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    El Gaucho

    4.0 (867 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSteakhouses, Seafood, Bars
    Closed 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order El Gaucho Takeout or Delivery

    El Gaucho Photos

    Business Info

    EL GAUCHO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Classy
    Upscale

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    Recommended Reviews - El Gaucho

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    Reviews With Photos

    Espresso Martini for dessert.
    Raphael V.

    Went back again with same couple from 12/13 poor experience. Much better this time around. Ian was great as our waiter and the manager stopped by to assist with service and ensure everything was going well. We were seated promptly on arrival and experienced no delays in the service. Food was delish! One minor glitch, which also happened last time. We ordered the Zuccardi Concerto and received a different bottle of Zuccardi. We returned the first bottle (un opened) and received the correct bottle with dinner.

    Menu
    Omari D.

    After a successful Gala Event which brought me to Portland, others and I chose this location to celebrate and what a great overall experience. We made a reservation for a party of 8 initially, but ended up with 6, and we were seated in the bar area at a table. The service was great when it came to welcoming us and getting us situated with cocktails. Most in the group had been here many times before, so they were making sure to showcase the key things they knew I would enjoy. many times before We started with the Caesar salad done tableside along with a variety of cocktails... oh wait, I said that already... haha. We had two choice bottles of wine that were great to complement our mains, as everyone had some type of steak. I opted for the special, which consisted of three steaks that were served Oscar style, Chimichurri style & one with berniquese sauce. All I believe it was 12 ounces total (4 each) and was ideal for me as I was undecided to start. For the sides, we had the Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and yes, the baked potato. That was actually a surprise because the baked potato was done table-side as well, but all of the ingredients with it elevated the potato beyond expectation. Typically, at other traditional steakhouses, they literally just heat up a potato and slap it on your plate and say go for it with everything on the side... not here!!! We were also celebrating a birthday & continued with additional drinks to keep the vibe going. The only downside was that one of the steaks that was ordered was supposed to be medium, and it came back with very little pink in it. I did appreciate that all the staff were quick to help resolve it and move forward.

    Seared Tuna Seared Yellowfin Tuna
    Rebecca P.

    Really fantastic experience. We were seated promptly, the server was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food came out perfectly timed, and the suggested wine pairings were on point. I've dined here many times, and am always pleased to with the quality of food and service. It remains my favorite steakhouse in Portland.

    Bone in ribeye Pittsburgh style
    Matthew R.

    On a whim, we decided to alter our dinner plans, shop for some suitable clothes, and make reservations at El Gaucho toward the end of a hiking trip around the Pacific NW. It was also our third anniversary week! We initially made an 8pm reservation for a Friday but were able to arrive around 7pm. The hostesses were very accommodating and after a quick drink at the bar, where I had a properly iced and garnished old fashioned ($20), we were seated in a private back room. They had live music in the main dining area and it was a lively atmosphere, we were happy to sit in an area where conversation was more possible. Our server did a comprehensive job of acclimating us to the menu and specials while also suggesting some personal favorites. We had scouted out the menu online beforehand, so we knew what we wanted! We started with the tableside filet mignon tartare, which is seasoned, mixed, and egged before your very eyes. I added a bit of horseradish and enjoyed the dish! The spicy crab bisque, while not especially spicy, came with some nice chunks of crab and tasted great. We split the 18 ounce Canadian lobster tail which was deshelled at the table and cut into two portions with drawn butter. Expensive at $125 but so delicious! My wife had the petite 6oz filet and asparagus and enjoyed them both. I ordered the bone in ribeye Pittsburgh style and got exactly what I ordered! The char tasted great. We powered through to dessert where we shared a slice of strawberry rhubarb cheesecake with an outstanding sauce and crust. We also received a fruit and cheese plate as a part of the course. The dessert was also comped due to our anniversary. We were given a congratulations card and some rose petals strewn across the table to celebrate our anniversary as well. All in all, a great experience! The tip was figured into our final tally, with an option for additional gratuity but our server made it clear that the auto grat was present. If I had to find a "room for improvement" it would maybe be the yukon gold mashed potatoes, they could use some embedded skins or additional flavoring like garlic.

    Sylvester S.

    Our waiter Mason made my wife and me feel like a king and queen from the moment we sat down. His attention to detail was on another level, checking on us at the perfect times, anticipating what we needed before we even asked, and treating us with genuine hospitality. He turned a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience and played a huge part in making my wife's birthday absolutely perfect. We couldn't have asked for a better waiter. Honestly, I would drive 2.5 hours from Tacoma, WA to Portland Oregon any day of the week just to experience Mason level of service again.

    Dean S.

