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    El Gaucho

    4.2 (1.5k reviews)
    Ultra High-EndSteakhouses, Seafood, Bars
    Open 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Order El Gaucho Takeout or Delivery

    El Gaucho Photos

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    EL GAUCHO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale
    Loud

    Recommended Reviews - El Gaucho

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    Reviews With Photos

    Gary W.

    Just saw my last review was not at the new location and over 8 years old. So, time for an update as we've been to the new location for a wine dinner, a few cocktail classes followed by a sharing a dinner in the bar. The new location is just north of the Pike Market and Cloudburst Brewery on Western Ave where parking can be challenging. The great news is El Gaucho has valet parking so I drive up to door and let them handle that problem. The interior of course is low-light so get ready if it's late afternoon before sunset for you to go blind from bright light to darkness which is one of the things that makes El Gaucho special. We like to go to special events at El Gaucho where valet is complementary then follow the event with a meal. We have found that ordering the Chateubriand 20oz and share to be the best value and have never been disappointed as always perfectly cooked. The cocktails are top quality and service is impecible. Another plus is you can join their Revelers Club and get points, invites to special events and redeem points toward meal cost.

    Chateaubriand, half lobster tail and scalloped potatoes.
    Charles C.

    Another great happy hour at the best steak house in Seattle. Oysters were incredible, the poke nachos outstanding,and the lobster roll and steak frites were an absolute dining delight. The Gaucho affogato and key lime pie were perfect finales to an incredible evening.

    Wagyu poutine
    Michael B.

    This was my first time visiting this location. I usually go to Tacoma or Aqua but decided to do something different. Service and food were excellent just like every El Gaucho establishment. Only complaint was the valet. Upon arriving valet was nowhere to be found so I left my Porsche in-front of the restaurant and gave my keys to the host. My car was moved up about 5 feet up from where I was originally parked. After dinner valet was still nowhere to be found. Checked in with the host again and you could see valet practically sprinting from down the street to give me my keys. Felt bad for him and gave him an $8 tip. If valet is struggling someone needs to help them!

    Leonard Jack ..

    This is a personal favorite for me! I've been to the old location almost 20 years ago, and it was time to revisit them in the new location. The atmosphere is amazing, with the dimly lit dining room and wine bottles displayed in towers and walls throughout the restaurant. The wait staff is beyond top notch. The very knowledgeable staff was ever present and able to assist with any questions we had. The meal was incredible, but the drink of choice was a blood orange old fashioned. I can say it might have been the best old fashioned I've drank in my adult life. The steak was cooked to perfection and worth every penny! I enjoyed the peppercorn NY cut. This steak was about $89, but they do have less expensive cuts like the baseball, which comes in at $57. The cost will be understood when having this dining experience. You can plan to spend $300 plus for a good date night. Again, worth it. 5 stars.

    Half the shared plate of steak $170 totally worth it
    Brandon D.

    Mock our server was amazing and steak couldn't have been better! If we would be in Seattle again we would come back

    Karissa J.

    The hostess and waiter were absolutely amazing! I couldn't ask for better service! Plus the food was amazing! I got their onion soup which they made sure to get it straight from the pot since their truffle soup was next to it. I'm allergic to mushroom so they were very accommodating. It felt great being the first one there which made the ambiance great! Overall I would suggest it as date night or get together with friends!

    Interior
    Harry M.

