El Gaucho - SeattleFantastic Place!Went with my wife to celebrate our anniversary and both of us enjoyed it very much. Terrific service (Hostess, waiter, etc) food was brilliant and delicious. Everything was just spot on! It is a little bit pricey but definitely worth it.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfectly classic high endPerfectly classic high end steakhouse menu....and what we ordered didn't disappoint: Best melt-in-your-mouth filet in town, nice selection of super fresh oysters, excellent classic Caesar Salad prepared table side (the only way a real Caesar is made), excellent cocktails--everything was delicious. Also attentive and professional waitstaff. Will go back again and again...and next time will save room for their cherries jubilee!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMElegant, great for special occasionIt's a price point that is best for a special occasion or fancy night out, but it's elegant and doesn't disappoint in the food, service, or ambiance. Eat your carrots before going -- it's dark enough that you need good night vision -- but that just contributes to it being the right place for a romantic evening or nice night out where you can hear each other without a din of loud conversation. Importantly, I have always found the servers to be remarkably friendly and accessible, taking cues from the tone of the party and not taking things too seriously. The food is always great, and kudos that they were welcoming and flexible even when I worked to follow a vegetarian diet (though it was painful to pass up the meat options)5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat a great choice!Visited El Gaucho on a Monday night to celebrate a deployment homecoming and a long-awaited date night with my boyfriend. He had been to the El Gaucho in Portland and gave high remarks for this restaurant. Well, after our evening, I completely agreed! In fact, I agreed from the moment we walked in. We got there about 30 min before our reservation to take advantage of a cocktail at the bar. Incredible ambiance and very kind and professional bartender and staff--live piano music was classy. Food was incredible. Had a classic wedge salad, perfectly cooked filet, and sides of scalloped potatoes and asparagus. Post-meal fruit and cheese tray was the perfect end to a great meal.5/6/2013 12:00:00 AMEl Gaucho Never DisappointsFilet Mignon Steak Tartar prepared tableside was perfect. HUGE portion made with just right with egg yolk, onion and capers. Bone Marrow, hot and buttery delicious. Both cocktails were delicious and creative. Glasses of wine for each of us ran from $18 to 30 per glass and neither one disappointed. She had the bone in Rib Eye cooked medium rare. It came out with a nice char and crunch to the outside and a red interior. My 12oz Filet came out fork perfect. I never used my knife once. Paired with their signature skillet hasbrowns and dinner was delicious.
Dessert saw her full and me craving something sweet. Chocolate Ganache was so smooth and decadent.
When we return to Seattle later in the year, we will make reservations here first...5/2/2013 12:00:00 AMI thought it was very good.I thought it was very good. The food was great and the service was on point. I would go back again4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is easily my new favoriteThis is easily my new favorite restaurant in Seattle. They make you feel important and the service was beyond exceptional. With dim lighting and live piano it is the perfect location for a romantic dinner. I went for my anniversary and they gave us a card celebrating the occasion and they also congratulated us in person several times. To top it off they paid for our dessert! The cost is the only downside. After tax and tip I paid $190 for two however you get what you pay for. I will definitely be returning next year.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMJust wanted to let you knowJust wanted to let you know that my reservation was made and confirmed for 7:15p, but when we arrived, I was told our reservation wasn't until 8:45p. Luckily they were able to find us a table and seat us around 7:30p. Below is the email I received from Open Table with confirmation number and time.
Dear Tami,
Just a reminder, you've got a reservation coming up!
El Gaucho - Seattle will be ready for your party of 2 at 7:15 PM on Saturday, April 20, 2013. Confirmation Number: 684988814/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for a nice dinner outIf you are looking for a good steak and good service, El Gaucho will fit the bill. We had reservations at 8:30 but they were unfortunately unable to seat us until 9pm. But the hostess checked in with us several times and when they did seat us, gave us complimentary appetizers. We had the crab cakes, which were mostly crab and wonderfully cooked. I had the rib chop and my husband had the crab-stuffed filet medallions. Both were perfectly med-rare and the side of asparagus was firm, not overcooked, and tasted wonderful.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWhile El Gaucho is not onWhile El Gaucho is not on the regular rotation of restaurants for me, it is a sure bet for any special occasion. The steaks are impressive. The service is impeccable. We branched out and tried a few new appetizers and desserts and we were not disappointed. Each member of the El Gaucho team seeks to ensure your entire experience is memorable and you leave the restaurant beyond satisfied. I will not hesitate to return to El Gaucho whenever the occasion presents itself.