Cancel

Open app

Search

Mabel Gray

4.5 (686 reviews)
PriceyNew American
Closed • 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
Updated 3 months ago

Mabel Gray Photos

MABEL GRAY ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Trendy
Outdoor seating

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Mabel Gray

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Deanna D.

This place is incredible. The testing menu is worth it to do. You will experience food you wouldn't have ordered otherwise and it's cooked to perfection. Staff is also friendly as well. Loved it and would go back again. One of my favorite restaurants now.

Jeongmin H.

Food, service, and vibes were all phenomenal. Makes a great spot for a special celebration or date. My personal favorite was their steak and the sauce that came with it. Very well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Absolutely loved everything here.

Mj J.

I can't think of a better place to celebrate birthday month than Mabel Gray Burger Week! Of course, we came for the burger but the oysters were absolutely delicious!!!! The lobster pasta was WOWZA....and of course, nobody can make a classic American burger stand out like Chef James! It was perfect and those Cajun curly fries....amazing! My friend and I split everything and the burger was gone before I could take a pic...lol! Let's not forget, the cocktails...my mango margarita was outstanding! What a way to celebrate this next year of life!

Swordfish
Susan C.

You cannot find a better dinner experience than Mabel Gray. We've been going for years, & it is always outstanding. Staff is attentive & professional. Vibe is casual. We generally get the chef's tasting menu & beverage pairing--if we got in more often, maybe we'd switch it up. We had quite a few courses & were extremely happy with our food & wine/beverage pairings.

Griddled Haloumi on a Yuzu marmalade, topped with frize and yuzu furikake, drizzled with olive oil...
Melissa S.

The dining room is cozy, the lighting is relaxing, the staff is welcoming and knowledgeable, and the food... We went with the tasting menu and I ate things I would never have ventured to order otherwise: oysters, swordfish, mushroom soup and things I would have absolutely picked for myself: kimchi apple, griddled haloumi, grilled lamb chop. My favorites were the swordfish skewers with tzatziki and warm mediterranean flavors, the kimchi apple dish with smoky bacon and roasted peanuts, and the brown butter caramel blondie. I was not a fan on the mushroom soup, but I am a big baby about mushrooms to begin with and I'm proud of myself for trying, lol... My husband, however, ranked it in his top two courses and finished mine for me! My only nitpick was that a couple times, when my husband finished his course before me, our server cleared his plate while I still had two bites left and I felt a bit rushed. Regardless of that very petty note, service was great, every course was impressive, and we left very full and happy. The constantly rotating menu concept is designed to provide a truly unique experience with every visit and this kitchen is packed with the talent to live up to that ambitious goal time and time again.

Raspberry sorbet
Kelly L.

If heaven could be served on a plate, it would be crafted by the chefs at Mabel Gray. My partner and I just celebrated our seven-year anniversary here, and it couldn't have been more perfect. He's been wanting to take me to Mabel Gray since we met in college, but the timing never worked out--until now. When he saw Vegan Month was coming up, he finally snagged us a reservation. There is nothing like the joy of being able to eat every single dish that arrives at your table without hesitation or worry. That alone made the night unforgettable. The food was absolutely phenomenal--every plate was a work of art. If I could have licked them clean without raising eyebrows, I would have! Each dish was bursting with flavors that I'm still dreaming about. The staff were equally incredible. Everyone we interacted with was kind, attentive, and genuinely enthusiastic. The chefs who personally explained the dishes radiated pride in their craft, and rightfully so. To top it off, I had some of the best kombucha I've ever tasted. Thank you to the entire Mabel Gray team for making our anniversary so special. I would wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for incredible food, warm ambience, and an experience to remember.

Griddle broccoli
Sarah J.

