El Gaucho had so many personal touches that made celebrating my husband's birthday extra special. Thank you for taking those steps to make a wonderful dining experience. read more

Went for special occasion (birthday) and loved the food, experience and all of its. There was beautiful music as we sat next to the pianist. Thank you for the excellent t service and all of that! read more

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My dad, sister, and I came to El Gaucho Tacoma a couple months back for Tacoma Restaurant Week. Out of all the menus this one sounded the most intriguing so we were excited to try it out! It is pretty dark in the restaurant but I didn't mind it. It was a fun vibe and I loved all the string lights. Our waiter (I forget his name ugh) was the NICEST guy ever! So personable and attentive. He made the experience even better! We started off with the Wicked Shrimp (on the regular menu, wasn't on the TRW menu) per my cousin's recommendation. 10/10!! The flavor was on point and I literally could've had a big plate of these. For my starter I got the Asparagus Soup. Wasn't quite sure what to expect but I'm an asparagus fan so I figured it would be good, and it was! Loved the creamy texture and the flavor was subtle but on point. For my main I got the Steak Diane which was two 4oz filet medallions with mashed potatoes and a mushroom sauce. So freaking good. Steak was cooked to perfection and I loved the sauce. It was so flavorful without being overpowering or taking too much away from the steak itself. We all finished up with a slice of the Key Lime Pie which was so bomb! I'm normally not a huge fan of lime but I loved it. As we all know it's definitely a splurge type of restaurant but it's definitely worth it. read more

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We have been wanting to go to the Tacoma El Gaucho for so very long. We were a little bit intimidated with the prices but decided we would explore the bar menu as opposed to the regular dining table menu and this plan went very well! Steve and I got the Taste of El Gaucho which was a small plate of top sirloin steak with lobster medallion, asparagus and truffle mashed potatoes. The steak was delicious and so very tender! I definitely was all about it! I don't get steak too often anymore and getting it this time made me if I should order it just a bit more often it was so good! Despite the plate being a bit on the small end we felt just right and not overfull or hungry. Of course we had to get dessert... it's all a part of going out when having yourself a fancy meal (of course it doesn't have to be fancy either for dessert). I got the Key Lime pie which was out of this world. It was excellent! The zest in this sweet treat was so very well executed! I think Steve got the Banana Bread Pudding for his dessert and it was quite good as well! Of course where would we be without drinks! We had to get some cocktails too! They were very well made, flavorful and artfully done! What a great first time visit! I'd love to go back! read more

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What an amazing meal--we didn't have a single bad dish. Our friends took us to El Gaucho while we were in town, and the experience felt special from the start. The personalized touches--place cards with our names and menus printed just for us--were such a thoughtful and impressive detail. The cocktails are a bit on the pricey side, but they feature unique ingredients that make them worth trying. I had one to start--small, but absolutely delicious--before switching to a white wine with my main course. I started with the oysters, which were fresh and not fishy at all. The cocktail sauce was one of the best I've had (and I'm usually a mignonette-only girl!). For the main, I split the Flaming Sword Brochette of Tenderloin with a friend. The tableside fire presentation added a fun, memorable touch, and the meat itself was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Honestly everything was perfectly seasoned. The real star of the night, though, was the lobster mashed potatoes. I'm still dreaming about them--rich and indulgent, with a lobster bisque-style sauce over creamy mashed potatoes and topped with lobster. Absolutely to die for. For dessert, we ordered the Cherries Jubilee, which also came with a bit of a show and was just as delicious. Overall, an incredible experience, and I'm so glad our friends shared one of their favorite spots with us! read more

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This was my first time experiencing any of the El Gaucho locations & it did not disappoint. I went with my daughters for Tacoma Restaurant Week & it was AMAZING. Very upscale but welcoming & comfortable. Our server was the absolute best & took the time to make great recommendations & even chat it up a bit. We were seated up above so didn't get the lower level table service where they prepare you meal at your table. We could see it but not quite the same flair. For restaurant week the menu is limited but you can always add add-ons which we did & it was worth it. It is definitely a special occasion experience because it is a little pricey but delicious & worth every penny. I would definitely recommend this place & restaurant week. read more

