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El Gaucho

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

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El Gaucho Photos

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EL GAUCHO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Romantic
Classy
Upscale

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.

I took my team to dinner and everyone enjoyed!
Alexxa S.

The food was delicious. Service was amazing the ambiance is dark and moody but the Barbie drink brought a little fun to the table feature a new Barbie shoe with each round! Lamb appetizer was a favorite along with the side of corn and Mac and all of the filets were cooked perfectly and delicious! The truffle butter was a great addition to the steak as well!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 !

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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Reviews are largely positive. Many highlight the attentive and accommodating service, memorable special occasion touches, elegant and romantic ambiance, and quality cocktails and wine.

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

The filet was one of the best steak I've had. Living in Las Vegas that is hard to beat. Service was spot on. A must in Seattle

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2 years ago

Food, service and ambiance were excellent. Definitely a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

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Ryan A.

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2 years ago

Superb service, delicious food and the perfect ambiance. Highly recommend and especially for a special occasion.

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

Love El Gaucho! Although I felt my rib eye was not up to par. It was a little tough and lacked flavor.

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7 years ago

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15 years ago

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2 years ago

Service is always a cut above. As are the steaks. Fantastic place for a classy date night.

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8 years ago

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Page 6 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 mi•Downtown
•$$

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!

We can't here a long time ago when they were just pretty new on Pikes Place. We enjoyed it and…read morethought we'll come back for some beers and food. Outside seating is first come first serve and inside seating you have to see a hostess. We started outside and saw someone leaving and circle them like vultures. We got lucky, it was 4th of July weekend, so it was busy! We ordered pizza for the table and for my toddler. It was really good! He loves the pepperoni. My order was the salmon burger. They used a good slab of coho, nicely seasoned with a aioli. The fries were crunchy and nice. I shared with my husband and it was just right, since we had a bunch of apps at the market. We also got a round of beers. Or in my case I got their hard seltzer, which wasn't too bad, I would probably just get a light beer next time. Service was great outside! Also you get the nice breeze, they also had heaters on top. Picnic style tables and quick service!

Photos
Old Stove Brewing - Pike Place - Huge dining room and seating outside as well.

Huge dining room and seating outside as well.

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

Shaker + Spear - Crispy Mushroom

Shaker + Spear

4.4(1.3k reviews)
0.2 mi•Belltown
•$$

we stayed at the Palladium, which is the hotel attached to this restaurant, & they offer breakfast…read morevouchers for the chase sapphire reserve for part of their amenities- which gave us plenty of meals through shaker + spear. every morning we were so grateful to have delicious, well done breakfast to get our day started! every entrée that we had was really good, solid breakfast food that included coffee & juice. We had a mix of classic breakfast foods like omelettes, french toast and benedict- but our personal fave was the salmon benedict as well as the banana foster french toast!! I have to say, the food was pretty good- nothing super out of the ordinary, but the service is what blew us away. The wait staff was extremely professional, prompt & friendly. Our favorite server was Alexis, he made every breakfast feel like we were having one at home with a friend. The manager, hosts & servers were all amazing people who genuinely just want you to have a good meal. I really admire any restaurant that can truly make it feel like home. Thanks to Shaker + Spear for being amazing for our trip in Washington- will 100% be back!!

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!

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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 mi•Downtown
•$$$$

This review is a little overdue, but our experience at The Capital Grille in Seattle was too…read morewonderful to leave unmentioned! Our server, Christopher Vagn Clarke, gave us some of the best service we've ever had at a Capital Grille. He was warm, attentive, and offered excellent suggestions that made our evening even more enjoyable. The steaks were wonderful, and his hospitality made the entire experience memorable. Even with a little time passing, we still remember how well he took care of us. Thank you, Christopher, for such a wonderful evening!

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.

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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.

Lonely Siren - Steak Skewer

Lonely Siren

4.4(108 reviews)
0.3 mi•Downtown

We stopped in on a surprise Friday trip to Seattle from Gig Harbor. We were able to grab a seat…read morewithout a reservation (the last open table). Service was friendly and prompt and the menu looked awesome. We settled on some NA drinks (still had to drive home) and then ordered up the marinated olives, octo skewers, grilled sardines, cogumelos, and batatas bravas (one of our faves). The part-time contessa was a fantastic NA option. Very tasty. So tasty we ordered seconds. The congumelos came out first and tasted awesome! Fantastic! The citrus slaw that accompanied the skewers was a great spin on a slaw. The octopus was perfectly char grilled. The batatas bravas and sardines were also very good. The dishes ended up being a bit more than we needed for two. Overall it was a great dinner in a very cute place. I would recommend stopping in when near Pike Place.

First time trying this place and a little bit underwhelming. Beer in a can for $7, portion sizes…read morewere tiny. I had the batatas bravas and cod croquettes and while they were tasty, it was just 3 small croquettes for like $16. The batatas was like this small little square as well. Even though the portions were tiny, the food did taste amazing, very nice sauces served with the batatas bravas and the croquettes were light and crisp on the exterior while the interior was a nice cod filling. Service here was alright, not amazing but not bad either.

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Lonely Siren - Inside of Restaurant

Inside of Restaurant

Lonely Siren - Conservas Portuguesas

Conservas Portuguesas

Lonely Siren - House Vinho Verde and Ginja-Cola

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House Vinho Verde and Ginja-Cola

El Gaucho - steak - Updated October 2026

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