We tried the 8 course tasting menu during August. It was delicious and certainly a good food experience. 1. Cornbread dish - what a strong Start to the menu this was. This was our favorite dish of the night. Great textures, and very rich cut with the acidity of the pickle. 2. Cucumber tomato salad - this was a very "me" dish as it was reminiscent of the Cucumber and tomato salads I've been making at home. I love sumac and the dressing was a good balance. That said, it was reminiscent of a dish I make at home and I do seek out foods I cannot make at home when eating out. 3. Summer pepper soup - another stand out dish, bright, beans had a good bite to them, I love giardinara, a little smokiness? 4. Kimchi fried black rice - love the carrot kimchi, good spice level, rice was well cooked, nice texture from the tempura, warm spices and comforting. My partner said it wasn't a summer dish. Could have done with some tempeh perhaps? 5. Grilled romaine cesear - this had a challenging flavor at first but then we got used to it and enjoyed it more. I think it was white pepper perhaps. It was peppery and I do enjoy pepper. 5.5 plum sherbet bite - really good, bright and tasty 6. Griddled broccoli with lemony tofu mousse and "cheese" beer sauce - i liked the light creaminess of the tofu mouse and i did like the beer sauce overall the dish was alright. 7. Country cookie pie - whole oats, caramely, nice coconut sherbet on top, satisfying way to end the meal Overall, a great meal, but we will probably come back in a non vegan month to try some more. I love vegan food and this was delicious but a couple dishes did feel a bit like, here is a veggie on a plate instead of elevating said veggie? Maybe I'm being critical. I really appreciated the written out menu because I can never remember when they just tell you tableside. The atmosphere was very red because the windows were red tinted. I liked it and it seemed nice and clean. The waiter was informative, polite, down to earth, not fussy.

Crispy rice cake
Theresa D.

I have come to Mabel Gray to enjoy their vegan month tasting menu both last year and this year, and I now have a reminder set on my phone for early summer to remind me every year to get a reservation. I made a reservation two months in advance, and spots were already scarce at that time. Reservations are hard to come by for a reason - the creativity and taste experience here is off the charts! Both last year and this year, my partner and I have agreed that these are among the best meals we've ever had. Local ingredients, fresh greens, complex flavors, and all vegan! The restaurant is small enough to feel intimate, and you are obviously getting a top quality experience without it being over-the-top "fancy", which I appreciate. And the service is always excellent. We sat at the bar this year, which was really interesting - it was cool to see the well oiled machine of the kitchen and bartenders at work. We will absolutely be back and recommend Mabel so, so highly!

Sorbet
Jennifer B.

Another incredible Vegan Thanksgiving. Service (thanks AJ and every member of the staff who chips in), food, drinks, ambience are outstanding. If the vegan pre-fixe menus were offered more, we'd eat here monthly.

Oysters two ways
Maryann S.

Always an excellent experience at Mabel Gray! Their dining room is a well oiled machine. You can tell the owner invests in the culture because people seem to genuinely enjoy working there. Food is always incredible. Tasting menu is completely worth it every time!

Sorbet
Sara M.

My husband and I booked a reservation here based on a friend's recommendation, and we're so glad we did! We sat at the bar, and we had a great view of the kitchen and the chefs creating magic! every dish was full of flavor, my favorite was the zucchini baba ghanouj, so delicious. The staff were so kind and brought us a focaccia bread because they made extra :) which made us feel extra special. We're already planning to go back!

Raagini Y.

...?? Wow!!!???... Amazing from start to finish All I can say to describe this place is licked clean The best tasting menu I have had in Michigan bar. None. And phenomenal drink menu. Amazing somm To add cherry on top I was a walk in. I love it here. I would have paid way more in nyc. Highly recommend. Iconic. Plus amazing dessert that I finished (high praise) and exceptional wine.

Thanksgiving Menu 2025
Lean B.

Vegan... Thanksgiving... Mabel... warmth. This really is the true season of giving, and the vegan community looks forward to Mabel's holiday menu all year. Unlike other places, every dish is intentionally crafted and the balance of flavors is unreal, even carnivores end up appreciating the complexity. I never miss, and I'm never disappointed by the genuine craft and love from everyone who works at Mabel. I always leave with a smile.

See all

12 days ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

21 days ago

Helpful 14
Thanks 6
Love this 10
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 3
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Lean B.
0
49
18

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of B K.
30
24
12

8 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 months ago

Service was amazing always is one here every couple of months it never misses. Staff is great!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 months ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 1

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kate P.
40
45
25

11 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 18

Ask the Community - Mabel Gray

Dining for one for the chefs tasting menu. Is a table preferred over the bar?

I’ve only ever eaten at the bar as a single diner, but I would prefer a table given a choice as there are no backs on the stools.

Which is better or preferred for a table of 2, heated patio or indoor reservation?

I think the indoor reservation is a lot better were you don't have to worry about the wind blowing in your foods or drinks or if it's to windy cold outside or any insects,, you know but it's your choice whatever makes you and your friends family… Read more

Is there a dress code?

Casual

What are the 7 courses and is it a set of dishes or do we get to pick and how many does it feed?

The tasting menu has about 7 courses and the food is set (you cannot substitute but possibly could upgrade if really needed). Each tasting menu is for 1 person.

How long does the tasting menu meal take? We have 2 hours from our reservation time of 5pm before a show at the music theatre at 7pm and trying to figure out if we will have enough time. TIA!

