Our experiences with Mara have been hit or miss--sometimes the food and service have been great, other times--not so much. The last time we went was for a birthday celebration. We had a reservation for five and showed up at the correct time only to be told our table wasn't ready. They asked if we wanted to sit at the bar while we waited, which was fine except for the fact that the bartender gave us menus. It became pretty clear they wanted us to eat at the bar rather than at a table, which we didn't want to do because (a) it was a birthday and (b) we'd made a reservation for a table. Finally they got the hint and about fifteen minutes later we were seated. Now for the food. I ordered fried chicken with two sides. The sides (collards and potatoes) were fine. The chicken (two small pieces that didn't fill their part of the plate) had no fried coating and was raw/pinkish on the inside. I didn't want to send it back since the place was pretty busy and I figured it was best to cut our losses. A family member ordered the turducken, which was frankly awful--dry and tasteless. Regarding the service, the waitress assigned to our table was pleasant but obviously in a hurry--when a family member asked for water she proceeded to pour it into the same glass in which he'd had his lemonade rather than offering a fresh glass. When asked why she wouldn't provide a new glass, she replied "what difference does it make?" Okay... Anyway, we're not going back this year. Or possibly ever--neither the food nor service is good enough to justify the price. The reason I'm giving three stars is because we've had better experiences in the past and this might have been a one-off.
Rodney G.
No joke, our Lobster Roll was literally cut in half and served as a whole portion because they ran out. It was a birthday celebration so nobody wanted to complain and ruin the dinner. NONE of us will ever return.
Paul Fetscher
Here is a very good venue with authentic Southern Cuisines. Their have two very strong suits - BBQ and Cajun. These folks fly in their seafood directly from the gulf Coast. You would have to go to NOLA yourself to get anything fresher!
Louis Green
This was my first dining experience at Mara's at the suggestion of my son. Our server Shadaye I believe was her name she was courteous, professional and attentive, I had the Brisket and it was absolutely delicious with the Jalepeno Cornbread and a side of Cheese Grits, as was the Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole.I will be making another trip soon.
Anna R.
I do not live in the area but this popped up on my restaurants near me. When I first drove up to it I hesitated and almost went to a different location. I'm so SO GLAD I didn't. We had a big family lunch and we all got different dishes and tried a whole bunch of things including the crawfish cheesy bread appetizer, which the waitress had recommended. I LOVE THIS PLACE, and will def be back even though it's so far from where I live.
Steve J.
AWFUL! Just AWFUL!!!! NEVER GO THERE!!! The food is awful and dry! Atmosphere is great, servers are awesome BUT FOOD IS AWFUL. I wanted so bad to like it, but it was just awful!!!
Kent Woo
This place is pretty unique when you walk in, you wouldn't think it's a restaurant but the foods is awesome, I can't wait to go back again. Also the service there is wonderful, They would sit down and just talk to you.Parking: Parking lot outsideWheelchair accessibility: Is street level entrance
Alfred Gangemi
Let me start with the bad since there is only one thing...and everything else was great! I made a reservation (online through Google) for 8 people. However, when I showed up with my party, there was not a table for 8 people and we had to sit at a table set up for 6. We had two small children, so not a huge deal, but since we were the first reservations on a Sunday, they could have put together tables together already set up. That being said, Lisa, our waitress, was engaging, friendly, funny, and all-around awesome! I think the owner was there and she was also very friendly and accommodating and made us feel welcome. Onto the food...just delicious and I can't wait to go back. The crawfish bread is just a must-have. It is NOT just flavored bread - it is a loaf of bread stuffed with hot and creamy crawfish. The menu is expansive. Everything from brunch and lunch specials to different seafood fishes, to po boys, to full barbecue dinner platters. Good drink specials for Sunday brunch like espresso martinis, mimosas, etc. They have a long bar that looks like it would a good idea to watch sports games, but I doubt they have a sports packages, but if you are watching local teams, it might be a good idea.
Giselle R.
Food was great and I LOVED the bartender Sam. She was so polite and easy to talk to. I've been here about 3 times and luckily Sam was always there and always knew what to recommend on the menu because I can never make up my mind. Definitely coming back here, it's a hit or miss with friendly down to earth servers/bartenders in Long Island sometimes. I recommend the crawfish stuffed bread omg soooo good!
Eric Candell
Tasty Southern fare and very good cocktails. The platters include an assortment of meats with two very generous sides. Mara came by at the end of the meal and bragged about her pies. I wish I had saved room.
Our family of 6 came in we each ordered a different menu item and proceeded to pass round our entrees saying "oh my god you have to try this!" Everything was so good! Our entrees were Jambalaya, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Brisket, Shrimp Po Boy, Mac n Cheese with Shrimp & Crispy Duck Breast. Mari & her staff are great. I highly recommend!!
Denise Tura
Always a great meal at Mara’s. My mom loves their soft shell crab, and their char-grilled oysters are my absolute favorite!
Holly Pulis
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!!!!
Mary Beth Stager
One of our “go to” places! Always a great meal and awesome experience!
Joshua S.
Maras has okay food, but with the lack of southern comfort around here it still remains in business. When I went, we waited 1 hour to get 3 entrees. We waited 30 mins for the check after asking... this was on a Thursday for lunch. I can't imagine what dinner is like here. They need to improve their service soon or the okay food won't keep them afloat.
