FWIW, there are folks who willingly, very willingly, travel 100 miles and more, simply to take in a nice date eve, family gathering meal or get the gang together meal down in Krebs. Been that way for decades. So, if the food is up to the rep, I see no reason this would not happen here.

In my book, when folk are willing to set aside a long evening just so they can gather and eat at a particular spot well outside the normal dinner drive allowance, I find no quarrel with considering the place a destination. Here's hoping it does.

It WILL be called Gabriella's Italian Grill -- that's the name on the building permit.

Also, it sounds like there will also be a market where you can buy bread, home-made food and perhaps some other things.

Besides the historical County Line building, there is a 2,150 square foot building in the parking lot also purchased by the same group:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2644/R149785100001uA.jpg

My late wife and I enjoyed several trips on our own personal highway (the Indian Nation turnpike) to enjoy the food in Krebs. Admittedly, there will be more traffic on the way to their new location here in OKC. For those of you that haven't been to Krebs, the Indian Nation has very little traffic. We would drive for miles without seeing a car. I don't know anything about the Padre Island location, but I am familiar with all the restaurants in Krebs, and Lovera's tiny little grocery store with really good meats and cheeses. Since I live close to the County Line building, I'm really looking forward to it opening here.
C. T.

I haven't heard of the Indian Nation turnpike before now. I'll have to make it one of my rides on my bike this summer.

I am happy to see the name "Gabriella's" return to The Metro.
(And I'll bet the food will be phenominally good, too.)

FWIW, there are folks who willingly, very willingly, travel 100 miles and more, simply to take in a nice date eve, family gathering meal or get the gang together meal down in Krebs. Been that way for decades. So, if the food is up to the rep, I see no reason this would not happen here.

In my book, when folk are willing to set aside a long evening just so they can gather and eat at a particular spot well outside the normal dinner drive allowance, I find no quarrel with considering the place a destination. Here's hoping it does.

True, but Krebs is a quaint getaway with very little options, OKC has a lot more competition, but I do agree, if good food and it is executed well, people will still make the drive.

Anyone remember a place on Meridian between Reno and 10th street called Michaelangelo's. It was open back in the 80's and served Krebs style Italian food. It was not a great location for this type of restaurant and the interior decor was not best for a restaurant. I think there is now a motorcycle accessory place in the building it was in. It was north of where Feed the Children's headquarters is and south of the big tire place. Their food was decent but it was only open a couple of years.

I read a book by Jay Leno a few years ago where he talked about an Italian restaurant in Oklahoma City that served french fries. He thought that was hilarious. I have wondered if Michaelangelo's was the place he went to because I know Isle of Capri in Krebs serves french fries with its dinners along with the spaghetti and ravioli. If Gabriella's is anywhere near as good as any of the Krebs places, I am sure I will be a regular customer.

Bigray in Ok

My late wife and I enjoyed several trips on our own personal highway (the Indian Nation turnpike) to enjoy the food in Krebs. Admittedly, there will be more traffic on the way to their new location here in OKC. For those of you that haven't been to Krebs, the Indian Nation has very little traffic. We would drive for miles without seeing a car. I don't know anything about the Padre Island location, but I am familiar with all the restaurants in Krebs, and Lovera's tiny little grocery store with really good meats and cheeses. Since I live close to the County Line building, I'm really looking forward to it opening here.
C. T.

If this guy here says it's good.. Then I'm on board.......How ya doing CT...

Is this not the Gabriella's that was where The Speakeasy is off of 50th & Western?

Bellaboo,
Doing well, and now looking forward to a Kreb's Italian restaurant in the OKC area. I just hope they maintain their quality. I'm surprised you haven't been there.
C. T.

Is this not the Gabriella's that was where The Speakeasy is off of 50th & Western?

No . . . Only the names are the same.
The other place was Chef Peter Seay's restaurant.
(It was excellent)
I'm just hoping the new place will live up to the name "Gabriella's" . . .
(And it probably will).

