Earl Abel's Restaurant Reviews

My family and I were excited to eat at the new location. We hadn't been to San Antonio in years. Unfortunately, we did not get a chance. We were seated promptly, the restaurant was not busy, but then sat at our table for over 10 minutes without no one approaching our table to take our order. We weren't even served water. In fact, a waitress even took the time to refill the sugars at an empty table next to us. We finally walked out extremely disappointed. We passed the manager on our way out and told him why we were leaving and received little response.

If I could give a rating between "average" and "very good" that is where I would put Earl Abel's. Opened in 1933, at Broadway and Hildebrand from 1940 to 2006 and now in a strip center on Austin Highway. In it's heydey, in the stylistic building on Broadway, Earl Abel's was the place to go after a late show, or for pie and coffee at 2 in the morning. It seems the new location has retained much of the original comfort food menu, and I was served by an attentive served named Des. I had a 10 ounce ribeye steak which was one of the best I have had in San Antonio in a while, but it was $27. It included 2 sides and a roll. You can compare that to the really pricey steak places that have exceptional steaks, but they start at $50 and sides are extra, Even though you can't beat the ambience of the old location, when you dine at Earl Abel's you have a direct connection with a real part of San Antonio restaurant history. Good for a family dinner or business lunch. And by the way the cakes are huge and delicious.

The highlight of the visit was the personnel. We arrived 10 minutes before official opening time of 11 am and were let in early to wait and served drinks. Fountain Drinks $3 each. I went for my annual fried chicken fix. Companion had classic club sandwich with homemade chips. Chips overcooked and sandwich had very, very thick slices of ham. Not a favorite. I got 2 piece fried chicken and was allowed to special order which 2 pieces I wanted (I said it was great service). We were the first customers so we got the first cooked fried chicken and while I like my chicken juicy, there was too much pink in my serving. Perhaps the frying oil was not hot enough. My order was graciously replaced. Quality of chicken: OK. The focus of the new location is "to go" and the prices are dine-in and table service for diner comfort food. Total cost for sandwich and 2 piece chicken including drinks, plus we accepted the automated request for a tip came to $29+. Food quality was just OK and I didn't feel I received value for the money paid. Fried chicken for me is a guilty pleasure enjoyed infrequently. This visit added greatly to my foregoing the pleasure in the future.

I understand that it is an instutution in SA, so I gave it 3 tries before deciding it was really awful. The service is slow, even when it is empty. It takes 30-40 minutes to get your food. And then the food, it is, at best, cafeteria food, but, I have had cafeteria food that is a lot better. The waffles were like free hotel breakfast waffles, the pancakes were obviously not from scratch either. The "scrambled" eggs were fried flat, and were runny and disgusting on the inside. Club sandwich had huge hunks of breakfast ham, and the vegetables were also cut large, and were flavorless. The french fried came to the table cold and undercooked. The fried chicken was overcooked and flavorless. Don't bother!

We came to Earl Able’s on Thanksgiving. We had tried to call several times to make a reservation. When we arrived we were told they were totally booked. However they told us we could sit on the patio and get a meal. We ordered the soup and the traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The waiter arrived with salads - we explained we had ordered the soups. She left the salads and brought the soup. Before we had time to finish the main meal arrived. It looked beautiful and tasted as good as it looked. There was plenty of food and we both took a to-go box. We tried pie for dessert. The pumpkin and cherry were both delicious. We were so impressed by the food and the kindness of everyone that worked here - we decided to return on Saturday before we had to go to the airport to return home. We wanted to try the world-famous fried chicken. I had my favorite - chicken and waffles. So good! I left nothing on my plate. My wife enjoyed her chicken sandwich. Also not much was left on her plate. We would highly recommend this restaurant!

If you are expecting the new location to be like the previous spots on Broadway and then Austin Highway you are in for a huge disappointment. This move is in the more "trendy" area of the Pearl Brewery and I guess maybe it may have an appeal to the younger pick up and go crowd but if you are expecting to be seated and waited on, forget that idea. The location is very small and there is a lighted board behind the counter where you pick what you want, order at the counter and they bring it to you. I asked what their breakfast choices were to which the counter person indicated they only had brunch.....a very limited menu at that. In addition to the downsize in space there is also a downsize in the menu. Also the parking is horrendous, have to go down an alley and park in a very small lot. There is no parking in front of the restaurant. Won't be back to this location.....We left without placing an order and went down the road to Jim's which was must friendlier.

We had a very large group convene at this restaurant after a funeral service at the Sam Houston National Cemetery. They had a separate room ready for us as soon as we arrived. Yes, a reservation was made well in advance. I was most impressed by how well the staff took care of the group and the quality of the food served. My sirloin steak was outstanding - perfectly seasoned and cooked just as I ordered. Orders seemed to come out of the kitchen flawlessly which is quite a feat when serving a large group. Kudos to the staff on a job so very well done!

Went here for a business lunch. I had read the reviews on the fried chicken as was ready for greatness!!! The chicken was good but had obviously been cooked for a while and just held hot so far from perfect... The mashed potatoes and Cracklin gravy were fantastic loved every bite the signature roll was also very good. If the chicken had been fresh cooked hot and juicy I would have easily given this place a 5 out of 5.

Love going to Earl Abel's--they have small plates and all kinds of delicious food (old school). Love the fried chicken (Kentucky Fried /Colonel got his start here). Mashed potatoes great. Carrots too and as said, lots of other stuff. Don't like their pies--crust too much like cardboard.

Earls has a new location at 1639 Broadway Street. Located near the Pearl Brewery sign to your left as you turn in from Broadway St. They do not have a sign on the orange colored tile Bldg. The new location is about 1/10th the size of their old location on Austin Hwy. Also the menu has been reduced, drastically..menu on lighted board behind counter. Don’t expect linens and glassware..paper plates and plastic cups served. Still have the specials and fried chicken. Desserts are the same, but smaller selection. They still have coconut meringue pie. Food quality is still the same....Okay! Prices are still the same...$$. See photos below.

This is an old school diner. The service is fast and friendly, the decor is a bit dated, the food is good, the prices are reasonable, and the menu is fairly extensive. I've eaten breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Good place to go if you have plenty of time.

I must say that I would like to come here and try their lunches and dinner. We usually only come for breakfast and let me tell you, I think they have the best pancakes in all of San Antonio. And don't forget to try their fresh squeezed OJ. The best. Service is great and it takes a bit to get your food if they are busy but it is worth the wait. The only thing I would discourage is the hash-browns or fried potatoes. Something tasted very off about them when we were there. Otherwise everything else was fantastic.

Famous for their friend chicken, but I also love the chicken friend steak. Solid fare for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Been in business for about 90 years! Excellent pies!

I went to Earl Abel's after receiving several local recommendations. I had high expectations, which the restaurant did not meet. The fried chicken was okay, but it definitely was not the best I've ever had. I would not probably not return.

The only thing really good about this place was the waitress we finally got to wait on us. I dined at the original Earl Ables often and it was good home cooking! Now just okay.my husband and I were told to seat ourselves which was fine. We sat in a booth and became invisible. After a long wait my husband said lets leave but I didn't want to give up. They weren't busy so not sure why service was so bad. For this reason they only get 3 dots instead of 5 Finally a waitress got close enough for us to ask for some service. We were not in her section but she did take over and rapidly brought waters and menses. From then on service was great. We both had the fried chicken because that is their specialty. Good but not great. Veggies just so so but all was hot. Probably won't go back.

Several years ago, this landmark San Antonio restaurant moved from its midcentury modern stand-alone building to a midcentury strip center but took all of its recipes, cooks, waitresses and corny quotes inscribed on wall plaques. The result is a wonderful, traditional place filled with ordinary people who want a very good meal at a great price. Despite the emergence of many high end restaurants in town, Earl Abels continues to serve wonderful American comfort food at a very reasonable price. Their fried chicken is the best in town. Their wait staff are like family; they know their regular patrons by name and there's something reassuring every time I walk in the place and am greeted by a smiling, long-time waitress.

I still miss the original building, but they still have the great fried chicken.

The previous location featured flavor-impaired dining in a rich, historic Art Deco landmark on Broadway at Hildebrand. Since they demolished the landmark for a multi-story lifeless condo and moved into a re-furbished strip shopping center, you can now have ordinary food inside of an ordinary setting. A perfect place to go if you don't want to impress anyone.

The "new" menu with fried food and burgers is just awful! Huevos Rancheros, gyros, chicken teriyaki, fried onions, burgers - I beg your pardon? Mixed up cuisine and nothing done right. Who wants to eat that stuff? Unhealthy, resembling a fast food anywhere else in San Antonio - this is not the carefully crafted menu of old Earl Abel's anymore. Most of their long time patrons, older San Antonio and Alamo Heights residents do not go there anymore. This restaurant is a perfect example, how to turn something great and unique to common and mediocre. It's a shame for the once famous restaurant. The new owners should change the name to something else, something that would not be connected to the great food that used to be served there by the original owner. Poor Earl must turn over in his grave.