    It had been a few years since we last visited El Gaucho-Seattle! The restaurant is now in a new location in the Union Stables building. This is a vintage brick building facing Elliot Bay on Western Ave. a few blocks from El Gaucho's former space. Gone is that funky blue facade and El Gaucho sign. The new space is amazing with high ceilings, an energetic bar area, an open visible kitchen, a large primary dining area, and several private dining spots. From the valet and front of the house to the waiters, El Gaucho provided a welcoming environment! There was only one valet personnel working this Friday night so we had to wait a bit before he returned from the parking area to take our key. Once inside, we were seated immediately. Our server, Sarah and colleagues, were very personable and welcoming, and provided us with exceptional service which made our experience great! El Gaucho sets a romantic mood with its dimly lit interior, white table cloths, tailored waiters, and pianist playing in the background. We started our dinner with glasses on sauvignon blanc and blood orange old fashioned, and a dozen local oysters which were delicious! Next up were our entrees. My wife chose a couple of appetizers, the Wicked Shrimp (which had a nice spicy sauce) and the Diver Sea Scallops which included pommes puree, picatta topping, and lemon beurre blanc. Both of these dishes were excellently prepared and tasted great! Before arriving, I had already decided I was going to try the Canadian Lobster Tail (for those who have followed my reviews are aware, we are pescatarians). At El Gaucho there are several opportunities to enjoy a tableside presentation (caesar salad, flaming sword, Steak Diane, Chateaubriand, baked potato, and a couple desserts). So, the 18 oz Lobster Tail (accompanied with drawn butter and lemon) and baked potato were excellent prepared and presented tableside! We didn't do dessert on this occasion but definitely will on our next visit. We were presented with an after dinner ensemble of grapes, pears, and crackers. I must say the execution in the kitchen for our dinner was excellent as each entree was seasoned appropriately and not overcooked. Kudos to Executive Chef Joe and his team!! The only disappointment is that those wonderful views of Elliot Bay are no longer viewable from inside the new location but that's okay because the food, service, and inside ambiance are first rate.

    these potatoes were to die for
    Meredith F.

    We celebrate my birthday most years here. I love their OLD FASHION way of greeting you at the door and big, giant table side service. It is a blend between nostalgic, traditional and classic and it always feels like a celebration whenever you visit. The valet is always exceptional. They hired the nicest people to run the valet. They are a great hello and an awesome thoughtful goodbye as well. They helped my young daughter locate her Uber home. I really appreciate this added touch as parking is quite difficult and they make the experience quite lovely. The New York steak was, OF COURSE, out of this world. The potatoes --- when I asked my waiter -- "What is the secret you make them with?" He said so cutely, " Butter and then some more butter!" OMG, he is not lying and they are heavenly! I road that butter train hard. The wine menu while expensive, and expansive is worth talking about. My hubby and I know wines and love wines and have drank many a good wine -- we scoured the menu ... and to our surprise we found something absolutely delicious that did not break the bank. We ordered a bottle of their house signature wine... especially when we found out that it was made by Long Shadows out of Walla Walla. We about died. We thought they should advertise the wine maker. What a treat. What a beautiful Long Shadow wine is hiding in that El Gaucho bottle. We will get this every time. Look for it on the menu. I was surprised that we could find our price point on that fancy list, but we did. It was advantageous to buy the bottle rather than the $25 dollar glasses of wine. SO don't despair. I was a bit bummed that we sat in the far back extra room (that was not decorated or special in any way -- next year they should pour some love into the ambiance back there)... it's more our style to sit by the Christmas tree near the piano, but it was busy and my birthday is near Christmas -- so it often times doesn't work out. We moved to the bar later and got to have our ambiance and listen to the piano player play beautiful holiday music. We loved that moment of our evening and made it special. The young man who is the bartender made a fanstastic lemon drop - and he was talented at pouring good drinks, but I think he must have been serving on an off night -- as he seemed annoyed and grumpy. I don't usually experience that kindo f service at El Gaucho - so we are chalking it up to an unusual night for him. I have been a regular at El Gaucho since 1999 and I LOVED the "famous" bartender JOE at the original place. When you walked in he made you feel so special... so EXTRAORDINARY! You knew bartending was his LIFE and he lit the place up with his amazing over the top joy and happiness. He truly celebrated people and loved his regulars. He loved serving people with his generose spirit at the bar. We mostly ate at the bar, because he was so fun. I go to El Gaucho still today, because OF HIM back in the 2000's! I wish his energy and spirit still filled the place! He is irreplaceable I am sure, but his sweetness is surely missed. We came home with leftovers. The steaks were perfection. My daughter loved her "fancy-pants" meal and it was a giant splurge -- but well worth it and another night filled with incredible memories. Thank you El Gaucho.

    Banana Foster being masterfully created !

