If you're looking for some good, soul pleasing creole food, this is the place to go! The chicken is perfectly crispy and juicy, the red beans and rice are well cooked and seasoned, and the gumbo and cornbread will bring a smile to any face. The service you receive will make you feel right at home and you'll be well taken care of. I can't wait to go back! read more

Simple southern lunch at a family owned restaurant sounded good. Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen peeked my curiosity. Ma Parker prides herself on family, giving people second chances and a decent meal for a reasonable price. Everyone who came in for lunch paid Ma Harper respect and was treated like family. The decor is die-hard NOLA with tons of memorabilia. The booths and chairs are old but the food is made with pride and love. The fried shrimp po-boy, fully dressed on a perfect NOLA roll was a must try. A small side of red beans and rice was also included. The sandwich was packed with crispy fried shrimp, but the normal remoulade sauce was replaced with ketchup / mayo mixture, not savory. The red beans and rice were fine but lacked real flavor. I am glad I gave Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen a chance. Many of the frequent flyers here, obviously love this neighborhood staple. Ma Harper's has a big heart and I wish her continued success. Dining here is more than food, it can also be about love and feeding people. Thanks Ma Harper for a memorable experience. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Packed fried shrimp po-boy - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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We were a party of 12. We were immediately seared. Ma Harper herself came out, greeted us and spoke with us then went to the kitchen to drop the fish. Before we left she took a photo with our group. This lady and her food are amazing! What an honor to have been able to spend time with her!!! read more

As always, the food was very delicious and fresh and made after we got there. The only complaint I have is that there's no air-conditioning in the restaurant and it was so hot even with all the fans going. read more

Pleasant experience. Clean resturant. The red beans , gumbo was fresh , hot and filling. The fried pork chop was fried and seasoned perfectly. The waitress was very personable and as alway, Ma Harper was a gem! read more

NOLA is my second home and Ma allows me to get my favs here in San Antonio. Food is great but Ma Harper welcoming You like you are at a New Orleans Grandmaw's house for lunch. Try to beat the hospitality any where in San Antonio. read more

I've been a fan back when they were over near Sam Houston High School. It's an iconic institution, which luckily, is also VERY GOOD. The staff is super friendly, Ma Harper is the hardest worker in the game, and she truly cares about her staff and customers. The inside is fun, and themed New Orleans style. A lot of the food is great, but I have trouble straying from the sausage po'boy. AND CORN BREAD. read more

Excellent food with great flavor. Very friendly staff. Can't wait to go back and try the gumbo! read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Fried Pork Chop Plate W/Red Beans & Rice - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I found this place by typing in "soul food " ... YELP! This is definitely what my husband and I needed in our bellies. Ma graced us with her presence and wisdom. We felt right at home in Louisiana . If I had a bullhorn I would scream to everyone I know to go have a great ,stick to your stomach then grab a couch/bed meal ! from Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen. Sorry folks the aroma was so good that I didn't take pictures of the food. I will go back when I'm in town for sure for sure :) read more

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This review is for outstanding customer service and some amazing peach cobbler. There's nothing like being greeted with a big smile and a hearty welcome when you enter an establishment. When that happened, I knew this was going to be a great experience. But the icing on the cake was being able to chat with the owner, Ma Harper, herself! She pours into her business by setting high expectations for employees, sharing wonderful tidbits with customers and cooking some scrumptious food. On this visit, I enjoyed peach cobbler. The next time, I want to try her award winning gumbo. read more

My fourth time here (visiting from L.A.). What a wonderful place with GREAT food and kind people working here. I had the delicious Gumbo today and got to sit down and talk to Ma Harper herself. She's 94 years young. About 18 mobths ago...she prayed with me for my brother who died of cancer last year. Bless her and everyone here. Come and eat here ! The food is great and full of love. P.S. , she just told me they're doing smothered pork chops tomorrow! I'll be here after I run the San Antonio half marathon (to honor my brother who died of cancer in October). read more

I stopped in for some seafood gumbo . The service was very busy for a lunchtime crowd It's still my all time favorite for Cajun food read more

