Since opening in 2006, Bernard’s Creole Kitchen has made the South Side home base. Just a hop away away from its original location on Palo Alto Road, students looking for good eats can now travel less than a mile from campus to building number six on the Baptist University of the Americas campus located at 8019 S. Pam Am Expressway.
Bernard’s new restaurant space now provides dining room space for 150 customers, a big step-up from 20. In the new location, Bernard has expanded his menu and relied on the BUA community to welcome him home. The cashier’s desk was decorated by Nancy Johnson, art director at BUA, who used European purple, yellow and teal tiles and beads to create the décor for the desk, all in exchange for a big bowl of Bernard’s bread pudding.
No Pocket Digging. To the nitty-gritty. What can you expect from this New Orleans native who evacuated Hurricane Katrina and made San Antonio his home? Everything on the menu is generously proportioned and reasonably priced. Think big: one main-dish, two well-portioned sides and a drink totals will fill you up for no more than $10. Menu items change daily but expect to have the option to try something new every day.
New items include grilled Salmon, grilled tillapia and salads. If you want to get a nice start to your week, on Monday, you can try “Red Beans & Rice with Sausage” or “Classic Shrimp Creole.” Out of all the items on the menu, Bernard’s signature gumbo, aka “The Best Gumbo in Texas,” is the most popular item on the menu. Any day of the week, Bernard serves “Catfish Orleans,” my personal favorite. The fish is big and fried in a perfectly seasoned batter until tender. Thursdays, listen to live jazz music while you’re enjoying your meal.
Best Sides, Hands Down. As for the sides, you may have a hard time choosing which two to have with your main dish. Bernard serves tasty sides such as jambalaya or dirty rice, mac & cheese, crab salad or Creole stuffing which complement any meal. And don’t forget: you’ll want to try “Swamp Water.” It’s sweet tea, lemonade and…he’s not telling what else.
Dessert? If you still have room left over for your appetite, don’t neglect the tasty desserts. The “Sok-It-To-Me-Cake” and “Louisiana Lemon Cake” were kind to my taste buds. This is a great way to end the meal and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Customer Service You can Count On. The customer service Bernard and his staff provide make you feel right at home. Bernard will come over to your table and make sure you’re off to a good start. If you’re on a budget and have time to spare in-between classes, or want to try something new on your lunch break, definitely visit Bernard’s Creole Kitchen.