We were visiting from out of town and having trouble finding a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We were really pleased to find this place, which was not only open and serving turkey dinners (among other things) but is apparently something of a San Antonio institution. We went mid afternoon and still had to wait 45 minutes but it was worth it. Good food and service. Only quibble they were beginning to run low on the pie assortment by the time we got there.

We went to Earl Abel's for lunch and then to the Pearl Brewery for a walk. You enter and place your order and have a seat. We had our food within 5 - 10 minutes. We ordered the two lunch specials, fried chicken and turkey pot pie. They were delicious. The staff at the cash register was very friendly. We watched the bakery making chocolate covered rolls. They looked scrumptious.

$15.49 Bison Fried Steak, 2 sides, dinner roll. My Steak was 2/3 the size of my dates but was very tasty, no baked potatoes, no decaf coffee (7p) and the Mac & cheese came at the end of the meal. Lisa did an excellent job and service was quick. $2.29 coffee. $19.25 after tax, not sure it was worth it. Might of been the portion size.

Earl Abel’s was my father’s favorite restaurant - he and my mother ate there many times, and especially loved their pies! We held our fathers post-funeral luncheon at Earl Abel’s as a remembrance of all the good times he had there. We were not sure how many people might attend, so we arranged for about 35 in the banquet room. We arrived as some of the guests were arriving, and it quickly was evident that we would need more seats. Annette and her team were very quick to add more tables and settings, and assured us not to worry, they would take care of it, and they did! Additionally, she called me that morning and suggested we use a limited menu to make the ordering go more smoothly and also to hold down our costs. The food was quickly served, and the main plates tasted good and were served hot (to 48 people!). Many of the guests had not been to the restaurant before (some were from other locations) and all had only complimentary things to say about the lunch (ok, maybe there should have been more coconut pie, it was delicious!). Our family truly appreciates the expert advice and wonderful service provided to our group.

The staff just didn't seem to have its act together. The hostess/cashier just seemed so confused when she seated me and later cashed out my check. Several long minutes passed before a server realized I was sitting there. The food was bland and unremarkable. It was Saturday, when spaghetti is its special. The menu brags that this is their signature dish, but I swear, it was about as good as what a 20-year-old bachelor would make himself for dinner. I fondly remember the old location on Broadway. It was just a classic, and I miss it. This is a pale shadow of what it used to be. Mostly, it seems to be a draw for older folks who used to patronize the old location. I felt like I was eating in a retirement community dining room.

In the past Earl Abel's has always been a good restaurant. Not any more. Today it is a dirty place, with poor service and high prices, and cold food. They are moving in September to a different smaller location, this is no excuse for poor food and service. I wouldn't waste my time there, The staff is loosing their jobs and you can tell. We will not go to the new place either. What a shame

We went to lunch during a late afternoon, so there was no crowd whatsoever. The "service" was indifferent, at best, whenever we did get any, our service was SLOW. The food was cold, we had to send it back. The only thing good was the bread. I will never waste my time or money on this place again. There's a What-A-Burger within spitting distance, (and if you eat here, you will indeed want to spit,) that at least serves hot, decent food, quickly. We regretted simply not going there.

We frequent this establishment when we come to town. Yesterday's visit was much less than we have experienced. Post lunch rush, showed un-cleaned tables and one waiter with a terrible attitude, visible. The rest were huddled near the drink station. After 10 minutes of waiting for service we were considering leaving, but decided to go ask for service. Our server had to be asked for drink refills and a check for a less than tasty meal. Cold green beans that tasted right out of a can and un-seasoned food was not hardly worth the carry away boxes. Mark this one off for places to go when we come to town!

We dined here one eveing while visiting SA during Christmas week. The restaurant itself is unremarkable, in a strip mall. We were seated immediately and our server was super friendly and prompt. The food was good, but not anything amazing. It was a nice change of pace for us after having eaten lots of Mexican food on this trip.

We Stopped in this past sunday at 11 am and we were split on wanting breakfast or lunch . So , we split the decision . I had the Denver omelet which was loaded with ham . onions and bell peppers with a side of hash browns and a huge home made biscuit . She had the roast turkey special . These guys serve the real deal when it comes to their turkey . They actually cook whole turkeys and carve them as needed .there is no pre-processed stuff going on here ! You can taste the difference . The plate comes complete with stuffing and cranberry and gravy and it is a nice, large serving so you will have a lunch portion for the next day. The service here is reminiscent of an old fashion diner . The staff knows a lot of the regulars and they are quick to take care of all of your needs . Plus , they actually serve REAL butter with their rolls and bisquits .

This place is decent, though I think food quality has declined a bit over the past five years. For example instance, the fried chicken and the rolls. I still like the turkey with dressing. Several sides are noteworthy, such as red cabbage, sauteed cabbage and mashed potatoes. Service is generally good, though we had a bummer of a waitress on our most recent visit last week. She never checked back with us, never refilled tea, or offered additional napkins for the fried chicken. Finally got a manager to refill us.

Not sure where to start with the review. We are visiting the area for our son's Airforce graduation. We had breakfast and dinner at Earl Able's. The service was absolutely wonderful. I want to give a personal shout out to our servers, Cynthia and Derek. They had the best personalities we could have asked for. Now the food.....I'm from the south and everyone eats fried chicken. That was the best fried chicken I have ever had!!!! They have a variety of desserts that are made in house too that are amazing! I recommend everyone who is visiting the San Antonio area to make a pit stop at this wonderful restaurant.

Stopped in on Christmas Eve because family in area love the chicken fried steak saying it was the best ever. Wouldn't go that far but had a taste of the chicken fried chicken and would choose that. All our food was served except for one person who ordered The Abel Dog and had to wait about 10 minutes for them to get their meal (evidently some confusion in the kitchen on whether it had been sent out or not). Dog looked good and I'd probably order that if we come back. Ordered two pieces of pie (one being the Black Bottom Pie - but received a chocolate pie instead - they didn't have any slices and wouldn't slice into whole pie as they were selling those whole for Christmas. Overall good experience and would try it again but probably in summer or after COVID.

I ordered online for a pick up order. Online the order said it was ready as soon as I placed it but I waited a bit before going to pick it up just in case. When I arrived I had to use the fron entrance, no the pick up entrance because it closes at 8pm even though the rest of the restaurant is open until 10pm. Okay , whatever. I stood at the front of the restaurant with no one acknowledging my existence for 10 minutes! At which point I went to the back and asked a waitress to help, I just had a pick up order. The young waitress was very friendly but the to-go woman told her to tell me she was busy and I needed to wait. Wow, um, okay. So I waited, 10 min later, the to-go woman starts guessing at what I had ordered (fried chicken?) No I had the open faced roast beef with a slice of Boston Creme Pie. Well, they were out of Boston Creme Pie, what else did I want? I ended up with Apple. I waited while the order was re-input and cooked, then it was given to me with no utensils so I couldnt eat it when I got back home (because I hadnt unpacked utensils). Needless, to say I was very disappointed in their service (excpet for the young waitress, she was nice, giving me water and offering a seat while I waited 20 minutes for my to-go order). THe food was okay but Its basically like any Jim's just with different options.

I had dinner here with my son and his family when I travelled to San Antonio for his graduation as a combat medic. They promote their fried chicken as being the best thing on their menu, but I had a burger that was phenomenal. Were I a fan of fried chicken, I suspect it might just have been as amazing as they advertised.

The best home cooking in SA. Ask for Jorge to serve you. The turkey and dressing special on Sunday is the best and breakfast is always good!

I've never had a bad meal at Earl's, and I eat there just about every month. The only thing I don't care for is their iced tea. Prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly.

Earl Abel's Restaurant in San Antonio provides a down home atmosphere with an outstanding menu and above all extremely professional servers. The menu has appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, veggie plate, extensive entree selections, daily specials, and dangerously delicious desserts. All of this at a very fair, reasonable price. Their fried chicken, which is their speciality, was incredible. Their veggie were super good. Words cannot adequately express the wonderful quality at Earl Abel's. In addition, Agnes was our server!! O-my she was fabulous! She was professional, knowledgeable, personable, and just a plain old great server. Also, I have celiacs and she advised me well on safe foods. Agnes took pride in her job! For all this greatness go to Earl Abel's in San Antonio.

For the area and the price ($3) they should be organic and fresh prepared. I ordered the 4 side plate and all 4 items came to the table COLD. Not lukewarm. COLD. If it was cheap and service was fast I would overlook the food quality and give this restaurant 3 stars. Oh well...

