Downtown
El Gaucho Tacoma
High-end, old-school steakhouse & bar offering an elegant, dimly lit setting with live music nightly.
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253.272.1510
2119 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Google Directions »RESERVATIONS
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In a nod to the days of the hidden speak-easy, a simple exterior opens to a grand staircase as guests enter a world of shimmering candlelight, classic songs on the piano and the palpable anticipation of a very special dining experience, including the attentive tableside service that is the El Gaucho hallmark.
Join us for happy hour, dinner service, a special event and exceptional private dining.
No announcements at this time.
Menus
Our menu features fresh seafood selections and 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Prime Certified Angus Beef® and custom-aged Certified Angus Beef® Tenderloin Filets as personally selected by John Tarpoff. Steaks and chops are prepared on our one-of-a-kind charcoal grill in our open exhibition style kitchen. Our commitment is to sourcing the finest ingredients – and we proudly source the best products in the world. Not all menu items are listed on our website—we also offer daily fresh sheets as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Please feel free to contact us regarding special requests or food allergy concerns.
A 20% service charge is included on each check. El Gaucho retains 100% of the service charge. Our professional service team receives industry leading compensation including commissions on sales, health insurance, 401K, and extensive education and training for a successful career path.
Dinner
Starters
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Wicked Shrimp
sautéed with our custom wicked spice ~18Tenderloin Diablo
sautéed tenderloin tips, cajun cream sauce ~18Steak Tartare
tableside preparation ~23Pecan Crusted Brie
honey, cherry balsamic reduction, granny smith apple ~14 -
Dungeness Crab Cocktail
fresh horseradish, cocktail sauce ~18
+ prawns ~23Ahi Tuna Poke
habanero & jalapeño chimichurri, scallions, fried ginger, sesame, smoked soy sauce, wontons ~18Diver Sea Scallops
lemon beurre blanc ~18 -
Fresh Dungeness Crab Cakes
lightly sautéed, apple & fennel slaw, herb aioli ~18Northwest Oysters
1/2 dozen, fresh, half shell ~18Escargot
classic garlic-herb butter ~14
Soup & Salad
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Creamy Clam Chowder
new england style, bowl ~12French Onion Soup
hearty, rich, peasant style, bowl ~12Insane Truffle Soup
white truffle, wild mushrooms, cream ~12 -
Mixed Green Salad
apples, walnuts, shallot vinaigrette ~11Classic Wedge Salad
iceberg, pancetta, egg, tomato, crumbles, kalamata olives, roquefort ~13Seafood Salad
iceberg, cucumber, tomato, kalamata olives, avocado, prawns, crab, green goddess dressing ~26 -
Tableside Spinach Salad
shiitake mushrooms, bacon, candied pecans, hardboiled egg ~15Tableside Caesar Salad
classically made from scratch
minimum two ~ 15 per person
Entrées
Steaks & Chops
We proudly serve 28-day dry-aged Niman Ranch All-Natural Prime Certified Angus Beef® and custom-aged Certified Angus Beef® Tenderloin Filets as personally selected by John Tarpoff. Steaks and chops are prepared on our one-of-a-kind charcoal grill in our open exhibition style kitchen.
Served with crimini mushroom cap.
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Baseball Cut Top Sirloin
12 oz ~42Filet Mignon
8 & 12 oz ~58 / 74Grass Fed Filet Mignon
8 oz, truffle butter ~58 -
New York Steak
14 oz ~68Peppercorn New York
14 oz ~71Bone-In New York
18 oz ~76Frenched Rib Chop
18 oz ~72 -
Top Sirloin & Prawns
bacon fat potatoes, chimichurri ~48Steak El Gaucho
8 oz custom-aged filet mignon, Maine lobster medallions, asparagus, béarnaise sauce ~77Filet Medallions Oscar
two 4 oz filets, fresh dungeness crab, asparagus, béarnaise ~77
Tableside
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Chateaubriand
An El Gaucho tradition for two! 20 oz center cut of tenderloin served with baked potatoes, asparagus, broiled tomato, cliff sauce ~135 -
Flaming Sword Mixed Grill Brochette
tenderloin, new york, wicked chicken sausage, bell peppers, red chimichurri, garlic sauce ~58
Add-ons
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Béarnaise ~5
Roquefort ~5
Peppercorn ~7
Bordelaise ~7 -
Oscar Style crab, asparagus, béarnaise ~22
Gaucho Style lobster medallions, asparagus, béarnaise ~22
Maine Lobster Tail 8-10 oz ~36
Canadian Lobster Tail 14-16 oz ~75
King Crab Leg 1 ~49 / 2 ~98
Seafood
Three fresh seafood selections offered nightly.
