We went here for my birthday tonight. I was expecting so much from this place. Upon arrival the concierge was nice and acknowledged it was my birthday. We got seated quickly and our server got our drinks quickly. But once we placed our apps, the service began to decline. Service was slower and we did not get our food in a timely manner.
We waited a lot. We had our reservation at 545pm and didn't get out until 8pm! The table next to us got way better service. More attentive and their server and manager came to their table and asked how their meal was. Our server only came once to ask about our meal.
It took forever to order dessert. Our server never acknowledged we had to wait so long and she made my husband move his chair so they could place their side table to make the cherries jubilee. While I understand there wasn't much room. She shouldn't have asked my husband to move his chair if the show wasn't happening yet. My husband had to sit sideways next to another table for over 10 mins.
What really pissed me off was I did not get a comped dessert for my birthday. I ordered a dessert but most restaurants still comp a birthday dessert. They should have deducted my share of $17 for the cherries jubilee.
Plus they automatically add a 20% service charge. We did not get our monies worth. It sucks that we can't give what we think the service deserves. If they suck, we still have to pay that percentage. It's not gratuity anymore.
Also they do not accept Visa gift cards if there isn't a chip. That's dumb, it's still money. I did not see them offer Apple Pay either. What if the chip doesn't work on a card. So what then? Then you are screwed!
The food was good but not great for the price and for the service we got. Very disappointed. The duck fries use to be good but I feel the recipe has changed. Also I think it's tacky when they put one piece of steak on your plate with no sides cuz they insist on charging you a side dish. A side dish cost as much as an appetizer!
We could have complained but that won't change anything. We vote with our feet. We won't be coming back here anymore.
Worth Wollpert
Fantastic food as usual, service is usually five stars but this past time was just a hair off, drinks sat empty for a bit. Nothing I’d mention at a cheaper place but paying well north of $150 a person expectations go with that. Regardless, food was amazing as always. And that’s the most important!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Andrew Killawee
I'm sad to wonder if El Gaucho has become all sizzle and no substance. There's certainly glitter galore, but if you order (like I did) one of the most expensive ribeyes around, you may very well find it to be poorly seasoned, overly charred, and....seemingly smaller than the 18 oz advertised on the menu. Oh, and speaking of the menu...look close or you'll miss the part where they tell you (in tiny font) that there's an automatic 20% built in gratuity! Surely for parties of 8 or more you must ask? Nope. For a guy who wants to sit at the bar alone and enjoy a steak. And if you're still reading, and wondering about the 3 stars? That's for the piano player. No artist should bear the brunt of this sub par experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
herbert khantiok
We had our anniversary here and oh my!!!! It was possibly the best meal I’ve had in a very long time. This is the second location I have been to and they are both excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Harvey Deutsch
We had an another wonderful time at El Gaucho celebrating the holiday season with friends in the bar area! Once again, Stacey, Jackie and Simone gave us fabulous service and it’s always nice when the general manager, Ryan, stops by and says hello! Must also mention, we appreciate when the dining room servers that we know come by and say “hi”! These special touches always make our time at your restaurant feel special! A big shout out to your team! 👏👏👏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sabs A
We recently celebrated a coworker’s 30th birthday at El Gaucho in Seattle, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. When I booked online, I noted the birthday, and we were genuinely surprised and impressed to arrive and find a personalized birthday letter at the table along with menus printed with a Happy Birthday message. It was such a thoughtful touch and made the evening feel special right away.
For appetizers, we ordered the seafood tower, scallops, which were both fresh, generous, and beautifully presented, along with the classic tableside Caesar salad. The Caesar was exceptional! perfectly seasoned and prepared with that signature El Gaucho flair. Every appetizer we had was delicious, and I can honestly say there wasn’t a single dish that fell short.
For mains, we each chose our own steaks. I had the New York strip, which was cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. The standout of the night, though, was the A5 Wagyu that one of us ordered. It truly melted in your mouth - easily one of the best bites of steak I’ve ever had.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the tableside Bananas Foster, and it did not disappoint. Watching it being prepared was a delight, and the flavor was even better. I definitely finished mine and then helped with someone else’s.
