I live in Seattle and I have been to El Gaucho quite a few times in the past years with mostly favorable opinion about the service and food.
But today it all changed, I went with my husband and baby to celebrate my bday.
First the ceasar salad we ordered had too much citrus flavor and didn't taste like what you would consider a good ceasar salad ( the server said he would take it off the bill, but at the end didn't).
Second, they took almost an hour after the salad finished to bring the steak, and they had overcooked my husband's filet...but was good enough to get a new one for him.
Third, one of the table in the room was occupied by a tourist and "his fiance". They were making out pretty much in open after they had finished eating. I mentioned the situation to the assistant manager, and he pretty much didn't seem surprised by it, but rather just apologized for me having witnessed it. I couldn't stomach sitting there and having to look at them, therefore we didn't even stick around to have dessert, and I just waited by the hostess while my husband finished paying the bill.
I thought this was an upstanding steak house in Seattle. But today I had the worst service, barely tolerable food, and an ambiance I would rather not revisit anytime soon.
I am so angry that I ended up wasting a good birthday dinner with my family at this place. shame on you El Gaucho, this goes against everything you claim on your website about families sharing special moments. Its hard for new parents to get time to have dinner, and you guys don't really care about the locals at all...it seems to be all about who buys the most drinks even if there are questionable behaviors.
I am sorry to say that from now on I will not recommend this place for local families.
Date: March 20th, 8-10pm
Pros: hostess
Cons: food, server, ambiance
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