El Gaucho
(206) 728-1337
2505 First Ave
Seattle,
WA
98121
47.6147
-122.349
Neighborhoods: Downtown, Belltown
Reviews & Ratings for El Gaucho
110 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 110 reviews
El Gaucho is Worth EVERY Penny!
by TechGuy206
April 29, 2009
El Gaucho was amazing! My friend referred me to it and from the beginning to the end our service was phenomenal. The ambient lighting was perfect and the staff treated us like royalty. The restaurant is one of the best in Seattle (comparable to Canlis) so you should expect to pay a premium. My girlfriend and I were pleasantly surprised when our serving sizes were more than adequate and they served one of the best rib-eye steaks that my taste buds have ever grazed. It was my girlfriend's 21st birthday and the establishment purchased her first drink ever on the house. Any restaurant that puts in this much effort into giving their customers a memorable experience passes my test with flying colors and deserves my time to actually blog about it.
- Pros: Sizable servings, atmosphere,and 5-star customer service
- Cons: Don't have enough money to eat here every night ;)
Best Steak I've Ever Had!
by Cuppettwagner
October 16, 2008
We went here for my husband's 30th birthday, and it was the fanciest place we'd ever dined at. Low lighting, attentive servers, great ambience, live piano, and amazing food! The steak was perfectly cooked and so tender! Can't afford to go there very often but we'll definitely make it out for the next extra special occasion!
- Pros: Steak!, service, ambience, tableside caesar, and fresh bread
- Cons: Parking, pricey
Wow aren't they self impressed by Kari M. at InsiderPages
Contributor
September 01, 2008
Sadly this place used to be okay but the servers have gotten quite full of themselves... if you don't order a bottle of wine at $70 or more they tend to treat you like a second class citizen. The food was okay but really expensive... probably an okay place to propose but go to Canlis.. much better, more romantic and an exceptionally better base fo staff.
Special, fancy night out - full of ambience
by marnid
July 06, 2008
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
What a treat you are in for!
by rubinator
June 06, 2008
Went here for my birthday (41) and just wanted to order dessert; 1st time. Mrs and I chose to order the Bananas Foster. Waitress flambed 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 flambe 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, Flambed Desserts
- Cons: A little spendy, but once in a blue moon is OK.
Incredible, just incredible!
by coffee2die4
May 02, 2008
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.
Unforgettable experience
by wseattlek
April 09, 2008
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
Overrated, overpriced, forked way to much money OVER!!!
by ruben571
December 31, 2007
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
Charming beyond expectations
by seeker111
November 27, 2007
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
El Gaucho's is not what it used to be - very disappointing :(
by cobradvm
October 31, 2007
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!
