Mabel's is one of my all time favorites. I make trips from FL just to eat at this place. Everything is fantastic, but you have to try the pulled pork, fried chicken, mac & cheese, and sweet potato pie. read more

We tried calling to order lunch the Friday of Memorial Day weekend from 11-11:30 and no answer . Showed up at 11:42 and nothing was ready and the lady stated " well...we only open at 11:30 so of course we are not ready". If you run a restaurant and open at 11:30...your food should be ready at or before 11:30. I had heard the mac and cheese was really good....and they had none...very disappointing. The food was ok and fairly priced but I will not go there again. Bad service read more

Went in around 1pm. There were three people in the back, two working, one talking. Was ignored for 15 minutes before I decided to leave. There were two other people there who called ahead and had been waiting before I arrived and they weren't getting anywhere either. Have heard the food is good but that doesn't matter if they can't be bothered to sell it to you. Place was filthy as well, no like a cool dive joint, just plain dirty. read more

First time here.... My husband and I had to wait 30 minutes for macaroni and cheese- we started to leave but decided to wait. I had to call Ms. Mabel to let her know this was the BEST soul food EVER!!! Everything ordered was absolutely delicious. We will be back!! read more

I went in Sunday afternoon. There were 2 young girls serving and maintaining the restaurant. Perhaps Mabel's grandchildren. There is only one table with 2 chairs (not meant to dine in) sadly, I didn't know this before making the trip but I was dying for some southern cooking! ...the ONLY table was covered with bbq sauce and napkins from the previous guest, I had to ask the girl to clean the table in order for me to sit and wait for my order. I guess it was near closing time, with that being said the available food was SCARCE. Overall, I've had better tasting WARM food and needless to say, I will not return. read more

Mabel's BBQ is one of my favorite places in west Chester! Mable is a very very sweet lady and she cooks everything from scratch! I absolutely love eating somewhere that makes me feel like I'm eating in my mom's kitchen! That's what the food here is all about! read more

This place recently reopened after a makeover. It is now super clean looking inside with a very cute sitting area, although many people are getting takeout. If you go, be aware it's CASH ONLY as it seems like some of the folks getting the takeout did not know this. It is also located in a strip mall with its own parking which is fantastic given that parking is such an issue for so many restaurants down in the boro. Everything from this place tastes out of this world good and the sauces for the sandwiches are fantastic. I'd give the food quality six stars if I could. It is really that good, plus there is no other decent fried chicken option anywhere near West Chester (KFC here is horrible and doesn't count). I have no idea why there are about 50 pizza and sandwich joints with the same menu and only one place selling decent chicken fry, but I'm glad Mabel stepped in to fill that gap. The food does take kind of a long time to be ready. They have a sign up, "Southern Food Is Not Fast Food". My impression is they are cooking some of the items from scratch (the chicken seems very fresh) and that some of the workers are newer to the restaurant business and being trained by the experienced owner/ manager. I have to say, i can understand to some degree the complaints about having to wait a half hour for a BBQ sandwich or other food that's already prepared, especially when you can see into the kitchen and there are people literally standing around, not making food. Everybody is very friendly and nice though. I recommend calling ahead if you're getting takeout, and you will also know if they have what you want in stock because they do run out of some of the items, although the backup choices are also good. I was offered fresh pecan pie when they ran out of their famous sweet potato and the pecan pie was awesome. I also recommend doublechecking your takeout order before you leave to make sure everything's there and you didn't accidentally get someone else's at a busy time. I wish they weren't closed on Monday and Tuesday, although I understand people wanting some time off and also not wanting to miss out on weekend business. Maybe when the place gets more established they can be open 7 or at least 6 days a week. read more

Horrible service, I had to call the police after being verbally and assulted and pushed by an employee. Owner only came out from back after police came. Her excuse was the employee just had brain surgery. Very unprofessional. It seems outsiders are not welcome. Anyone visiting West Chester University beware. read more

A little over priced. Brisket was not the best, had some fatty and chewy bits. Sauce was too sweet.

Was fantastic ! We enjoyed the great soulful taste of our meal and their lemonade is EXCELLENT!