When our first choice for breakfast was too full and had a long wait we went online and found great reviews for this place. A little out of the way for tourists, and not particularly scenic, but the breakfast was excellent as was the service, and we felt like we got to see a little bit of local tradition away from the usual tourist zones. Pie was a highlight!

I have eaten at all the location since 1955. Wife and I gave the Pearl Broadway location a try today and really enjoyed the food, the service and just the feel of the place. Pie is as good as ever as was the fried chicken and turkey and dressing. We will return soon.

My husband’s aunt & uncle lived in San Antonio, and it was tradition to always go for breakfast to Earl Abel’s during a visit! We still enjoy going to Earl Abel’s taking our children and grandchildren. The place they have moved to is not as fun as their unique original place, but still good food and some of the same waiters & waitresses have remained there!!! Enjoy seeing them still working and pleasing their customers!!! 😘 Lots of memories made at this place. When we have the opportunity to go to San Antonio Earl Abel’s is always on the list to visit.

Nostalgic, Great food all around, superior quality steaks. Kind of like an old diner, but the food is very fresh and good. Always a hit!

My first visit back to Earl Abel's since they moved from the old location at Broadway & Hildebrand, I was not disappointed. The service was just as friendly as I remembered, and the food just as delicious. I tried the chicken fried bison for the first time, and loved it. The dinner rolls were especially good. Then the final, definitive test: I had a slice of Earl Abel's famous maple pecan pie - delicately flavored maple creme filling in a light crust, with whipped cream p;iled high on top, sprinkled with chopped pecan bits. Fantastic. I hope they never stop making that pie!

Every once in a while it's nice to forget a strict diet and experience a real good as-close-as-you-can-get to a homemade breakfast with all of the trimmings. This is just the place. The service is great, the atmosphere without clamor or rushing about is relaxing and lends a bit of class.

Three years ago, I ate at their location on Austin Hwy., which is now closed for good. For the most part, I enjoyed the experience. This time, also on Christmas Eve., I ate with family at the Broadway location. Instead of table service, as before, the "rules" are that you order at a counter, and then they bring food to your chosen table. The menu was much more limited than before. The following items were tried: - Fried chicken. Both people who had it thought it was okay, heavy on the peppery breading, and not taken from a fresh batch. - Chicken-fried steak. Similar reaction as to the chicken. - Cole slaw. We liked it. - Macaroni and cheese. Not much flavor, and somewhat mushy. - Chicken salad (sandwich). Just okay. Made with heel pieces of a loaf of bread. Service was prompt and very friendly. We got the feeling that the crew were worn out after a super busy day and that perhaps the food suffered for it. Hopefully next time will be better.

Must have the fried chicken The rolls are pretty good too The daily specials are always good Good service and family atmosphere Have been back time and time again

I wanted to this a 3+ or 4-. So I chose 3. EA has been around for 83 years. It was in the heart of the prestigious Alamo Heights - Incarnate Word - Fort Sam Houston - Broadway at the corner of Hildebrand and Broadway until about 2010 when the property became a 20 story condo. But EA came back to life on Austin Highway not far from its historic roots. The food is solid American fare with a tiny number of TexMex dishes. This a meat loaf, steak, pie, liver and onions, mashed potatoes kind of place. Someone sitting at the next table may look just like your grandmaw. Due to it's location near Ft. Sam and Alamo Heights the clientele is stimulating mix of age groups, economic strata, races, sexual preferences. It IS Americana. And I promise - no surprises.

The past few years have been rough for Earl Abel's and I was so hoping that the move would be the boost they so desperately needed, but alas I don't think that's what's occurred. I've yet to be there and see any of the "old staff" that was at the Austin Hwy location at the new location by the Pearl. Now that doesn't mean they aren't there, I've just never seen them the 4 times I've been. I miss the table service, the lazy Saturday or Sunday breakfasts, and just the overall feel that the old locations provided. The menu is greatly reduced as well which sort of makes me sad as well.

For the first time in a few years, I decided on this Sunday afternoon to venture into Earl Abel's. I was escorted to a seat where I was told, "someone will be with you shortly to take your drink order" This is the point where everything went downhill. No one ever approached the table from that point. Quiet time of the day at 3:30pm. I waited....and waited. No drink order. No one. I left. The important thing, I will never return. This is definitely NOT the old Earl Abel's I remember. If you're a long time local resident, don't let the name fool you. Time for this place to close, for good.

Fried Chicken is an Earl Able's best. Its new location limits our visits.

I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston , TX several times as a US Army Medical Department Officer, and was introduced to Earl Ablels by colleagues. This restaurant offer great comfort food, homemade and good every time! I always make time to visit each time I am in SA! Well done Earl Abel's very well done !

This used to be a fave 'back in the day' when they were on Broadway and the food is just about as good at the new location. If you go anywhere in San Antonio for fried chicken, start here first. Good price, great food. But, stick with the foods they're known for.

My parents have eaten here off and on since the late 1930s. My first time was 2/9/16. I thoroughly enjoyed the fried chicken and the staff were very pleasant. The owner came over and he and my dad had a nice chat about the old days. Also I really liked the historic photos on the wall and humorous sayings as well. I look forward to my next visit!

This was a very reasonably priced restaurant with a wonderful breakfast of bacon, potatoes, eggs, biscuits and gravy. My friend got the fried chicken which she said was excellent. Ate there several times.

Call me old-school... I remember (and miss) the old Earl Abel's on Broadway, which is now an outrageously expensive high rise development. But since Earl Abel's has moved to the strip center on Austin Highway, it's managed to hold its own. The food is still just as reliable as ever, even if the prices have risen incrementally. The service is somewhat younger than it used to be (which means they're hiring under fifty these days) and the decor is about the same. And the creepy butler statue still keeps watch over the dining room, to my children's delight. (Speaking of children, I do appreciate that this is one restaurant that still offers "kids eat free" specials on weeknights.) If you're craving old-fashioned pies and cakes, fried chicken, overcooked veggies, freshly-baked clover leaf rolls and occasionally, liver and onion specials, Earl Abel's has got you covered.

We expected better food than what was served. We ordered turkey and dressing with mashed potatoes, greenbeans, and a side of mac and cheese. Plus two teas. The turkey itself was tasty. The dressing, however, tasted like doctored-up Stouffers dressing. I would compare it to the Hungry Man frozen turkey dinner. The potatoes tasted like instant potatoes, the mac and cheese was dry. We didn't eat the greenbeans. And it was topped off with thick instant brown gravy. The "biscuit" was thin and dry, like stacking five crackers together. Seriously it wasn't even one inch tall. The plate was a knock off Chinette platter. Plastic fork, knife, etc. We asked for extra napkins and were given the square cocktail napkins! All this for $40. Never again.

I was surprised to see how small this new location is, but happy to see some of my favorite dishes still here. This is set up like a fast casual place but they are still kicking out southern inspired comfort foods like the fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy and their Chicken and Dumplings. I was pleased to see they still have their milkshakes and famous pies and cakes. Love their Coconut Meringue! It is a good place to grab lunch or dinner and it is convenient right next to the Pearl. They have both indoor and outdoor seating to help with busy times. There is limited parking in front but ample parking within easy walking distance under the freeway at the Pearl. This restaurant is a city icon that still has some of its old town ambiance, so you should stop in!

Earl Abel's has been around for a very long time. They have good fried chicken, but I love their desserts the best.

Been open many years, second location. A San Antonio icon. Good solid food,great staff. Always friendly. Great pie. Can't beat it. Had lunch today. Hard to find liver and onions. This is a simply reliable place. Nothing fancy, just lots of regulars. Likes seniors.

A local restaurant that's been in business a long time, Earl's offer's great home cooking favorites at good prices. They also have a great pie selection and do take out.

My wife and I awaited the end of church services this last Sunday and got several things accomplished on our day of rest. Thereafter we drove to Earl Abel's on Austin Hwy. She ordered the chicken fried steak while I went for the fried fish. Both meals were less than memorable. Her chicken fried steak seemed to be loaded with a flour coat that was layers thick and no flavor. to this coating. The meat was not distinguishable by any measure- no taste, no spice at all and simply "blah!" Her mashed potatoes and the gravy had no taste. My fish was fried well and the side chosen, coleslaw, was tasty. We both loved the salad and dressing as well as the fresh buns provided. A once famous and select restaurant has come down to being a very plebeian establishment. We may have rated it as great before but it has now descended to be "simply average." Sad but true! A bright side was the pecan pie that brought the grade of the meal up by 2 points. The only additional star for this café was the great service given by our waitress!

