🤤

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!

The BEST SMOKED Tender RIBS and CHICKEN Ever in East San Antonio !!! 😋 This restaurant has ALL Genuinely Caring Staff who are Very Kind and LOVING!❤💯❤💯❣

Loved it, excellent experience every time.

Not all that. 40 minutes to get our food. Salad dressing and tartar sauce was Kraft. Out of dessert. Not impressed.

I went in for lunch on a Wednesday and the place had three customers besides myself. They already had their orders. I sat there for eight minutes, while the four waitresses talked amongst themselves And to the other diners. Finally one came over and asked me what drink I wanted. After she brought my tea, no one EVER came back to my table. I sat there for 27 minutes and was totally ignored. I heard the owner telling the waitresses not to be rude to customers. But I was the only WHITE person in the restaurant and they were discriminating against me obviously. I won't be back. Plenty of other Cajun food places that will take my money

Slow slow slow. People were sweet but in slow motion. No alcohol drinks and were pushing a political agenda. One hour for food

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. ♡

Great food but always a few sell outs. Just another reason to return back.

It was OK. My group loved it the gumbo didn't move me like I thought it would.

The gumbo was amazing! Service was great and the staff was super friendly. Thank you!

Amazing food! Great prices. It reminded me of the home cooking I so dearly miss. We ordered the gumbo, the boudin sausage and fish and shrimp. Everything was fresh and tasted great! The people there are great too. We wish the restaurant was closer to where we live but we will be making a stop whenever we are in San Antonio! :)

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.

My wife Denise and I stopped at Ma Harper's for dinner and we had a spectacular time with Alice, her family and staff. The food and service is outstanding and you will not be disappointed. The time we spent with everyone was a blessing. Thank you for a wonderful time. The full-time RVer's from Wisconsin.

The food was great but they had new waitresses, so they were kinda slow.

This was the best! The gumbo soothed my soul on this cold winter day. The place was cozy and having a chance to meet the young and spry 92 years old Ma Harper herself was a joy 😊 Definitely recommend it!

We went to Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen today for the first time. It was wonderful, we had her food one time at Taste of New Orleans but wanted to try her restaurant. It didn't disappoint, I had catfish and red beans and rice. My husband had the sausage plate and red beans and rice. Both were excellent, we had wanted bread pudding for dessert but they were out, so we got two orders of peach cobbler to go. We just ate them this evening with vanilla ice cream, perfect peach cobbler. I also got to speak with Ms. Harper and she is delightful. The server's were also very good and very attentive, all in all a wonderful day. Thank you Ma Harper's..!!!

First time ever. I don’t know where they’ve been all my life but I know where they’ll be the rest of it!! The fish fry is magical!! Everything was piping hot and fresh and delicious! I can’t wait to come back and try something else!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Ma Harpers. Great food & Ma is a hoot!! Will go back every time we’re in town.

Ma Harper's says it all. Homemade Goodness. Service was excellent, made us feel we was family. Ya'll go see Ma Harper before she retire. Show love! No worries tho 2nd Generation got it all in they hearts and heads. We good for another 25+ years S.A.💯

Love this place! The food is delicious!

Absolutely DELICIOUS this is a must stop place. Fish and shrimp, gumbo, red beans and rice and the corn bread are all amazing. I didn’t even like corn bread until I had theirs. Must eat!

Absolutely delicious!!! Best gumbo you'll ever have. It's perfect

The food is fantastic. Maybe the best cornbread and peach cobbler I’ve ever had. I need to come back to try the gumbo. Staff is extremely nice.

The best Cajun food in America. Not only do they have great food they also have wonderful staff.

The pork chops is the best pork chop I have ever eaten it was so good

They have the best food at this place,my family stays in austin.but every chance we get,we take the whole family there.usually about 15-20 of us.ma Harper and papa Harper are truly family to us.we have a grandson who received a kidney transplant back in 2012 in San Antonio and this was the first place we took him to after a month in the hospital and then they fell in love with him and we go back there because it's his favorite place to eat at.they are a blessing to our family.

Gumbo and fried shrimp were good, the red beans and rice was bland with no seasoning. Their corn bread is delicious!

Ma Harper herself is always there to greet and meet her guest. Delicious down home food made from the soul!

Excellent shrimp and tender pork chop

It was our first time visiting and we wanted to try everything but didn't. We ordered the gumbo, fried catfish, fried porkchop with red beans and rice and everything was delicious. We will be back

No wonder she was on Triple D! The best fried shrimp, catfish, and boudin I've ever had in San Antonio. And she's such a sweet woman!

Great food great service beyond friendly nice atmosphere definitely will be back