4 /5 Erin Voeltz: If you are looking for "fancy" but not "snobby" I would highly recommend El Gaucho. The atmosphere is lively (and loud if the restaurant is full) with a good vibe and while the servers are all in tuxes, it doesnt feel overly stuffy.
To start off our meal, my husband and I each ordered a mocktail and our server brought us complimentary garlic bread which was scrumptious. We shared the beet salad as an appetizer (DELICIOUS) and they split the salad into two separate plates for us; a nice touch. We ordered two different steak dishes - I got the New York strip and it was meh, but I highly recommend the chimichurri for a little "extra". My husband got the Filet Medallions Oscar topped with Dungeness crab and it was outstanding. We also ordered the Dungeness crab Mac and cheese and I loved it.
Throughout the bustling dinner service, servers and coming and going with various carts in order to prepare certain menu items table-side. We did not partake of any of those dishes, but the service adds to the experience and the Bananas Foster with the fiery flame was quite the spectacle while also looking quite delicious. Our dinner was capped with a yummy fresh fruit, nut and cheese plate, which we found to be a nice touch.
While we did not go wild (we did not order alcohol nor dessert), we enjoyed a great meal and for a special date night we felt the $305 check (which automatically includes a 20% gratuity) was a fair price, however I will say that our ticket would be considered on the "low end" for this restaurant.