    My son and I celebrated his 14th birthday. The food, but especially the service, were exceptional. My son came in not feeling well or hungry .... But then joined me in the meal. The bananas Foster for dessert was AAA+++. Thank you !

    Bread pudding
    Arizona P.

    2025 Christmas Eve family dinner. Enjoyed the service, food and fellowship. Reservations were easy, valet and check in were seamless. The food was as we remembered: good.

    Steak Diane
    Emi G.

    Customer service was amazing, the atmosphere is delightful, and every bite of food was mouth-watering. For starters, I tried the tenderloin Diablo and fried calamari, both of which were delicious. I highly recommend the Steak Diane, which you must split with another person. It was the best steak I've had, with a delicious sauce including mushrooms. It also comes with mashed potatoes and asparagus. In addition, the Guacho Mac & Cheese is delectable, as well as the scallops potatoes. Overall, a 10/10, and perhaps my new favorite steakhouse!

    Wedge salad
    Richard S.

    Now, 3 stars for the night we went, but make no mistake: this is a top shelf kind of place with a tremendous atmosphere and service. Just this night, their execution in the kitchen lacked in spots: Disappointment #1: The steaks. The steak pictured is not the one I sampled. But that steak pictured is a rare steak with a sear effect. The one I sampled was from a steak done medium and seared. Now, I've eaten thousands of steaks - and been to about any top tier place around the US. This steak was done with a majorly bitter burn taste. Not a "kinda going bitter....but way way way bitter taste. - Miss #2: The risotto. Not too recognizable as any risotto version I've ever had. Not sure what happened to this batch - but it was actually awful. Now for the good: Salads: with the Caesar or the wedge: both excellent. The bacon on the wedge was an excellent bacon. Scalloped potatoes: Probably the best dish of the night. However they make those - those are a best version of scalloped I've had most anywhere. French Onion soup: a very good French onion. Crab cakes: you're in Seattle and fresh seafood...they got this one right. Crème brûlée: an excellent traditional take on a classic dessert. All and all....this place will be a great restaurant option in Seattle...despite their major misses.....they had plenty of great execution on other dishes. But do be prepared to pay and it's not a budget friendly place: - I did (not) get an entree; I had a soup and salad. No alcohol on our tab. And the risotto was taken off the bill even though we didn't ask for that. Then, they added the tip: (3) people: $411. There's how come I go with 3 stars. For that kind of money; you shouldn't miss (or you should notice how burned the steak is) on something like a steak. Something they are preparing hundreds and hundreds of a week. Then the risotto - should be about their most popular side. Shouldn't miss on that one either.

    Macaroni and cheese was incredible

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    The food is beyond amazing and the staff is even more! Our favorite restaurant in Seattle!

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    Thanks for the great review, Mike! We hope to see you again soon.

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    Page 1 of 38

    Ask the Community - El Gaucho

    What is the usual attire for women in the summer?

    While El Gaucho strives to maintain *standards*, the fact is: Seattle doesn't. I have apologized for dressing less than formal and they shrug, as if to say: "Times have changed". *They* won't make you feel out of place; *I* encourage you to dress… 

    Where do customers usually park?

    Valet is best

    Is the Big Picture (adjacent to the Belltown El Gaucho), still around?

    It's moved to Issaquah. And El Gaucho moved to Western Avenue.

    Are reservations NEEDED for lunch?

    No, because there only open for dinner ;-)

    Is there happy hour on dec 24?

    I would call them.

    Are you open Christmas eve?

    Website say that happy hour is not available during holidays. Is Mother's Day one of them, does anyone know?

    We have happy hour all night this Sunday! 4pm to close at 10pm. Happy Mother's Day!

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    Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place - Fish and chips

    Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place

    4.3(1.5k reviews)
    0.2 miDowntown
    $$

    Keep coming back here for amazing food! Dined there many times and food was absolutely fantastic…read moreand so many great food to choose. I came there for dinner and had the Bacon Clam Chowder and Pepperoni pizza which taste so good. They have good quality of food and everything taste so wonderful. The place was so nice and they have great setting. The ambiance was so pleasant. Nice experience dining there.