Love going in there, friendly staff, easy to order, take out, parking available right by the Pearl Brewery, out back I’d street is full...the Fried chicken excellent👍 And their deserts, omg

Delicious home cooking from long ago. An old fashioned, diner style atmosphere, with super friendly staff, and mouth-watering food. Our group had the BLT, Fried Chicken, and two Chicken Fried Steak dinners. The mashed potatoes and biscuits were fabulous, and the green beans with bacon were the best I've ever had. For desert there is pie, cookies, and other baked goods. I had the pecan maple cream pie, a wonderful first for me. My husband remembers this restaurant from his childhood, and though it's changed locations a couple of times since then, the food is just as great now as it was then. The current location has plenty of parking behind the building and a nice brick walkway next to the building leading to the restaurant.

Great little retro diner. Had a great experience, but food wasn't to die for. Had the thin pancakes, bacon, eggs. My husband loved his food... He had eggs, bacon, and toast.

I had ordered a pie and placed on hold for a later pickup time. When I got there to pick up a requested pie for a birthday celebration. It was gone. I was told I could purchase the 7 slices at 4.50 each - mind you the pie is only 15$ to begin with. Selected another pie and asked if I could have a slice of the requested black bottom the manager said he would not do that. Unbelievable!!

We were glad to see Earl Able's opening again in the new location. The food was great and the service is always great.

Like walking back in time, Earl Abel's is an establishment for good food at a good price. We went for breakfast this time so, although chicken and waffles was on the menu, we did not get to enjoy their famous friend chicken. I had the classic eggs benedict, my wife ordered the blueberry waffle and our friend ordered the thin pancakes. We were all very pleased and enjoyed our choices.

A San Antonio institution for delicious Texas style comfort food for more than half a century, Earl Abel's had to relocate for a Red McCombs condo project. We found them on Austin Highway. This is an oldy but goody just like the 50s rock and roll music they play. On a weekday for lunch we arrived early and watch the place fill up. My BW ordered the Turkey Turnover, and I had the Philly cheesesteak. We started off with a bowl of Navy Bean soup the daily choice. The soup was packed with Navy Beans and was tasty. Our server reminded me of the ladies who worked for Earl Able back in the day. She was friendly and efficient. The Turkey Turnover was an inverted pot pie, it was covered with gravy and tasted yummy. It had chunks of turkey, carrots, peas, and potatoes swimming in gravy with a flaky crust. My Philly Cheesesteak was huge and looked like it would intimidate those from Manayunk Avenue in South Philly. It tasted delicious, and it was bursting with red and green peppers, onions, and cheese. I ordered a side of hand battered onion rings to go with my side of great fries. I found out that Earl Abel's still bakes their own pies and cakes. The maple pecan and lemon chess pies are house favorites. Earl Abel's, a glimpse of the glory days and still alive in Alamo Heights.

We had the fried chicken and the turkey and dressing. The batter on the chicken was pretty good. The turkey was tender and the dressing was really good when mixed with cranberry sauce. I think we were the youngest people in the restaurant it definitely had an older generation feel but it was nice. Our food didn't take that long to come. Our waitress was super friendly. It's a huge place I hope they get lots of business.

The restaurant seems to cater to the older crowd so they do not use very much seasoning on tge food.

I was disappointed when I found out that the newest menu left out their signature dishes such as: Fried pickles and the most iconic dish cream of chicken soup. The weather is getting colder and we want the chicken soup back! No wonderful rolls either just biscuits. Had the famous fried chicken but the portion was too big and the outer batter was well over fried. Too hard it could crack off your fillings in your teeth. Very disappointed. LM

The food is great at Earl Abels and has been for sometime. The service on the other hand could use a lot of work. The older wait staff is great, the new not so much....

8/25/19 - Went to EA's for Sunday lunch. Ordered the daily special. Have been going to EA's since it was on Austin Hwy and historically found good food, great desserts, and one particularly personable staff member. Today's visit was not good. Order placed @ 12:39 PM - Food served at table @ 1:38 PM. You do the math. After 45 minutes waiting to be served, I checked the status of our order and was told that we were next in cue after the people at table directly behind us. "They have been waiting over an hour." WOW! I asked if this was normal and got a defensive reply about a large party who was problematic to serve. When the order was delivered, a brief apology was offered by a understandably frazzled employee. Seems like this was a good opportunity to offer something to ease the disappointment of our experience today.

Very fast and friendly service. Food was delicious and served quickly. Delicious catfish dinner. A plus for the linen napkins. Highly recommended.

If you are visiting the Pearl, you've likely encountered menus filled with fusions and culinary artwork. If that's your thing, stop reading here and head elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you are seeking some good old fashioned comfort food, then grab a seat (and maybe some elastic pants.) This is the home of fresh fried chicken, mash potatoes with gravy, and homemade pies of all varieties. This place has been a staple for San Antonio natives for almost 100 years, and there's a reason why. The menu is just as simple and tasty as it was when it was a 24 hour, after-party haven. Go hungry, but be prepared for a wait as the food is fresh, which means it takes time to cook. Sit outside for a dog-friendly meal.

Been there since 1938! New location, but same good food. Best cakes and pies in America! Any meal is good and cheap! 'been going here for over 50 years!

We discovered this wonderful place when we came for business a couple of years ago. Whenever we come to town, we always try to dine here. Wonderful food at great prices! Today, I had some of the very best fried chicken I have ever had in a restaurant! Homemade mashed potatoes and gravy and flavorful green beans! Homemade pies and cake always compliment the meal at the end of the meal! Too many choices....not enough time!! We shall return!!

A very busy place this Christmas day as they were only open for limited hours. In spite of the number of people they had to serve, our waiter was very attentive which made our visit quite pleasing. The food was very well prepared and was from a selective reduced Christmas menu.

Went for lunch today. Had not been to new location. Fond memories of the old location. Very Busy. Service good but took at least 30 minutes for food to arrive. Ugh. What happened to the chicken. It was tough, dry!!! ??? Friend had breakfast. Eggs cooked wrong, hash browns HARD, and the sausage pattie was GAG. I tried it myself and spit if out. So sad. We were so expecting something still like the old place.

We had a nice lunch here. The food is what one would expect. This place is a San Antonio tradition, and it is. Ice to see its return.

Known for it's Fried Chicken, It's hard to resist other Freshly prepared items as well. I generally order the Turkey and Dressing (authentic with NO Processing); but for today I ordered the July 4th All American Special...Fried Chicken. Very Special fare. The sides were fresh and delicious, and the Hot Baked rolls were awesome!

The new owners of Earl Abel’s have lost it with me. They have changed everything gratuitously. They used to have very good coffee. Their coffee is terrible. It is not stronger: it is bitter. When I dropped in, they were only serving fried chicken. Everything had been upended. I was told the bad coffee was there because “they” liked it. When I demanded who “they” were, the reply was, “The owners.” “THEY” can have “THEIR” lousy coffee and their no-choice menu. I am not having it. You can kiss Earl Abel’s goodbye. They had established an increase in the quality of the food, but now it seems they are abandoning it. Another thing: the Muzak was overly loud and obtrusive. This unfortunately seems universal. I would prefer restaurants that did not have television or overload Muzak.

Food was good and very nice portions I have come here for some time. This day seemed that our service was very lacking and had to remind our server about tea and coffee and silverware. The place was not very busy.

Their fried chicken is great! Helpful friendly service. The chicken and dumplings special is on Tuesday and it's the best around.

I went there with a group recently for lunch. I remembered going just once to the old location and thought it was pretty good. We were one of two large groups that day and there was only one waitress serving both groups, which were in two different rooms so needless to say service was at a snail's pace. I ordered the fried chicken, a wing and a breast. When the meal finally came you literally could not tell which was the wing and which the breast. There was SO much breading on this chicken. I would rate the quality as somewhere around KFC chicken. I have nothing against KFC chicken, when that is what I want, but I had hoped for better quality in this venerable institution. Mashed potatoes were probably instant, I really couldn't tell, but they were nothing special. However, I had caught a glimpse of one of their home made eclairs and decided I would take half my lunch home and get one. Oh. My. God. It was the most amazing eclair I have ever had in my life, and that is no exaggeration. That truly made up for the mediocre food that came before it. The bad thing is, that I understand they are not always available and when they run out, they run out and that it is it until the next week when they make them again. I would go again, but I wouldn't get the fried chicken. In fact, I might just get the eclain!

Wonderfully fun place to eat! We had the 2 piece fried chicken ($6.00) and 2 piece chicken ($6) and iced tea ($2.50). Huge serving and just delicious with two sides (they use real potatoes for the mashed potatoes). We also shared a piece of maple pecan pie ($5.00). It was best.......until we got sample a piece of their brand new Pina Cola Pie!!!! Wonderful!! Great family restaurant and excellent staff. Established in 1930 and still the same atmosphere.