We enjoyed some excellent wine as well; the sommelier was gracious, knowledgeable, and helped us pick selections that paired beautifully with the meal. Service overall was impeccable - from the sommelier to our server to the staff preparing tableside dishes, everyone was warm, attentive, and clearly committed to giving us a great experience. The ambience was classic and elegant, with live piano music adding to the atmosphere. It was a bit loud since we were seated right next to the piano, but the music was beautiful and added to the celebratory energy of the night. There was also a small wedding reception happening nearby, which made the whole space feel even more festive.
Overall, everything we ordered tasted amazing, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere made the evening feel truly special. I would absolutely give El Gaucho Seattle five stars and highly recommend it for celebrations, date nights, or any time you want a truly exceptional steakhouse experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James Thompson
I forgot how great this wonderful place is! Elegant without the panache. Service impeccable, the smiles everywhere. They even had a birthday card signed ready for us! AMAZING! I'll be here more often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Franklin
Best steak I've had in a long time, the staff was exceptionally good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
jose juan mijares chan
Amazing cuts and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Dye
Everyone here is simply amazing. Pam at the front desk, Simone at the bar, Oka, Jimmy, Jeffrey, Martin, Shay, Jackie, and Stacie, have all been absolutely wonderful. Thank you for always making us feel like we're your most important guests every time we visit. 10 out of 10!
Recommended dishes: El Gaucho Caesar Salad, Steak, Key Lime Pie, Steak Tartare, Steak El Gaucho, Scalloped Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Eric Robison
They never miss a beat from atmosphere to excellent food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lee Marie McMahon
Loved el Gaucho 🥩 and 🦞❣️The pianist was on point, knew as time goes by and will defiantly play it again Sam🎶Got happily lost in time, as the tuxedos floated by 🎼 Everything about el Gaucho is elegant, delivered with genuine care, to the finest detail, and the Paradise, a lovely libation🥰 😉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donavan Lopez
A must visit for all foodies. Simply amazing food and outstanding service! The old fashion was the best I've ever had.
We went here for my birthday tonight. I was expecting so much from this place. Upon arrival the concierge was nice and acknowledged it was my birthday. We got seated quickly and our server got our drinks quickly. But once we placed our apps, the service began to decline. Service was slower and we did not get our food in a timely manner. We waited a lot. We had our reservation at 545pm and didn't get out until 8pm! The table next to us got way better service. More attentive and their server and manager came to their table and asked how their meal was. Our server only came once to ask about our meal. It took forever to order dessert. Our server never acknowledged we had to wait so long and she made my husband move his chair so they could place their side table to make the cherries jubilee. While I understand there wasn't much room. She shouldn't have asked my husband to move his chair if the show wasn't happening yet. My husband had to sit sideways next to another table for over 10 mins. What really pissed me off was I did not get a comped dessert for my birthday. I ordered a dessert but most restaurants still comp a birthday dessert. They should have deducted my share of $17 for the cherries jubilee. Plus they automatically add a 20% service charge. We did not get our monies worth. It sucks that we can't give what we think the service deserves. If they suck, we still have to pay that percentage. It's not gratuity anymore. Also they do not accept Visa gift cards if there isn't a chip. That's dumb, it's still money. I did not see them offer Apple Pay either. What if the chip doesn't work on a card. So what then? Then you are screwed! The food was good but not great for the price and for the service we got. Very disappointed. The duck fries use to be good but I feel the recipe has changed. Also I think it's tacky when they put one piece of steak on your plate with no sides cuz they insist on charging you a side dish. A side dish cost as much as an appetizer! We could have complained but that won't change anything. We vote with our feet. We won't be coming back here anymore.
