Dab’s Country Cookin’ serves up Southern comfort food with a side of perseverance in southern West Virginia.

The restaurant is the creation of McDowell County native Antoinette Barnes, who began selling homemade meals to support her family during a period of financial hardship. What started with plates prepared in borrowed kitchens eventually grew into a restaurant business Barnes first operated Dab’s Cookin’ at the Shack along Route 52 near Bramwell, before expanding into downtown Princeton in September 2023. In January 2026, the restaurant moved into the former K&W Cafeteria space at Mercer Mall in Bluefield The menu centers on traditional Southern and soul food favorites, including fried chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, country-fried steak and hamburger steak smothered in gravy. Sides include collard greens cooked with smoked turkey, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and green beans. I ordered Dab's BLT + fries, baked mac & cheese and potato salad. The BLT paired crispy, smoky bacon with fresh lettuce and juicy tomato for a classic combo. A side of golden fries rounds out the plate.

The baked macaroni and cheese was rich,l & creamy, with tender pasta coated in cheese and baked for an extra layer of flavor. The potato salad brings another cookout staple to the table, combining tender potatoes with a creamy, seasoned dressing. A delicious meal with basics executed well. Grade: A