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LOVE YA MA! This place and the people that work there are FANTASTIC! Reminded me of home and more importantly remind my Cajun Lady of home. Ma will tell you like it is and serve you some food you will want to write home about. It truly is an experience wrapped up with some of the best Nawlins - Creole inspired food this side of the Sabine. You will not go wrong ordering anything on the menu. If you are lucky you would be able to chat with Ma and learn about her work on the F-15 & F-16. YES. This lady is truly amazing. She spent over 20 years working on those jets at Kelly AFB here in San Antonio. Ma will treat you like family..she is use to large family being one of 15. Thank you MA! read more

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I've read that Ma Harper's is struggling for business and is trying not to close their doors . I came here on one of my off days and had to get here before 5pm since they close at 4pm on most days they're open. Unfortunately I along with most working people here in San Antonio don't have the luxury of making it here before that time. I found a parking spot and walked inside. Prior to walking in some lady stared at me hard like I didn't belong there and that made me uncomfortable. I'm guessing she's the manager. I walked inside and there was only one other person eating there. A waitress had sat me at the second table near the other customer and took my order for a cup of swamp water, lemonade and sweet tea, and a bowl of gumbo. The gumbo had arrived served in a paper bowl with a tiny sliver of cornbread. The cornbread wasn't as big as the previous pictures have shown but it was still good as well as the gumbo and the swamp water. The gumbo and cornbread didn't fill me up so I ordered red beans and rice. It had arrived minutes later and it was good but just like with the cornbread, did not look anything like the pictures have shown it to be which had slices of andouille sausage in it. I had wanted dessert so I ordered bread pudding but they were out and just had peach cobbler but since I don't care for that, I just asked for my check,paid and got out of there. I'm not sure if I'll return anytime in the future. I guess if I want some good New Orleans style food, I'll have to settle for overpriced Pappadeaux since Acadiana Cafe closed down in late August to become a Mexican restaurant (ugh) or save up some money to take a plane to New Orleans or a bus to Houston. read more

Got the fried fish and shrimp with red beans & rice. Everything was excellent, seasoned well, didn't even need sauce (although I always use hot sauce on my fish). It was quite when we walked in but the company of other customers and Ma herself made for enjoyable conversation. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Now that's how I love my catfish to taste like....we finally had the chance to eat here and they didn't disappoint in our opinion. Everything tasted freshly cooked. Red beans and rice had me thinking about my mom. The shrimp were deliciously crispy bite but still tender on the inside. Now let me say it was an honor meeting Ma Harper as she cracked some jokes in a very spirited way. The staff was great and on top of things. We are DEFINITELY going back. I suggest y'all give them a try. I'll probably be sitting in the back area eating a pork chop sandwich. read more

Don't walk- RUN TO THIS RESTAURANT! We just got back from a weeks vacation at Disney Florida. Our plane landed on a red eye and once we checked into our hotel; we started watching diners, drive-ins and dives. It so happened that Guy was in San Antonio for this episode. The food instantly sold us. Southern home cooked food. There was a small wait only because items are cooked to order. But boy oh boy was it delicious! Staff seemed great, they had the Dallas cowboys game on which was a plus. And we got to talk to Mrs. Harper herself. She was as kind as ever. I can see why and how she's had this business up and running for so long. I love a mom and pops restaurant! I'll definitely be back. Also the gumbo was the chefs kiss of the experience! I highly recommend!!! **I will mention the prices are a little higher than we expected. But the food was worth it, as was the hospitality! For 2 drinks, 2 gumbos, 2 entrees, a side of rice and beans and the peach cobbler- we spent just shy of $60! Again, totally worth it. Just wanted to share a heads up read more

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Food is good, I respect the work she's doing for others. I can even understand the use of disposable plates etc. Prices very reasonable. But 1/2 price for refill on drinks when you don't even get a full cup seems a bit excessive. Tea does not cost that much. Dessert were sold out my noon???? I might pick up to go but most likely will not eat in again. read more

Had a luncheon with several friends here today. The restaurant staff were kind and accomodating, the decor was cute and cozy, and the food was amazing. Literally everything was 10/10! read more

Red beans and rice A real friendly crew, made you feel right at home My husband had the pork chop plate thoroughly enjoyed his meal. I had the shrimp po boy the roll was real tasty read more

