Gabriel's Fire — Restaurant in Mountlake Terrace

We were in the area this Saturday evening and I saw this BBQ joint was nearby with good ratings so doing our Texan (and honorary Texan) duty to stop by and try the 'cue.

There is almost no parking, just like 6 spots but there are some street parking or other lots nearby. Walking in, the space is small but not too crowded - really just right and feels like a real authentic local BBQ place. The right side is bar seating with some taps and the left side has 5 or 6 tables of various sizes. There was a decent number of happy groups tonight. We got seated immediately while the Lakers vs Rockets game was on (on 4 TVs!)

Service was prompt and cordial while also being straightforward, all which we liked. We got waters and beer ordered fast. They have a brand of kolsch I hadnt heard before but it was nice and crisp, served in a frosty coldglass.

Everything on the menu sounded great. Their meat selections are brisket, pulled pork, chicken and pork ribs. Though they don't do set plates here, you can order meats by the lb and the sides to make yourself a plate. The sides are really reasonably priced at less than $3 to $5 while the sandwiches are all just under $9. These are great prices for BBQ so far from the South. We got their 2 best meats (brisket and pork ribs) and the collard greens and potato salad. (BTW Southern friends- It's hard to find collard greens, gumbo, Texas potato skins and blackened fish this far NW, but they have those here!)

Food came out fast and it was meaty and juicy looking. The bark on both meats looked great and the brisket cut thick (thin slices often compensate for chewy overcooked brisket). The meats were as tender and juicy as they looked. You don't need a knife to break through them and the place knows it. They only give you a fork and spoon!

The brisket is the best I've had in the greater Seattle area. The pork ribs as well but I don't have those often anywhere. The collard greens were good and I loved that tangy tomato BBQ sauce. The potato salad was pretty good but needed a bit more seasoning. The bf said the meat was great but the bark coulda used a bit more black pepper and salt.

We really enjoyed our meal here. Service was friendly and swift, food was phenomenal, and price was just right. I can't wait to return to try the Pauline sandwich, the gumbo and fish items, the beans...ok...

Pretty nice little restaurant. The waiter was nice and friendly enough. He didn't check on me too much while I was eating. But to be fair I ate fast and didn't give him that much time to check on me. It was an all right meal overall.

I ordered:

Brisket: It was thin and a small serving. Which is common of these kinds of places. But it was a bit bland and dry. I ate all of it because it was still smoked meat and that was good by itself. But it wasn't amazing.

Mac and cheese: it was again, fine. It tasted like Mac and cheese. Nothing special about it. But I ate all of it because it was noodles and cheese. That's good by itself again.

Potato salad: PERSONALLY I didn't like the potato salad. It was kinda dry and I disliked the flavors in it. I think there was celery and maybe some dill? I couldn't really tell. I wasn't a fan. But other people might like it

Sweet BBQ sauce: I'm sorry I can't remember the name. The waiter recommended it to me. I really liked this sauce. I think that where this place might shine is in its sauces. But I only got the one taste so who knows.

Additionally, there was no cornbread on the menu and that made me sad.

The price of the meal came out to 20.17. kinda spendy, but to be expected of BBQ. I just wish it had been overall better. But it was still...

I went to Gabriel's at 6:30pm on a Saturday. Immediately when I walked in, they asked if I was there for a pickup order. When I said I wanted to dine in, they said they were out of food. I thought they were joking but the chef called out that they only had a pound of ribs left. After deciding I would stay for the ribs, I had a ribs plate with mac and cheese, potato salad, and carolina mustard. The ribs plate had 1 lb of ribs which consisted of 5 individual ribs with a large amount of meat per piece. They might've been the best ribs I've ever had. The mustard made them next level but they were great by themselves and very tender. The mac and cheese was very creamy and the flavor was good. The potato salad was unique because of the spices used and the small cut of the potatoes. Much better than potato salad that I've had at other locations, in my opinion. The service was great but I was also the only person dining in. There were a few people that came in to pick up previously placed orders. I would've loved to try the brisket, but the ribs were delicious and I would recommend them! They sell out early for a reason! Gabriel's is the place to go, but make sure you go early enough...