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Canadian Lobster Tail
14-16 oz, drawn butter ~75 -
Roasted Jumbo Gulf Prawns
dungeness crab, miso ginger sauce, shiitake and herb salad ~48 -
Diver Sea Scallops
& Grilled Prawn Linguine
fresh herb, lemon beurre blanc ~38
Game & Poultry
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Columbia River Reserve Oregon
Rack of Lamb
all-natural, hazelnut crust, merlot demi-glace, broiled tomato, asparagus ~56
El Gaucho Fried Chicken
mashed potatoes, sweet onion & tomato gravy, St. John’s salad ~36
Shareable Sides
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Gaucho Mac & Coastal Cheddar Cheese
bread crumb topping ~12Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
buttery, velvety ~9 / + lobster ~24Crispy Brussel Sprouts
balsamic reduction, beurre blanc, pancetta ~13 -
Scalloped Potatoes
a hint of spice ~11Roasted Sweet Corn
chipotle honey butter ~12Sautéed Spinach
olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, lemon ~ 10 -
Asparagus
lemon beurre blanc ~12Crimini and Shiitake Risotto
made to order ~11Tableside Baked Potato
russet, butter, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, scallions, fluffed tableside ~8
Vegetarian
Starters
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Truffle Soup
cream, wild mushrooms, black truffle oil ~12 -
Seasonal Mixed Greens
apples, walnuts, shallot vinaigrett ~12
Entrées
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Vegetable Pasta
linguini, olive oil, onions, mix mushrooms, tomatoes, chili flakes ~24 -
Vegetable Brochette ~24 | Served with choice of:
Quinoa: red bell peppers, red onions, cucumbers, olive oil, mint, basil & Gaucho seasoning.
Faro: red bell peppers, spinach, mix mushrooms & parmesan cheese.
Additional Grilled Vegetables: asparagus & broccoli. (vegan)
Sides
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Sautéed Spinach
olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, lemon ~8Asparagus
drizzled lemon beurre blanc ~12 -
Roasted Sweet Corn
fire roasted and sliced off the cob, chipotle honey butter ~11 -
Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
buttery, velvety ~9
Wine
View our wine list (pdf)
We strive to provide our guests the highest level of service and quality when it comes to wine, our courteous and knowledgeable sommelier is always at the ready with a pairing suggestion. Our wine list includes well-known labels as well as wines from smaller, family-owned vintners. We have an extensive selection of wines by the glass as well as an ever-changing wine list, so even the most dedicated aficionados can expect to find new and exciting wines each time they dine with us.
For our guests wishing to enjoy that special bottle from their own cellar, you are welcome to do so. There is a corkage charge of $30 per 750 ML bottle with a limit of one bottle for every two people. For larger groups with multiple bottles, please inquire within the restaurant. Captain service and crystal stemware will be provided. Please contact us at 253-272-1510 for information.
Dessert
Specialties & Classics
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Olympic Mountain Sorbet
seasonal ~5Florida Key Lime Pie
sweet whipped cream, graham cracker crust ~10The Chocolate Cake
vanilla bean ice cream, white chocolate flakes ~10 -
Espresso Crème Brûlée
Five Farms irish cream whipped cream ~10Chocolate Ganache
bittersweet chocolate, bourbon caramel, salted caramel ice cream ~10Granny Smith & Fuji Apple Tart
a la mode ~10 -
Banana Bread Pudding
crème anglaise ~10Homemade Cheesecake
strawberry coulis ~10
Tableside Flambé
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Bananas Foster
(for 2 or more) ~14 per person -
Cherries Jubilee
(for 2 or more) ~14 per person
Dessert Cocktails
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Gaucho Irish Coffee
Slane irish whiskey, Five Farms irish cream, coffee, vanilla infused whipped cream ~14Orchard Toddy
Woodinville Applewood bourbon, house-made sweet apple simple syrup, hot water ~16 -
Tiramisu Martini
Kahula, Rumchata, Godiva chocolate liqueur, heavy cream, chocolate & espresso powder ~14Espresso Martini
vanilla vodka, Kahlua, Five Farms irish cream, Godiva Chocolate liqueur, espresso ~14
Bar/Happy Hour
Happy Hour
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Insane Truffle Soup
white truffle oil, wild mushrooms, cream ~6Fried Calamari
roasted poblano aioli ~10Lobster Mac & Cheese
lobster knuckle, coastal cheddar lobster cream sauce ~9Braised Beef Street Tacos
tomatillo salsa, onion, cilantro, sliced radish ~6Crusted Brie
pecan panko crust, cherry balsamic reduction, clover honey ~12Clams with Wicked Sausage