Each one of the Italian restaurants in Krebs (have been to them all) are very subpar, at best. It was some of the worst Italian food I've ever eaten in my life. If I lived in McAlester, I'd just go to Lovera's and buy the ingredients and make it myself.

If this place is going to taste like any of the restaurants in Krebs, I'll just stick to going to Italiano's.

I've got nothing against Italiano's, nor Bella Vista for that matter. Both are very good local establishments.
As for the everywhere in Krebs is unremarkable perspective, to each their own.

mikesimpsons,
I think it's the old thing about one man's meat is another man's poison. The only thing I can say is that it's been a few years since I have been to Krebs but I enjoyed each of the restaurants. I am certainly not a connoisseur but I have eaten Italian in Europe (not Italy, unfortunately) and all over the states and back then, they did pretty well. But, when my wife started going downhill, healthwise, I haven't been to Krebs and that's been at least ten years. My only question to you would be your statement "the worst Italian food I've ever eaten in my life". I find it hard to believe combined with other comments on this thread that it really was that bad. But, only you know what satisfies your taste buds. So, I'm anxious for them to open and see how good/bad they are. I will (if my senile brain allows) post my opinion here. Of course, it will only be my opinion just like this post is just my opinion
C. T.

Yet the places in Krebs are incredibly successful even with the way-out-of-the-way location.

I bet this place is a home run, even if it might not appeal to all.

Yet the places in Krebs are incredibly successful even with the way-out-of-the-way location.

I bet this place is a home run, even if it might not appeal to all.

People drive all over the state to go to Ted's. That doesn't mean that their food isn't incredibly bland like it is.

I drove by the old Michealangelo's location today and it was located where American Diagnostic Laboratory is now. It is right next door to the north of Feed the Children. I liked the food as well as the food in Krebs. The ravioli at the Krebs locations is the best ravioli I had anyhere. I hope it is as good at Gabriella's.

Bigray in Ok

People drive all over the state to go to Ted's. That doesn't mean that their food isn't incredibly bland like it is.

All over the state for Teds? Never heard that before. Hard to believe.

All over the state for Teds? Never heard that before. Hard to believe.

Not to divert the thread, but Ted's went in the dumper for us a few years back. When the prices started doubling, the portions started halving, and the blandness went over the top, even my wife - who was practically a Ted's groupie when we married - said "no more." When my wife thumbs her nose on a Mexican food place, forget it. Think of Amish shunning, only more cruel.

... When my wife thumbs her nose on a Mexican food place, forget it. Think of Amish shunning, only more cruel.


ROTF here.

Steve's update.

http://newsok.com/former-landmark-barbecue-restaurant-in-oklahoma-city-will-reopen-as-an-italian-eatery/article/3651228

I really like their idea of offering an Italian deli in the restaurant for takeout.

Thank for the update. Glad that it is finally official that Gabrialla's is taking over at County Line.

not to divert the thread, but ted's went in the dumper for us a few years back. When the prices started doubling, the portions started halving, and the blandness went over the top, even my wife - who was practically a ted's groupie when we married - said "no more." when my wife thumbs her nose on a mexican food place, forget it. Think of amish shunning, only more cruel.

lol

I was at Gabriella's Italian Restaurant & Market today and met with the owners. Great folks and ware glad to be back in Oklahoma. They gave me a tour and the place is amazing. We are not just talking about a coat of paint here. They have totally remodeled and transformed the old County Line into a classic old school “Italian Restaurant” complete with a wood burning brick oven that is imported from Italy. They are planning to open around June 1st. There is a market/deli in the front as a well as a bar in the back that overlooks the highway and beyond. The owners are no slackers either. Vikki is a world class chef and has operated Gabriella’s in Padre Island for 16years. Their family also owns the Isle of Capri in Krebs. This is a link to their restaurant in South Padre. http://gabriellaspizzeria.com I can’t wait for them to open.

