El Gaucho - Tacoma

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1. S

   Scott

   Seattle

   45 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   45 reviews

   Dined on April 8, 2018

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Dining at El Gaucho is a special experience! We were celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary and It was so fun to treat ourselves to a fine dining opportunity where the drinks, appetizers, entrees, sommalier, desserts, and even napkins exceed your expectations. Even the pianist added an extra flair! Great job, Chef and entire wait staff, especially Erin C.! Well done! A brilliant evening!
   

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2. PN

   PacificNW

   Vancouver

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on April 7, 2018

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Meet all our expectations and more. Could ask for better service and our meal was cooked exactly as we wanted. Portions were amazing and the fact we couldn’t fit anymore food in our stomachs and left with leftovers, was great. Highly recommend to anyone wanting a great meal.
   

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3. TB

   TomB

   Seattle

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on April 1, 2018

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great Service once again
   

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4. JJ

   JerryJ

   Seattle

   29 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on March 25, 2018

   overall2food5service2ambience4

   Food was excellent. Atmosphere was wonderful. My issue was the wine list. El Gaucho charges 2-3 times the retail cost for a bottle of wine on average. So I brought my own bottle and was happy to pay the corkage fee of $30. The captain poured the bottle into the decanter and I never saw him again. No one ever refilled our glasses vice for myself. Then they had the decency to charge me both tax and the mandatory 20% service fee on my initial corkage fee. The value of the wine list and the service you don’t receive if you bring in a bottle coupled with the cost gets an F- from me. Outside of that the food and cocktails were lovely.
   

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5. JD

   JDG953

   Seattle

   28 reviews

   5.0

   28 reviews

   Dined on March 25, 2018

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   As always the food and service were superb.
   

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6. CL

   ClaireLumiere

   Seattle

   6 reviews

   2.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on March 21, 2018

   overall2food5service2ambience4

   They have been much better. Server was three different people!
   

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7. DK

   DivineK

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2018

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We love going to this El Gaucho location in Tacoma. Food, service and ambiance is just great!
   

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8. JH

   JenH

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 18, 2018

   overall3food2service4ambience3

   For the money, do not bother. A $30 salad is just a plate full of goopy dressing. $27 to add on an inedible salt-bomb of crab and bernaise. Same goes for the overdone peppercorn addition. I suppose they think that because they’re charging you a car payment for a steak, they should overdo the accoutrements. Steak was cooked perfectly. Go for that, don’t bother with anything else. Our poor server kept getting pushed out of the way while trying to prepare our table side appetizers. If you are going to include service fees, choreograph your staff.
   

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9. JM

   JohnM

   Seattle

   4 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   4 reviews

   Dined on March 16, 2018

   overall2food5service5ambience5

   An otherwise perfect evening was ruined with a unannounced "living wage charge" added to the bill, no doubt in solidarity with those idiots in Seattle. I have loved the quality of El Gaucho since I first discovered it decades ago, but this "living wage" crap just ruins it for me. Why can't they just bury it in the menu prices like any other business? They could have lied to me and preserved one of the areas best fine dining experiences, I mean, I'm going there because it's cheap. No additional tip for a great service staff, please enjoy that "living wage." Great restaurant, horrible policy.
   

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10. MW

    MarkW

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Great place overall, a bit pricey. I have never gotton a buzz, nether have my friends on their drinks. My favorite is blueberry lemon drops , but no more for us. We rarely drink and pay good money for high end liquor but never a buzz from the drinks there. Im sorry to focus on a negitive but when your paying 2 to 5 hundred and bring a guest i expect to not be shorted on my drinks.
    

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    If you’re looking to dress up and head out for a nice dinner - look no further than El Gaucho. Everything exceeds expectations. Be prepared to spend at least $300 before tax and tip. However the happy hour and bar menu looks equally as delicious without the price tag. Service is excellent. Very attentive, very professional, very knowledgeable of the menu. The wine and cocktail list is extensive. I had a Jamaican Mule - not too sweet or gingery. My companion had a blueberry lemon drop - perhaps the best blueberry lemon drop I have ever tasted. With dinner I had a glass of the Malbec. My companion had a glass of ice wine with dessert. Even the pickiest of drinkers will find something on this menu. For starters we had escargot - this was the star of the meal. Just the right amount of garlic and butter, the escargot was tender and not rubbery or chewy. The garlic bread that came with it was perfect for dipping the rest of that buttery deliciousness. We also had the pecan crusted Brie - also really decadent and rich and flavorful. For our entree we each chose the Steak El Gaucho - steak was cooked medium rare to perfection. The bernaise sauce complemented the steak and lobster. Our sides were scalloped potatoes and macaroni and cheese. All very rich and full of flavor. For dessert - although the bananas foster looked yummy - we went for the key lime pie. Very light and creamy and the perfect combination of sweet and tart. All in all it was a really decadent and memorable meal.
    

