it's actually offensive when i hear someone say they don't like Mabel's. when i read reviews on here that state Mabel's is anything but amazing: i'm perplexed. i'm aware that MANY people (especially in Cleveland IM SORRY) do not know what good food is and even tend to be impressed with extremely mediocre food... but Mabel's is just plain delicious.
the ribs are consistently incredible. i was never a fan of dry rub but these changed my mine. so much flavor, smoke and pepper. Mabel's bbq sauce is fantastic as well. if you're looking for generic thick sweet bbq sauce then no, this isn't the sauce for you. however anyone with the proper amount of taste buds can agree that this sauce is incredible, but i love vinegar based bbq.
i can only speak on the ribs because every time i've been here i can't help but order them instead of something new because they're just that delicious. they're served with cleveland pickles and a slice of rye bread (first time we went they served white bread which i kind of preferred more i hate to say). i read another review on here complaining that they "serve you a slice of plain bread not toasted or buttered".... have you never been to a bbq joint lady? speechless. as my side i always get the hot greens. DELISH! kale and collard greens accompanied by delicious chunks of pork (could use a little more pork if we're being frank here especially based on the price). my fiancé adores the rye bread stuffing they recently added to the menu but before that would typically order the spätzle which he raved about.
the service here is nothing less than what you would expect from a midwest restaurant: friendliness and hospitality. my fiancé and i have never had a wait to eat here only because we go on off hours based on the fact that Mabel's is known to have a long wait and run out of some meats.
the cocktails aren't anything to write home about but they're super strong and that's a plus... bbq tastes the best with beer anyways. it's also off putting to know that Michael forbid Trump from dining here during the RNC... pretty immature. other than that, this is easily some of best bbq i've had in "non bbq boasting" states. much better than several expensive bbq joints in nyc as well.
all in all, definitely one of our most loved and favorite restaurants in the area, if not in general.