I was at Gabriella's Italian Restaurant & Market today and met with the owners. Great folks and ware glad to be back in Oklahoma. They gave me a tour and the place is amazing. We are not just talking about a coat of paint here. They have totally remodeled and transformed the old County Line into a classic old school “Italian Restaurant” complete with a wood burning brick oven that is imported from Italy. They are planning to open around June 1st. There is a market/deli in the front as a well as a bar in the back that overlooks the highway and beyond. The owners are no slackers either. Vikki is a world class chef and has operated Gabriella’s in Padre Island for 16years. Their family also owns the Isle of Capri in Krebs. This is a link to their restaurant in South Padre. http://gabriellaspizzeria.com I can’t wait for them to open.

I looked at the Padre Island location's menu and it does not look like they serve their food "Krebs" style. Yes, they do serve salad and garlic bread family style like Olive Garden does, but it does not appear you get spaghetti and ravioli with every meal. Yes, the owners have a Krebs connection but I am trying to prevent myself from being disappointed when I go there and find out I do not get spaghetti and ravioli with every meal like they do at Isle of Capri, Pete's Place. etc.

I am still excited that an Italian restaurant is going into the location. The menu at the Padre Island location does look good. I wonder if they intend to keep everything the same as the Padre Island location or serve the food "Krebs" style? I am looking forward to the opening.

Bigray in Ok

I looked at the Padre Island location's menu and it does not look like they serve their food "Krebs" style. Yes, they do serve salad and garlic bread family style like Olive Garden does, but it does not appear you get spaghetti and ravioli with every meal. Yes, the owners have a Krebs connection but I am trying to prevent myself from being disappointed when I go there and find out I do not get spaghetti and ravioli with every meal like they do at Isle of Capri, Pete's Place. etc.

I am still excited that an Italian restaurant is going into the location. The menu at the Padre Island location does look good. I wonder if they intend to keep everything the same as the Padre Island location or serve the food "Krebs" style? I am looking forward to the opening.

Bigray in Ok

Bigray, I am also excited to try it and hope not to be disappointed. The place definitely looks different than the one in Padre. I asked them if they had the menu printed yet and they had not. One of the first things i noticed in the main room was a huge picture of Frank Sinatra cooking Spaghetti. They just finished installing a brick fired oven from Italy. I hope it is as good as it looks to be.

I wants busghetti with my food! Bunches of busghetti.

I have been a "Pete's Place" fan for years (having family in McAlester) (1960's - now) - but I have to say it - last time we went there was about 2 weeks ago. It sucked. Now, I have caught them on bad days before, and then the next time was fine - but the last few visits have just left me incredulous. Bad service, cold food, not even the meatballs were good anymore. all the spaghetti, raviolis etc.. that come w/ the meal was slopped together (cold) onto one big plate. looked as un-appealing as it tasted. Next time through town I'll give the Isle another go, but Pete's has gone the way of being a watering hole instead of restaurant. IMHO of course.

Stopped by Gabriella's Italian Kitchen (old County Line location near the Cowboy Hall) and happened to catch the owner, Duane Muhs, out front and he was more than happy to show me around.

As you will see they are practically finished and Duane said they will have a soft opening June 25th.


They have done a really nice job and the place looks and feels great. The front entrance will feature several glass cases where they will sell fresh pasta, sauces, home-made Italian sausage, Boar Head meats and cheeses, and fresh-baked breads:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab1.jpg


This is the main dining area (looking south or towards the back) that runs down the middle; note the cool image of Frank Sinatra with a big bunch of spaghetti. Duane said they have exclusive use of that image for 10 years.
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab2.jpg


Main dining area looking back towards the entrance:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab3.jpg

They maintained all the little side rooms along the perimeter (these were originally horse stalls back in the 30's):
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab4.jpg


Behind the main dining hall is the huge bar area; note the cool old stone fireplace that had been previously covered with dry wall. Duane said there will be 25 beers on tap:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab5.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab6.jpg


This is facing south out the back of the bar:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab7.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab8.jpg


Also in the bar area is the kitchen and a large, real wood-fired pizza oven:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab9.jpg

Duane poses with the pizza oven:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab10.jpg


There is also this smaller building just outside that Duane said they may turn into a breakfast place:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/gab11.jpg

Looks great and love the bar area

They've done a really nice job with the layout and all the finishes. Looks like a first class job all the way around.