Our experiences with Mara have been hit or miss--sometimes the food and service have been great, other times--not so much. The last time we went was for a birthday celebration. We had a reservation for five and showed up at the correct time only to be told our table wasn't ready. They asked if we wanted to sit at the bar while we waited, which was fine except for the fact that the bartender gave us menus. It became pretty clear they wanted us to eat at the bar rather than at a table, which we didn't want to do because (a) it was a birthday and (b) we'd made a reservation for a table. Finally they got the hint and about fifteen minutes later we were seated. Now for the food. I ordered fried chicken with two sides. The sides (collards and potatoes) were fine. The chicken (two small pieces that didn't fill their part of the plate) had no fried coating and was raw/pinkish on the inside. I didn't want to send it back since the place was pretty busy and I figured it was best to cut our losses. A family member ordered the turducken, which was frankly awful--dry and tasteless. Regarding the service, the waitress assigned to our table was pleasant but obviously in a hurry--when a family member asked for water she proceeded to pour it into the same glass in which he'd had his lemonade rather than offering a fresh glass. When asked why she wouldn't provide a new glass, she replied "what difference does it make?" Okay... Anyway, we're not going back this year. Or possibly ever--neither the food nor service is good enough to justify the price. The reason I'm giving three stars is because we've had better experiences in the past and this might have been a one-off.
No joke, our Lobster Roll was literally cut in half and served as a whole portion because they ran out. It was a birthday celebration so nobody wanted to complain and ruin the dinner. NONE of us will ever return.
Here is a very good venue with authentic Southern Cuisines. Their have two very strong suits - BBQ and Cajun. These folks fly in their seafood directly from the gulf Coast. You would have to go to NOLA yourself to get anything fresher!
This was my first dining experience at Mara's at the suggestion of my son. Our server Shadaye I believe was her name she was courteous, professional and attentive, I had the Brisket and it was absolutely delicious with the Jalepeno Cornbread and a side of Cheese Grits, as was the Bourbon Sweet Potato Casserole.I will be making another trip soon.
I do not live in the area but this popped up on my restaurants near me. When I first drove up to it I hesitated and almost went to a different location. I'm so SO GLAD I didn't. We had a big family lunch and we all got different dishes and tried a whole bunch of things including the crawfish cheesy bread appetizer, which the waitress had recommended. I LOVE THIS PLACE, and will def be back even though it's so far from where I live.
AWFUL! Just AWFUL!!!! NEVER GO THERE!!! The food is awful and dry! Atmosphere is great, servers are awesome BUT FOOD IS AWFUL. I wanted so bad to like it, but it was just awful!!!
This place is pretty unique when you walk in, you wouldn't think it's a restaurant but the foods is awesome, I can't wait to go back again. Also the service there is wonderful, They would sit down and just talk to you.Parking: Parking lot outsideWheelchair accessibility: Is street level entrance
Let me start with the bad since there is only one thing...and everything else was great! I made a reservation (online through Google) for 8 people. However, when I showed up with my party, there was not a table for 8 people and we had to sit at a table set up for 6. We had two small children, so not a huge deal, but since we were the first reservations on a Sunday, they could have put together tables together already set up. That being said, Lisa, our waitress, was engaging, friendly, funny, and all-around awesome! I think the owner was there and she was also very friendly and accommodating and made us feel welcome. Onto the food...just delicious and I can't wait to go back. The crawfish bread is just a must-have. It is NOT just flavored bread - it is a loaf of bread stuffed with hot and creamy crawfish. The menu is expansive. Everything from brunch and lunch specials to different seafood fishes, to po boys, to full barbecue dinner platters. Good drink specials for Sunday brunch like espresso martinis, mimosas, etc. They have a long bar that looks like it would a good idea to watch sports games, but I doubt they have a sports packages, but if you are watching local teams, it might be a good idea.
Food was great and I LOVED the bartender Sam. She was so polite and easy to talk to. I've been here about 3 times and luckily Sam was always there and always knew what to recommend on the menu because I can never make up my mind. Definitely coming back here, it's a hit or miss with friendly down to earth servers/bartenders in Long Island sometimes. I recommend the crawfish stuffed bread omg soooo good!
Tasty Southern fare and very good cocktails. The platters include an assortment of meats with two very generous sides. Mara came by at the end of the meal and bragged about her pies. I wish I had saved room.
Restaurantji Recommends
Our family of 6 came in we each ordered a different menu item and proceeded to pass round our entrees saying "oh my god you have to try this!" Everything was so good! Our entrees were Jambalaya, Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ Brisket, Shrimp Po Boy, Mac n Cheese with Shrimp & Crispy Duck Breast. Mari & her staff are great. I highly recommend!!
Always a great meal at Mara’s. My mom loves their soft shell crab, and their char-grilled oysters are my absolute favorite!
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!!!!
One of our “go to” places! Always a great meal and awesome experience!
Maras has okay food, but with the lack of southern comfort around here it still remains in business. When I went, we waited 1 hour to get 3 entrees. We waited 30 mins for the check after asking... this was on a Thursday for lunch. I can't imagine what dinner is like here. They need to improve their service soon or the okay food won't keep them afloat.