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Top notch experience. Our server was exceptional. Food was good but the steak el gaucho was a little dry on the inside but the sauce helped. The personalized menu's made my wife's night. Only real complaint is our filet minion appetizer leftover somehow didn't make it into the to go bag and I was super disappointed when I went to reheat it. The flavor on that appetizer was excellent. Edit: they did put the appetizer in there . My wife just buried it. 10/10 experience. Also I'd like to add that after this review they reached out and offered me a voucher for the missing appetizer. Next level customer service. It would be nice to see this level of service at other establishments. read more

El Gaucho is our go to spot for every celebration because you'll not only get a 5 star meal, but you'll get a curated and thoughtful experience that'll make your day feel extra special. My husband and I have celebrated multiple birthdays, anniversary's, and even our engagement at El Gaucho and we're so happy with every meal we've shared here. They always call the day before our reservation to get details of what we're celebrating so they can make the day special: a hand written card, romantic rose petals for the table, and cute celebration chocolates on you dessert of choice at the end of the meal. They also have a rewards programs where they give you credit for your bday and anniversary, usually $75! The food is incredible and worth the price every time. The cocktails are heavenly and the bananas foster is out of the world. We love the tableside caesar and the flaming sword of beef tenderloin as well. Presentation and delicious food, the best combo. If you've got someone special in your life you must take them here for a lovely evening. You'll be so glad you did! read more

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I feel like this should truly be a 2.5 star rating, but 1. Yelp doesn't allow that 2. The waygu main dish we ordered saved the meal. Unfortunately El Gaucho was extremely underwhelming which hits HARD when you're paying $26 a cocktail & a minimum if $24 go Cesar salad. The Romaine on our lettuce was so - not fresh. Limp, so many thick stems cut evenly, overall so disappointing. Luckily my martini with blue cheese stuffed olives was pretty good. The bread they bring out at the beginning, also not amazing- which was helpful because then I didn't care to eat it. The escargot was one of the better things we tried. Side dishes were also not anything special. Our server was simultaneously polite and pushy at the same time ? I love a boujee steak house, but if I'm paying hundreds of dollars for a meal I definitely expect more attention to detail and a better over all meal. Save your money & make the drive to Seattle for the Capital Grill. read more

El Gaucho - Tacoma - Steakhouses Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Leo and his team were awesome and treated us great! Rl Gaucho still has that it factor 25 years after I went there for the first time

Gosh I love this place. Been here for date nights, valentines, private parties, and happy hours. Love it! Esp. The happy hour which is so worth it. Can get a nice meal, martini, and apps for a wonderful price. Makes me want to go tomorrow (: Good people, service, can be too dark for my taste but I still enjoy it. And the key lime pie!!! I never ate key lime pie because I did NOT like it but because of them- I can NOT think about anything else but this on their dessert menu haha! They have me addicted. It's not too sweet or tart- just right. A great place to go for any time. Plus, they have gift cards at Costco 20% off and they have a rewards program. Do them all and enjoy yourself! read more

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Wow, incredible place! Our son booked this for our last night Inn Seattle, and what a wonderful establishment! It's nice and dark and reminds me of those speakeasy bars for many years ago! Lots of guys running around at servers with their bowties and black suits and talk about service! We were waited on hand and foot. Our water glass was never empty, and the drinks were flowing.! My son told them it was Mother's Day that we were celebrating, and they put my name on the menu, which was really cute, the food was absolutely delicious.! We did curbside Caesar salad, I have never had a real Caesar salad salad, and this was absolutely amazing done at table side! Hubby ordered the Steak Gaucho stir and Bernaise sauce the steak was cooked to perfection. The asparagus was delicious, the asparagus could've been cooked just a little bit more, it was pretty Al Dente' but was wonderful.! so ordered Cato's to share, we also ordered the lobster mac & cheese, which was delicious! I ordered the filet mignon medallions with the crab sauce on it and asparagus, steak was cooked to perfection and everything was seasoned really well! Ordered the ribeye, the food all around was absolutely 5 to 10 stars seriously! Service with Mick was exceptional!! The atmosphere is incredible, the piano player was great! 5 Star and above service. Desserts were amazing, I cannot wait to go back! Happy Mothers Day! Thanks. read more

