The well-known staple is part of the Lawton Family of Restaurants.
SAN ANTONIO — Since reopening in 2021, a well-known San Antonio staple has been blending nostalgia with a fresh, modern menu.
Mama’s Cafe on Nacogdoches Road is a fixture that many San Antonians remember but this restaurant has been remodeled and revamped with head chef Lauren Sanchez leading the charge.
“I’ve done it all, dipped my hand in every single honey pot and it culminated me into the chef I am today,” Sanchez said.
Back in 2020, the restaurant was purchased by Cappy Lawton, one of the original founders, and after some extensive changes, Mama’s Cafe opened its doors once again in 2021, mid-COVID, but despite the world wide changes the restaurant flourished.
“All the locals have a version of Mama’s that they remember,” Sanchez said. “We are a totally different place now. Like we’ve got a very different menu, very different items, very different quality. So, this is a new Mama’s.”
Sanchez said this new era of Mama’s still honors the restaurant’s legacy while writing its next chapter, known for its friendly staff and full-scratch kitchen.
“When you walk in, it makes you feel like home. It’s truly like Mom or grandma’s in the kitchen making your dinner or lunch,” she said. “I have specialty dishes coming out every Saturday and Sunday on top of rotating dinner specials, lunch specials, so it’s always fresh and there’s always something new when you come in.”
And their stand out dishes are the epitome of comfort food like the chicken fried steak – made with Wagyu beef.
“It’s crispy, it’s golden brown and delicious. And it’s made of wagyu beef so it’s top tier quality, nice and tender, you honestly don’t even need a knife for that,” Sanchez said.
And their pot roast marinated with beer and wine, the rich and creamy fried deviled eggs and their mushrooms – an Alamo City favorite.
“Those are like the pinnacle of it, every time I talk about Mama’s it’s the fried mushrooms,” Sanchez said. But, if you have room for dessert, their carrot cake made with cream cheese frosting is their bestseller.
And at Mama’s Cafe, if you come by for lunch or dinner, the portions are the same, so expect leftovers because. Sanchez said she knows you are paying some good money so you can bet you’re going to get some good food.
“We put a lot of pride into it and we love what we do. And I hope to translate that into every dish that goes out.”
Plus, they are always offering different specials like steak night Thursdays and fried chicken Sundays
“Come by regularly. Check out our specials. I love when my chefs get creative and then to showcase my creativity as well and just have a good plate of food,” Sanchez said.