We used Earl Abel's for a gathering after a funeral service. The staff that I phoned took such good care of me. They helped with a menu and gave suggestions on decorating the private room. They even had the special tables set up for pictures and flowers. I was very pleased at all of the food that was provided and the waitstaff that was assigned to our room.

I went to Earl Abels this afternoon (8/22/19).I ordered a 10 pieced chicken with 2 sides. The Chicken was so dry like it had been sitting all day,crust was also dry and not crispy. Horrible! Horrible! Family barely ate 1 piece of chicken each it was that bad. Even the rolls were hard only good item was the nice warm mashed potatoes. We are on a fixed income and to have wasted of money like this was terrible

Breakfast at Earl Abel's did not disappoint at this third iteration of this classic, San Antonio eatery. We enjoyed the original Earl Abel's when it was located on Hildebrand and Broadway by Incarnate Word University. We followed to its location on Austin Highway and could not pass the opportunity to eat at Earl Abel's on Broadway during our most recent visit to San Antonio. The new location is, of course, more upscale. The room is smallest of its locations; however, we found breakfast to be great. Service was attentive and congenial. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, and toast were cooked well and delivered to the table while hot. We noticed the display case filled with tempting pastries and magnificent pies, reason enough to return for dinner or for lunch. The new location has a different "vibe," but continues the quality food and service. ( I miss the waitresses wearing aprons and big hair. )

Our first time trying out the "Pearl" location and boy what a disappointment. We drove from across town from a church service on the deep Southside . We get there at 8 pm only to be told by a server that they were closing early since it was so slow . Then she literally asked us "what do you want " . We told her we wanted dinner . She then goes back to the kitchen window as if to double check . She then came back to say sorry we are closed . They never even offered to make an order to go . I know they could have still made us something simple like a sandwich or even a salad since that food is already prepared and easily prepared . extremely little effort on their part to serve us . What a bad call on management here .

A bit of a wait for a Saturday morning but worth the wait.Large variety to choose from very friendly & prompt waitress.Super taste very soft delicious biscuits.Soft fluffy eggs,crispy hash browns.Delicious cinnamon roll good hot coffee everything prepared as it should be.Great prices don't miss you will be sorry.

Love this place !! Try their chicken & waffles it's excellent. It's a classic diner with a wonderful selection

We used to eat at Earl Abel's when it was on Broadway. The food at the new location does not disappoint. Their fried chicken is famously good.

Stopped here on Xmas Eve. Was pleased that they were open. Service was pretty good, if a bit slow. Most of the things we tried were pretty good. E.g., The squash-apple soup was a bit too sweet for us, but it was still pretty good. The Wassail was good. The turkey and stuffing was good, but there could have been a bit more turkey. The rolls were good. Sweet potato and pecan pie was good. I would visit here again, when in the neighborhood.

The old Earl Abels on Broadway (1940-2006) was torn down for a new Condo development, and so some new folks bought the name and opened up in a strip mall on Austin Highway. Austin Highway is clearly gentrifying, and they just opened a Target in the same mall, so it is not a scary place at all now. The place is an homage to the original -- a lot of Earl Abel's sayings on the wall. He was a card. (He died a long time ago, and his son retired with the old place). This place attracts an older clientele; I am over 50 and was the youngest person in the resturaunt at the time. The staff as well are mainly AARP age... this is not a huge criticism, it just should guide what you expect--nothing fancy, nothing newfangled, no stuff that wouldn't have been on the menu in 1960. Fried Chicken, chicken fried steak, stuff like that. Okra. Call it classic Texas cuisine, or comfort food. Tuned to an older palate. It's okay, kinda historic.

Easy parking and location on Old Austin Hwy. Throwback 1960's style booths and tables and music from 50's and 60's. Vintage wall pics of Earl Ables earlier years. Famed for fried chicken and also for their baked turkey. Pot roast and fried catfish are also popular. Earl Ables is known for their home- made pies and cakes. Popular, seperate entrance for take outs. Experienced waiters know their stuff. Daily specials. Large, seperate and quiet room for special events. Many long time return cliants.

My family wanted to go to the Pioneer House on Guenther street but quite honestly I feel the atmosphere is hectic, cold and the prices high and food barely adequate. I suggested Earl Abel's. I ate at the old location many years back but I find the new restaurant warm, clean, friendly and comfortable. The prices and menu items out shines Jims and Denny's. I loved it and the mushroom omelet was wonderful. Strong coffee a added bonus. I plan to return soon and often. Easy to get to and plenty of parking. I went on a Sunday morning and it wasn't too crowded to get in or take a table right away.

What a wonderful story behind this San Antonio Restaurant Icon. Unfortunately it was a pretty bad experience. We almost walked out because it took 15 minutes for our waiter to even come and ask us for drinks. He was nice enough but we must have heard "oops I forgot" 4 or 5 times. He even brought us butter and we had to stop and ask him if we were supposed to get bread! "Oops I forgot". Orders came out wrong (when it did finally come out) and the food wasn't even very good. So disappointed.

Good food at reasonable prices, service varies, depending on the time of day. They had excellent service with a large group of us coming from a church meeting and I was impressed.

I was in the neighborhood and wanted to get something light because I wasn't very hungry. I opted for a bowl of cream of chicken soup and as a treat, a slice of cherry pie. The soup was great but had a little too much black pepper in it....I would have opted to forego it, had I been asked. The staff is very nice and the lovely lady who took care of my order has been there a while. It's nice that the Abel Family takes care of their employees.

Had seen previous reviews so thought we would give it a try. We were seated right away in a booth. It was like old school as far as furn

Food does not taste the same. Not well seasoned and overpriced. Not much of good variety to choose from.

The atmosphere was perfect in looking back when life was a little slower... The fried chicken was the best that i have had and enjoyed the cocoanut custard pie, large piece and coffee was good !!! When dining at Abel's it is like walking in another era..

On Sunday, we ate lunch at Earl Abel's. We have gone many times in the past. We waited over thirty minutes to get our food, the waitress said the kitchen had los our order. She brought their famous rolls before our food because she knew we had been waiting quite a while and we noticed other people had been served who had come in after us .I noticed a funny smell coming from the rolls, but didn't say anything to my husband or sister-in-law. When my husband tasted his he said the roll tasted bad. My sister-in-law said they didn't look like they had been made the same way. We think that whatever they put on the top of the rolls, butter or something like that, was possibly rancid. They are usually one of the best things at the restaurant! We mentioned this to the waitress, and she said she would tell someone. When my husband went to pay, he mentioned the order being lost and the rolls being bad. He told the owner that he didn't want anything for what happed, he just wanted to let him know about the problems we had encountered. My husband's impression was that the owner didn't believe him. This is why I am writing this review.

I went with my 90 year old great uncle and an 85 year old woman. They enjoyed the restaurant and their fried chicken. The place was mostly senior citizens. I, however, did not particularly like my food, the service, or the ambience. Canned green beans? Fried catfish with almost no fish in it? A waitress who didn't know if you could substitute vegetables? I won't go back if I can avoid it.

We ordered both the "famous thin pancakes" and fried chicken. The pancakes were good and I'm told that the fried chicken was pretty good too, so no complaints on the food. The coffee however was really bad. It was so bad I honestly couldn't drink it and that's a first for me. Our conclusion was that the food was as you would expect from any diner, nothing special. There are too many amazing restaurants in San Antonio for us to return to a place that we deemed so-so, so we won't be returning to Earl Abel's.

I love the menu here. It is homemade and delicious. I love the coconut cream pie. Our server was delightful. She had a few suggestions and knew how to sell the menu.

Went for Sunday breakfast. Prices seem a little high for what you get. The decor seems dated and the service was extremely slow. Waited almost 45 min for my pancakes. Tables seated 15 minutes after me were served before me. Not very impressed. I would look for another restaurant for a Sunday Morning Breakfast.

This is the first time we've been here since they moved from their original location. Fried chicken is plump and very good. Sides (I had the mashed potatoes and mac & cheese) were solid, but unremarkable. Overall, good homestyle cooking and quality pies!

We started our evening out here and I had the most awesome Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwich as well as a margarita. The bartender was friendly, funny, and accommodating to our VERY large group. It was the perfect relaxing spot to kick off our night of exploring The Pearl District on our recent vacation! I recommend this restaurant for sure, and I think the location helps you beat some of the crowds!

This is a place for senior citizens to go to and feel cool, and for middle aged people to go to and feel YOUNG. Pretty spacious and two dining rooms, but a weird weird place. There was a MENSA lunch going on when I was there. There are all these pithy sayings on the wall, like "it was a brave man who ate the first oyster," you get the idea. There's also this mannequin waiter looking thing in there which makes you do a double take. The service was abysmal. You have to beg for service. The only thing the place has going for it is the food. It's pretty good. I've been there a few times but just saw they had chicken and waffles, so I had to go. They weren't bad. I may go back, I big maybe. My wife thinks the place is lame. I'd go back, most likely, maybe when I'm retired, or wanting chicken and waffles again.