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall great dining experienceOverall great dining experience to celebrate our anniversary! Ambiance was "old school" and felt like we has stepped back in to the Frank Sinatra days. Friendly staff and they did a GREAT job of handling all my special requests, i.e. special table (would recommend a booth as they are more private, overlook the dining floor/bar, & you can watch the chefs work magic in the kitchen), flowers delivered to table prior to arrival, etc. Not the place to go if you are looking or a quiet romantic dinner for 2 and you need to allow for a minimum of 2-3 hours for the entire experience, but service is top notch. Expensive, but best steak I have had (rib eye), great wine list, and well worth it for a special occasion dinner!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing time and had a greatAmazing time and had a great waiter (Mak) who took care of us waaay above and beyond. It is high priced but it qas well worth it. Its eeally a treat to be entertained by a stellar staff and dine on great wines and steak.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Dining ExperienceOur dining experience at El Gaucho was perfect. Service was the best we've every received anywhere, the food was amazing. We'll definitely be returning.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMWhat an awesome experience.What an awesome experience. Loved the atmosphere and the food was top rate.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love El Gaucho. EverythingWe love El Gaucho. Everything about the old school Frank Sinatra feel to it we LOVE. Service is outstanding, food outstanding from start to finish.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMYum with fun !We enjoyed spectacular steaks cooked to perfection. The caesar salad table service was fun and we watched a waiter at the table next to ours orchestrate a great bananas foster dessert. Impeccable service and attention to detail made our evening special. Great atmosphere for those wanting a dining experience rather than simply going out to eat.4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat 1st impression for aGreat 1st impression for a first time visit. Went for Seattle Restaurant Week & the menu was awesome!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThis place is great and withThis place is great and with the exception of dessert the appetizers and entrees were delicious. Dessert was below average. The service was excellent!!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AM50th Birthday DinnerThis was my first time in. This was to celebrate my wife's 50th Birthday. This has always been her favorite place. We meet 3 years ago and have been married for 2 years. At her request we came in for a quiet dinner. This was the PERFECT CHOICE!!! The service from the valet to the host to the server was perfect. There is nothing that could have been better. We will now be coming in for all our special occasions and a few dinners just because the experience was so good.
Thank you to everybody for making this night one that nether one of us will ever forget!!
Karl & Gloria4/15/2013 12:00:00 AMService was absolutely stellar.Service was absolutely stellar. The food was also pretty amazing. We were there for restaurant week and unfortunately my steak was a little bit tough and a little closer to the medium side of medium rare. I would have preferred a slightly less done steak. So for those of you who want a nice medium rare steak, you might want to consider requesting a rare medium rare steak.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ambiance was fabulousThe ambiance was fabulous and the piano player was really very impressive. Our server, Julie H, was great! She was so nice and friendly and we really enjoyed her. The food was a little hit and miss. Unfortunately, the steak was pretty unimpressive, and I still think that a bernaise with the medallions was a poor combination. The asparagus was delicious though and the mashed potatoes, while good, were also a little bland. I know garlic mashed potatoes are done by everyone, but garlic would have really helped the flavor. Lastly, the dessert(chocolate bbourbon cake and banana bread pudding) were both amazing! Chocolate cake at a restaurant is almost guaranteed bto be unimpressive, but this was really quite great. Overall, I would give 4 stars.4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMEl Gaucho has ambiance downEl Gaucho has ambiance down solid. The place evokes old Spain in its classic take on furnishings and decor. The service was amazing, everyone was so helpful and full of good humor. We sat near the piano player, and the music was lovely. The bar, though, was magnificent, now we know where to go when we want a good drink in a scintillating environment. But the food was average, we could get better steak and ribs at a well-known chain that charges half the price. And husband said he couldn't eat the mac and cheese. The spinach with garlic, on the other hand, was really good, spiced just right, with a bit of kick to it.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMIn town for a seminar andIn town for a seminar and all five of us got the four courses with wines. Exceptional and a very good value.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMgood food; leave the sauceA little dark, but the pen-lights helped. The cut of meat was great and the preparation was spot-on. Service was top notch: very courteous and timely, but not intrusive. The wine selection was good and the advice was clear. To sum up: a bit of red wine and a steak are all that is needed. I'd leave the sauces (not that they are bad) and have the sides separately: let the meat be the star.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMEl Gaucho is a very good placeWent there for Seattle restaurant week....had the 3-course dinner, the main course (beef tenderloin with bernaise sauce) was excellent, as was the bourbon cake for dessert, I was disappointed in the wicked shrimp appetizer - rather too spicy for my taste. Took the wine pairing which were very good all for 15 dollars for the wines, the pours were not generous.