Fantastic food as usual, service is usually five stars but this past time was just a hair off, drinks sat empty for a bit. Nothing I’d mention at a cheaper place but paying well north of $150 a person expectations go with that. Regardless, food was amazing as always. And that’s the most important!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I'm sad to wonder if El Gaucho has become all sizzle and no substance. There's certainly glitter galore, but if you order (like I did) one of the most expensive ribeyes around, you may very well find it to be poorly seasoned, overly charred, and....seemingly smaller than the 18 oz advertised on the menu. Oh, and speaking of the menu...look close or you'll miss the part where they tell you (in tiny font) that there's an automatic 20% built in gratuity! Surely for parties of 8 or more you must ask? Nope. For a guy who wants to sit at the bar alone and enjoy a steak. And if you're still reading, and wondering about the 3 stars? That's for the piano player. No artist should bear the brunt of this sub par experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
We had our anniversary here and oh my!!!! It was possibly the best meal I’ve had in a very long time. This is the second location I have been to and they are both excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an another wonderful time at El Gaucho celebrating the holiday season with friends in the bar area! Once again, Stacey, Jackie and Simone gave us fabulous service and it’s always nice when the general manager, Ryan, stops by and says hello! Must also mention, we appreciate when the dining room servers that we know come by and say “hi”! These special touches always make our time at your restaurant feel special! A big shout out to your team! 👏👏👏
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We recently celebrated a coworker’s 30th birthday at El Gaucho in Seattle, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. When I booked online, I noted the birthday, and we were genuinely surprised and impressed to arrive and find a personalized birthday letter at the table along with menus printed with a Happy Birthday message. It was such a thoughtful touch and made the evening feel special right away.
For appetizers, we ordered the seafood tower, scallops, which were both fresh, generous, and beautifully presented, along with the classic tableside Caesar salad. The Caesar was exceptional! perfectly seasoned and prepared with that signature El Gaucho flair. Every appetizer we had was delicious, and I can honestly say there wasn’t a single dish that fell short.
For mains, we each chose our own steaks. I had the New York strip, which was cooked to perfection and incredibly flavorful. The standout of the night, though, was the A5 Wagyu that one of us ordered. It truly melted in your mouth - easily one of the best bites of steak I’ve ever had.
For dessert, we couldn’t resist the tableside Bananas Foster, and it did not disappoint. Watching it being prepared was a delight, and the flavor was even better. I definitely finished mine and then helped with someone else’s.
We enjoyed some excellent wine as well; the sommelier was gracious, knowledgeable, and helped us pick selections that paired beautifully with the meal. Service overall was impeccable - from the sommelier to our server to the staff preparing tableside dishes, everyone was warm, attentive, and clearly committed to giving us a great experience.
The ambience was classic and elegant, with live piano music adding to the atmosphere. It was a bit loud since we were seated right next to the piano, but the music was beautiful and added to the celebratory energy of the night. There was also a small wedding reception happening nearby, which made the whole space feel even more festive.
Overall, everything we ordered tasted amazing, the service was top-notch, and the atmosphere made the evening feel truly special. I would absolutely give El Gaucho Seattle five stars and highly recommend it for celebrations, date nights, or any time you want a truly exceptional steakhouse experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I forgot how great this wonderful place is! Elegant without the panache. Service impeccable, the smiles everywhere. They even had a birthday card signed ready for us! AMAZING! I'll be here more often!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best steak I've had in a long time, the staff was exceptionally good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing cuts and service!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everyone here is simply amazing. Pam at the front desk, Simone at the bar, Oka, Jimmy, Jeffrey, Martin, Shay, Jackie, and Stacie, have all been absolutely wonderful. Thank you for always making us feel like we're your most important guests every time we visit. 10 out of 10!
Restaurantji Recommends
Ryan the GM is a fantastic guy and very helpful
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: El Gaucho Caesar Salad, Steak, Key Lime Pie, Steak Tartare, Steak El Gaucho, Scalloped Potatoes, Crispy Brussels Sprouts
They never miss a beat from atmosphere to excellent food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved el Gaucho 🥩 and 🦞❣️The pianist was on point, knew as time goes by and will defiantly play it again Sam🎶Got happily lost in time, as the tuxedos floated by 🎼 Everything about el Gaucho is elegant, delivered with genuine care, to the finest detail, and the Paradise, a lovely libation🥰 😉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A must visit for all foodies. Simply amazing food and outstanding service! The old fashion was the best I've ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious beefsteak
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