Worst Thanksgiving Dinner meal I ever had in my life. I have been going to Earl Abel's for years and usually like the place. So we decided not to cook a turkey this year, and went to Earl Abel's for their $23 special Thanksgiving Dinner special. What a mistake. No reservation, two hour wait starting at noon. Sit down at 2 pm and a hurried waiter rushed us. Waited what seemed like an hour, meanwhile i got a chicken Waldorf salad that the waiter kept referring to as a "dwarf salad" I soon found out while. It was served in a black plastic half cup container. Then our turkey meal was served, small bread plate with a large scooped-shaped turkey with a small center of tasteless stuffing and a half baked dinner roll kind of tossed half on it. No butter for the roll, of course. Some time later the yams came on a small serving dish, all three tablespoons of them. Nothing was particularly warm. Finally, dessert, we chose pecan pie, which was suddenly "out of stock." This was 2 pm, just early into their afternoon. Earl Able's is an institution in San Antonio. It has a historical restaurant designation. Who in hell was responsible for this kind of nonsense special? It absolutely boggles my mind. This experience has so soured me that we will never go back their any more for any reason. There are too many newer restaurants opening up that do a much better job.

The food was good, not great. Some food came out cool and some came out just fine. Coffee was good and generally the service is fair.

Earl Abel's is a San Antonio tradition. They have a vast menu that includes breakfast served all day. The food is consistently delicious from the yeast rolls to the soup to the fried chicken filets. The dessert selection is vast. Service is efficient. After participating in the Rewards Network dining program for several years they have left the program. I am hoping they will reconsider that decision as the airline miles earned for dining there was a powerful incentive.

The chicken was very good in a nice location by the Pearl Brewery. The staff was very welcoming. This is a food place for a quick meal

What's for dinner Curly? The time worn likeness of a maritre'd greets you at the entrance and has been the "mascot" of EA for decades. I have actually seen people stop to ask Curly for a table and look rather befuddled when there is no answer . . . . that's right before they discover that Curly is a mannequin and sheepishly skulk away hoping no one has seen them. I think Curly has been through a few tussle's over the years though with scofflaws attempting to run the check and looks it. Late nights, early mornings, and any time in between, EAs was THE place to come in SA. One could find local celebrities, TV personalities and political hacks on any given evening. The late Henry B. Gonzales punched another politician in the face here (the old location) for calling him a communist. Presently I think the restaurant's bubbling clime has calmed down significantly. At any given time you will see a cadre of blue hairs that make this place a regular, maybe even daily lunch or dinner visit. Well known for their fried chicken (which is what I get almost every time I have been here since high school) as well as their time tested cakes and pies. Some of their other dishes I have had have been a little off the mark - overcooked hamburger, less than fresh salad, gristly chicken fried, etc. Overall they do a pretty good job on comfort food and have been serving ti since 1940 which says something in the fickle restaurant business. Personally, I liked the old EAs better in its more central location on the corner of Broadway and Hildebrand. I also liked the curvy art deco interior and exterior design of the building. But that's when Curly had hair and gas was $2.50 a gallon!

May just become one of my go to restaurants when family or friends are in town. Never over crowded (might just be the shear enormous amount of seats available), decent food and prices.

Well, what can I say...things change. The new location will be a shock to anyone who remembers what Earl Abels used to be. Gone are the sweet old lady waitresses. You order at a counter like McDonald's. Gone is the great menu they used to have. If you want the roast beef you have to go on Thursday. Gone is the 60's music, now it's hard rock. The food they serve is still good, but you add it all up plus the bad parking...it ain't the Earl Abel's we knew, but don't take my word, go see for yourself.

I have lived in San Antonio all my life. I have gone to Earl Abel's as long as I can remember. This is a landmark of geat home cooking in San Antonio. Family owned for decades and the current tradition goes on. Historical pictures and themes make this a special place. The Fried Chicken is one of the best! They even have Buffalo Burgers. Recently they have added a hot line. I mean spicy hot!! Some burgers with Habenero and Jalapeno and more spices. Watch out cause you will be on fire if you love hot and spicy. This one is for the experts of sock it to me. The home made deserts are the best! I also recommend the Pork Chops and Eggs for breakfast. Come and get it!

Its always good here every single time today was a little off but I can imagine it being Christmas Day still recommended I stopped the chicken which has always been overpriced here its good but not worth $23 I ended up getting the smoked turkey was a little dried out but went ahead and just got extra gravy on it took care of that problem our server erica was awesome on the point did everything right took care of us very well will definitely be back

The building seemed old fashion and it was. The staff were very friendly and the food was delicious all in a way you would find 40 years ago. There is a old fashion bar seating as well as a dinning area. They have the most wonderful chicken fried steak and their home made pies are amazing.

This local does not take out-of-towners to this place. I admit to only having eaten at Earl Abel's on Austin HWY once, so some of this review is based on my husband's continued visits and subsequent complaints of eating there alone in 2013 (since I refused to go after my first visit in 2009). This place used to be on Broadway, then was moved to Austin HWY sometime after we moved to San Antonio in 2004. The local news ran many stories about how sad it was that this place was closing, with locals saying how great it was. Well, after eating at this place once, I have to say it should have been closed. My husband ordered a vegetarian omelette during his visits in 2013 and it came with ham, not on one occasion, but twice! The restaurant's atmosphere echoes of an old hotel diner or casino; limited windows and soggy-mildew looking carpet; it reminds me of the Circus-Circus in Vegas. Diner's featured in Tarantino films have better decor than this place. Maybe it was good before the move from Broadway, we don't know. Overall, I would rate this place as having food on par with or worse than Jim's (a San Antonio restaurant chain), but less cheerful atmosphere.

Wonderful comfort food served in a very pleasant atmosphere. Their fried chicken is fabulous as is their chicken and rice soup. You will never leave this restaurant hungry. It is a long established eatery in San Antonio. Great desserts with a nice selection of tasty pies and yummy cakes. Traditional coffee shop type menu with lots of choices and variety . Long time staff are eager to please and pleasant to all guests. Prices are reasonable for both lunch and dinner. Loved the old location, but this newer location on Austin Highway has its advantages too. Recommended for families as well.

Earl Able’s has moved from Austin Highway back to Broadway street, this time on a Pearl Parkway where I live. The physical plant is much smaller now and the new local clients for the most are younger. You now walk up to front and place your order from an overhead menu. Standard, classic items such as their benchmark fried chicken, chicken fried steaks, pot roast and turkey remain of high quality. Likewise their excellent pies. A full service bar is located there also. Service, food and value are all excellent.

We happened to be in the shopping center at dinnertime so we tried Earl Abels. The daily specials were very well priced. Our food was fine, service was fine. Just not great. This is a local diner, family style restaurant. Maybe breakfast or lunch would be better

As a long-time San Antonio resident (almost 25 years), I've had many a good meal at Earl Abel's, particularly at the old location on Broadway. In the early days at the new location on Austin Highway, the food quality remained high as did the service. Actually, the QUALITY of the food and service is still above average. However, portion size has gone WAY down. It used to be that two breasts of chicken (Earl's is famous for the fried chicken) was a meal you could split, and my wife and I often did. Since the move, the pieces have gotten smaller until now, a meal with "two breasts" is surely ONE modest breast cut in two...or else Earl has searched far and wide for a "mini-me" mutation of chicken. Nine dollars for what's essentially ONE breast cut creatively into two (or, giving them the benefit of the doubt, two TINY breasts) is not worth it. And the previously generous slices of cake and pie are much smaller. The cake slice we got a few days ago is even smaller than it was a year ago, which had been cut down from what it used to be. I joked to my wife, when the cake "slice" was brought, "how nice of them to give us a sample to try before the real slice came." But that WAS the slice. Earl Abel is a "classic" of San Antonio, and perhaps the elderly customers do not want a big meal, but my family is quite unsatisfied and will be not going there anymore. Good for a "snack," but if that's the case, they should charge snack prices. There are many fine restaurants in our fair city...best to give your business to one that at least attempts to give you your money's worth.

Since some of the family was away, my brother-in-law, nephew and I decided to eat at this restaurant. I understand this is the first time in years the restaurant has been opened for Christmas lunch . We arrived around 11:40 and had about a twenty minute wait. The menu was limited but two of us chose turkey and dressing with one vegetable and we ordered dessert at the same time. Waldorf salad which came with the meal tasted as if it had been prepared far in advance. The green salad which nephew got was pitiful looking with a few greens, tomatoes and croutons. When the entrees came, the turkey was stringy, potatoes were cold and tasteless. Nephew's steak, he said, was o.k. We also had to ask for rolls and relish being told they would be brought if there were any. Hoping our pie would be better, we were then told the coconut was gone. Mind you, the restaurant was to be open til three pm. The chocolate pie we were brought was thick and globby. It seems the restaurant was totally unprepared for the crowd. I hope this is not typical of their standard food and service. Unfortunately, I will never know.