I think the bar area will be particularly popular with the view, fireplace and ambiance.


I predict a complete home run.

Good to see this jewel of a building put back into use.

The pics are great, but maybe I got turned around. In the back room which now looks like the bar there was already a fireplace. Unless they uncovered a different one and now have two, I think that one was already there. I remember sitting infront of it several times. We always had to eat in the back rooms due to large groups everytime I have gone. The tour was great though. Did he mention the menu, will it be like Petes or Isla Capri, or my favorite in the mcalester area Giacomos.

I don't care to eat at a place that has blue in the decor. Blue is
the most unappetizing color on the face of the Earth.

My wife and I tried it out last night. I had the lasagna and she had chicken parm. The lasagna was SO sweet, it tasted like it was full of sugar. I'm not sure if it was the sauce or something else in the recipe, but I had no desire for anything sweet for dessert. The chicken parm was okay, but a little greasy and too salty. We didn't do an appetizer, but heard good things about the zuppli (parmesan risotto rice balls with sausage and mozzarella) from a couple sitting nearby. The salad was very much in the Krebs style - lettuce and a few tomatoes with a vinegar and oil dressing, although there was one piece of cucumber in the bowl. The antipasto plate had two small pieces of muenster, two green olives, and two pepperoncinis. The bread was ok, a little burned, and no more offered after the original 4 small pieces.
Overall, not up to the quality we were hoping for based on our many trips to Krebs. I think we'll give it a few weeks and try it again, maybe try out some pizza from the wood fired brick oven.

considering that was the first day of gabriella's soft opening, i'd cut them some slack. -M

I don't care to eat at a place that has blue in the decor. Blue is
the most unappetizing color on the face of the Earth.

I'm sure they will miss your business.

blueberries . . . bleu cheese . . .
yup. those are about the only two blue things i find appetizing at all.
the "zuppli" sounds interesting . . . hope it isn't blue.

RM, if you will support your blueberries in a thick layer on top of a cheesecake base, they are sooooooooooo much better.

considering that was the first day of gabriella's soft opening, i'd cut them some slack. -M

I understand it was the first day, and the last thing I said was that I would give it a few weeks and try some other menu items. But let's also keep in mind that this is the same menu they've been serving at their Padre Island location for quite a while with food being prepared by the same head chef, so it isn't a matter of having to learn all new recipes. I was simply trying to provide some insight into an experience of someone who was really looking forward to the opening and was a little unimpressed by some of the things we experienced.

Soonermike,
Your point is well taken however, I have eaten at a really nice steak franchise in the first week and been burned. They turned out fine. I think the key is, new staff. The chef doesn't do all the preparation, and he/she can't verify that every little detail has been carried out. They just supervise and teach and these things normally work themselves out. If not, then I won't go back. Generally the quality restaurants work through their little glitches fairly quickly. I have had one exception to that in my long life, hopefully Grabriella's won't be like that one. I need an Italian restaurant in my neighborhood and would hate to see them fail.
C. T.

I understand it was the first day, and the last thing I said was that I would give it a few weeks and try some other menu items. But let's also keep in mind that this is the same menu they've been serving at their Padre Island location for quite a while with food being prepared by the same head chef, so it isn't a matter of having to learn all new recipes. I was simply trying to provide some insight into an experience of someone who was really looking forward to the opening and was a little unimpressed by some of the things we experienced.

Excellent response, sir.
Well reasoned, kind and thoughtful.
Your account of your personal experience at this establishment--the opening of which we (and by "we" i mean "me") have been looking forward to for a long time--does nothing to dampen my expectations of dining there in the near future.

The "zuppli" still sounds good (and this from a guy who has tried over and over again to make decent, simple risotto) and I am looking forward to making it my very first selection from the menu. At the same time, I hope that their blueberry cheesecake doesn't involve bleu cheese in any way, shape or form.

