What really matters is the food preparation and El Gaucho is missing this qualility. The appetizers were outstanding, the shrimp and the ribs were spicey and hot. The ceasar salad was okay, it... More

What really matters is the food preparation and El Gaucho is missing this qualility. The appetizers were outstanding, the shrimp and the ribs were spicey and hot. The ceasar salad was okay, it really lacked a good cheese. The ceaser salad also lacked any bacon, the croutons were not produced in the kitchen and was really very bland. If you serve a steak as is on the plate the steak better be really good and the steaks were not very good. The rib steak was tough and sinewy, some of the steak had to be spat out on the plate it was so unchewable. There is a reason a bone is removed from the steak, it is hard to cook. The kitchen hasn't got it . The risotto side dish was undercooked, it was like eating chicletts, enough said. The banana foster was okay, it seemed the banana's were not cooked, they were cold, and were probably not ripe yet. Overall, an okay experience but for the price and prestige I really expected excellent or superior food. Pros: neat location Cons: food qualitiy is lacking
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The Steaks are VERY delicious, I haven't had a steak this good since "Cheeves Brothers" in Temple, TX. The price of the steaks are well worth it by the way!! Please...................leave the kids... More

The Steaks are VERY delicious, I haven't had a steak this good since "Cheeves Brothers" in Temple, TX. The price of the steaks are well worth it by the way!! Please...................leave the kids at home or with a babysitter! Finally, dress up, jeans and running shoes are not suited for this place!!!
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Had dinner last night in a private room. While the service was excellent, the meal was nothing to brag about. The baseball cut tenderloin was cooked correctly but it lacked flavor. The potato I... More

Had dinner last night in a private room. While the service was excellent, the meal was nothing to brag about. The baseball cut tenderloin was cooked correctly but it lacked flavor. The potato I ordered was a joke, is that velvetta cheese they dribble on the potato. Come on Gaucho! The spicy steak appetizer was lathered in a delicious sauce which I would highly recommend, and it wasn't very spicy so most people would be okay. Drinks were done well but the Gin and tonic was okay at best. Likely the best joint in North tacoma but I would head north to JAK's in Issaquah or West Seattle for a better price, a better steak with equal service. Don't think I will drop the cash I spent last night at the Gaucho ever again. Pros: Ambience, Service, Appetizers, Private room for personal party Cons: The food, some drinks
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Sorry to disappoint some of the reviewers who thought this restaurant wouldn't last in Tacoma, it's still there. We went there almost a year ago and we are still talking about it. We wore jeans (no... More

Sorry to disappoint some of the reviewers who thought this restaurant wouldn't last in Tacoma, it's still there. We went there almost a year ago and we are still talking about it. We wore jeans (no tux necessary as one reviewer suggested) and we did not feel out of place at all. The front door is so non-descript you might think you are at the wrong place, but once inside you realize you have stumbled upon a fabulous restaurant. The atmosphere was very romantic and we loved the people watching. We had several drinks, the fiery shrimp appetizer, the Caesar salad for two prepared at our table, the chateaubriand for two (with a beautiful table side presentation), and the creme brulee. Everything was sooooo delicious. I think the chateaubriand was the best meat I have ever eaten even better than Prime in Las Vegas. The salad was very good and we even learned how to make it at home as the server explained what she was doing when we asked. The shrimp were tasty and fiery, drinks were good not weak, they bring a fruit and cheese tray after dinner, which was a very nice touch, and the creme brulee was among the best we have tasted. We cannot wait to go again, but it is expensive so it is a special occasion place for us. Pros: food, atmosphere, service Cons: pricey
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Who cares how much dinner costs?! If you find yourself exclaiming this on a regular basis, then go to El Gaucho's! $100 will get you a few appetizers and a drink or two. $500 will get you dinner for... More

Who cares how much dinner costs?! If you find yourself exclaiming this on a regular basis, then go to El Gaucho's! $100 will get you a few appetizers and a drink or two. $500 will get you dinner for two and perfect service in one of Tacoma's best restaurants, hands down. Be sure to tip your waitress! $$$ PROS: Very upscale, live music. CONS: Extremely expensive, very snobby crowd.
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Excellent service and awesome food at El Gaucho's! Live piano music, and smoking room off to the side. Service was top notch. Highly recommended! Go tonight!

Excellent service and awesome food at El Gaucho's! Live piano music, and smoking room off to the side. Service was top notch. Highly recommended! Go tonight!
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I have eaten at the Met, the Brooklyn and a few others in the Puget Sound area but none of them have the quality of food, service or atmosphere as El Gaucho in Tacoma. The steak was prepared... More

I have eaten at the Met, the Brooklyn and a few others in the Puget Sound area but none of them have the quality of food, service or atmosphere as El Gaucho in Tacoma. The steak was prepared well-done but it remained succulent and felt like it melted in my mouth with minimal chewing. The staff was professional. The building where El Gauch is located from the outside makes you somewhat fearful to enter. But once inside, you may think you are not in Tacoma anymore. It reminded me of the Steamplant in Spkane only larger than their restaurant. Shananigans, Cliff-House and the like take notice: there's a new steakhouse in Tacoma and it's a superb one. The price is high but it's the kind of place you enjoy most if you ony treat yourself to on special occasions. They also have several private rooms where groups can dine. Pros: Food preparation, Atmosphere, Service
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I have never eaten at El Gaucho, so I can't compare this new one to the others. What I can do is compare it to The Met, Ruth's Chris, Union Square Grill and The Cliff House. Not even close. Too... More

I have never eaten at El Gaucho, so I can't compare this new one to the others. What I can do is compare it to The Met, Ruth's Chris, Union Square Grill and The Cliff House. Not even close. Too noisy, no separation from the ground floor and the bar so if you are a non-smoker, you are in for polluted air. Service was good, but nothing more. Meal preparation was very boring. Flashy menu and preparation lost points in taste and flavor. I had much better food, excellent service, and and much nicer evening for way less money at the above mentioned restaurants. The meal last night did not include wine and at close to $200 ranked the second most we've paid for 2 people even with wine. If you have no other choice, go to the Keg. Pros: Reasonable service, Nice decor, Close to home Cons: Poor value for cost, Piano Bar too noisy, Lounge allows smoking
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I was so excited to hear that an El Gaucho was coming to Tacoma! I was very impressed with the restaurant. Great ambiance, outstanding menu and impeccable service! This is not your grandfather's... More

I was so excited to hear that an El Gaucho was coming to Tacoma! I was very impressed with the restaurant. Great ambiance, outstanding menu and impeccable service! This is not your grandfather's Tacoma! Pros: Impeccable Service, Great wine list, Bananas Foser!
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Being a Tacoma native, I can't tell you how exciting it is to have a place like this in my backyard! I was at the grand opening and have been several times since. The food is outstanding and the... More

Being a Tacoma native, I can't tell you how exciting it is to have a place like this in my backyard! I was at the grand opening and have been several times since. The food is outstanding and the service has been top notch! You have hit the jackpot and welcome to Tacoma! Pros: Service, Food, Building Cons: Parking
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