Gabriel’s Fire Brings Authentic BBQ, Family Focus to Mountlake Terrace/Shoreline

Gabriel's Fire, new barbeque restaurant in Mountlake Terrace
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

By Roy D Riley, Jr

If you are a fan of Barbeque and work in Downtown Seattle or Bellevue, you have options. If you live in Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Edmonds, or Mountlake Terrace, you don’t – that is, you didn’t … until now. Co-owners Monty and Gabe Slimp have brought an authentic, multi-regional, family-oriented barbeque concept to south Mountlake Terrace/ north Shoreline.

All meat is smoked on-site
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

Gabriel’s Fire provides selections for even the most discriminating barbeque connoisseur: from Kansas City to the Carolina-style, to the spicy southwest and the even Caribbean, Gabe and Monty Slimp deliver sauces – all made from scratch – from virtually every barbeque tradition in the northern hemisphere.

Try the Traditional KC Style or Carolina Vinegar Style for a regional take on the classics, or the Teriyaki, Southwest Chipotle, Thai BBQ or Earl’s Corona sauce, the latter naturally sweetened with honey; or for the more daring try The Diablo, Jamacian Jerk, or The XXX – all habanero sauces – or even The Fallen, which combines habanero and ghost chili peppers for a unique, fiery experience. Whether you choose their succulent brisket, juicy pork, or tender chicken, Gabriel’s Fire enables you to select one of ten home-made sauces to impart the regional flavor (and spice level) you desire.

Ribs and side dishes
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

Even without sauce, the meat served at Gabriel’s Fire is without peer. Each cut is selected from local producers and is guaranteed to be free of preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones. This quality is the trademark of what Gabe and Monty provide to each person who visits their restaurant.

“We strive to offer the highest quality food, service, and dining experience,” says co-owner Monty Slimp. “Our mission is to have our family serving your family with the highest quality food in a family-friendly environment.”

Monty (left) and Gabe Slimp, co-owners of Gabriel’s Fire.
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

Gabe and Monty bring to their new Mountlake Terrace location a tradition of excellence started in their Ballard restaurant. After four years there, with a growing and loyal community following, electrical issues in their old building forced the brothers to seek a new location. Ballard’s loss is the Northend’s gain. Gabe and Monty Slimp attacked their new building with the same relentless pursuit of perfection for which their award-winning food is known. The inside of Gabriel’s Fire was completely remodeled by the same hands that painstakingly prepare and serve each dish therein. From the new floor and hand-built bar to the redone walls and décor – complete with original artwork from local artists – each detail of the Gabriel’s Fire experience conforms to the vision and personal pride of the brothers Slimp.

Monty and Gabe at work
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

Once inside, each visitor to Gabriel’s Fire is greeted and served by at least one of the owners, usually Monty – though Gabe, the master of the kitchen, can often be seen roaming the dining room to ensure the expectations of hungry patrons have been exceeded. And the real crown jewel of the Gabriel’s Fire experience is the exceptional cuisine. Though known for their traditional barbeque staples – such as brisket, ribs, and sandwiches – Gabriel’s Fire offers provides a smoked component throughout their menu, including barbeque-infused options such as Smoked Chicken Alfedo, Blackened Catfish, and a Black Angus Brisket Italiano, the latter served over penne pasta and a home-made marinara sauce.

Regardless of the menu option selected, the locally procured beef, pork, and chicken is all smoked on-site using a whole-log mix of the finest woods, while the vegetables are selected exclusively from local growers, when in season.

Even the wine and beer selections available at Gabriel’s Fire represent the best of local vendors. On-tap beers served over the hand-built bar come from local brewers in Edmonds and Mountlake Terrace, with more to come.

Local art hangs on the walls
Photo by Roy D. Riley, Jr.

The entire Gabriel’s Fire experience is built upon a foundation of local spirit, family pride, a passion for excellence and the feeling that in a community, people care about other people. For Gabe and Monty Slimp, that desire to share their passion is not a marketing slogan; it’s a philosophy that supports everything they do. When Monty Slimp says, “come to Gabriel’s Fire and have a good time,” he doesn’t ask you to simply swing in, eat, and leave; he’s offering you a unique, local restaurant where you can leave the stresses and calamity of today’s world behind for a time and be welcomed to dine, and relax, as part of the family.

Gabriel’s Fire, barbeque, 5803 244th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace.

Behind the Ballinger Village Shopping Center, and next to Time Out Burgers. Hint - the south side of the street is NE 205th in King County. The north side of the street is 244th SW in Snohomish county.

Dine in or take out. Catering.

Monday - Sunday, 11am to 9pm.  425-697-4119

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