    Absolutely phenomenal food, drinks, and Service. Took my wife here for our anniversary dinner, and it did not disappoint. Host greeted us saying "Happy Anniversary". Our table had a card from the staff wishing us a happy anniversary with rose pedals around it. Brandon are server was awesome. Went over the menu and made his personal suggestions which were appreciated. Everything was just perfect. For appetizers we did the oysters, scallops, and the table side Filet Mignon tartar. Entrees we did the Chateaubriand- the 2 person tenderloin meal table side service, with loaded baked potatoes, asparagus, and grill tomatoes. We also order a side of Risotto which was also very good. The tenderloin melted in your mouth. Everything was just delicious!! Definitely spendy spot, but worth the experience you get.

    Steak El Gaucho (sauce on side)
    John H.

    I heard about El Gaucho when I moved to town. The classic, downtown, fine dining, table side, top quality steak house! Upon arrival, it feels like the kind of place that would make you wear a sport coat or jacket to enter. However, I saw a guy in a white, Hawaii T-shirt. We were asked if we would be following our dinner with time in the smoking lounge, tempting - but we did not. Top notch service with exceptional attentiveness. The table side Caesar salad was a highlight. I opted for the Steak el Gaucho, sauce on the side (smart decision). While I enjoyed it, the lobster was a little overcooked and the steak was not the best I've had. Overall, a delicious meal made better by the experience. Prices are reflective of the service more than the quality.

    Pasta
    Victoria L.

    Ate here for a holiday party. The server was very charismatic and created a great experience. The food was "okay" for me, as I am a vegetarian. Everyone who ordered steak was pleased. They do prepare things a bit more rare, so ask for a bit more well done than you expect.

    Tenderloin Diablo
    Isabelle ꨄ.

    was running late to a reservation and was able to push it back an hour with no problem. there was beautiful live music and our service was extremely kind! the diablo tenderloin was a bit too smoky for my taste but the tenderloin was cooked perfectly, as was the crab mac and cheese which was amazingggg!!!! i also got the prawn linguine, the prawn was cooked perfectly, not my favorite but worth the try.

    Chateaubriand
    Katie A.

    Had the most unforgettable experience at this magical place for my birthday. Best birthday dinner to date!!! The amount of care we received and service was just stellar!!!! We ordered the seafood tower which we forgot to take a photo of but it was so amazing and what really caught me was the oysters so of course I had to get a half dozen more! The steak was so perfectly prepared you can taste that quality. I am drooling and dreaming of it now. I am beyond happy to have celebrated here because there was nothing that could have been better!

    Menu
    Matthew V.

    Great service.. Great hospitality.... The food was amazing, calamari, asparagus, sweet, roasted corn and potatoes was ordered and was very good.. The ambience was really good the vibes, dark, sexy. This place is a staple steakhouse in Portland.

    Personalized menu for the 15th Wedding Anniversary!!
    Billy K.

    Called in late on a Wednesday and was able to reserve a table for our 15th wedding anniversary. The place was very busy but they had saved a very nice and I might add large booth for just the two of us. The meal was to die for! Steaks perfectly done, they gladly split the wedge salad for us, the roasted squash side was superb and the service was excellent. The staff is professional yet personable and the attention to detail is amazing. They even printed us a personalized menu surrounded by rose petals!! El Gaucho is one of my all time favorites and highly recommended!!

    80.00
    Deanna C.

    It was disappointing. I took my husband for his 60th birthday and it was the most expensive, blah birthday dinner ever. The food was good, but again, disappointed by the price we paid for the food we got. I was expecting a little something special since it was a birthday celebration, and a pretty big birthday at that. Other than my husbands name on the menu, which was nice, absolutely nothing else. It was underwhelming and I wish I would have spent the over 300.00 on 2 people for dinner elsewhere. I know for some that is just a normal amount for dinner, but for us it was a splurge. We went home still hungry and had left over cheesecake from a family celebration the night before. It would have been nice to have the happy birthday desserts I saw in yelp reviews, but we were not so lucky.

    French onion soup

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    Page 1 of 22

    Ask the Community - El Gaucho

    Is there a happy hour?

    100%! Great cocktails and simple but bold appetizers make a great start to any evening.

    What time does music start?

    I would like to say about 5 or 530pm.

    Can you make reservations in the cigar room?

    Hi Candi, Guests are able to make day-of reservations in the cigar room. Please call us at 503-227-8794 and we will be happy to asssist with that. Thank you!

    In the From This Business statement it says "every lady is escorted to the ladies room". Is this a new policy? I've been to El Gaucho many times over the years. Not once has a lady in my party ever been escorted to the ladies room.

    I can remember my place setting and napkin being altered and reset when I returned, but no one has walked me to the restroom.

    Please tell me you guys didn't get rid of the flaming sword? I'm flying in from HB California, and was looking forward to my favorite steakhouse / flaming sword , and I don't see it on your menu!