Manilla clams, wicked chicken sausage, shaved fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, white wine butter ~9 -
Arugula & Beet Salad
goat cheese, toasted pepitas, spicy wonton strips, cranberry vinaigrette ~12Sweet Potato Fries
cinnamon marshmallow sauce, sriracha ketchup ~6Chef’s Pork Belly
apple compote, maple gastrique ~12Wicked Shrimp
sautéed with our custom Wicked Spice ~15Tenderloin Diablo
sautéed tenderloin tips, cajun cream sauce ~15Ahi Tuna Poke
habanero & jalapeño chimichurri, scallions, fried ginger, sesame, smoked soy sauce, wontons ~12 -
~ From the Grill ~
Grilled Steak Sandwich
dry-aged Niman Ranch all-natural Certified Angus Beef top sirloin cap steak, caramelized onion, NY white cheddar, gaucho bread, au jus ~18El Gaucho Burger
1/2 lb Certified Angus Beef tenderloin, Niman Ranch all natural bacon, NY sharp cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion ~11Black & Blue Burger
1/2lb Certified Angus Beef tenderloin, blackening spice, roquefort, bacon, peppercorn sauce, onion straws ~12A Taste of Gaucho
dry-aged Niman Ranch all-natural Certified Angus Beef® top sirloin, lobster, béarnaise ~15
Happy Hour Drinks
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~ COCKTAILS ~
Classic Margarita
tequila, orange liqueur, sweet & sour,
fresh lime ~7Jamaican Berry Mule
blackberry infused rum, ginger syrup, sweet & sour, soda ~9Gummy Bear
triple berry infused vodka, peach schnapps, sour, sprite ~8Blueberry Lemondrop
citrus infused, blueberry purée, orange liqueur ~7Earl Grey Fashion
earl grey infused bourbon, simple syrup, peychaud bitters, charred lemon peel ~9Gaucho Cosmo
triple berry infused vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, sweet & sour ~9 -
~ $11 PREMIUM COCKTAILS ~
Alloo Vodka Martini
Gordon’s Gin Martini
Four Roses Yellow Label Manhattan
Rittenhouse Rye Manhattan
Johnnie Walker Red Label Rob Roy~ CAPTAIN’S WINE SELECTION ~
Red Wine
6 glass / 20 bottleCaptain’s Choice Red
10 glass / 35 bottleSparkling Wine
6 glass / 25 bottleWhite Wine
6 glass / 20 bottleCaptain’s Choice White
8 glass / 25 bottle -
~ $5 DRAFT BEERS ~
Fremont Porter
Backwoods Little Town Lager
Silver City Bavarian Hefeweizen~ $6 DRAFT BEERS ~
Bodhizafa IPA
Manny’s Pale Ale
Mac & Jack’s
Signature Appetizers
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Insane Truffle Soup
white truffle oil, wild mushrooms, cream ~12Fried Calamari
roasted poblano aioli ~12Lobster Mac & Cheese
lobster knuckle, coastal cheddar lobster cream sauce ~10Braised Beef Street Tacos
tomatillo salsa, onion, cilantro, sliced radish ~8Clams with Wicked Sausage
Manilla clams, wicked chicken sausage, shaved fennel, cherry tomatoes, garlic, white wine butter ~12Arugula & Beet Salad
goat cheese, toasted pepitas, spicy wonton strips, cranberry vinaigrette ~14 -
Sweet Potato Fries
cinnamon marshmallow sauce, sriracha ketchup ~8Crusted Brie
pecan panko crust, cherry balsamic reduction, clover honey ~14Chef’s Pork Belly
apple compote, maple gastrique ~14Wicked Shrimp
sautéed with our custom Wicked Spice ~18Tenderloin Diablo
sautéed tenderloin tips, cajun cream sauce ~18Ahi Tuna Poke
habanero & jalapeño chimichurri, scallions, fried ginger, sesame, smoked soy sauce, wontons ~17 -
~ From the Grill ~
Grilled Steak Sandwich
dry-aged Niman Ranch all-natural Certified Angus Beef top sirloin cap steak, caramelized onion, NY white cheddar, gaucho bread, au jus ~18El Gaucho Burger
1/2lb Certified Angus Beef® tenderloin, Niman Ranch all natural bacon, NY sharp cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli, lettuce, tomato, onion ~14Black & Blue Burger
1/2lb Certified Angus Beef tenderloin, blackening spice, roquefort, bacon, peppercorn sauce, onion straws ~15A Taste of Gaucho
Dry aged Niman Ranch all-natural Certified Angus Beef® top sirloin, lobster, béarnaise ~15
Signature Cocktails
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Gaucho Tacoma Mule
Choice of Liquor: Ketel One vodka, Novo Fogo cachaça, Captain Morgan spiced rum, Bourbon Barreled Big Gin, Bulleit bourbon, Maker’s Mark bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, house-made ginger syrup, sweet & sour, fresh lime, topped with soda ~14XXX Martini
Stoli Elit vodka, bleu cheese stuffed olive ~22Tableside Hickory Manhattan
Eagle Rare 10 year, hickory smoke wash, Carpano Antica Formula, Angostura Bitters, Griotte cherries ~35Gaucho Knob Creek Sazerac
Gaucho Private Barrel Knob Creek Rye, absinthe wash, Peychaud bitters, Angostura bitters, simple syrup ~16 -
Gaucho Cosmo
triple berry infused vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, sweet & sour ~13Tacoma Paloma
barrel aged Sauza tequila, grapefruit liqueur, white grapefruit juice, lime ~13Diablo Maria
