My girlfriend and I live very close, at the Goodwin, and are moving to SLU soon. We decided to try all the expensive places around us before we left. I was saving El Gaucho for last, because I heard they had unparalleled steaks. I often cook my own steaks, whether its a reverse sear, an amateur attempt at sous vide, or a good ol' cast-iron griddle. I would say I am a very competent cook, and am very particular about my food. So when I walked into El Gaucho, and saw the flaming swords, and was attended to like a king, I had my doubts about how good the food would turn out. I find that a place either specializes in food, or in experiences. And this experience was definitely one to be remembered. Unfortunately, I wasnt there for the experience. I wanted one thing, the Ribeye. Our food came quickly, and was cooked perfectly to our specifications. After one bite I knew the verdict. This was definitely an experience type of place. Don't get me wrong, the cut of meat was excellent, it was cooked perfectly and the meat had the perfect amount of time to rest for the juices to settle before it was handed to me. The problem? It was just a tad too bland. Even the shrimp my girlfriend got in her pasta wasnt properly seasoned. Its not like the steak was terrible, I could tell that it was chosen as a prime cut and cooked to exact specifications. There was flavor, you could taste the difference from dry aging, and the blend they use was faintly present. It just needed a bit mor of the blend, possibly some flavored basting and it might have been one of the best steaks I've had. I recently went to Boca Restobar around the corner, and even though their atmosphere and service are incomparable (El Gaucho is just next level), their boneless Ribeye (which is only $49 compared to El Gauchos $81) was miles ahead of El Gauchos in terms of flavor. Again, the cut of meat at El Gaucho was clearly superior. But the Juicy, tasty, and tender steak at Boca definitely beat it out. Of course price is something to consider, however I am not factoring that into this review. I am specifically reviewing their Ribeye, and assuming that the rest of their food (not desserts) are similar. Luxury selection of food, great preparation, however the flavoring is not carried solely by this. Either the seasoning blend is too light, or the amount is not sufficient.
I am not a complainer, and had a great time. I'd even come back, my server was fantastic, and everything about the experience was amazing. I just wish I could say the same for the steak. After I try the last steak house nearby (Ipanema) I may check the place out again to see if maybe this was just a fluke. But for now, I am left a bit disappointed by the...
Read moreWow. I need to thank Sarah and Drew for ensuring my partner and I had an incredible experience at El Gaucho. I just feel so fortunate to have had the two elevate our time there this past Sunday for my partner’s belated birthday. I’m not sure of the screening process to work there but my god I can most definitely vouch for Sarah and Drew.
Drew - thank you so much for your warm welcome and energy. Immediately this made my partner and I feel comfortable. You provided a wonderful recommendation with the mac and cheese as it did not disappoint. Your kindness and attentiveness left us speechless. Needless to say, you clearly carry traits that reflect an experienced and knowledgeable person who knows this industry and service extremely well. Drew had an effortless way of making sure we were cared for without hovering us. It’s very rare to come across someone who nails professionalism and warmth. Every interaction with him made our dining experience so worth it and special. So, thank you very much.
Sarah - you are unreal. I have no idea where to start. We have never had a server like you in our lives. From the moment she greeted us, it was clear we were in the hands of an obvious professional. Her kind, confident presence immediately put us at ease, and her recommendations? Spot on. But what really blew us away was the fact that she asked if we were on a time crunch — something no one has ever asked us before. (And we actually were!) That one question completely changed the flow of our meal, and thanks to her incredible awareness and efficiency, we had our two perfectly cooked steaks, sides, and even dessert — all out and enjoyed in under an hour. We didn’t feel rushed, either. It was paced beautifully, and we still got the full El Gaucho experience without sacrificing quality or service. I genuinely cannot believe how smooth and exceptional the entire night was. Sarah was so on it, and you can just tell she’s been in the industry for a long time — it shows in every little detail. If you have the chance to be served by Sarah, consider yourself lucky. She made our night absolutely unforgettable.
Finally as for what we ate — highly recommend the ribeyes (medium) with the truffle butter on the side, the mac and cheese, and the crispy brussel sprouts cooked in bacon fat (I didn’t even know that was possible, but wow). We wrapped it all up with the bread pudding for dessert, which was beyond perfect. Please get this.
El Gaucho - you are truly lucky to have both Sarah and Drew on your team. They made our night one to remember. Thanks to them — we’ll be back soon! Oh and the food of course : ) This is a...
Read moreEl Gaucho is a classic steakhouse that has been serving Seattleites for over 40 years. The restaurant is known for its high-quality steaks, which are dry-aged for 28 days and grilled over a wood fire. The menu also features a variety of other Argentinian dishes, such as empanadas, grilled seafood, and chimichurri.
The atmosphere at El Gaucho is elegant and sophisticated, with dark wood paneling, marble countertops, and dim lighting. The service is impeccable, with attentive waitstaff who are knowledgeable about the menu and wine list.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at El Gaucho with my family. We started with the tableside Caesar salad, which was made to perfection with fresh romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing. For our main courses, we ordered the filet mignon, the ribeye steak. All of the steaks were cooked to perfection and were incredibly tender and flavorful.
For dessert, we shared the banana foster. It was quite the spectacular show.We also had a glass of the house Malbec, which was full-bodied and flavorful.
Overall, we had a wonderful dining experience at El Gaucho. The food was excellent, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated. I would highly recommend El Gaucho to anyone looking for a special dining experience in Seattle.
Here are some additional details about my experience:
The food was cooked to perfection. The steaks were juicy and flavorful. The sides were also delicious, and I especially enjoyed the chimichurri sauce.
The service was impeccable. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, and he was very attentive to our needs.
The atmosphere was elegant and sophisticated. The restaurant is located in a historic building, and the interior is decorated with dark wood paneling and marble countertops. The lighting is dim, which creates a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
The price was high, but I felt that the food and service were worth it. I would definitely recommend El Gaucho for a special occasion.
Here are some tips for dining at El Gaucho:
Make a reservation. El Gaucho is a popular restaurant, and it is often busy, especially on weekends.
Dress up. There is no specific dress code, but you will feel more comfortable if you dress up a little bit.
Order the tableside Caesar salad. It is a delicious and fun way to start your meal.
Share a few dishes. The portions are large, so you may want to share a few dishes with your dining companions.
Order a glass of Malbec. This full-bodied wine pairs perfectly...
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