The tasting menu is 7 courses. Two hours could be enough. Are you ok with completing each course in less than 15 minutes? The pace is impacted by how long your group takes to savor and discuss each course. I would let them know your time… Read more

Do you need reservations to sit at the bar?

they take bar seating reservations. I would call ahead and check. If you have more than 2 people in your party, make a reservation or be prepared to wait a long time. The place seats 43 and they manage their seat real estate appropriately.

View All 8 Questions

You might also consider

Barrel House - Mac and Cheese

Barrel House

(61 reviews)

Downtown Ferndale

Came here on a Saturday night with my boyfriend hoping to catch the football playoffs and were just…read moregrateful to find a place with TVs. What we didn't expect was to be completely blown away. From the second we walked in, the bartender greeted us like we were regulars, and that alone sold us on sitting at the bar. Best decision. We're bar sitters through and through, and between the bartender, a friendly regular who scooted over for us, and literally every person we interacted with, the vibe was unmatched. I worked in the service industry in a former life, so I know how rare it is to find a place where everyone is friendly. There's usually at least one Debbie Downer. Not here. No rushing, great recommendations, and zero feeling like you're "that couple" taking up bar space. Drinks and beer selection were solid, but let's talk food because ambiance and service are only half the equation. We started with the coney dog egg rolls and... wow. Epic. Unique. Immediately set the bar high. Then we ordered the fish and chips and the short rib sandwich. The fish was perfectly breaded, the remoulade was on point, and those skinny fries were dangerous. But the star of the show? The short rib sandwich. Holy shit. I don't normally eat onions or horseradish, but somehow this sandwich converted me. The caramelized onions weren't overpowering, the sauce wasn't spicy, and everything just worked. We literally woke up the next morning talking about how we need it again. The bartender filled us in on happy hour and all the food options, and we're already planning our return. Total hidden gem on Woodward. Highly recommend. Thanks for a great Saturday night!

Burgers were excellent--juicy and cooked to a nice medium. Fries were crispy and tasty, too. Our…read morewaitress was very friendly. But... We didn't order cocktails, and the burgers took over half an hour to arrive on a not-crowded Tuesday. More importantly, despite the recent thaw, it was uncomfortably cold, and you could see a number of other patrons wearing their coats (as we were)

Syndicate Ferndale - Cocktails

Syndicate Ferndale

(69 reviews)

Downtown Ferndale

This little strip has turned into a great spot for cocktails, and Syndicate has become a glorious…read moreaddition. Walking in, the black and gold nuances strike you immediately and sitting at the bar, watching each drink being made is really quite fun. Their cocktail menu is absolutely spectacular. What a wide range of choices with all the major types of liquor available in one form or another. My bartender developed the program and she was super knowledgeable about it. I didn't try any of the food, so I can't comment on that, but for a pre or post dinner cocktail, I can definitely say this was an awesome spot to come out to.

Came here for an anniversary dinner and left a bit disappointed. I have heard good things but…read moreturned out to be a very mediocre dinner. Got a burger and upgraded to truffle fries. Just one burger option and limited toppings. Server was very nice but didn't write down the order, and when it came my burger was missing the cheese and onion. I wasn't sure if they would take it back or what so I didn't eat anymore and it took her a decent amount of time to come and check on us after we got our food. I let her know what was missing and she said it was her fault and asked if I wanted it fixed. I said yeah and she went and got a cold piece of cheese and slice of onion and put it on a plate and gave to me to put on my own burger. I'd expected a little bit better service and I'm certainly not someone who demands top tier service from every spot. Fries were crispy but needed some parm or an aioli sauce to dip in. Also minor note but I had some fries left on my plate and when she came to collect plates I had food in my mouth so I couldn't say anything but she took the plate and my fries! They should always ask if there's any food left on the plate. Burger was decent overall, but definitely nothing special. Environment was cool and I'm sure they have got some other delicious items on the menu but for the price paid and service received, I'd go somewhere else next time.

North End Taproom

North End Taproom

(60 reviews)

Downtown Royal Oak

Love this place. Great to meet up with a group as everyone orders their own food whenever they…read morewant. Little difficulty with folks who aren't as tech savvy as there are not servers or menus but if you don't want a typical restaurant experience where you have to wait for everyone to arrive (you know you have those friends that are always late for everything!) to order this is your jam. Food has always been good and their drink selection is as diverse as you're going to find in the craft beer scene today. Yes, 1/3-1/2 of their taps are IPA's but that's what you people have done to this world.