We visited here on a weekday. They just started a new menu and it has a lot less dishes than their previous menus. They have eliminated the luncheon specials like the two catfish fillet lunch, a Mexican plate, and fried chicken. Our timing should have been good because we got there before eleven thirty AM. The service was very slow, but the place was not busy. I had the chop steak which is a Monday special. This entree comes with mushroom gravy but the cook wasn't aware of the gravy. Our server had to show the menu to the cook. When the "mushroom" gravy arrived we had just finished. There were onions and green peppers in the "gravy" and it was very weak tasting. The chopped steak was tasty as was the baked potato, but the pinto beans had a strange flavor. The fried catfish was good with green beans and pickled beets. The prices have started to rise significantly here and the good specials have disappeared. The management is obviously tweaking their operation. The good vibes and value are disappearing fast.

Chicken and waffles the best. chicken and dumplings made to please. desserts are wonderful. Nice atmosphere and great staff.

On Dec. 24, 2014 , we took our daughter to dinner after a Christmas church service. We waited for about 45 minutes, and the waiter came back and said they lost our order and he needed to take it again. We thought about leaving, but decided to stay a little longer. He apologized and brought some rolls to the table. They had a set menu for Christmas Eve and Day, so we assumed that it wouldn't take too long to prepare the lost order. After about 20 more minutes, my husband and daughter had received their turkey dinner. The sides were not correct, but they were hungry and decided to eat. My husband was disappointed with the taste of the food, and since I had not received the ham dinner which I ordered, he asked me if I wanted to eat the rest of his. So I began to eat some of his and the waiter finally brought my dinner which was not correct either. The owner came to ask how everything was, and my husband told him the food didn't taste very good. He asked what was wrong, and again my husband said the same thing, It just doesn't taste good. The owner seemed upset that was all my husband was willing to say and he again asked what was wrong. My husband said I have already told you. Then I told the owner we had waited over an hour for our food and I had just received mine after my husband and daughter were about finished with theirs. He told my husband, "Oh you just don't want to pay for your food." My husband (being a little upset by this time) said he was going to leave, and the owner said, Yes, you are and told him to get out! I was quite surprised! I told my husband I would meet him outside that I was going to wait for our daughter who had gone to the restroom during this rude display by the owner. He went outside, with the owner following right behind him. The owner kept talking and said, "Don't you turn your back on me." I really cannot believe that the owner would not apologize for what happened to our food, and that he just kept insisting for more information from the customer. One would think he would know about good customer service by now.

Earl Abel's was a regular stop of my youth. Our family visited it every time we visit my grandmother. I loved the food, the old building had flair. The dessert cart was a highlight with the many choices from which to choose. Today, it is located in a strip mall and is nothing special, either as in terms of the atmosphere or the food. It is your typical comfort food and the pie was nothing special. I love cherry and that's what I ordered, however, it was ordinary just like everything else about the place. My friend who took me back to this old haunt of years gone by said as we began to look at the menu, "everything is ok and nothing is great!" There are plenty of neat places with a past history worth visiting in San Antonio. This is not one of them!

The food has become average with an above average cost. Still comfort food ( fried chicken) but a bit pricy. The desserts are nice.

We went out on a limb today, and decided to try a new place. Looked and sounded interesting in a travel magazine, so we went to try it. Sure glad we did!!! It was incredibly good, and we have found a new place to "have to go eat there" when we come to town. Best fried chicken we have had in awhile! The petitte entrees are just enough to satisfy an appetite.... GOOD rolls...good desserts.....Great atmosphere...what else can I say! Can't wait to go back and try the breakfast!

A San Antonio classic! Every thing is good, so you will have trouble choosing. Luckily, my employer has them cater once a year for lunch, and everyone looks forward to it.

Family friendly restaurant on the north side of San Antonio. Located in a strip mall. Waitstaff was friendly and courteous. Meals were hot, right out of the kitchen.

Earl Abel's continues to serve good quality food and the service is top notch. The portions are large and the house rolls are very good. Do not expect gourmet food, but you can choose from two Greek items, several Mexican dishes and all American. They pride themselves on the fried chicken and pies. I liked the pork chops, even if a bit thin. The Greek Salad is very large with a good amount of feta cheese. They are open Christmas Day until 3:00.

Food was wonderful. Ava (waitress) was professional, friendly, and efficient. I especially enjoyed the salad, the Fried Chicken, and the Lemon Meringue Pie. Because it was my birthday, the dessert was on the house!

First time since they moved to Broadway and was not particularly impressed. My spouse ordered the "Kale Quinoa Super Food Salad" after waiting over 30 minutes we were told they had no Quinoa but could change our order. I ordered the "Fried Chicken" and it took almost an hour before the salad and chicken were served. The chicken seemed to have been fried in oil that was not hot enough, since it was overly greasy.

Earl Abels has always been a go to destination for good home cooked food. My last visit was very disappointing. Although the fried chicken my wife had was OK the chicken fried steak I had was a big miss. Too much breading and the meat was on the tough side (what there was of it). Sides were not that great either and the rolls were good but served cold. We went after a Doctor appointment so the visit was closer to 2pm. Being there were few customers the service was good. One of the most surprising things was the charge for iced tea. I prefer my tea sweetened and my wife wants hers unsweetened. I asked if they had sweet tea and with the affirmative answer I ordered. Later I saw the cost of sweet tea was .40 more than the un sweet tea. ($2.10 vs $2.50 and the tea was weak) WIth the price of the meals much higher than past visits I wonder if there will soon be a charge for salt and pepper?

In the Pantheon of Poorness, Earl Abel's ranks high. Horrific. The raw (fresh) rolls kept me filled while I waited 40 minutes for the "world famous" fried chicken. Apparently you can screw up fried chicken. Unevenly cooked, bad quality bird, late....canned veggies...cold fries. Booooo. My friend had a waffle that looked OK. Another had boneless chicken, that remained on the plate. Not inexpensive. This is the second SA restaurant I've been to that was featured on Food Network, that was bad. SA has so many great choices, I wish they'd check the blogs more. In short, don't bother.

Our club had our annual Christmas party at Earl Abel's a couple of days ago. We had excellent customer service from everyone we encountered. Roger, the owner was hands on from the beginning and worked within our budget. Thank you! Evelyn helped our committe get a feel for the layout and put things into perspective. Our servers, Jayne and Jennifer were friendly, professional and efficient. They smiled and showed patience with 52 people's needs. Now onto the food! Everything was delicious. The only complaint that I received was that the cornbread dressing was too wet and more like a mush. The bourbon glaze for the ham was amazing! The salad was fresh and the homemade dressings were tasty. Their dinner rolls are huge and oh so good. Earl Abel's has a large menu and I have not been disappointed yet. Their prices are reasonable and the portions are generous! Thank you to Roger and the staff for helping make our event a memorable one!

Growing up in San Antonio, our family frequented Earl Able's often. I recently returned to visit friends and went to the "New", smaller location. Gosh, it just wasn't the same. The fried chicken (which is one of their signature dishes), was small and dry with no flavor. Another commented that their Chicken Fried Steak was small and the veggie sides barely filled the dish. The pies looked great and the white cake was delicious. The "Old" Earl Abel's held such fond memories for me. This was definitely not a new, and improved restaurant. Sad that things change.....

Earl's was a SA institution for year. I loved their old location and its ambiance. They have not captured that magic in the new digs.The food is reliably good and abundant. You won't leave hungry. The server was most attentive and my meal was good....liver & onions. The food was never haute cuisine but it was a real local joint that had unique charm & character -it is like a glorified New York diner. I miss the Old Earl.

This place has been standing for so long and has always been so good but looks like it's being mismanaged to the point of making guests get up and leave. Staffing is hard to control and I understand but over 45 minutes for bacon and eggs is unacceptable. Sorry Earl....

This was the third time we ate at Earl Abel's. On previous occasions we experienced good service and food. However, this time the service was horrible. Our waitress did not offer us bread, we had to ask for it after we noticed other tables had a basket. The waitress, Anna, ignored us and never checked to see if we needed anything. We waited for the check and had to track her down. We had to wait to pay the bill at the register. We told the manager about the waitress when we left. He shrugged his shoulders and said he hoped we would try the restaurant again. Not on your life. This place has gone downhill.

Here with my family good service and good food! Son had the kids scramble egg breakfast with side of strawberries amd homemade whipped cream, husband had chicken and waffles, I had Denver omelet with grits. All the food was made fresh and tasted good!

