Le Gabriel Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Cheticamp

would not recommend this place to any one my experience there was not a great one, I had gone to Cape Breton for the highland quest ATV run and at the end of the first night they held the prize give away at this location where you had to go in to see if they announced your name and you could get your prize. upon entering was told by the door man ( a nice friendly man) that it would be $30 if we wanted a meal one drink and to take place in the dance and music after word. we told him no sorry we were just there for the prize draw for the ATV run he said ok no charge to get in for that. after being in the place for a wile standing off to one side not taking up a table or chair we were approached buy a man (that I was later told was the manager or owner of the place) that we didn't have a stamp on our hand and they were at full capacity so if we were not paying the $30 for the meal and so on that we had to leave (so basically they were at full capacity unless I wanted to pay money to stay in the building then they were not at full capacity as long as I payed HUMMMM) I tried to explain to him that we were just there for the ATV draws and were leaving right after but was cut off as soon as I mentioned the word ATV, was told abruptly that his establishment had nothing to do with the ATV run (as they were still calling out the winners for the ATV run right behind him.) I tried again to explain I just payed to go on this ATV run and had to be in his building to collect my prize if I won any thing but was cut short before I could finish my sentence at this point I had had enough and told him there calling the prizes right behind you and I will leave after once there done and I know if I won anything or not finally he said your just staying for the prizes and leaving I said yeas and he walked away not looking impressed so if you would like rude pushy service a I would recommend this place if you want friendly people and curtsy head some where else or stop at the door man that was very nice...

We went here closer to closing as we had been out during the day exploring and it was a bit too late to try and cook on our campsite.

The positives - the service was friendly. We split a pitcher of beer and enjoyed the live music (which, unfortunately, was only until 8:00pm). The appetizer was decent - we ordered the crab stuffed mushrooms and it was typical pub fare with goey cheese melted on top (can't go wrong with melted cheese!). The decor was also quite fun - I enjoyed the lounge area with all of the different hockey jerseys hanging up. Unexpected but fun!

The negatives - It was advertised that it was open until 8:30 but when we got there at 7:45 we were rushed to order because we were told the kitchen was closing any minute. Not ideal, but also not a big deal, it just meant more of snap decision on our end. Perhaps this is where we went wrong as our mains were quite unfortunate. I ordered the seafood stir fry, which the menu stated had scallops, shrimp, and crab. Honestly, it was the crab that sold me on it. When it arrived I laughed out loud. The "crab" that was advertised was a literal sprinkle of pulled crab meat that maybe made up about a tablespoon. I guess they can't say there is no crab in it... The rice looked and tasted like it came from a microwaveable bag and the sauce tasted like VH sauce from the grocery store. I would say I am partly at fault for ordering stir fry at a restaurant (I just wanted some vegetables!) but I figured being on the East Coast next to the ocean in a seafood restaurant would mean it was an elevated meal.

Overall, it was a disappointing paying $$$ for a meal I did not love, but I understand the appeal if you want a fun place to have some drinks and listen to music (so long as you get there early enough to enjoy it). I may have simply ordered the wrong thing and would have been better to go for a lobster meal, but such is life. It's a bit of a novelty option and I could see the menu being appealing to those who have kids that are eating...

Passed through Cheticamp on our way along the Cabot Trail. We were on our way back to Ontario, the kids were tired and cranky, and we had a lot of driving still to do. We stopped by Le Gabriel due to it's obvious external east coast appeal, and I'm so glad we did!

Upon entering, we were met by an older gentleman who immediately greeted myself and my kids, making them smile and welcoming us to the establishment, which we later learned he is the owner of. They offered us a seat in the larger area with live entertainment, and we took that offer.

The room was rustic, warm, and pleasantly chaotic, but it had the charm that I had hoped it would have. There seems to be so much local and national history on these walls. I encourage any future visitors to soak it in, and take a look at all of the years of memories throughout the building.

Upon finding out that it was our youngest's birthday, the owner made a very kind gesture of having the live entertainment acknowledge his 7th birthday and the whole building sang to him. imagine a hundred strangers singing to you who have never met you before! He has never felt so loved and accepted as he did at that moment.

The food was brilliant, and the cooks in the back sounded like they were having a great time in the kitchen, which points to a pleasant work environment! I recommend the Meat Pie, which I couldn't resist as it was a staple of my Acadian grandmother's recipe book. My wife had fish and chips, and it was a very large serving size! Staff was super friendly and attentive throughout the meal.

Finally, once completed, the staff went above and beyond again to make my youngest smile with delicious cake and ice cream. Everybody left with big smiles and full bellies, as we continued on our journey.

Thank you so much to the staff and owner of Le Gabriel. I hope that we'll be back to give you our service...