First time visit. I met the owner Ma Harper. She is so real and down to earth. To start she personally took my order because the young lady was extremely busy with a very large group. She provided me a sample of gumbo and cornbread. Oh my goodness absolutely delicious. I think I found my new hang out on Sunday. Check her out for real authentic creole food. This is the place. I ordered fried pork chop red beans cornbread and gumbo I can hardly wait to dive in. I feel like I'm in Louisiana with the environment music set up of tables. Just feels wonderful being here. The food is prepared when ordered so be prepared to wait but it's well worth it. I'm really satisfied with the prices also. I'll be back to try the shrimp and fish plate Be sure to check the hours of operation before heading out. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Best gumbo in town and I know I'm from New Orleans!! Staff nice and knowledgeable. Only place I'll go in town for Gumbo. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Gumbo and cornbread - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The best southern cooking in town, hands down. Ma is in her 90's and still running the show! Need I say more? The food is great! Be ready to hear Ma lecture you and give you some words of wisdom. She loves to walk around and converse with the crowd. She is the nicest lady and tells it how it is! There's nothing on the menu that isn't great! Tastes just like New Orleans in San Antonio. Come check it out, you won't be disappointed! You'll be transported back in time when looking at the awesome memorabilia on the wall. Ma is a legend and you need to try her food! read more

I have been eyeing this place for some time now and was happy to stop in for a quick to-go order. The staff was super friendly and walked me through the menu. I was grabbing food for my partner and me for a lunch break and I took longer to decide than anything else because it all sounded amazing. I order the gumbo and got the shrimp PO-boy for my significant other. The shrimp were fried and good sized the gumbo was very flavorful and had just about everything in there that you could imagine including crab (watch for shells). They packaged up my order nicely and made sure I had all I needed down to the spoon. There's nothing like a good NOLA meal and this hits the spot. I can't wait to go back! read more

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A real gem! The food exceeded all my expectations, and I truly didn't believe I could get some real creole/soul food in Texas, let alone in San Antonio. The Po boys and red beans and rice were top notch and pricing was for the working man, harder to find these days. read more

Great food! We went for lunch. I was the only one who didn't receive my order. The owner was nice enough to pack me extra on the side to go because of this, so Thank you. Family style atmosphere. read more

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Let's start with the service and hospitality. Everyone I encountered was very friendly, and the service was spot on - no complaints in that department at all. I had the the red beans and rice with sausage ($7.99) and although it was good, it was just a little bland. I added a boudin sausage link on the side for an additional $4.75 (ouch). The inside decor has a really casual, homey, type of vibe to it that I really enjoyed. It's also very clean. So, let me cut to the chase. Great place, decent red beans and rice, and just "ok" boudin (and pricey boudin at that). I'd recommend the red beans and rice as a side dish, but not as a main entree. I'd also skip on the boudin next time. I'll return when I'm in the area but I'll probably venture up and down the menu and try something different next time. Tip: You can get pints or quarts of gumbo to go. read more

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Ça c'est bon! Ma Harper has been cooking up some delicious cajun cooking here on Government Hill for a while now! She's still here- she comes around to every table usually and checks up on you. She has a great memory, and can always recall and remind you how long it's been since you've last been in to see her. She keeps track! She's always there with the advice and wants to check up to make sure you're eating enough. The catfish here is always the prize winner here. I've gotten the po'boys a few times here, but the catfash is always the best. Everything is served on disposable dishware. Things take a while here. Don't come here if you're in a big rush- the food's from the Big Easy, not the big hurry. Good things take time. I appreciate the decor here- it's obvious that Ma Harper is active in the community, and loves her Louisiana. Be sure to check out all her trophies, awards, and prizes she's won dishing up jambalaya, etouffe, and gumbo! Laissez les bons temps rouler! C'est tout. read more

My husband and I visited San Antonio in 2021. We had the distinct pleasure to meet Ma Harper. She gave some WISDOM NUGGETS and BLACK history. The food was awesome, the service was great. Can't wait to visit again. Thanks Ma, for taking time with me. read more

Great food from a wonderful lady that has done a lot in her many years. Will definitely be going back. The pork chop was delicious and the red beans and rice is always on point. Can't forget the wonderful gumbo and cornbread. read more

We checked this place out after seeing it on DDD. Favorite GUMBO! Ma Harper is good people!