Union Uno Mezcal Joven, house-made bloody mary mix, bacon slice ~14Vesper 2.0
Malfy Con Italian gin, Belvedere Intense Unfiltered vodka, Lillet Blanc ~15Old Fashion No. 23
Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 Solera rum, orange bitters, agave simple syrup ~16 -
Gaucho Barrel-Aged Manhattan
captain’s choice Kentucky bourbon, Maraschino Cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, cherry brandy, Peychaud bitters ~18The Classico
Four Roses Single Barrel, Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange, Gran Classico bitters ~14Pomegranate Basil Martini
citrus infused vodka, Pama pomegranate liqueur, muddled lime & basil ~14Spanish Gin & Tonic
Hendricks gin, cucumber ribbon, grapefruit bitters, tonic, topped with peppercorn ~14
General Manager: Terianne Broyles Email | Bio
Executive Chef: Jesus Boites Email | Bio
Live Music: Sandy Harvey Friday–Saturday 6pm. Cara Sandahl: Sunday 5:30pm; Monday & Tuesday 6pm. Luke Doubravsky: Wednesday & Thursday 6pm.
Hours: Monday-Thursday: Lounge 4–10pm; Dinner Service begins at 5pm. Friday: Lounge 4–12am; Dinner Service begins at 5pm. Saturday: 5pm–12am. Sunday: 4pm–10pm. Valet parking available. Happy Hour: Sunday & Monday: 4-10pm; Tuesday-Friday: 4-6pm & 9pm–close; Saturday: 4pm-5pm & 9pm–close. (Bar only. Not available on holidays).
“I had the opportunity to experience one of the most talked about restaurants in Tacoma… El Gaucho. It’s known as [the] place to go and almost the standard of excellence for special occasions and fine dining at its best. It lived up to the hype to say the least. The environment just feels luxurious and VIP, with a sweeping staircase as you enter, a main dining floor with an additional 2 balcony seating areas which make it almost feel like you’re at an opera house. The servers are professional, the drinks are true hand crafted masterpieces and the food… the food will not disappoint anybody who knows fine dining. If you have guests from out of town or an anniversary this venue will surely impress your guests.”
~Yelp | Chris D., 4/10/18
Private Dining
We coordinate so you can celebrate. Our Private Dining team will create an experience for your most important business and personal moments. Our beautiful and incomparable private rooms provide the perfect venue for your every occasion – from an intimate dinner to an important meeting, a family celebration or a large group gathering. Available for lunch and dinner service Monday through Friday and dinner service on the weekends, as well as buyouts of our entire restaurant.
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Event Director:
Merica Ocsan
253.272.4424 | Email -
Resources:
Information Request Form
Event Portfolio
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The romance of 1950’s Cuba is your backdrop for the Havana Room. Pre-Castro cigar signs and a beautiful hand made wall humidor set the mood for an intimate evening. Ideal for presentations, it has seating for as many as 30 people. A plasma screen television is also available for use.
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The Jon Sheard room allows boardroom seating for small business presentations, executive dinners or family events accommodating as many as 14 guests.
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Providing a birds-eye view of the action below, the Mezzanine allows you to experience the energy of El Gaucho from your own private perch. See and be seen from your personal VIP section seating up to 26 people.
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In the Northwest Room, a large painting of a bullfighter in action greets you as you enter our largest room. Seating up to 40 people, the Northwest Room provides the perfect setting for large scale seated presentations or a standing reception. We can accommodate up to 50 for a standing buffet.
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The Vineyard Room is an impressive and intimate setting for private gatherings or entertaining your most important clients. Surrounded by a working wine cellar, the single round table seats from 6-10 guests.
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Overlooking the main dining room, with space for up to 14 guests, the Piano Balcony allows you to experience the energy of the restaurant while enjoying your own private space. This exclusive area is a wonderful place to impress that someone special or even escape the hustle of the main dining room for a business meeting.
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The Main Dining and entire restaurant can be used for events and receptions. Contact us for details.