Food was top tier. Service was excellent and vibe was amazing. Highly recommend this place. I love food and this place did not disappoint.
Excelente encantada lo recomiendo la comida exquisita los cócteles y el postre el servicio excelente, el restaurante muy elegante muy acogedor romántico y la música en vivo
We love going to this restaurant for our birthday celebration every single year. We've never had a bad experience, but this year was superior. Our server, Steve, and his assistance were so helpful. Never a dull moment in that place. The food, the friendly atmosphere from start to finish, and the music from the guitarist made for a very special evening.
My boyfriend and I came in on Fathers Day as a sort of going away gift for me. Ambiance: I loved the dark lighting and the live guitar. Our seats were perfect for the two of us. It was really cool that we could see the chef and the kitchen out in the open. They all looked so focused and were in sync with eachother. Service: Daniel was incredible. He explained everything so thoroughly and made us want to try new foods. I even got a fancy mocktail, which I never do. The water was always full and it actually tasted so good. The food did take a while to get there (about 1hr) but it was really busy and the bread was soooooo good so I can't complain. The food: Ok, this is where I was a tiny bit disappointed but to be fair, I should have listened to Daniel when he said the medium rare was slightly more rare than I would be used to. We ordered the roasted corn 10/10 yum, the Yukon potatoes 10/10 yum, the Diablo steak bites 8/10 still yum, and the ribeye 7/10. I guess maybe I've never had 28 day aged steak because I thought it would be something different. It wasn't very juicy but it wasn't dry if that makes sense. It definitely had a cool red center so my boyfriend wouldn't eat it but I did and it was pretty good. I feel like it could have been a little more seasoned but again, I'm not a steak expert so I don't know. Overall, we had a really good experience and would definitely come back. They had a peach tomato salad and some French onion soup on the menu that I saw come out of the kitchen and I kicked myself for not getting that too. It was also fun to watch other people get the table side food made so I would probably do that next time.
Mmm mmm, EL 'effin' Gaucho is more like it! I'm gonna start by saying that my lasting impression of this steakhouse was simply thinking, "Whoa! When the scallops taste as soft and as tender as the steak, then that's perfection!" Here's the gist: :: Location & Parking :: At the corner of Broadway and Harvey Milk St, in the heart of downtown. You're gonna need to whip out that Parking Kitty app to find street parking. We did find parking at a small garage across Broadway, but it might be safer to park on the street versus a garage in my opinion. Just realize you're in the heart of downtown. ::: Dining & Atmosphere ::: White table cloth dining. It's like your typical steakhouse experience; Low lighting, but not super low to where you can't see the menu. Just right. Wine flowing, but I didn't see your common wine refrigeration display. I only saw big wine bottles around the tables, but also not a big deal. Happy patrons dressed to the nines, but also dressed comfortably. You can come here wearing a t-shirt, but you'll stand out as the odd one. Everything else appeared pretty clean. Even with a restroom break, I'd say it was fairly clean inside as well. :::: Starters, Steak & Service :::: My party wanted to share a few sides. So we did the Gaucho Mac n Cheese ($14) and mmm mmm what a great starter indeed. Loved the toasted bread crumbs on top. We tried the Grilled Sweet Corn ($14) which was also a pleasant honeyed sweet choice. And finally we gave the good ol' fashioned Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes ($14) a try, and yeah "light and lovely!" I'm not a fan of the "Lets add some seasoning to mashed potatoes" type. They kept it basic, and the side itself was truly golden! As for me, I kept eyeing the French Onion Soup ($16), so I'm glad I gave it a try. It wasn't overly salty and the cheesiness level was just full of stretchy ropy fun! The way it should be. Since I've never been here, I did their signature plate, the Steak El Gaucho ($89). An 8oz aged filet with Maine lobster medallion on top covered with this creamy bearnaise sauce. And of course an asparagus companion. I had the steak medium-rare, took one bite, and ugggh heaven! Grilled perfectly! Honestly, I could do without the toppings which were also delectable, but the filet was one of the best I've ever had in a long time. My friend ordered a side of scallops, and I had one with my steak. And man, that tenderness comparison just topped it all! Finally, with service. Maaan, I cannot thank Mathisen enough. He was serious when I asked him snooty question, but also hospitable when I threw stupid 'dad jokes' at him. He made an excellent wine pairing to go with my steak, and he definitely kept our party entertained. Mathisen deserves a promotion. He brings a lot to the table! (: hehe :) At the end of our dinner, we were also greeted by Gillian, the manager. She too was very courteous and another reason why we plan to come back someday. Thank you Mathisen and Gillian, it was a pleasure dining here.
Excellent service, great food and an awesome atmosphere. This place lived up to the hype and I am glad I got the opportunity to dine here. From the time we walked in the door u til we left everything was great.! I highly recommend this place!!
I have been to most of the locations in the Pacific Northwest. It is a chain that I enjoy very much. From the food, service, and ambiance. It has not disappointed me, ever! Came here on a Wed night. There was live music. I ordered the table side cosmo, table side beef tartare and oysters. I always get the escargots. Dinner for 1 or 10, this is a great place. Make sure to sign up for their rewards program as well!
My dining experience at El Gaucho Portland was nothing short of extraordinary, marked by culinary excellence and a distinctive ambiance. The Crab Bisque stood out as a decadent and delicious starter, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality ingredients and expert preparation. The richness of flavors in the bisque left a lasting impression, setting a high standard for the rest of the meal. The complimentary Garlic Bread was a delightful surprise that added an extra layer of satisfaction to the dining experience. Its enticing aroma and mouthwatering taste elevated the anticipation for the main course. This thoughtful touch demonstrated El Gaucho's dedication to providing a memorable and enjoyable meal from start to finish. The true star of the evening was the Steak El Gaucho. It was nothing short of amazing, perfectly cooked to my preference and bursting with flavor. The attention to detail in preparation and the quality of the cut were evident, making this dish a standout highlight of the entire dining experience. The presentation was impeccable, further enhancing the overall dining pleasure. Beyond the exceptional food, the restaurant's ambiance played a crucial role in creating a memorable evening. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with attentive and knowledgeable staff, contributed to a sense of luxury and comfort. The attention to detail in service further underscored El Gaucho's commitment to providing a top-tier dining experience. In summary, El Gaucho Portland exceeded expectations in every aspect. From the decadent Crab Bisque to the complimentary Garlic Bread that tantalized the taste buds, and finally, the extraordinary Steak El Gaucho, each element of the dining experience showcased a commitment to culinary excellence. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and attentive service complemented the exceptional cuisine, making El Gaucho a must-visit for those seeking an unforgettable and indulgent dining experience.