El Gaucho

Overall - Awesome

450 108th Ave NE Bellevue WA 98004
425-455-2715
Sunday: 5pm to close; Monday: 2:30pm to close; Tuesday-Friday: 2:30-6pm; Saturday: 5-6pm
elgaucho.com

Menu Variety - Awesome

There are 16 choices with most items in the $8-$10 range. Several familiar happy hour items complement some unique items. Great selection for a wide range of tastes.

Food Quality - Awesome

We were joined by another couple and had:

• Empanadas - $9
  
• Cheese Plate - $8
  
• Diablo Tenderloin - $8
  
• Mixed Greens Salad - $5
  
• Roasted Chicken Flatbread - $8
  
• Baby Back Ribs - $10
  
• Bodhizava IPA - $7
  
• Sangria - $7.50
  
• White Wine - $6
  

All food came hot within about 10 minutes of ordering. All of the serving sizes were generous. The ribs were good, but not fall-off-the-bone tender. Everything else was scrumptious. Presentation was what we would have expected from a higher-end restaurant, but was still a nice touch for HH food.

Service Quality/ Friendliness - Awesome

Our server was very attentive and professional. Water glasses were frequently checked and filled. Despite the restaurant being very busy, we never felt neglected. All servers were clean cut and dressed in jacket and tie.

Noise Level/ Ambience - Meh

We arrived about 4:50PM and the bar seating was already almost full. The noise level was 68 decibels and because of a column in the middle of the bar area our seating configuration had us sitting in a "J" shape. That combined with the noise level made it difficult to hear conversation. There is outdoor seating during warm weather which is much more pleasant. Bathrooms are up a flight of stairs from the main dining level.

Value - Awesome

When you consider the portion size, food quality, and price El Gaucho is a solid awesome rating. The IPA is about $2 more than typical HH's. El Gaucho charges a 20% service charge, something that we don't particularly like. However, the service charge isn't something that would negatively influence us coming back to El Gaucho in the future. Consider going during warm weather to enjoy a quieter, less cramped experience.