Mabel’s Smokehouse: Cheap BBQ for the North Side
I happen to be one of very few fortunate people who lives right smack in the middle of the south and north Williamsburg, making the culinary delights of either side not particularly that far out of reach. It has recently come to my attention that there are not that many barbecue places on the north side/Greenpoint area of Brooklyn. I mean, there is Manhattan Inn, which has amazing ribs, but like, it’s not really “a barbecue place” per se. The south side has of course Fatty Cue as well as Fette Sau, which is much less expensive and much more of a relaxed environment. And yes, I suppose Fette Sau isn’t THAT far away from Greenpointers, but Mabel’s Smokehouse is much more conveniently located, and frankly, has some things that Fette Sau just doesn’t.
For example, Mabel’s has a very large indoor space with more of a proper bar area– which is kind of one of Fette Sau’s major drawbacks for me when it’s crazy cold outside. Also, Mabel’s is much less expensive than Fette Sau, they have more (and frankly, better tasting) side options, and– maybe this is just because I went on a Tuesday– but, the vibe in there is like the exact opposite of the frantic/panic that happens at Fette Sau when no one can go outside. Maybe it’s just the laid-back country music vibe happening there, or maybe it’s the Budweiser Banquet on tap, or perhaps the cheap-as-hell cans of Schmidt’s (which reminds me of this, btw)…I don’t know, but something about it just WORKS for me.
What did I order, you ask? WELLLLL, I split a DeLux platter with ribs (SERIOUSLY ZOMG THE BEST RIBS), Louisiana hot links, pulled pork, baked beans, green beans, and corn. I regret not seeing that they also had cornbread, but the platter comes with white wonder bread, which was a nice/funny touch. All that for $24.95– for TWO people! I have to say that while I like the pulled pork at Fette Sau better, the RIBS at Mabel’s are OUT-FUCKING-STANDING. I WILL be going back.
Mabel’s Smokehouse
44 Berry St (at N.11th)
Brooklyn, NY 11211 [Williamsburg]
Photo courtesy of: NY Herald