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12. AP

    AmyP

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was great from the drinks to the entrees. Our server was very accommodating and made an amazing tableside Caesar salad. Great place to celebrate a special event!
    

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13. KP

    KateinPacific

    Seattle

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went for my husband’s 54th Birthday
    

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14. B

    Breeziie

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious as always! James asked to come to your restaurant and it was a great time.
    

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15. JH

    JeffH

    Seattle

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2018

    overall2food4service2ambience4

    We dine at locations in Seattle, Portland, and Tacoma several times a year, and this past visit (3/10/18) was the worst experience to date. The new 20% automatic service fee was a bit confusing. I have no problem tipping 20 % if the service, food and experience is up to par, this last one fell short. The menu explained "the entire 20 % was retained by the company to cover Medical benefits, 401k plan, and compensation to their employees for high quality of service." Does our waitress see any of the 20%? or are we expected to tip our waitress in addition to the 20%??? The waitress that helped us, didn't seem to have the usual "El Gaucho" quality of service, which we have experienced in the past. My wife asked about a "Specialty Cocktail" she ordered on our last visit, but couldn't remember the name. The waitress indicated she knew exactly what she wanted, after my wife explained the flavor, and powdered sugar rim on the glass. What was brought to the table was not even close. She ordered something else and we pushed the drink to end of the table with our salad plates, the waitress left the drink on the table for approx. 20 min. When our bill came in the amount of $560.00 , $448.0 in food and beverage and $112.00 for the 20 % service fee. The $18.00 "specialty cocktail" was still on the bill, and my wife asked our waitress to remove it. Her reply " i will have to ask the manager if i can credit that". After 20 min the new bill was presented that excluded the $18.00 drink , as well as the $3.60 for the 20% of the drink.Since the 20% was included on the bill, and the service was mediocre at best, we did not add additional tip. When the waitress picked up the bill, she opened it,and her attitude went from cordial to annoyed. The gratuity should be give to the staff for the overall dining experience. The quality of food, and service as a whole, Jeff H. Gig Harbor, WA
    

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16. B

    Bjm112

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The only thing I would say was not great was lighting too low for me to read menu. POSITIVE only everything else! Fabulous service & food! We will be back on our next special occasion happily. Highly recommended
    

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17. z

    zsabraham

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Incredible service. Delicious food. Impeccable wine selected by their sommelier. Overall, a wonderful experience!
    

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18. J

    Jamie

    Vancouver

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Daddy daughter date with my 7 year old. They made her feel so special and that is priceless. I'll never hesitate to drop that kind of money anywhere that makes my kids feel like that. We even had a dance on the dance floor while the piano player played a song just for her.
    

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19. l

    lilgeneral

    Seattle

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on March 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a great visit to El Gaucho Tacoma. We went for my husbands birthday. It was a great experience from the time we entered the door to when we walked out. The server, Megan, was friendly and conversational but not intrusive. The food was wonderful. We had the Caesar Salad for 2 that they make table side and the Flaming sword with Tenderloin. Amazing. This isn't out first visit to El Gaucho. We've been to the Bellevue location twice before but had plans in Tacoma for a show the next day so decided to treat ourselves to a nice hotel and dinner here. We found this location to be smaller, more intimate. It has a beautiful bar and live pianist. We really had a great meal and a wonderful evening. They even have a shuttle that will come pick you up and take you back after your meal. Bonus! We'll be back!
    

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20. BR

    BrRob

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 8, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My wife and I went for our anniversary. They laid down rose petals and a hand written congratulatory card. There was a live pianist. It was dark and romantic. Definitely worth the extremely high price. Great wine selection!
    

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 7, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Crazy expensive, remarkable food.
    