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Always an amazing experience. Service is always friendly and entertaining. Not a bad seat in the house. And never a bad meal. Only place in town to get escargot as well read more

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This has to be my favorite steakhouse in the area. Steak El Gaucho is a great blend of meat, veggies, seafood, and sauce. I'm not even a seafood guy and will order this every time. The El Gaucho roasted sweet corn has a cult following and sign me up for the Kool-Aid because I'm in. Pair it with the crispy Brussels sprouts. The El Gaucho Old Fashioned is an experience you have to see to believe. Same with the table prepared Caesar salad. Save up those extra buck and take your lady here for those special occasions. read more

El Gaucho - Tacoma - Steak El Gaucho. - Steakhouses Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Came here on NYE around 1500 hrs when they just opened for a couple drinks and some food. I usually go to Aqua but decided to check out this location since I was in the area. Sat at the bar and was welcomed by Travis. Great bar tender who's personal and remembers your name. I ordered several cocktails and their burger which was good for the price. Can't beat free valet parking when the lot isn't full. Maybe I'll become a regular here. read more

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The staff are amazing, Pepi was wonderful. They made our anniversary very special with flowers, petals, a card and the coolest thing I'd never seen before, Custom menus with a message to us across the top. VERY nice touch! And the food is ALWAYS AMAZING! The piano player was great. read more

Premium-priced King Crab and Lobster... and both had zero taste. For a meal that totaled over $600, I would expect flavor, proper seasoning, and food that actually feels worth the price. Instead, the main dishes were bland and completely missed the mark. The drinks were on point, and the wicked shrimp had great flavor and a nice kick, but none of that could make up for how underwhelming the crab and lobster were. read more

No longer the happy hour standout it used to be but still a solid choice. The 410 salad was definitely lacking in the crab department though. I needed glasses to find it. Other than that it was pretty good. Burger isn't cheap anymore but still solid. Worth a stop for sure as the upscale choices in the area are limited. read more

Once again, El gaucho never fails. From entering the restaurant to our server, the service was amazing. Everyone was super friendly, and had a great atmosphere. The Caesar salad is a must. It is so flavorful. The shareable baked potato was amazing and the steaks were cooked perfectly. The seasonal king crab was amazing and their bread as an appetizer is soo good. read more

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The food was good and the drinks were made well, but overall the experience didn't quite match the price point. For what we paid, the flavor and quality of the food simply didn't meet the cost. The table spacing was extremely tight, and one thing that isn't advertised is just how loud the environment can be. My spouse and I were hoping for a nice, intimate dinner date, but we were seated between two very loud tables, both less than an arm's reach away, which made it difficult to enjoy our night. Our server was genuinely kind and attentive, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to offset the noise level, the lack of intimacy, and the mismatch between the price and the meal quality. read more

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Absolutely amazing experience. I went with my fiancé & the set up was amazing. The custom menus were cute & food was great for both of us. The customer service was great from the beginning all the way til the end & I'm definitely coming back! read more

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Always a great dining experience. Steaks are the signature here, but there are plenty of other options. Service is always excellent, and there is always great energy at the bar and in the adjacent dining room. read more

El Gaucho - Tacoma - Medallions Oscar - Steakhouses Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I took my wife to El Goucho for a Mothers Day dinner and the food, service, and ambiance were more than I ever expected. The staff truly made our experience memorable. I wholeheartedly recommend El Goucho. read more

I've never had a bad experience here. We love sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartenders. They always make us feel at home. The drinks are great, and I always order the Taste of Gaucho because it's such a good value: steak, a lobster medallion, asparagus, and truffle mashed potatoes for $28. It's truly the perfect meal for me. The ambiance is also nice, I love the live piano music. You can request songs which is always fun. read more