I used to eat here all the time, but after my last experience I won't be back unless something REALLY changes. Service has always been "not so great" unless Mabel was in the back, but this time my craving for ribs was NOT satisfied at all. Chewey, grissley, fatty, just plain ol' bad. It was very sad as I love Mabel. She's always been kind, but my last experience was not good at all. The collards were SO salty and the mac and cheese were "ok" when it used to be the BEST. No burnt edges, undercooked, and not creamy. Oh, I also spent over 25.00 for this experience. Mabel, if you read this PLEASE do something to get back to where you were!! read more

We were very excited to place our order for ribs, brisket and sides and my wife went to pick it up. She got the order and came home and it was someone else's order. No problem, things happen. When I call them, they say that the order isn't done yet even though my wife is on the way back to the store. When she gets there, they tell her she has to wait. At this point, my kids are at low blood sugar level alert and it's an hour and ten minutes after we placed the order (they said 30 minutes when we ordered). I tell her to ask for a refund because we can't wait any longer and I had to give the kids cereal to avoid a meltdown. They tell her they have to call to get a refund and it will take awhile. Not sure why they couldn't just swipe it and run a credit. Would love to try their food, but no one should have to suffer through this level of customer service. We will not return. read more

I am a huge fan if Mabel's has beef brisket. Unfortunately, she runs out of beef brisket early. Don't get to the store too early and you may find the store still closed. Mabel opens, works and closes on Mabel time. Don't be in a rush for you food. Mabel doesn't move that fast from the front of the store to the back and back to the front of the store with your food. Another store favorite of mine is the mac and triple cheese. Soul food comes from the soul. read more

Their ribs are the absolute best! Can't pass up the half rack with a side of their amazing Mac and cheese. Even though it's in a very nondescript building and you'd hardly know they were there, it's well worth the search. read more

From the old reviews that are on the wall, this appears to be a business that has lost its way. The first impression on a recent visit was of lots of credit card stickers along side faded signs that say "cash only." Don't understand that. Also an empty chiller for sodas, etc. had me wondering. The waiting area could have used some cleaning. On to the food. I purchased ribs that, while tasty with some bark and not over sauced, were well overcooked. The meat fell too easily off the bone and was very mushy. There was only light smoke flavor. Given that ribs are apparently their number one specialty, I would have expected better. The Mac and cheese tasted good and had a bit of a crust but the macaroni was overdone. The beans tasted like they had something sweet added to them but otherwise tasted like they had come from a can. The mustardy potato salad tasted homemade but could have used a bit more seasoning. The service was OK, but I don't think I will return anytime soon. read more

Will not be coming back. Only giving this place a star because i have to.The food is good but the service is horrible, and I am a stickler for good service. First time I went, waited forever for the food. Was out of a lot of things we wanted to order, such as the yams and greens. I thought I would give it another shot. This time I called in the order to make sure what I wanted was there. I put the order in, then when I arrived to pick it up I was told that there were no more yams, just enough for one order. But when I called there was enough for two. I was told that someone came in and ordered yams, so they gave them to that peraon. Even though they knew I was coming to pick it up. I was disgusted after that. Food may be good, but service is not worth my time. If u are not going to hold it when I call the order in, then don't say that is a service you provide. Disappointed! read more

The pulled pork sandwich was good and much bigger than I expected. The only disappointment was that this place is take out only. My fiancee and I went there expecting to have a night out at a dinning restaurant. Good thing we didn't go pimped out. :) Next time I go, (notice that I said "next time"), i'll order another pulled pork in my sweats. read more

This place has awesome food with a genuine southern flavor and atmosphere! My first time was a welcoming experience as the owner and her staff interacted well in spite of it being such a busy weekend that they were short on some favorites as they cooked them to restock!! I heard no complaints from customers who were still coming in to place or pick up orders. I was also impressed that a single guest was treated with the same courtesy and attention that you would normally expect only for a large party. Staff was not only accommodating but made the place feel like a family dining room. The fish was wonderful, flaky with just enough seasoning not to over power the taste. The green beans made me not sorry that I didn't wait for the collard greens that were cooking. They were flavorful and cooked to a perfect texture! I look forward to the collards on my next visit. My dessert was the freshly made sweet potatoes and there is no one word to describe them but I will say scrumptious and addictive. My overall experience was great and I can't wait to return!! Yes, I just had to try the cornbread after hearing other guests talking about it but I was too full so I took it to go and it did not disappoint! Thank you so much Mabel!!! read more