It's been about a year since I've been here and the concept of this place still just blows my mind…read more It runs very well, and pretty much no staff. The business model is genius. A hostess who takes your money and gives you a bracelet, automated beer, and you use your phone to order from the kitchen, they text you and you go get your food. I wondered many times how they could serve alcohol and not monitor how much people were drinking? So I asked. The host is in the front said at the end of 32 oz is your bracelet will not work and you need to come up and see me to reset it. I guess that's how they would monitor whether or not someone could get another 32 oz? I'm surprised not more places have copied their business layout. With the new generation, this would be the place to go, you barely have to speak to anyone except for the people you're with.

Alchemi

Alchemi

(169 reviews)

$$$

Downtown Royal Oak

5/16/25 I came here…read morewith the in-laws, Zach and his brother and wife for a 5PM reservation. They were just opening up, but they let us sit at the bar while they got the restaurant ready for dinner. We all got drinks at the bar. I got The Final Rose drink. its's very pretty and not too strong. After sipping on the drinks, the host brought us to our table. Chris was our server that day. He was super friendly and answered all of our questions regarding the menu. Here's what we got: - Michigan lamb ragu (his) - Lobster and shrimp pad thai (mine) - Crab and shrimp cakes (share) - clam chowder (share) His family got some of the same items, but I can't remember the different items they got. The overall consensus though was that everything tasted fantastic. Coming from the Bay Area, I have high expectations when it comes to Asian food, so I was pleasantly surprised by how great the pad thai tasted. The clam chowder was creamy and delightful. The crab cakes were the perfect size and not teeny tiny. The lamb ragu was very well done also and my husband is a big fan of lamb so he really enjoyed his meal. Since we were there early, it was quiet which was nice. Would definitely return in the future the next time I am in Michigan.

Alchemi - or Alchemy - is the historical practice of turning base metals into gold thus creating an…read moreelixir for life - I wish I could say I left feeling rejuvenated- but left a bit disappointed First the good, really good, and the ok...the steak is AMAZEballs...I will come back for that again...the shrimp/crab cakes and ribs, also awesome - the Gouda app is good, as is the pork pasta - the tiki masala was ok Now the way the evening ended which was unfortunate considering the food - we ordered a bottle of wine that they didn't have - then the chef brought us out another bottle, but from a different region of France - but then got the bill and was charged for the higher end wine @ 140 bucks a bottle - when I said this was wrong they removed one of the bottles from the bill but we still paid 140 for 2 bottles which was still higher then it was supposed to be - I get restaurant mark ups, but this bottle retails for 30 bucks, so 70 is absurd. The server was very nice, but said the chef had gone home so there was no way to verify correct price. Weird... So tough way to end a great meal, we should have asked about the price initially so that ones in us, and they did offer us a dessert/coffee if we wanted. But, word to the wise-check the price before ;)

The Corner Grill, Bar + Game Room

The Corner Grill, Bar + Game Room

(186 reviews)

$$

Downtown Ferndale

I got the cauliflower pita and the pita was horribly burnt. I'm shocked it was sent out. There was…read morea very small portion of cauliflower too. It was $19 ffs. I was comped but it took out waitress at the bar forever to come back and see there was an issue. Everything is ridiculously expensive here. $12 for a side of fries!

I recently stopped by The Corner Grill, Bar + Game Room with a coworker who was celebrating his…read moremom's birthday, and let me just say -- the energy in that place is a whole vibe. From the moment we walked in, you could feel it. Great music, lively crowd, and just an overall fun atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. The food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing -- everything was plated beautifully and smelled even better. Even just watching dishes hit the tables around us had me planning what I'm ordering next time. What's cool is I'm actually in the area pretty often on Sundays because I go to a laundromat nearby, and it always looks like they're hosting a really solid brunch crowd. After seeing the vibe firsthand, I can definitely see that being a go-to brunch spot. They also keep things exciting throughout the week. Every Thursday at 7 PM, they host trivia with Jonathan from Quizzo -- six rounds covering different topics with chances to win prizes like gift cards. That's the kind of midweek plan that turns a regular Thursday into something to look forward to. And if that's not enough, axe throwing is part of the experience too, in partnership with Detroit Axe Ferndale. Axe throwing has seriously become one of the most fun social activities out right now, and having expert Axe Masters guide you through it makes it even better. There's nothing like that satisfying thunk when the axe hits the target. Between the food, the drinks, the games, and the overall energy, The Corner Grill is more than just a bar and grill -- it's an experience. Definitely a spot I'll be back to.

Mabel Gray - newamerican - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...