BTW (code for afterthought):
As I understand it, a real "chef" manages people and materials.
Cooks do the cooking.
It's a symbiotic relationship for the benefit
of the dining public.

Has this placed officially opened up yet. Got some friends in town tomorrow from Krebs and thought we might go to it if it was open.

Yes, its open. We've been and its very good. Not sure if they take reservations, but if they do I'd go that route. It was an hour wait on the first visit and 35 minutes the second. Food was VERY good.

Yes, its open. We've been and its very good. Not sure if they take reservations, but if they do I'd go that route. It was an hour wait on the first visit and 35 minutes the second. Food was VERY good.

Glad to hear this, especially from someone who is never shy about criticism (and I mean that as a compliment!).


I predicted a complete home run for this place and I stand by that. I could tell by walking through it's all been done right with a lot of attention to detail. And you can tell the family that runs the place is passionate and on the ball.

I love the location, the feel of the building and the view from the bar. Looking forward to trying their food on the next trip.

Thanks Pete. I was planning to add an actual review later after I visited again after they'd been open a couple weeks longer.

My two visits do not mirror those who are complaining on Urban Spoon. While there was a bit of a wait, that was to be expected for a new place in a landmark location. I also gave some slack to the wait staff as it is a brand new restaurant.

Our service was fine on both occasions and the food was great.

I do agree with some gripes that the prices are high. REALLY high depending on what you order.

But, the portions are very big, so I always share with the wife. When you cut the prices in half by sharing, its pretty reasonable and you still get lots of food.

FYI - their Krebs ties actually worked against them with me, as I've eaten at restaurants in Krebs while in the area and I've NEVER been impressed. Basically whatever noodle you prefer with tons of red sauce on it. I found this place to be much better than that.

I am glad, Brian, that this new Italian restaurant met or exceeded your expections.
When I drove by Custino's the other day and didn't see a single car in the parking lot, my heart sank.
Later, I learned that it was only because they were closed on Mondays. (whew!)

So . . . Are we looking at about $20 per diner? Maybe $30?
Is their "House Red/Chianti/Whatever" overpriced at $7.50 a glass?

i went there tonight the service was pretty bad we ask for a drink they didn't bring the drinks by 30 minute into the service and the we were there for about an hour and no food and finally about 1 hour and 10 minutes into the dinner service and the service was very very very slow

My wife and I host a monthly supper club that visits interesting places all over the metro.

Tonight, Gabriella's provided my worst experience ever in a restaurant.

We had reservations for 8pm (called in two weeks before and verified the day before) and the group of 12 showed up at 6:30 to enjoy the bar and hang out together. I have to say the Banana Bread beer was really good. Around 7:50, I went to check on the reservation, just to make sure everything was going okay. I was reassured by the hostess that everything would be fine.

At 8:10pm, I checked in again with the hostess and was told that they were waiting on a table of 18 to leave and then we would be seated.

At 8:30, I checked in again with the hostess and became frustrated when they were still waiting on the same table and were not willing to seat us at other tables. They were seating plenty of walk in customers but did not have any plan for my group of 12 except to wait on the one other table to leave. The grandson of the owner went to find the owner to let him know what was happening. When asked, they offered no other alternatives and were resistant to doing anything but waiting on the one table.

At 8:50, I found the owner and asked about our situation. He and a waiter were preparing a table that seats 8 for our group of 12. So, their plan was that after waiting an hour past our reservations that we have had for two weeks, my group would cram together for our meal.

I noted that I understood that they were behind and I get that it happens. But, I didn't understand why they were not willing to put other tables together. The owner just looked at me. I asked what the plan was to make the group happy. At that point, the owner became upset, hostile, and started to tell me about the one other table they were waiting on and that because they wouldn't leave it was my problem. I understood but said he had many many opportunities to make this right and he has done nothing. The owner would do absolutely nothing and offered no alternatives. We basically got a big 'screw you' from him.

Shortly after 9 with no relief, no table, no apology, and no help from the restaurant, my group walked and went to another restaurant. As we walked outside, we ran across another group that had been waiting almost an hour past their reservation times.