I love good creole cooking and Yelp brought me here while I was in town a couple of weeks ago. They have their own dedicated parking lot. Currently the restaurant is only open Fri-Sat during the lunchtime and early afternoon. Immediately upon walking in, my temperature was checked and hand sanitizer was offered due to these weird Covid times we are living in. A hostess seated me and presented a paper menu of what was being offered. I ordered the fried pork chop with red beans and rice and cornbread for $8.95. Yeah, pretty affordable! The food came out in less than 15 minutes and everything was very good in taste. It was a good plate of food at a very reasonable price. The interior was decorated in a folksy way with many mementos of the owner/manager/legend/tour de force, Ma Harper. I had the good fortune to meet Ma and visit with her during my lunch. Yes that's right. Don't call her Mrs. Harper. Call her Ma. It wasn't too busy on the day of my visit and we struck up a conversation as she sat next to my table. She is 91 years young and walks with a cane and I'll bet she hasn't had it for very long. Ma told me that's she was born in Algiers which is where she learned her craft. By the way, that is a suburb of New Orleans located on the West Bank side of the Mississippi River. She spent many years as a civilian aircraft mechanic working for the U.S. Air Force at Kelly AFB before retiring and beginning her restaurant career with her husband. Ma is famous in San Antonio for two things, good food and a big heart. Her restaurant is well known for feeding the homeless and she only employs students and people needing a second chance. That's code for people who have had run ins with the law and need someone to believe in them again. During my visit, I observed Ma in action and let's just say that she runs a tight ship. Nothing misses her attention and she is constantly keeping her staff on their toes even though she admitted it's getting harder due to her age. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to her and wish her the very best going forward. She has my admiration for being such a a Christian woman. The food here is a 4 and Ma is a 5. read more

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Unbelievably Awesome!! My husband found this place and we can't say enough about how good the food was and nice the owner and employees were. I wish we lived closer!!! MUST try. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I've been living in San Antonio almost 6 years and found this hidden gem through yelp when my fiancé wanted seafood. He got seafood but I wanted bar b q and everything was so delicious, you can tell it's made from scratch most of the food. Ma Harper is there greeting everyone and the restaurant has a great family ambience. They also have so much decor. If your looking for TOP GUMBO I recommend this place because Ma Harper has won several awards. Also their cornbread is so soft and moist!!! read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Fish - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Food was so good. Creaole/cajun comfort food. We tried gumbo, pork chop, fish, boudin and bread pudding. All delicious. Service was over the top good. Every one friendly and helpful. Don't miss out on this place. The owner is 95 years old and a lovely beautiful person. read more

I was tempted by Daryl's review. Had to eat before I hit up Whole Foods, so came by right when they opened with my mind set on shrimp and red beans and rice. Shrimp were the best I've ever had, fried in a light corn batter, butterflied and perfect amount -5. Red beans were pretty plain but good, rice very well done. I was bummed that the cornbread 'wasn't ready' but they brought out some buttery French bread. Ma caught me on the way out and made sure I liked the food-I assured her it was delicious. It was $11.90 for lunch. I'll be back to try that fish, the pork chop and the gumbo. read more

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen - Fried Shrimp, red beans and rice. - Cajun/Creole Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Stopped here while driving through Texas and the gumbo did not disappoint! The best gumbo I've ever had!

Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen was a delightful find near downtown San Antonio. The food was delicious, served fresh and hot. Great service and great food. I will definitely visit them again when I'm in San Antonio. Thanks for a great lunch! read more

This restaurant came up on the list when I was searching Yelp. I decided to give it a try and I am so glad I did. The staff is very nice. Everyone was working hard and fast (efficient). I was instantly greeted as I walked into the door. I ordered my food to-go. I ordered the boudin with red beans and rice and also the fried fish and shrimp with red beans and rice. When I arrived home, the food was still hot. The red beans and rice were amazing. I loved the boudin. The fish and shrimp was cooked to perfection. I high recommend this restaurant and definitely try the red beans and rice. I felt like I was visiting New Orleans. The food is great. read more

This was the worst Shrimp PoBoy I have ever had. It was bland as all can be, & the shrimp tasted old. Also, I never had a PoBoy with ketchup on it didn't sit well with me. The fries were super disappointing Zero salt zero seasoning. I may have just got a bad cook, I'm not sure. I will never go back, or recommend. The service gave it two vs one star. Nice staff read more