    Came in on a Friday night and learned that Old Stove Brewing gets busy for a reason! All the…read moreoutdoor tables were full when we arrived at 6, so we put our name on the list for inside and waited about 30 minutes. The oysters were the main draw for me, and they were totally worth the visit. Old Stove serves them with a savory watermelon sauce in addition to a traditional cocktail sauce--eaten together, it's a flavor explosion that I can't quite describe. We also enjoyed the garlic everything fries, which were delicious! We just had to try a flight to sample the brews. There are some really good beers available here, especially the Belgian blonde, citra pale ale, and the stout. I did not really care for the seasonal sour (grapefruit, I think)--to me, it just tasted like a sour and nothing more, but someone with more interest in sour beers would probably enjoy it just fine. Despite the busy night, our server checked on us regularly and was very personable, stopping to chat with us about the local sports scene. There's plenty to look at, inside and out. If you can snag a seat outside, you'll get to enjoy the waterfront. Inside, the decor is industrial but fun. Not sure if this runs all the time, but when we were there, the tvs were playing vintage beer ads, which was quite fun. They also sell some pretty good t-shirt designs. Overall, Old Stove Brewing is the perfect combo of good location, good food, and good beer. Definitely recommend a visit when in the Pike Place area!

    Photos
    Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place - Lively Interior at Old Stove

    Lively Interior at Old Stove

    Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place - Poblano Mac n cheese

    Poblano Mac n cheese

    Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place - Outside patio

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    Outside patio

    Half Shell - Oyster

    Half Shell

    4.3(225 reviews)
    0.1 miDowntown
    $$

    I came here to meet up with friends for happy hour recently, and had such a nice time!…read more Half Shell is situated just outside of the busiest parts of the Pike Place area, so it's easy to get to but actually relaxed. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well, so it's a great place to meet with a group. We had 6 oysters each off the happy hour menu, which were perfect plump Hama Hamas that day. I also had the cheeseburger with a side of fries, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The cheeseburger was juicy, well seasoned, and perfectly cooked, and I especially loved that the lettuce and onion were shredded thinly. To wash it all down, I had a couple of spritzes, and really enjoyed the "a rose is a rose". Service here is friendly and quick, and we felt very well taken care of. Half Shell is honestly a perfect place to have a meal with friends. It's central and easy to get to, there's lots of seating in a gorgeous restaurant, and the food is great! Will be working this into my rotation.

    "My wife and I recently visited Seattle to catch a Mariners game on September 8th. During our trip,…read moreI was craving fresh oysters on the half shell and noticed 'Half Shell' nearby, which had solid reviews. My wife doesn't eat oysters, but she was happy to join me. We took two seats at the bar and were essentially ignored for the first five minutes by the bartender. Eventually, she dropped off two glasses of water without saying a word. Since no menus were offered, I walked over to the hostess stand to get one myself. The bar was full, but most guests already had their food, so it wasn't a matter of the server being overwhelmed. After another five minutes, she finally came over and asked, 'I see you have a menu, do you want to order anything?' I nearly said no we just wanted water, but I took the high road and ordered a dozen oysters. The oysters arrived quickly via another staff member and were genuinely very good--though the accompanying sauce was so bland and neutral that the oysters were better off plain. However, we were never asked if we wanted drinks. I would have loved a beer, but without knowing the options, I decided to stick with water, finish up, and leave. During the entire time I ate, no one checked in on us. When I asked for the check, the bartender's demeanor changed instantly. She was suddenly friendly as she handed over the payment terminal--clearly putting on a nice act right when it was time to leave a tip. We both saw right through it. Would I recommend Half Shell? Yes for the oysters, but a hard no for the service and atmosphere. We won't be returning."