Menu = Amercian comfort food. Fresh-baked pies, too. I eat here every few months and never had a bad meal in 20 years. Prompt, friendly service.

We ate there twice during our vacation to San Antonio because the kids loved it so much. It's a local "home cooking" place, and the service was very good. I highly recommend the fried chicken - a house specialty. They warn you that the chicken will take a bit longer to come out (25 minutes or so), but it is worth the wait.

Fried chicken is fabulous- had bone in and strips, both were A+!! Great staff and pleasant old fashioned atmosphere round out a nice experience. Chocolate cake is something special, really enjoyed this!! Would go back for sure!!

This place has been around since 1933, but it new to me. We were looking for some lemon pie, but instead we got treated to some great fried chicken and homemade sides. Not sure if the fried chicken was better than the mashed potatoes, carrots, or Green beans all of the food was great. the Lemon pie was Very, Very good. The staff was super friendly. Cant wait to go back.

We went for an early supper with our aunt and uncle, the seat yourself sign was up so I grabbed four menus from the counter. The restaurant wasn't crowded at all, so we selected a table in the center of the dining room. After a few minutes, we were greeted by a waiter. He took our drink orders, recited our order incorrectly and came back short one water, and a cup of coffee. Our salads came on a plate with the dressing in a small bowl on the side of each plate. It was a lot of dressing, but we ate it all. My husband and I ordered the fried chicken and my aunt and uncle ordered the chicken fried steak. The crust on the fried chicken was very crispy, had lots of cracked black pepper and was hot. The mashed potatoes were very creamy and were topped with cracklin' gravy. My carrots were tender, but a little bland and my husbands broccoli looked a yellowish brown and faded instead of a bright green, but he ate them anyway. The chicken fried steak had an anormous amount of breading and a very thin piece of meat that was dried out and looked burnt on the edges. They ate it anyway, but my aunt took half of hers to go. The rolls were dense and tasty, but the crust on the outside was a little hard. Everyone left the tough pieces of bread on their plates. They did give us extra rolls, though. Those were taken to go also and my uncle thought they'd be good in bread pudding. We were pretty full, so we passed on the desert. We did have to ask our waiter for more tea and water and I don't think my aunt's coffee was ever refilled. Although the restaurant wasn't that full, our waiter seemed very busy. The most important part of the dinner was that we were able to sit and visit and could hear eachother and weren't rushed at all to leave. I don't know if we were talking loudly, but a man next to us turned around and joined in on our conversation. We didn't mind as there were several men eating their dinners alone there. Although there is probably better food around town, we always seem to return to Earl Abel's for our standard southern style comfort food plates. There's something for everyone.

We went for pancakes. They have their own version called "Thins," which our Server described as a cross between a buttermilk pancake and a crepe. They look like a thinner buttermilk and taste very light. Of course, when one is eating pancakes, you must slather on the butter and syrup, and I still didn't feel like I'd eaten too much as is often the case with pancakes. The highlight was the venison sausage. It is excellent and locally sourced. Earl Abel's is an older institution with an older clientele and long-serving wait staff, which means that the service is not always quick. It is, however, always friendly. They have two kinds of breakfast potatoes, cubed and shredded. I expressed my surprise that there is a choice and the server replied proudly, "This is Earl Abel's!"

My boyfriend grew up in SA, and Earl Abel’s was one of his family’s favorite restaurants. The new location has limited indoor seating, with many of the old signs, yet also some newer decor. Service is excellent. Fried chicken is perfect. Mashed potatoes & gravy very good. Green beans are not like I expected, but I’ll admit I prefer canned, over-cooked green beans. These were a little more crisp, like fresh, and oily, as if sautéed. Today was their 85th birthday, so everyone got free cake. They serve liquor now and they’re right by Pearl, so they’ll be a fun place to visit in the afternoon and evening!

It had been several years since I had dined at Earl Able's, a place that was regarded as a San Antonio icon for diner-style food when we lived here in the '80s. Sorry to see that it has moved from the old location to a strip-mall on Austin Highway. While the food was hot and plentiful, little of the old Earl's ambiance has carried over to the new location. Waitress was inattentive, never checking with us from the time that she delivered our food until she brought the check. Prices are reasonable and they have both lunch and dinner specials Monday-Friday.

This restaurant is situated in a wonderful location next to the Pearl. I recommend going for the fried chicken and waffles and than visiting the Pearl Farmers Market. I food at Earl Abel’s is down home fresh comfort food! Made from scratch and it won’t disappoint. Get there early or you’ll wait in line. They are known best for their chicken and homemade from scratch pies!

Went to eat there. Food took forever, prices are ridiculous for what you get, never again. Salmon took over an hour and a half to come out. .

Looking for a good local meal and saw this place in our hotels coupon/map brochure. The service was outstanding. Our waitress was so sweet and so was the guy helping out. The food took quite a while but that’s expected with fresh fried chicken. When the food arrived the chicken was hot and fresh. The homemade biscuit looked great. The fries and macaroni and cheese did not. The fries were lukewarm but I still ate a few. The Mac and cheese was pretty bad unfortunately, it was dry and had no flavor. The chicken on the other hand was hot and juicy and crunchy. Overall it was good even though some things were off and that’s why I gave it 3 stars. The service was the best thing about this place.

The food is great, have never had a bad meal. So many choices that I haven't repeated any of my meals yet. They are family friendly and it is clean. The fried chicken is good as is the pot roast and the gyro sandwich. They make their own chips (potato) and I loved them.

A very retro, 50's style diner. They make the most wonderful fried chicken I have ever had and great bread. Their pies are also wonderful. I don't come here much for the other food and I don't like how much they vary their specials and what not however just the fried chicken to go and wonderfully pleasant employees is enough for me to give this place 5 stars.

It might just be the brunch thing, but I did not particularly enjoy my pancakes. They were cold and very dry and my eggs were overdone. I have never had an issue with my food there before. I'm racking it up to a new kitchen and new practices.

Took a friend there for their birthday and was pleasantly surprised! They ordered the chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and macaroni. I ordered a hamburger with homade chips. It was all really good!

Hadn't been to Earl Abel's new location on Austin Hwy.Yesterday after doing some shopping a friend and I decided we'd have supper there, it had been raining so we thought the comfy atmosphere would be perfect..that's where the good part ends.. We entered the nearly empty restaurant,seated ourselves, and proceeded to look at the menu settling on the turkey dinner with one side and roll, at $12.99 it was not worth the price..turkey was dry,mashed potatoes lumpy and cold and when we asked for another roll was told there was no more..not anything like original Earl Abel's! sorry won't go back!

What a quaint location! We have found our breakfast spot! Service was personable, food was served hot and quick & the Mimosas were served cold! Great way to start the day!

I was planning on going to the Magnolia Pancake Haus this morning, but didn't want to wait for TWO HOURS. So we decided on Earl Abel's. This is a old-time diner-ish place with a lot of history. They've been in San Antonio for over 80 years. It is non-descript looking in a strip center in an older section of town. Their old neon sign from the original location is displayed near the street. When we arrived, they were about half-full of patrons. Many of them were older couples who had just gotten out of church as well as some young families with children. My wife and I ordered a basic breakfast with bacon, eggs, potatoes and toast. I also had pancakes. The eggs were cooked exactly to order and the toast was standard stuff. The bacon was excellent. The thin pancakes were also awesome. And the coffee was great. Our server never let our coffee run out and brought us everything we needed. And all of this with no waiting and for around $20.

I've been visiting San Antonio on business for over 20 years rarely venturing outside the Riverwalk. I don't know how I ever missed visiting Earl Abel's. I met an old pal for breakfast here today and it was a great experience. I can't wait to come back to S.A. and try something from the lunch or dinner menu. Upon arriving we were seated promptly, and we waited a bit until our waitress finally came. This was the only criticism of our visit today. The coffee came promptly, and was possibly the best breakfast coffee I've had in a restaurant. I found out later they use Cain's - my Dad's favorite. Breakfast was a western omelette cooked perfectly to my order, extra veggies, light on the ham. Side of hash browns and some dry toast (I loathe soggy toast!). Everything was so delicious. We lingered over the food and hot coffee. My pal's "thins" (Earl's pancakes) looked very appetizing. We enjoyed the ambiance of the place. Yes, there was a significant number of older folks in the restaurant. This is the kind of place you would bring your elderly parents for some good home-cooking. I have read some criticism about this place lacking the character of the old place. Earl's is at the end of a strip mall near Alamo Heights. Never having been to the older place I really couldn't judge. The food and service was good, and I plan to return on my next trip to San Antone. We usually stay downtown, and this place is about 15-25 minutes away, but is easy to get to. Although it's on a busy street, the neighborhood appears to be very safe, which I really appreciate.