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22. L

    Lindapaterik

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 6, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Loved our server, Markus. Very attentive, sweet and knowledgeable. The FOOD... AMAZING... OUTSTANDING... DELICIOUS! Wish I could come more often. For a special occasion, yes but often, no. Very expensive. So glad I got to experience it though. Thank you! ... and to the hostess... Thank you for the sweet anniversary note. Very nice! LP
    

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23. TL

    TimothyL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    We had an exceptional experience from beginning to end.
    

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24. PA

    PAfoodie

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 4, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Always an amazing experience at El Gaucho, only complaint was they had to be reminded about a few items we ordered, but otherwise everything was brought out promptly and they have us free coffee
    

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25. TD

    TammyD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This resteraunt is FABULOUS!!!!! I would recommend it for just about any occasion, delicious food the service was above and beyound my expectations, and the ambiance was perfect for small gatherings and couples
    

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26. e

    eatoutforfun

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food and service!
    

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27. EG

    ErikG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 3, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My wife and I had an awesome time at El Gaucho. The food was great and the live music is a special treat. Our server, Marcus, was delightful and very helpful. His service was the best service we have ever had. We look forward to the next time we go.
    

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28. JG

    JuanG

    Kansas City

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place to celebrated a wedding anniversary. That's exactly what I did when my wife and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary. We walked out with a full belly and a happy heart. The entire experience was completely agreeable. Service was on point, food came out exactly how we ordered it, and the staff was absolutely amazing.
    

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29. r

    randall

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Caesar salad prepared table side was great as always. The filet mignon was also excellent and the baked potato for two prepared table side with the sharp cheddar cheese sauce was great as well. The key lime pie for dessert-also excellent. Our server Shelli was also outstanding.
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was the first time at El Gaucho for my wife and I. It definitely will not be our last!! Amazing food and an outstanding dining experience. We loved watching other diners getting the Flaming Sword Tenderloin and the Bananas Foster! All of our food was absolutely amazing and the service we got from Kelly B was top notch. We’ll be back in June for our 21st anniversary for some Flaming Swords!!
    

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31. d

    djme

    Seattle

    27 reviews

    3.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2018

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    3 of the steaks were not up to par. We were told we couldn’t have a private room and use Costco cards ( we had one ) it would be $500.00 for room. We spent $900.00 . Costco cards aren’t sold anymore! The three steaks were the $72.00 bone in ribeye
    

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best restaurant experience we have ever had in Tacoma. The service was exceptional. Everybody is super friendly and personable. Would love to go there again some day.
    

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33. JF

    JeffF

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    As always the food was exceptional! The serving staff excellent, promptly greeted, coats checked and seated. They were great in answering any questions and providing recommendations. I highly recommend them for a evening out with your special someone !
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Excellent food love the steak Tatar
    

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35. S

    Spoder

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    El Goucho is the place for a special meal in Tacoma.
    

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36. CR

    CheriR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2018

    overall4food5service2ambience4

    The food was spectacular as it always is! I always have a wonderful experience when dining at El Gaucho but I wasn't very impressed with the server we had this time around. He seemed very stiff and without much personality. For a place that has dedicated people to fill empty water glasses, I was disappointed to see that we sat with empty plates in front of us for nearly 15 minutes while our server prepared a table side salad for a party of six next to us. Couldn't someone else have picked up our plates? I could've also had another glass of wine while we were waiting if I had been offered one. Although we felt a bit ignored for a period of time, the food is excellent and I know I'll keep going.
    

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37. TS

    TroyS

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2018

    overall3food3service5ambience3

    The food was pretty good the medium rare filet mignon was over cooked. More like medium. It was a bit to dark. They gave you a flashlight to read the menu. And the music was way to loud. It was very difficult to try and hold a conversation. For a $$$$ type place I think it could way better.
    

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38. W

    Willie47

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2018

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Very nice for any occasion. However, I did not like that 20% was automatically added to an already over priced meal.
    

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39. C

    Chiefbiged

    Seattle

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Fantastic steak and oysters Rockefeller. The Jamaican mule is great twist on the original. We'll be back.
    

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40. GC

    GeorgiaC

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    An overall great experience. The table-side service is fun and the food is wonderful, but you definitely pay for it. I do appreciate that the steak is always cooked perfectly, as ordered. Would go again for a special occasion.
    

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