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    Half Shell
    Half Shell - I can eat oysters all day

    I can eat oysters all day

    Half Shell - $2 happy hour

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    $2 happy hour

    Shaker + Spear - Crispy Mushroom

    Shaker + Spear

    4.4(1.3k reviews)
    0.2 miBelltown
    $$

    While visiting Seattle for a few days, I made reservations at Shaker + Spear and wasn't quite sure…read morewhat I wanted to order. I noticed the salmon on the menu and decided to give it a try since I was looking for something a little lighter. I am so glad I did. Without exaggeration, it was the best salmon I've ever had. The fish was cooked perfectly, and the sauce and accompanying ingredients brought everything together beautifully. Every bite was outstanding. Beyond the food, the atmosphere was fantastic, the service was friendly and attentive, and the bar offered a great selection of cocktails and spirits. If you're visiting Seattle or looking for a great dining experience, I would absolutely recommend Shaker + Spear. The salmon alone is worth coming back for.

    Nice and easy restaurant attached to a hotel. Service was rather slow this evening as there was…read moreonly one cook in the kitchen. It's nice to watch the staff cook because it tells you that the food is fresh. I have high expectations for seafood in Seattle. However, I was disappointed with the scallops as it tasted raw and cool to the touch in the center. I'm not a scallop expert but this one missed the mark - the flavors were off with the sauce (tasted earthy). Presentation and color looked good, but this didn't taste good. Also came here breakfast several times. I don't have pictures, but each time the breakfast was amazing!

    Photos
    Shaker + Spear - Welcome note..

    Welcome note..

    Shaker + Spear - Mussels

    Mussels

    Shaker + Spear - Grilled Tiger Prawns*

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    Grilled Tiger Prawns*

    The Capital Grille - Filet Mignon – hand-cut classic perfection.

    The Capital Grille

    4.3(1.3k reviews)
    0.6 miDowntown
    $$$$

    On Monday, June 8th, 2026, I celebrated my birthday at The Capital Grille with my son and his…read moreamazing girlfriend. From the moment we entered and my son gave his name for the reservation, I was greeted with happy birthday wishes by the hostesses. His girlfriend met us there, and she was already seated. The table had confetti in celebration of my birthday. I was so impressed and truly honored that someone from The Capital Grille took the time to write me a personal birthday card from the restaurant. WOW! Our server, Antonio (Tonio), was professional, attentive, kind, patient, and fun. He was incredibly accommodating, especially to the member of our party who had a gluten and red bell pepper allergy. He was a major part of making sure our experience was a very memorable one. The food was absolutely delectable! I had the surf and turf with lobster tail and medium-well steak, which was topped with jumbo lump crab meat and rich béarnaise sauce. The other guests dined on Cooper River salmon with risotto, along with seared scallops and lobster risotto. The night ended with the most beautiful surprise, which included a well-decorated plate with "Happy Birthday," a cheesecake topped with burnt sugar, and fruit compote, also a chocolate espresso cake that had my taste buds dancing. Thank you to the management and staff at The Capital Grille for making my actual birthday dinner a night to remember. The restaurant is beautiful and very clean. This is so important to me, because I check the health inspection score to determine whether or not I will dine at a restaurant.

    Not quite as good as I remember from 2010s but still one of the best steakhouses in the greater…read moreSeattle area. The price was very reasonable for lunch and I love the vibe of this restaurant. It is high-end but it doesn't feel pretentious and the interior decor has some local representation (Photos of Bruce Lee and Jimi Hendrix for instance!). Service was great. Like 99% of restaurants in Seattle, there is no dress code but most people that dine here come in slightly dressed up. I think my preference goes to The Metropolitan Grill in this area but I definitely would not turn down opportunities to dine at the Capital Grille for some good lobster bisque and beef.

    Photos
    The Capital Grille - Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese – Made with freshly poached lobster and topped with a Grana Padano crust.

    Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese – Made with freshly poached lobster and topped with a Grana Padano crust.

    The Capital Grille - Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail served with housemade mustard sauce.

    Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail served with housemade mustard sauce.

    The Capital Grille - 14 oz Dry Aged NY Strip au Poivre finished with our housemade Courvoisier Cream for a decadent finish.

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    14 oz Dry Aged NY Strip au Poivre finished with our housemade Courvoisier Cream for a decadent finish.

