A meat lover's heaven with great ambiance and serv

Had not back been to El Gaucho for a few years. Did not disappoint! Food was plentiful, great quality meat, excellent appetizers and dessert. Two strolling guitarists provided some light entertainment, performing requests for most tables. One guy got up and joined in - they were very talented at covering up for his less-than-ideal pitch!! Would definitely recommend the Sangria - a medium pitcher is MORE than enough for two and it definitely is more affordable than wine, and its delicious! I had a T-bone which was nicely marbled and delicious and my better half had a surf and turf that was equally good. Service was attentive but not over done, and nothing was ever missing or forgotten. Overall a very positive experience!

Overall a very very dissapointing experience.

Overall a very very dissapointing experience. This is clearly not a restaurant on part with establishments in most major US cities. The service was particularly poor. It was slow and disorderly, provided by a callous staff with poor understaning of the dining experience. The ambiance was chaotic. The food however was the largest dissapointment. The steaks were dry, flavorless and overall very low quality. Do not dine here.

Still Outstanding!

Went there twice during our most recent visit and both times the Gaucho steaks were cooked to perfection! Still the best pumpkin soup on the island! Desserts and drinks were very good; service wonderful. Leftovers make the best sandwiches EVER, especially when paired with slices of Gouda cheese!

I'm Done!

Tried it again after several years, just not the quality you would expect. Every time I go there (3 times in 10 years), I am up all night with cramps...and trust me I have an iron stomach. The Gaucho Steak is good but the rest was so-so. My daughter got a filet mignon that was terrible. She and I could not even chew it...no one even asked why she didn't eat it. So, for the money, go somewhere else. Go to Chalet Suisse, Bella Luna, or for half the price, Iguana Joe's YES Iguana Joe's is SO MUCH BETTER!!!

Dreary Decor But Great Food

At last check (I've been there 3 times but not since 2006), the decor leaves something to be desired (they are in desperate need of some updating at this point); however, their beef is excellent and the chimichurri sauce is amazing! Tip: they're open at lunch so you can avoid the longer waits (I've never needed a reservation) and higher prices by going during the day.

Save It For Your Last Night!

We've been going to El Gaucho for many years and always save it for our last night in town. The reason? We always order the Gaucho Steak (which is really a roast!) and I make sandwiches for the trip home the next day out of leftovers!! This year was no exception. Their homemade steak sauce is fabulous; the pumpkin soup is the best I've had on the island and continues to be a favorite. The roving singers are very nice and not intrusive unless you make a special request. It saddens me to read bad reviews that crop up from time to time about this place; we've never been disappointed.

So So

We have been here a few times over the years and tried different rooms. For us it always sounds too noisy. The Food isn't bad but I like steaks and each time I have been disappointed. I am not sure why but there is just something with the taste and cuts. Sorry but I like Chalet Suisse better.

JL

The food is always very good but higher on the price scale. Presentation is very good. Parking is a little difficult at times in that area.

Excellent

The food and atmosphere is by far the best. If you like Argentine beef - its a must try. You won't be disappointed!!

never again

I rarely ever enter a bad review but I will make an exception. The steaks actually were not that bad. However, the service was even slower than island time. Maybe my expectations were too high as everyone we spoke to said this was a must go. Quite frankly the quality of the steaks definitely did not justify the cost. Also this is a "service charge" restuarant. An additional 18% was added to our bill as a service charge. When I asked the waiter was this considered the tip he said no. This is the biggest scam but I did not take it out on the waiter as this is on the owner. I did not want to stiff the waiter so I added another 15% onto the bill. Later, after some research I learned that the service charge benefits the owner as it subsidizes his labor costs. Yes all the employees share in the service charge including the waiter. But this is not considered a tip. For what they charge for a steak this service charge is a joke. l

GREAT Restaurant

I've been returning to El Gaucho every year (more than once in each trip) since 1991. It's a great place to eat. Fabulous food. Best garlic sauce in the world. Steaks are the best of Argentinian beef. This is a place you probably shouldn't bring young children or your dining experience might be hindered by having to worry about them instead of enjoying the experience. It's a shame that they have to protect their salt and pepper shakers because people have been known to steal them along with their famous wooden plates- all this can be bought in their gift shop including the garlic sauce. There are downsides to any restaurant. It is a rather expensive place to eat, but no more than a good steak house in the USA. It is located downtown and rather hard to find for newcomers. The service can be slow if they are packed, but you're in Aruba where service is at Aruban pace in most places. Sometimes it's difficult to get a primetime reservation, which really tells the story about their overall quality. Would highly recommend.

save your $$$$

Somethings up with this place...wasn't happy the last 2 visits...maybe they're to big for their britchers.. This past visit we had to ask for S&P shakers, they gave us 1 set...are you kidding, I'm thinking??....party of 10 adults and 6 kids, $750.00 bill, by the way.. One of the pepper shakers ended up on the floor somehow, maybe the kids put it there..anyway, when they started to clear the table the waiter and waitresses freaked out looking for the pepper shaker. Next thing you know we're being interegated by the waitress, and 4 other EL Gaucho employees. Never again, head the warning...