What a phenomenal evening!! My parental unit was retiring and I wanted to do something fancy for him. He's into steak, I do the vegetarian thing...enter El Gaucho. I made reservations and was asked if it was for a special evening. They went way above and beyond with custom printed menus, rose petals, and a note! The ambiance is fantastic, though was a little jarring at first since it was so bright outside. Fairly dark, intimate space with the string lights making it almost feel like you're outside. All of the employees really contributed to the evening and clearly take pride in their work. I went with the oven roasted cauliflower, which was absolutely lovely! I would eat it again and I want to figure out how to make that red pepper pesto! The guest of honor had the Steak El Gaucho without the béarnaise. Seems like he liked it overall, but acknowledged that it was intended to be served with the sauce and he maybe should have selected something else. Valet is included with your evening. No comments there as I strongly believe that you never valet a car you care about. The one thing I really don't like is the 20% service change. That being said, they are super up front about it and don't try to bury it like a lot of other places, so it's one I'm willing to look past occasionally. read more

Hard NO!! :( Our experience at El Gaucho was unfortunately not a good one. It was our first time dining there and likely our last. We spent close to $700 for four people. We ordered two steaks and several starters, so this was not a small bill. It was actually my man's birthday dinner, which made the experience even more disappointing. Our server, Diana, seemed very rushed. I understand we arrived later in the evening and there was about an hour left before closing, but as guests spending that kind of money, we still expected to feel acknowledged and taken care of. There were multiple times we tried to get her attention and felt ignored. She appeared much more focused on another table while we were left waiting. At one point she came back and admitted that she did hear us calling, but said she was trying to "hurry things along." That comment honestly made the situation worse because it confirmed that we were heard but simply not acknowledged. Customer service matters, especially at establishments where guests are spending hundreds of dollars. The food itself was also disappointing. The steaks, which were around $80-$90, were very dry. The crab mac and cheese was probably the best thing we had, but overall the quality did not match the price. What made it even more disappointing was that it was clearly noted that we were there for a birthday celebration, yet there was no acknowledgement at all. No small dessert, no slice of cake, nothing. Even many smaller restaurants recognize birthdays in some way, so that lack of acknowledgment stood out. For the amount of money we spent, we expected a much better experience overall. In my opinion, El Gaucho looks beautiful, but the service and food quality did not match the price point. There are many other restaurants that offer better food, better service, and a much better overall experience for less. Unfortunately, this will be our first and last visit. read more

Dining here is an incredible experience. The ambience of the dark restaurant is very nice. The staff are all very attentive and welcoming. The food is delicious and I love having the Caesar salad salad made tableside. read more

During a recent visit my husband and I went for our anniversary. We were disappointed (our last visit was excellent). At our recent visit it was so dark that wait staff was handing out pen lights. It was so loud that it was impossible to have a conversation The ceaser salad was excellent but the meal itself was sub par. Our bill for the two of us with one cocktail each. No appetizer or dessert was $375. read more

Jorge, our server, and the rest of the team provided phenomenal service during our dinner. Their warm and friendly hospitality, paired with the wonderful atmosphere, made for an exceptional experience. Our compliments also go to the cooking staff; the food was outstanding.This location has always been one of our favorite dining establishments, and we will continue to return. From the moment we arrive, the valet greets us warmly, and the host staff at the entrance sets the tone with their professionalism. The attention to detail throughout is truly remarkable.We were celebrating my birthday during this visit, and I was touched that everyone wished me a happy birthday, making the evening even more memorable. Thank you for creating such a consistently welcoming and special place to dine.10 out of 10! An exceptional experience all around. read more

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We went here for my BF's bday. The food was amazing! Definitely get the scallops to starts. The ambiance was beautiful & the service top notch! read more

El Gaucho - Tacoma - Espresso Martini & a delicious Banana bread pudding! & the handsome Bday boy! - Steakhouses Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

10/10 Pepe was amazing food was fantastic red wine was the French 75!!!! Ahhh amazing! Pepe again amazing! read more

El Gaucho - Tacoma - Steakhouses Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

A special celebration for my wife. Low key elegant vibe. Always top notch service. Had a couple of bourbon pours before our meal. Table-side Caesar is a must. My wife had the Halibut and I had a New York. Sides were sautéed mushrooms and lobster mashed potatoes. Right up front- the lobster mashed potatoes are phenomenal. It's actual a lobster sauce over the potatoes. Exceptional. My wife enjoyed her halibut, but I have to say, I've had better steaks at this same location. Not sure what was off, but it wasn't as good as in the past. Key lime pie for dessert. Always. read more

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Everything was great from beginning to end! Kendra and Zeb did a great job serving us and making it a memorable experience. The food was awesome and the ambiance was great. Nice piano and vocals during the meal was a nice addition to the experience. We've been there a lot and will continue to go there, especially for special occasions. read more

Had made reservations for my wife's birthday. Table selection and wait staff were excellent. The main course was as advertised.