In researching reviews online for Gabriella's tonight, I have noticed ALOT of complaints about poor service and indifference or hostility from the owner and staff. I've seen it first hand and will never go back to it again.

I understand when things go differently than expected for a restaurant and things run behind. We were having a good time in the bar and were willing to wait. But the hostility and 'screw you' feeling from the owner left my entire group upset about our experience. Personally, I was embarrased about hosting the supper club at Gabriella's. I won't do it again.

I thought the food at Gabriella's was excellent, but the people don't know how to run a restaurant. We forced our way into a table through sheer wile and determination. The pizza was the best I've had in OKC. The menu is good and varied. The prices are excellent. The beer list is superb. The atmosphere (if you're seated in the south dining room) is very good. But it is freaking impossible to get a table there. They really need to bring in a skilled front of house guy / gal to smooth out the bumps. It's a family-owned business and OKC is not Krebs. I would like to go back but it's such an ordeal to get seated there I've moved on to Vito's.

It is disturbing to hear that garnering an actual reservation there (something I've been unable to do after three attempts) is pointless. I was incredulous that they couldn't accommodate me any of those times. And then I hear your story and it just blows my mind. Having been turned down three times for reservations, it's weird to hear that your reservation was so meaningless. Too bad. I want this restaurant -- which has very good food -- to succeed. Perhaps their indifference to customers will pay off and make it less popular, making it possible to actually get a table. I don't know.

My wife and I went Wednesday night and had an excellent time. We had called for reservations Tuesday afternoon for 7:15 Wednesday night. We arrived at 7:00 and were seated about 7:10. The service was very good and the food great.
As we entered the restaurant there was a party of 8-10 people that were giving the manager (maybe owner ?) some grief about being seated. They were taken to a table shortly after us.
Maybe it's the large parties that are throwing them off, or maybe we were just lucky. I know we are looking forward to our next visit to Gabriella's.

the food is good but the service is horrible and very very slow it took them like 30 minutes to get our drinks

To those who have had problems at Gabreilla's...were you trying to get seats during the week or on the weekend?

this has some mixed reviews and one bad review happen on a weeknight sounds like this restaurant may not survive http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/46/1681662/restaurant/Suburban-Northside/Gabriellas-Italian-Grill-Pizzeria-Oklahoma-City

They are packed every night, which is a big part of the problem (i.e. waits for tables and service).

Service problems are usually a lot easier to resolve than bad food or lousy atmosphere.


They've only been open a few months and I'm sure the service will come around.

To those who have had problems at Gabreilla's...were you trying to get seats during the week or on the weekend?

Both.

They are packed every night, which is a big part of the problem (i.e. waits for tables and service).

Service problems are usually a lot easier to resolve than bad food or lousy atmosphere.


They've only been open a few months and I'm sure the service will come around.

True. I hope that they actually care. They do seem strangely desensitized to customer concerns.

I met and spent a good amount of time with the owner just before they opened and he was an incredibly nice man.

This is a family operation with his wife and daughter in the kitchen. They put a great deal of thought and money into this place.


I suspect they are just completely overwhelmed.

I met and spent a good amount of time with the owner just before they opened and he was an incredibly nice man.

This is a family operation with his wife and daughter in the kitchen. They put a great deal of thought and money into this place.


I suspect they are just completely overwhelmed.

They are probably making money as a restaurant but a better front-of-house operation would pay for itself quickly. They are in danger of having this all go backwards on them if they don't work out the kinks. Seriously. A lot of people will give a restaurant one chance to earn their business. As busy as they are now, this could all dry up if they don't get it in gear.

They are trying to do a lot there: A much bigger restaurant with considerably more business than anything they've done in the past, a huge bar area with tons of different beers, a real wood-fired pizza oven and a large market in the front of the store. I also think they are trying desperately to put their family touch on everything that comes out of the kitchen.

That's a lot to juggle... They are either going to have to learn and adapt or engage some outside help.


Give them some time. It's a family-operated business with what seems to be excellent food. They deserve some slack and I bet most will be willing to give it to them.