Maxine's Gumbo House — Restaurant in Manor

The overall impression of the place is that, as others have indicated, they have some issues they need to addressed but the food overall is ok. First the good parts: The fried shrimp was tasty and not fishy at all. I liked the light breading on the fried shrimp but it did tend to fall apart. The red beans and rice was a bit bland but over all had good flavor. The dirty rice had good flavor but was a bit salty (and I like salt). Therefore, I could not eat very much of it. The side salad was very uninspiring. It came with exactly 3 croutons a few pieces of cucumber and a couple of slices of tomato. Without a lot of effort, the salad could be greatly improved. Now for the issues. They have a major issue with parts of the menu. They list 3 salad dressings: Ranch, Caesar, and Cajun Basil Vinaigrette. When I asked for the Cajun Basil Vinaigrette on the side, we were told it is really Balsamic Vinegar. The section of “Seafood Combos” is very confusing. So confusing that the server could not explain it and got it wrong when she did. The top heading is called ‘Seafood Combos” which has a notation that it comes with a side salad, 1 side and fresh toasted bread. Directly under are several options: Seafood Platter, which includes shrimp, catfish, oysters etc for $16.99. The 2nd option is the Seafood combo- where you get to choose two meats (shrimp, oysters, catfish, or crawfish) for$13.99. Or you can get one of the 4 platters for various prices. When we asked for the Shrimp platter, we were told we HAD to pick two and could not just pick one seafood option if we wanted the side, salad and toast. To make matters worse we did not even get the “fresh toasted bread” with the Platter. We ordered a side of dirty rice. When the bill came, we were charged $3.50 for the dirty rice side, which does not match what the menu lists of $3.25. Now of course .25 cents is not a big deal. It is more of the principal. When we asked about it, the server shrugged and said well that is what is in the “computer”. Therefore, I guess if you thought you were getting an item for $10.00 and the “computer” charged you $20.00 that is just the way it is! I am only adding this extreme example to prove a point, as there was not that big of a discrepancy between the menu and the “computer” for what we ordered. I can see that this could be an issue with larger parties. You should carefully read your bill and compare it to the prices marked on the menu! They should probably make sure the “computer” matches the prices on the printed menu. I think this restaurant has some issues to iron out but it has potential as long as they fix...

Maxine's is my favorite stop in Manor or head to Houston! My favorite eats include:

Boudin balls and the Cajun egg rolls (I split these with some friends). Each order comes with five or six items, ample for sharing with your whole table. The boudin balls are golden crispy on the outside, with perfectly creamy interiors for that amazing mouth-feel contrast. I forgot about the dipping sauce, it was so good. I may have stolen the extra one... #sorrynotsorry.

Chicken/sausage gumbo and red beans + rice. I don't have enough good things to say about the flavor other than "I haven't had gumbo this good since I last visited a local-recommended hole in the wall shop in New Orleans". I don't even like beans, but I couldn't stop gobbling these. Note that the red beans come with a sausage sliced down the middle... yum!! (The seafood gumbo also looks amazing and my friends love it)

It was a really tough call choosing favorites between the crawfish etouffee or the redfish, but I think the redfish won out by very small margin for me because it was so perfectly cooked and I loved the texture of the crispy edges contrasted with the flaky-creamy fish. If I hadn't already stuffed my face, I would've stuffed my face with this one.

Maxine's carries Abita beer, which is a Louisiana brand. Love the local/authentic touch, and I'll definitely have to try out the owner's recommendation next time (the raspberry lager) to go with my food.

Portion sizes here are extremely generous – I would say either entree serving size would have easily satisfied two hungry adults. Come with a group of friends and come prepared to share family-style so you can try...

3 words to describe this place, I love it! From the 1st time I set foot in Maxine’s I knew I was going to be a regular. Their Eggrolls are the best, but for the life of me I can’t figure out why an order is 5 and not 6. The main course dinners 1) Stuffed Red Fish 2) Bayou Pasta 3) Grilled Chicken 4) Grilled Catfish and their dinner baskets are simply amazing. Make sure you leave room for the Bread Pudding! It’s good, lol! But it’s really outta this world in November when they serve Pumpkin Bread Pudding! If you ask me the Pumpkin Bread Pudding should be offered year round. The atmosphere, especially the Cajun music is fantastic, and the 2 waitresses Carrie & Jennifer make you feel like your #1 as soon as you enter the restaurant. A quick note before I close! I never thought they’d be a better burger 🍔 in Manor until I tried Maxine’s, it literally blows the other burger joints in Manor off the map and yes that would include Whataburger. If you haven’t tried Maxines, you need to. Like me you’ll fall in love with this place and you won’t leave...