Definitely the most overpriced meal I've experienced. The good: the symphony of staff were impressive see in action. Our waiter Zed was A+. The sides were the highlight, good Brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes, and perfectly cooked asparagus. The bad: the steaks were very forgettable. My NY strip was lacking seasoning and beefy flavor. The steak El Gaucho was dressed up a bit better, but still just ok. Pro tip, bring a head lamp, because the dining room is sooooo dark! Not a bad meal experience, but the $$$$ pricing is not justified. With so many better steakhouses options in the region, we will not be back. read more

Wine tasting event. While I have dined there dozens of times, I attended my 1st wine tasting event. These are offered several times a year on their event page. Sommelier Bryant Mason does a terrific job of hosting, a bit of teaching and making certain all attendees feel welcome. Wine snobs or newbies will enjoy the experience. read more

Food was great. Food wise, it won't go wrong. Live Piano was nice. Service was very good. Not necessarily my style of decor and atmosphere. read more

My fiancé and I were celebrating our engagement and El Gaucho and the staff were so incredible in making so special for us. The food and atmosphere was amazing but the personalization details to make this dinner special was top notch. read more

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This is my review of El Gaucho for the dinner we had on March 8. As we stepped into the elegant ambiance of El Gaucho, we were welcomed with warmth and respect, befitting royalty, celebrating our 37th anniversary of meeting. At our beautifully set table, we discovered a custom card artfully crafted to honor our special occasion and a personalized menu that added a touch of intimacy to our dining experience. Our server, Noah, approached us with a genuine smile while the talented Rita skillfully prepared one of the dishes at our table, showcasing her culinary artistry. Both Noah and Rita exuded a friendly charm that perfectly captured the atmosphere of this remarkable restaurant. We enjoyed a delightful meal featuring a range of dishes that sparked our taste buds. I opted for the Ribeye, a cut I was eagerly anticipating, while my wife selected the Steak Diane, renowned for its distinctive preparation. The star of the dish was the sauce, masterfully crafted by Rita, who truly nailed the flavor balance. The presentation was elegant, enhancing the dining experience, and my wife savored every bite of her steak. She particularly relished the rich truffle butter that accompanied both her dish and mine, adding an indulgent depth to the meal. In contrast, my Ribeye was somewhat underwhelming. It lacked the tenderness I had expected, leaving me slightly disappointed. I can't help but compare it to the exceptional steaks served at the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle, which are leagues above in quality. For dessert, we shared an unfortunately lackluster slice of New York cheesecake. Priced rather steeply, it turned out to be a tiny rectangular piece, measuring about 1 inch by 3 inches. Growing up in Brooklyn, I have a deep appreciation for authentic New York cheesecakes and have enjoyed many from Junior's, a legendary establishment founded by Harry Rosen in 1950. Sadly, this cheesecake failed to meet my expectations in both size and flavor, making it a disappointing end to what had been a lovely meal. Nevertheless, if you're looking to celebrate a special occasion, this restaurant has its charms and might still be worth a visit. It is worth mentioning that they charge a 20% service fee on top of the already high prices. I knew this going in, but it was worth mentioning. Between the 10% tax and the 20% service fee, you will spend a lot of Money. I also tipped above the already high service fee because the staff was great, and we loved Naoh. Our total bill was $500.00 read more

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Always a special occasion when we visit El Gaucho. The service and food are consistently exceptional--everything was amazing as usual.My pour of Stagg bourbon seemed a little off from what I've had before, but things happen.Still, an easy 5 stars. read more