    Metropolitan Grill

    Metropolitan Grill

    4.2(2.3k reviews)
    0.8 miDowntown
    $$$$

    Best steak I've ever had at a restaurant. This place is expensive but you get what you pay for and…read moreI went in prepared for the price tag. The drinks were great, not overly strong, but by no means weak. I had two martinis and my husband had a whiskey and coke. Our server was so kind and checked in regularly. He seemed really knowledgeable about the food and there was no lag time. My baked potato was amazing with all the fixings- cheese, sour cream, green onions. I appreciated he mashed it up a little before serving (little things I notice). Steak was easy to cut and went down smooth. Would definitely come again!

    The food was wonderful, but the server wasn't good. He was rather impatient when I asked for his…read morerecommendations for the temperature of the ribeye - I usually like my steaks done rare, but I had heard that fattier cuts like ribeye benefit from more heat to render out the fat. I ended up getting medium rare which was perfect, but he basically snapped at me for asking. Yikes. Sorry I need a little insight from my waiter, who is supposed to wait on me! This colored the perception of my meal greatly unfortunately. I love how they included flaky salt with their house bread. The house bread was very pretty as it had a pattern from the banneton. Lighter in texture though, without much of a crispy crust. The Classic Caesar Salad was great. Not many places include whole anchovy fillets. The lettuce was crisp, and the croutons crunchy! It was light dressed and included a grilled lemon half if you wanted more flavor. Very refreshing. The ribeye was very tender and flavorful. There was the perfect sear on it, and while I didn't know how long it was aged, it clearly met the goal of increasing the complexity of the meaty flavor. It was super beefy, and the fat was so tender. No gristle here! The asparagus spears were the largest I've ever seen, yet they were still tender. I'm not sure I would return or recommend this place due to the service. A shame.

    Photos
    Metropolitan Grill - Private Dining - Vintage Room

    Private Dining - Vintage Room

    Metropolitan Grill - Met "Long Bone" Ribeye

    Met "Long Bone" Ribeye

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    Zig Zag Cafe - Cauliflower

    Zig Zag Cafe

    4.3(1.2k reviews)
    0.3 miDowntown
    $$$

    Went as part of a retirement meet up for some colleagues. We had a table for 10 on a busy busy…read moreThursday night. Service was great! They kept our drinks and water topped up. I didn't try the food as I was running between events, but everyone I was with seemed very pleased. The location is also ideal for any waterfront activities, and it's surprisingly spacious inside. A little loud, but that's the way of any bustling eatery in this area. Would go again!

    It's the night before FIFA and the city is alive with the pulse of summer. Zigzag Café tucked away…read moreon a terrace right beneath the Pike Lake Market is probably one of the best secrets of Seattle. When you come to town you want to visit this place... Maybe because of the vibe, maybe because of the mood lighting which is a sultry red, maybe because of the fresh signature roses, maybe because of the outstanding bartenders... Maybe because there's a patio outside under the stars and the lights, but the outstanding cocktails are always past of the experience. But you never get less than outstanding service when you walk into the ZigZag Café. Starts from the top with the owner and filters all the way through the bartenders, servers, and the hostesses. I tried the passionfruit colada and shifted to a whiskey sour with egg whites. Outstanding was the Burrata with yummy fried garlicky lentils, sweet heirloom tomatoes garnished with a generous springy of micro greens and drizzled with a glorious balsamic reduction...and chewy, thick slices of grilled sourdough. Perfection. Bartenders Eli and Ricky were top-notch de rigueur-- this place only has the best bartenders (including the legendary Murray ruled the bar for an era ) -- and Hannah was the hostess with the mostest. Every time I left my seat at the bar I would come back to the folded napkin. Simply amazeballs when the place is so packed. Because it was a Sunday night there was an amazing jazz trio. They started at eight and went through 1030. Not too loud so we couldn't speak but sultry and rich and soulful with joy. No cover charge -- just all part of the extraordinary hospitality that exemplifies the iconic ZigZag.

    Photos
    Zig Zag Cafe - Bartender mixing drinks

    Bartender mixing drinks

    Zig Zag Cafe - Hush puppies

    Hush puppies

    Zig Zag Cafe - Pretty bottles

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    Pretty bottles

    El Gaucho - steak - Updated September 2026

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