Definitely a place I would visit again.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMCan"t wait to returnThe service, from when we entered the door, was fabulous! They had the special table that I had requested as well as wished my date Happy Birthday. The attention to detail continued on throghout the night. Great expierence!!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a great time and theWe had a great time and the food was fabulous. Service was top notch and the wait staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Our steaks were cooked perfectly and the corn side dish is the best. We had the wine pairings and they were excellent also.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMMaybe the food is differentMaybe the food is different for restaurant week but we were highly unimpressed! The gnocchi was dry in the center and flavorless and when I politely discussed this with our waiter (not expecting to send back just making conversation about variations of style) he literally told me my standards were too high......kinda out a strange response I thought. We ordered an additional side dish and still found the meal to be very small (and I am a tiny lady!). Service was prompt and ambiance was outstanding but the food just was not there. I ordered two dishes that were centered around their "truffle" flavor and literally could not taste any remote truffle flavor....bummer.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe did the rest week withWe did the rest week with optional wine pairing. It's well worth it. Everything was delicious. The steak just melt in your mouth. Service was superb. Our server was attentive without intruding and gracious.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is a great place to spendThis is a great place to spend some quality time with someone special. The service and food are excellent, the atmosphere is amazing. It makes you feel special just being there. We started with a drink at the bar and then went to our table. Appetizer, salad, and entree followed at a relaxed pace. This is a place where you want to spend some time. The food was amazing. Our server was very helpful and seemed to be there when we needed her but never intrusive. The El Goucho remains a go to place when ever we are in Seattle.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was wonderful.Everything was wonderful. Great food, great service.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were celebrating our anniversaryWe were celebrating our anniversary. The food was great, the service was wonderful. It was our first time here. Everything was perfect.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEl Gaucho defines the steakEl Gaucho defines the steak house experience. A must have experience. If you just want a drink in a high class place or one of the world's best steak dinners this is the place. Everything you would ever want in a five star steak house.
Bring your credit card though. You won't get out cheap.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service,Excellent food and service, as always its a bit noisy there but also an entertaining view. The flashlights to read the menus were a nice touch, more places should do that. Table side preparation is always fun.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMI remembered when i bookedI remembered when i booked thru open table in chicago specified a birthday, the restaurant placed a birthday card and a complimentary dessert with a candle acknowledging the birthday celebrant which I anticipated, maybe it depends on the restaurant or a lack of communication or lack of attention to details with the reservation.. Little disappointed this time though we had wonderful server, steak was great. My husband the celebrant enjoyed our dinner anyways! Ive experienced in a hospitality or restaurant industry. You have to go an extra mile to get a lasting impression to your guests. Thanks!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food, taste, presentationExcellent food, taste, presentation and service. We are never dissappointed at El Gaucho3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMEl Gaucho is still the best in SeatGreat food, service, and ambiance as I have experienced at El Gaucho since 1969.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMWent for a friend's birthday,Went for a friend's birthday, our first time at the restaurant. Had amazing chateau briand, great bottle of wine and terrific service...will definitely be going back!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMA special night outIt felt like going back in time to a lovely/classy dining venue. The service was top notch and it was so enjoyable to have live piano music. The food is great and the whole experience felt special.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMOrdered the steak El GauchoOrdered the steak El Gaucho med-well. Steak was slightly overdone and the lobster under and a little chewy, Asparagus was delicious and the scalloped potatoes had a nice crispy cheese topping.
The service was impeccible, but for dropping $400 for four of us I would have expected the food to live up to expectations. For the price I would go to Ruth's Chris every time, El Gaucho is highly over rated3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMWas my husband's birthdayWas my husband's birthday a very special experience3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantic and amazing!Best Caesar salad in town, hands down! The steak was amazing and the staff was unbelievable. Celebrated a special occasion and we were spoiled!3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAs always, El Gaucho delivered.As always, El Gaucho delivered. We took our two teenage daughters to celebrate my husbands 50th birthday and we all had a fabulous evening! The waiter was as professional as you can expect from this Seattle classic. They even had a great vegetarian menu for my young veg. head. Love, love, loved the fact that they continued to refill my sparkling water! The Sommelier chose the perfect wine, which happened to be on sale? What a wonderful memory to have of this special birthday.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat for a Romantic DinnerWe celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary with them. Our meal was excellent, and we even had rose petals put on the table for the occasion! We will definitely be returning in the future.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome steaks, awesome wine,Awesome steaks, awesome wine, other reviews talk about it being on the dark side but I thought it lent to the atmosphere. I was amused by the pen lights given for reading the menu. Other reviews also talk about price but you get what you pay for. we loved it!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place for a great steakFood was great Had the steak trio. With a wedge salad. Also clam chowder. Service was good. Not stuffy at all3/13/2013 12:00:00 AMA Seattle GemThis is one the great Seattle dining experiences. It's a retro throwback to the steak houses of the 50's and 60's, and it's extremely well done. Steaks are superb, sides generous, and the flaming sword brochette is a great show. Outstanding and well chosen wine list. Service is warm and professional. It's a winner in every regard!3/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious meets ExcellenceWe recently dined at El Gaucho for a special occasion and the entire experience far exceeded our expectations. From the hostess to the waiter to the valet (and management!) everyone went out of their way to ensure our evening was enjoyable and memorable. The food is exquisite, the meats are melt in your mouth delicious, the wine list is wonderful and extensive. BRAVO!!2/27/2013 12:00:00 AMChange the "garlic bread" get 5 *Overall was very good. The service was outstanding. I was a bit dissapointed with the bread. It seemed very much like the "garlic bread" you would get in a cafeteria, not great for such a high end restaurant. The lobster was overcooked. Outside of those two thiings the food was fantastic. We were very happy with the overall experience and will be back.1/12/2013 12:00:00 AM