Miss Mabel’s: Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Joint in Greenbelt

Miss Mabel’s Nashville hot fried chicken restaurant in Greenbelt (Jalyn Mathis/ The Black Explosion)

Miss Mabel’s, a family-owned fried chicken restaurant, serves crispy Nashville hot chicken in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The restaurant occupies a location of the former Gus’s Fried Chicken at 5810 Greenbelt Road. The building is a small, comfortable restaurant located on the main street with plenty of parking in front and back. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Miss Mabel’s not only serves fried chicken, but has six other restaurants working in the back, allowing customers to choose from a variety of cuisines. Hot dogs, burgers, milkshakes, breakfast sandwiches and beignets are all prepared in the same kitchen. 

“First it was a franchise, Gus’s Fried Chicken, then the franchise pulled out and the owner decided they can do this themselves,” said Jessica Hillman, the store front manager. “We reinvented the recipes and have all fresh ingredients.”

Miss Mabel’s specializes in its fried hot chicken meals ranging from mild to extremely hot flavors. A chicken sandwich meal including a drink and fries is $15, and regular chicken meals, which include two sides and bread, range between $12.50 to $19.50, depending on the size of pieces. 

“All our chicken is hormone free, and we constantly improve on everything,” said Hillman. “We have many different recipes we bring in and take out and see how the customers like it.”

As customers try the southern fried chicken, they can also enjoy the southern hospitality of the restaurant with an inviting and cozy atmosphere. 

“The rustic appearance combined with the barn decorations added to the experience while enjoying authentic southern comfort food,” said first-time customer Devorah Sklute. The restaurant had a country-like appearance and posters displaying Rhythm and Blues music and famous Black artists like Miles Davis.