Earl Abel's Restaurant

gijoe512 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Twilight Zone – This place is CREEPY, but that's part of its intrigue. I must admit that the fried chicken is really all-that, but other than that I haven't had anything worth bearing the geriatric atmosphere for. If you can appreciate places with personality, this landmark is worth checking out atleast once. As for me (now that I've been inside 2-3 times), I'm sticking with take-out. 

Contributor 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

A San Antonio institution, this diner is where extended families meet once a week to share a big meal. – In Short From the outside, it looks like a diner that was built in the 1990s, but was designed in the 1930s. But once inside, it's clear this is the real deal: dark wall panels and waitresses dressed like Bavarian beer maids. The menu offers good meat loaf, and many swear by the fried chicken. For dessert, try the rich and moist German chocolate cake. 

prissystromaine 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Where did the other reviewers eat? – I recently went to Earl Abel's for breakfast. I bypassed both IHOP and Denny's to go to the highly recommended Earl Abel's. I have never had such terrible food. The scrambled eggs were liquid-y and runny, the pancakes were just weird, and the service was indifferent. I used to think that it was pretty difficult to screw up breakfast, but Earl Abel's proved me wrong. 

nubbin 

on Citysearch

21 years ago

Superb – Never had a bad meal. never had a marginal meal. Always excellent. Always more than I should eat. Dinner rolls to die for. The best service in town. If there is ANY problem with the food, service, etc it is taken care of immediately and courteously. 

ilatil 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Can I have the CHEWABLE MENU? – This was undoubtably one of the worst meals I have ever had the misfortune of consuming. I ordered the "Baked Hen" special - it was an overdone dark meat quarter of a very tiny chicken, served over a bed of mush (later discovered to be stuffing) and served with mashed sweet potatoes that had a flavor reminiscent of the potpourri aisle at Wal-Mart. VILE! DO NOT GO TO THIS PLACE! 

fl_red61 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

The best roast beef I've ever had! – Okay -- it's true... Earl Abel's is generally an "over 50's" hangout. Yes, the waitresses always seem to be overworked and never have enough time for individual patrons. HOWEVER, the quality of the food is well worth the effort. 

dons 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Earl is no pearl – Time was when Earl Ablel's was THE place to go for chicken specials and fast waitresses. It even had a reputation for a certain U.S.Senator boxing exhibition, but that was then and this is now. Earl Abel has gone the way of Joske's and floride free water. 

jwjboston 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Over rated – It has been awhile since my experience at Earl Able's but I don't plan to go back. The food is decent, but I think it's over-rated. You get much better service if you are a "regular" , "monied", or "elderly." I thought everyone's money paid for the same service. Informal & musty. Won't ever return willingly - too many other fine dining establishments in S.A. to waste my time here! 

AbbyNormal71 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

In a word, "Boring". – Old-feeling, musty interior, run-of-the-mill food. Decent prices and decent service. Also heard a ghost in the ladies bathroom! The waitress, who had worked there for eons, corroborated that occasionally a guest will report hearing, seeing or feeling "something funny"!