I wanted to be super impressed with this place. I have heard great things about it for some time.
To start with, the community seating plan is kind of annoying. Reminds me of a church fundraiser dinner. The menu is sort of confusing. Astronomically priced meats that come with no sides (unless you count a piece of bread, a small heap of sauerkraut, and a few spicy pickles sides).
I was dining with a 15 year old family member who has a severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to hot peppers (jalapeño, habanero). As soon as we sat down I asked our waitress what we need to stay away from. She said only the baked beans because of the addition of jalapeños. He ordered ribs and they came out with sauerkraut that was riddled with jalapeños and spicy pickles. COOL. Way to take health concerns seriously.
I got pork belly, my fiancée had the spicy kielbasa. Flavor was meh. I wouldn't visit Mabel's again. Not only was our bill more than 60 dollars, but we stopped at McDonald's on the way home because we were still hungry. Portion size is TERRIBLE for a barbecue joint. The reason for two stars (as opposed to one) is only because of the excellent spaetzle and cabbage.