    Hi Dee, We have removed that item temporarily while the restaurant is closed for dine-in business as the brochette is not something we can do to-go. Please check back when we… Read more

    Are they doing happy hour during COVID?

    Hello Matthew, We do not currently have happy hour. We are taking reservations for dinner Tuesday-Saturday evenings. We hope to return to a happy hour menu once we return to regular business hours. Thank you for the inquiry. For reservations please… Read more

    Is the cigar room still open? I heard that they closed it down.

    Not closed down, alive and well- come see us!

    What is the dress code?

    Smart casual to cocktail

    Is there a non-smoking area or is it all cigar room?

    Hi Edward, As another guest has mentioned, smoking of cigars is only allowed in our Cigar Room. The room is well-ventilated and is small in relation to the rest of the… Read more

    View All 10 Questions

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    Scotch Lodge was a delight. Incredibly well designed space with friendly service that helped a…read morenovice scotch/whiskey drinker find something they loved. Good music, good vibes, and what looked like a killer food offering.

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    4.1(1.5k reviews)
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    My husband is always craving a steak for his birthday and I've heard never-ending, amazing things…read moreabout Laurelhurst Market, so we made a reservation to celebrate. We got seated right away, the hostess was friendly and mentioned the birthday listed on the reservation. To start, we ordered two cocktails, the beef tartare, and the shishitos peppers. The beef tartare was incredibly fresh and flavorful and the mustard vinaigrette was the perfect touch. The blistered shishitos were good, however, they were underwhelming compared to everything else and we probably wouldn't order them again. For our entree, we shared the Brandt Ranch Ribeye which was phenomenal - definitely one of our top 5 steaks we've ever had. We prefer medium rare and it was cooked perfectly with just the right amount of crème fraiche to not overpower the flavor of the steak. Plus, the bacon vinaigrette went very well with the entire meal. We were incredibly impressed with the meal and the atmosphere, and we'd join again for sure. The area in which our experience lacked was the service, which was disappointing and didn't make us feel great ordering anything else. After we got our appetizers, and then entree, we were not checked on once and I had to wave down our server for another round of drinks. At the same time, he was supposed to get us a water refill which we never ended up getting. Our server didn't mention anything in regards to a birthday, never asked how our cocktails or food was, checked on every table around us (besides us) and we didn't even get a thank you as we passed him heading out the door. Because I've consistently heard amazing things about Laurelhurst, I'll take this as a fluke because I definitely believe in second chances, especially when the food was that good, but I hope the next server we get is more attentive and friendly. Neither of us would expect a birthday beverage or dessert, but after dining at several places where they offer a glass of champagne, a small dessert, etc. it definitely stands out when an establishment like this doesn't offer or acknowledge a celebration. Till next time - Cheers

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    $$$

    In the search for a place to meet up with an old friend to catch up that is quintessentially…read morePortland, we chose PCC and what a treat it was. The views here are absolutely incredible. We got here about an hour before the sunset and we got to have amazing drinks and food while watching the sun disappear in the horizon. The Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita is fantastic and made with Don Julio Tequila, jalapeño and desert pear syrup and lychee sour. A fun twist on a classic, very surprising in a good way. I also tried the Amalfi Stroll with gin and aperol and passion fruit, lime and grapefruit. Perfect balance of sweet and touch of bitter from the aperitif. Other solid choices, pun intended, included the rockfish jambalaya which was loaded with flavor and very filling. And to end the night, butterscotch bread pudding ftw. Great place for amazing view, drinks and overall wonderful atmosphere and service.

    I was disappointed by my experience at Portland City Grill, especially given the price point and…read morereputation. One of my biggest concerns was dining with dairy-free and gluten-free restrictions. I asked whether there was anything on the menu that could accommodate both without substitutions, because with higher-end dishes, removing key components often leaves you with a plate that feels incomplete and not as thoughtfully prepared as intended. I was told that essentially every item on the menu contained one or the other, or both, which was frustrating and made it very difficult to order comfortably. Unfortunately, the service issues started before we were even seated. When we arrived, the hostess initially ignored us and had us walking around trying to figure out where to go for help, only for us to end up back where we started. When she finally acknowledged us, she rudely told us to stand against the wall until she was ready. It set an unwelcoming tone right away. Our server was also very cold and unfriendly throughout the meal. When I pulled out my chair to sit down, I found a bunch of crumbs on it that I had to clean off myself, right in front of the server. The plate already set in front of my seat, with the napkin on it, also had crumbs on it, which made the table setting feel careless and unclean from the start. Then when our wine arrived, the service got even sloppier. On the second pour, after originally pouring us each the correct wine, our server mixed up the bottles and topped off our glasses with each other's wine. It was a noticeable mistake and frustrating because the wines were already in our glasses and then ended up mixed together. For a restaurant that charges premium prices, I expected much better hospitality, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The view is lovely, but unfortunately the overall experience did not live up to the standard the restaurant presents.

