Mara's Southern Kitchen is a Southern Barbecue and Cajun restaurant serving homemade hamburgers and Gulf seafood
Mara’s Southern Kitchen food began at our former establishment, Mara’s Homemade in NYC!
Mara’s Son, Joshua graduated from Johnson and Wales University in 2007 with an Associates degree in Culinary Arts and Bachelor's degree in Restaurant Management. After working for Danny Meyer at Shake Shack and for Marc Murphy at Landmarc Time Warner Center, Josh joined the family business in 2009 leading the kitchen at Mara's Homemade.
On May 26, 2011 the doors opened at the new, larger location in Syosset, Long Island, New York- Mara’s Southern Kitchen
Joining the family business, daughter Chana runs the front of the house with Josh holding the reins in the kitchen. Once the bar got started, Chana began researching, tasting and expanding the whiskey and tequila selections. In January, 2014 she attained certification as Sommelier from the Sommelier Society of America. In July, 2015 she further expanded her credentials and spirits knowledge by passing with distinction Level 2 in Spirits from the Wine and Spirits Educated Trust.
Cajun and Creole favorites are prepared daily, featuring live crawfish when in season, Crawfish Etouffee, Jambalaya, Po’ boys, and okra gumbos. Comfort foods such as Southern fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and chicken fried steak are also served. Daily specials, flavorful with a Southern twist are always changing.
Mara flies in from the Louisiana Gulf, fresh Oyster’s, Crawfish, Crabs and Shrimp. Mara has created her own version of Char-grilled Oysters, Oysters Rockefeller and Oysters Bienville in addition to serving Oyster’s on the half shell. If you have been to NOLA and had the BBQ Black Peppered Shrimp then you will love Mara’s. Mara also serves such JazzFest favorites as Crawfish Mara, Crawfish Pot Pie, Crawfish Stuffed Bread and Crawfish Cheesecake. On the menu are New Orleans favorites such as Blackened Redfish, BBQ Shrimp, Catfish New Orleans, a sautéed catfish fillet smothered with Crawfish Etouffee, and Crawfish Mara. Also served are Gator Bites made from Louisiana alligator.
Mara prepares her favorite desserts such as chocolate soufflé, bluegrass pie (pecan pie with chocolate and bourbon in the filling), key lime pie, red velvet cake, bread pudding, chocolate cream pie, and chocolate fudge pecan cake. In addition NOLA favorites, Bananas Foster and Beignets are prepared to finish your remembrance of the South. Also available, seasonally, are fresh fruit cobblers and fresh fruit pies. Call for the daily dessert selections.
Iced fresh mint and sweet teas are made from loose tea leaves. Fresh squeezed lemonade is also served. Seasonally, Mara spices organic fresh Apple Cider and makes homemade Eggnog.
In May, 2005 Mara introduced Arkansas style smoked BBQ to their menu. Hickory and mesquite woods are used to infuse the best smoked flavor into the meats. The sauces are all homemade by Mara. They are bottled and sold at the restaurant.
Planning a party? Mara would love to host your party or special occasion. She can provide you with a special menu or use the regular menu. Planning a private lunch meeting or an all day conference? Call Mara. 516.682.9200