WOW! Recommended by some West Chester College kids. I am gluten sensitive. Staff purchased gluten free cornmeal to fry/cook my flounder. Fish was fried to perfection and seasoned so well. Potatoe salad and collard greens were delicious. Staff was very friendly, cooked and served with a smile. We all thoroughly enjoyed our meal! read more

The best brisket around. I drive five miles out of my way to eat there.

had it before. Not too bad. they have good chicken fingers, let alone barbecue ribs

Hands down the best beef brisket and mac and cheese I have ever had. The new decor is awesome and the service is great. If you are ever home sick or miss your moms Southern style food Mabel's is the place for you! It reminds me of my Grandmother! There is no other place like it in the area. Mabel is the real deal!! read more

Do you like mediocre barbeque? Do you like waiting a FULL HOUR for take away mediocre barbeque? Well, you are in luck! Brisket tastes like it was pre-cooked, half of the food was cold. Their slogan is "southern food is not fast food." They definitely live up to their slogan. Having spent 35 years of my life in the south, I can say this is NOT southern barbeque, and real barbeque in the south would never take this long. Avoid read more

I tried out the restaurant since they renovated and I was highly impressed. the food was excellent, I ordered the fish platter with cabbage and potato salad. I will definitely be returning for more. read more

Mabels is the BOMB!!! The chicken is wonderful and the ribs are awesome. I don't like cabbage but I love Mabel's cabbage. Oh my gosh and the mac and cheese!!!!! yum!!!!PLUS Mabel is so sweet and she has always made me feel special and valued. Lunch from Mabels is the big treat at work because we know it will taste amazing . read more

We had the brisket sandwich and cole slaw. Excellent. Good value. Real tasty. The only reason for 4 out of 5 stars is because the facility is real small. Just one table. If we intended to 'take out' it would have gotten 5 stars. read more

Love it! This is truly a gem tucked in a little plaza in West Chester! We stopped by for a late lunch after attending a graduation at Chaney. The bbq is one of the BEST we've had and we've had plenty! I had the bbq chicken and my husband had the ribs. Both were perfectly smoked, tender, and falling off the bone goodness! The candied yams, mac & cheese, and greens was delicious and seasoned just right. To finish the meal, the sweet potato pie will put a hurting on you! It's so good! Come hungry cuz the portions are generous! Thank you Mabel for feeding us! By the way, we love the homey decor! read more

Easily one of the top few of Barbeque places I have been to. The brisket was tender and tasted home made, it did not even need the BBQ sauce, and had very little fat on it. The corn bread was sweet and not too dry. The food seemed to take a little while to come out, but that's because people are used to getting their food instantly. For the quality of the food, and it not sitting out getting dry, the time it took was very appropriate. Everyone working behind the counter was extremely friendly and cared about what we thought of the food. If I had one small complaint, it would be that the music was a bit loud. However, without us asking the young woman came out from behind the counter and attempted to lower the volume, which unfortunately was voice activated. So the speaker mistook what she said as "raise volume"... Then Mabel came out to see what was going on and it was all really funny. I will be taking my family back again in the near future. read more

Good food, but not the best. Entrees are modest. Side items are ridiculously over-priced.

Delicious and homemade taste. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Ordered brisket, baked beans, green beans and candied sweet potatoes, as well as side of fried pickles. Employees were also so friendly and sweet. We will be back and would like to try their catering. read more

First time at this place. I never write reviews and this was an exception. The service was terrible. Waited 45+ minutes for a pulled pork sandwich and was told they were out of cole slaw and that I couldn't substitute the side for another one even though I was paying for the "special." Also, the pulled pork came out of the fridge and was heated via a microwave. It was one of the worst pulled porks I ever had! Thank God for the BBQ sauce that we asked for because the pork was incredibly dry. I had high expectations for this place but after the long wait and tough, dry pork sandwich I will not be going back here ever or recommending it. They also only had one person working at the place... No wonder it took so long to get my food. I did not get to meet Mabel, however, and I hear she is a very sweet lady. But I'm sorry something needs to change about this places pork. read more