    Photos
    Portland City Grill - City view

    City view

    Portland City Grill - Salmon and Grilled Asparagus over mashed potato

    Salmon and Grilled Asparagus over mashed potato

    Portland City Grill - Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita cocktail was excellent! What a twist on a classic. Definitely unexpected!

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    Spicy Prickly Pear Margarita cocktail was excellent! What a twist on a classic. Definitely unexpected!

    de Fuego - Salmon Tiradito

    de Fuego

    4.3(595 reviews)
    8.3 mi
    $$

    Came over for the first time to celebrate my birthday with a few friends. We were meeting for…read moreHappy Hour and was surprised how big the lounge area was. There were many large seating area available. One main cedar table was a big attraction. There is a fireplace with a table by it We got a table. I ordered a Borgona, fruit puree juices mix with Sprite. Never had one, but sounded really good. It came and it was delicious and fruity for a mocktail. We ordered a shrimp ceviche and octopus skewers to start out with. The Shrimp Ceviche was very delicious and it was something that I was very happy to share it with my friends. It was a big portion of shrimp cocktail with salsa on the bottom and these large sized blue chips. It was so good that we ate it quickly. Octopus skewers was a tad charred. Yet very delicious especially if you eat it with the pineapple together. Brings out the flavor of the pineapples quite well. We ordered the Pork Belly Tacos and Mole Shrimp Tacos which came in 3. I absolutely loved street tacos filled with good fresh ingredients. And both of these hot the spot. The pork belly was an absolute great flavor of the pork belly. The Shrimp was delicious. Cook perfectly and easy to devour quickly. DeFuego Nachos had Jalapenos. But wasn't listed. The nachos were delicious and it was quickly devoured. Wings came in 4 wings with garlic parmesan with carrots and celery and ranch on the platter. Heavily garlic on the wings yet very delicious. Half wedge salad was a surprise how much there is in the salad. A lot of fresh veggies there with cherry tomatoes and sliced radishes in it. I had a absolutely fun experience celebrating my birthday here. DeFuego had Happy Hour from 3pm to 6pm, seven days out of the week. Seems the Happy Hour here is very popular. You have 21 appetizers to choose from on the Happy Hour Menu. There are Mocktails, and any drinks you want available. Definitely will come back again.

    Shoot. Last night I took my boyfriend here to celebrate a special event & we left so disappointed!…read moreWe got there at 7:15 & we were stuck there for over 2 hours! I ordered 2 things and both came out wrong. Our waitress spoke very loudly and we could hear her having long personal conversations with people a couple tables away from us for 10+ minutes at a time, several times. While we waited for her, we ran out of water a few times and I had to ask for more. It was over an hour before our order was even taken. We did flag her down to order an appetizer, brussel sprouts with cheese on the side due to a dairy allergy, but... the sprouts came out with cheese on them. They corrected this fairly promptly, but then we sat for another 45 minutes before our order was actually taken. I ordered a steak as "somewhere between medium & medium well" and she correctly repeated my order back to me "medium/medium well." When the steak came out, it was WELL well done. Like, burnt. I wanted to send it back, but I didn't want to deal with the embarrassment or have to wait even longer for food. We were about an hour & 45 minutes into dinner by the time we got our food. I was so disappointed! I also wanted to get dessert to celebrate the occasion but the service was SO slow that we had to cancel our after-dinner plans. We ordered it anyway & requested the check promptly, giving up on our plans for the rest of the evening. We were only a party of 2, we arrived early for our reservation, & we watched several larger parties come and go while we waited for our order to even be taken. It was a Wednesday night and not overly busy, there were several empty tables, so I'm not sure what the hold up was. We were also seated at an odd table next to the kitchen with a small divider between us and the staff. It was noisy and I even heard 2 staff members exchange a joke about how someone else had left & said they'd never come back. They laughed about it. I wish I had the guts those people had to get up & leave! I've never once left less than a 20% tip and felt immense guilt not tipping well, but after experiencing the poor service then also hearing the staff blatantly acknowledge it & not care.... I was appalled. The Hilton bought the hotel attached to De Fuego and I'm shocked. This was a Monarch hotel before and I'd assume that the Hilton's standards would be higher but the service and quality here have tanked hopelessly low since the acquisition. I had a similar experience at The Underground before it closed. I've learned my lesson & won't come here for a special occasion again.

    Photos
    de Fuego - Inside teh dining room

    Inside teh dining room

    de Fuego
    de Fuego - Burrata board

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    Burrata board

    El Gaucho - steak - Updated May 2026

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