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503-227-8794
Picture for El Gaucho
City's Best

319 SW Broadway
Portland, OR 97205
Fax: 503-227-3412

Average Rating 4 (7 Ratings)

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Find this business under: Restaurants-Mexican, Restaurants

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This dark and elegant steakhouse is romantically lit with bursts of flame from the huge meat grills and tableside flambe service. Start your meal with the wicked shrimp appetizer; its heat will prepare your palate for the fire to come. The tuxedoed waiters hover nearby, prepared to execute a dramatic performance that will result in a complicated Caesar salad or sublime bananas Foster. But the real stars of the show are the beef entrees, from the chateaubriand for two, to the sensible top sirloin. The meat is tender, rich and satisfying.

If beef isn't your bag, try the flaming lamb shish kebab or Cornish game hen; both arrive at the table on a silver saber. The wine list needs some work -- it seems a bit limited and overpriced -- and some of the side dishes arrive cold and uninspired. Vegetarians can choose between a roasted vegetable platter or nothing. Old school, boys club and expense account are just a few phrases that come to mind here, especially when taking a gander at the prices. But judging by the success of this restaurant's older sibling in Seattle, it's bound to become a Portland tradition. -- Randy Riggs

7 Ratings and Reviews

  • Woooow!

    Review rating : 5out of 5   Hiper777 - 07/22/2008

    My husband and I have spent each of our 3 anniversaries at El Gaucho, so we have a lot of history with the place! They always make us feel welcomed, and I always look forward to the tableside shows! My husband always enjoys his steak, and I always have to steal a bite or two! Personally, I prefer fish, and they always have a selection to chose from, not to mention the extensive wine list.

    Looking forward to next year!

  • best of the west

    Review rating : 5out of 5   epicurigrl - 06/14/2008

    If you are a lover of steak, the only place to fill your epicurean desires is El Gaucho, Portland. The food is unbelievable, the service top notch and entertaining. The dimly lit dining rooms create an alluring, romantic, and masculine atmosphere. If your a woman you can't help but feel feminine again. It's spendy - and well worth every dollar.

  • What happened?

    Review rating : 1out of 5   TUXEDOLOUNGE - 06/11/2008

    I vividly recall the brief heyday of the Portland El Gaucho. There was a time when style, energy , and sex appeal was the name of the game. But over the past few years it seems that EG has lost its edge, hell even the music is stale! At least Ringside doens't posture and preen while gouging you, but EG comes off as smart-ass and smarmy and defensive to boot! Back in the day the high rollers, beautiful women, and the power-brokers of the city (and beyond) were shoulder-to-shoulder, but no more. The wine list is esoteric, over-priced, and one-dimensional. Service is the heart of any businiess and these cats have forgotten who pays the bills. When management "phones it in" the staff will follow. What the palce needs is leadership and a service staff that understands what today's guest is looking for. Someone told me that ownership changed hands, well it shows! Bring back the professionals who took the time to EARN my $$$$ and continued patronage!

  • El Gouge-o

    Review rating : 1out of 5   ValMcA - 05/30/2008

    WAY over-priced, over-rated & pretentious. So much garlic in the Caesar, you could not taste the rest of the salad. No one cared. Tried 3 times...2 strikes you're OUT!!!!

  • Can You Afford It?

    Review rating : 5out of 5   mohlson - 02/17/2005

    Those old enough may remember the old Peter Canlis Restaurant atop the Portland Hilton. The food and service were legendary...especially the lamb shish ka bob...well, it's back now in the Benson on Broadway. "El Gougo" is expensive yes, but worth the price (so is the green fee at Pebble Beach but most golfers would argue it's a bargain). Make a visit to the site of the former (much missed) Trader Vic's and enjoy!!!

  • Kiss n tell

    Review rating : 5out of 5   iceblues2 - 11/04/2004

    Top notch service and food. Great downtown feel that will take a romantic dinned to the next level. Love the cigar room.

  • been there

    Review rating : 4out of 5   cyncity356 - 08/05/2004

    loved the embience of the restaurant, also the chateaubriand of filet was exceptional, the oysters rockafellar was to dry,but the frenchonion soup was to die for, overall all was very good will go back on special occasions, for my boyfriends b-day in october, he has never been, thank you cynthia terhorst

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