El Gaucho

07/06/2008 Posted by marnid

For our last night out in Seattle, we went to El Guacho upon the recommendation of a waiter from the night before from another restaurant. The ambience was incredible- so classy yet not snotty. All of the staff was exceptional and the food was delicious. The over-the-top extras like the escorts to the restroom, the tableside ceasar and the fruit and cheese plate made the evening extra special and so memorable. I also appreciated that we were made comfortable without having to dress up too much - we were in jeans and this was not at all uncommon. This will be a pretty pricey night, but it's worth it every once in a while.

Pros: Ambience, service

Cons: pricey

06/06/2008 Posted by rubinator

Went here for my birthday (41) and just wanted to order dessert; 1st time. Mrs and I chose to order the Bananas Foster. Waitress flambéd right in front of us and looked more than appetizing during the process of no more than 5 minutes. Tasting it - I told the Mrs. they've nailed it - delicious. It is very sweet and worth every spoonful. Ambience in the restaurant is very welcoming and not too dark. Piano player in the background and didn't overpower table conversation. Mrs. pointed out that a woman was walking to the table from the restroom and one of the staff escorted (elbow in elbow) back to the table and stated what a classy move. Also learned that for engagements, they put their own spin in making the night special, and I'll bet it is for the woman. Posture of staff, every single one was straight and not slouched. Water was always filled without asking. Appetizers: Garlic bread was served before the flambé and tasted awesome, savor the garlic, it is well worth it. All in all, I have been having trouble all day explaining to people what it was like, " wow " is the best way to put it. Great Job to the staff and definitely a highly recommend to El Gaucho on 1st Avenue.

Pros: Ambience, Romanticy, Flambéd Desserts

Cons: A little spendy, but once in a blue moon is OK.

05/02/2008 Posted by coffee2die4

The food and ambiance will really make your day. The people are extremely friendly, but sincere. Something on the menu for everyone. Fantastic place.

Pros: Excellent food, wonderful atmosphere, great people

Cons: Slightly high prices, but worth it.

04/09/2008 Posted by wseattlek

I should first of all say that I have only eaten there once. And the bill was very large for two people. But for a special occasion, it was amazing. The service was perfect, all of the food was impecably amazing. I'm not used to being escorted to and from the bathroom, so the little touches like that made the experience unforgetable. I will go there someday again when I have saved up enough money. :)

Pros: great dinner for unforgettable evening, some of the best service ever

Cons: very very expensive

12/31/2007 Posted by ruben571

Considering the tab we were charged, this review will be held to the standards of the finer restaurants in the industry. Simply put, they fall way short. There are numerous steakhouses that match the quality of this joint for a quarter of the price. Seriously. The service was awful. There's nothing like a stuffed shirt in a jacket playing the role of a waiter. The food quality is so-so. The editorial review recommended the wicked shrimp, which seemed like they were previously frozen. The filet mignon was overcooked, but the baseball cut sirloin was surprisingly good. Wine list was excellent and they do have quite the bar scene. But, considering what you pay for, you shouldn't leave with such a bitter taste in your mouth.

Pros: Bar, Wine List, Location

Cons: Service, Value, Questionable Food Quality

11/27/2007 Posted by seeker111

Stylish doesn’t even begin to describe this place. As you enter the old theater style double doors, you have no idea what to expect but then…you are transformed to old 1930 NY style supper club. This place truly is different from any other restaurant you have been too. The food and service is as amazing as the ambiance.

Pros: great service, stylish and romantic

Cons: None

10/31/2007 Posted by cobradvm

Having eaten several times at El Gaucho, we opted to stay at the Inn as well as have dinner at the restaurant for our wedding anniversary. We probably spent about $600 for one night with dinner and staying overnight. With regards to our dinner, the steak was overcooked (although it was so dark it was hard to see it!), and not as tender/juicy as I expected. We ordered Steak El Gaucho which comes with lobster medallions - these were forgotten altogether. We had a $95 barolo that tasted like a $15 bottle from Safeway. The Inn was okay - several irritating things though - sink plug didn't work, wireless internet didn't work, not enough creamer for the in room coffee etc. We will be trying somewhere else for special occasions in the future - maybe our expectations were too high - not any more!

10/30/2007 Posted by gingersnapz

This restaurant is impeccable. The valet service was prompt and created ease when I was running a few minutes behind schedule. The restaurant is larger inside then it seems from the entrance. The atmosphere is impressive with great attention to detail. The food was amazing! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the beef we ordered was out of this world! I went to El Gaucho for a work related event and am looking forward to returning for a romantic night out with my husband! I have already recommended it to several of my clients.

Pros: Ambience, Valet Parking, Wonderful Food

Cons: None

09/27/2007 Posted by utcleopatra

My hubby and I went to El Gaucho for our 2 year anniversary. No presents, no extravagant plans...just a nice dinner at El Gaucho. It was amazing and surpassed our expectations. I almost leapt out of the booth to stomp out the fire when the server flambeed my skewered lamb. Apparently the carpet is flame retardent, so fire is thrown around regularly ;) It reminded me of a place where you would expect Frank Sinatra to come serenade you at any moment. Pricey, but worth it for a special occasion.

08/24/2007 Posted by angrytrout

Are you kidding me?! This place is the best. I can't wait to bring clients here. I have never (and I dine out four nights a week) had service like this. These people care about what they are doing. Best night ever in a restaurant.