First time trying Mables and I was very impressed. I had the pulled pork special and my wife got the BBQ chicken breast platter with mac and cheese and potato salad. She doesn't even like BBQ and she really enjoyed her meal. The potato salad and mac and cheese was some of the best she's ever had. Perfect amount of smoke on the pork and chicken. Sauce is really good! Fries too! I will be a regular. read more

Mabel's Barbeque - Pulled pork special. Comes with cole slaw too. Pork was great and sauce was really good. Fries were surprisingly very good too. - Soul Food Near Me - West Chester, Pennsylvania

Mabel's recently renovated their space and reopened at the very end of April and I decided to check it out for dinner this past Saturday...they did an amazing job. It is adorably decorated to perfectly tie into a "Southern" decor theme. It's also really nice that they now have a few tables so that you can eat there as opposed to just ordering take out/catering. The menu is pretty extensive. I had the wings meal that came with two sides. I picked the mac & cheese as well as the green beans. Everything was perfectly seasoned and cooked (the wing sauce is amazing!!!). Also tested the ribs, brisket, and French fries from the meals of the people I was with -- nothing disappointed! I can't wait to go back to try some more items on the menu. Staff were all friendly, too, so it's definitely worth a trip if you are in West Chester or the surrounding area! read more

This restaurant is West Chester's best kept secret, I decided to go in last week and get my son lunch, the staff are so friendly and professional, I placed my order after getting recommendations because it was my first time there. Another customer came in and told me he was raised in the South and stops in often when he misses Southern food, he recommended Hush puppies. I brought the lunch to my son and the employees were raving on how great the smell was. I told them I bought it at Mabel's in West Chester. I was able to sample the potato salad and it is the best potato salad I have ever tasted. I am going back tomorrow to pick up a catfish sandwich for my 90 year old Uncle and potato salad. He loves catfish and its not on the menu anywhere else. The restaurant has unique chairs that are carved out of sturdy branch wood. It fits the theme of good old Southern cooking. You really stop in and see and taste for yourself. read more

I can tell you that I have a tendency to be a BBQ snob! Seems most BBQ restaurants never seem to get it just right... but Mabel and her sisters sure know what they are doing!!! The ribs and chicken were so fall of the bone flavorful, amazing cheesy, just like mom's homemade mac'n'cheese, crazy good collard greens and the best straight out of the oven sweet potato pie! Thank you Ladies, I will sure be back when I am in town again!!! read more

Follow-up...Glad I did return! Mabel was delightful. Picked up a couple of meals and tried 5 different sides. The ribs were meaty, the sides all good! Not many places with fried okra...got a large portion and loved every bite! I was stuffed after trying to eat the ribs...a lot of meat on them. Not a fancy place, but definitely one I'll keep on my list to return to as often as I can. NOTE...I took the meals home and did not get to eat them until the next day and everything was still terrific! Definitely not fancy in any way, but a gem! read more

I've had the ribs and pulled pork--both were very good, though the proportions were slightly meager. Don't go here if you're in a rush, though; the service is not speedy, and seating is *very* limited. You go here for the food. read more

Mabel's is so good. The rib literally falls off the bone it is that tender. The sides are also unreal. I'm getting hungry just writing this!

Yes! Mabel's gets it right! Everything we've tried here has been good. Including the chicken fingers. There is very limited seating and the seating that does exist isn't ideal in my opinion. I don't mind ordering for take-out though. The food is worth the trip. read more

My dad was craving a pulled pork sandwich on Father's Day, and who was I to say no! So, we tried Mabel's for the first time. Dad got the pork sandwich and some BBQ chicken! I got the beef brisket and the hush puppies. The 3 different types of meats were outstanding!!! Tender, juicy, fall of the bone good! They should offer the beef and pork outside of a sandwich (in containers) for larger takeout needs. But those sandwiches serve up a generous portion nonetheless! Not a place to sit and eat, and it's a shame there aren't any picnic tables. It's almost torture to have to wait to get home to eat! This is worth the drive and easy to find (look for the car wash). read more