El Gaucho

Great steak dinner. The El Gaucho, churasco steak is excellent and 16 ounces of all meat; no fat whatsoever. Nice atmosphere, sit downstairs, not upstairs. The tiramisu was also excellent. My top recommendation for steak on Aruba.

We loved our steaks. The sides were even fabulous. We were referred by several guests at our resort who recommended it with rave reviews. Next time we are in Aruba we will for sure go back.

We loved this place from the food to the ambiance. The guitarists/singers traveled from table to table but only by OK and the food was very good. Everyone was friendly and accommodating, The entree and dessert were very good and prepared to request. The bar across the street was also wonderful; we enjoyed the dancing and the DJ/Karaoke, but on Sat. night the band didn't show. The dancing was still fun, tho. The dance floor is tiny but functional.

We were looking forward to dining at El Goucho ALL WEEK.... we made reservations for Friday night, the place was not at all busy. My husband and another gentleman at our table each wanted their specialty T-Bone steaks. WE were told they were out of them but had the Porterhouse steak at 28 oz. and MARKET PRICE... how convenient to be out of regular T-Bones. My husbands steak was fine but the other gentleman (and the person who paid the bill) was give the most inedible piece of steak ever seen! It was so full of grizzle and fat that if he had 10 ounces of meat it would have been a lot!!! The other lady and I had our steaks which were very good but again, nothing to write home about... the chimichurri sauce was definitely needed to add some flavor to this "fancy beef". Sad to say that we were definitely more excited going into the restaurant than when we left... upon departure, the doorman asked us how our meal was and then laughed when the man in our party said "NOT GOOD AT ALL"...

Im surprized no one has mentioned that they put a service charge of 15% which a lot of restaurants in Aruba do. Then when the charge is presented for you to sign there is a space for a tip to be added. On two occasions I have crossed out the tip part only to be followed from the table to the reception area where the waiter pleads his case that the management take part of the service charge and therefore an additional tip should be left!So in his mind you should leave between 15to 35 % over and above the bill.If you stand your ground the manager comes over and confirms the waiters plea. I dont buy this scam. They have done this two years in a row--Otherwise the veal chop is very good. Im not going back again to take this abuse.!!!

I was looking forward to visit and was EXTREMLY DISAPPOINTED !!! Arrogant management and inedible Rib eye makes me wonder how they made it so far. Wont see me again in their place !!! Bye bye !!!

WOW, this place has it all. Great food and FUN! The food is top notch with great, great steaks. Parking can at times be difficult, but they will find you a good spot. We have eaten there multiple times and it has always been a 10. Go and enjoy!

Steaks were excellent. Manager was insulting. We will never eat there again.
We never got to desert as we left after the entree.
To be honest, all restaurant staff were courteous but the manager.
The experience was not worth the hassle.
I have never been treated so horribly.

Our last visit to El Gaucho was Nov 2006. We absolutely loved the food. I was serenaded by two guitar-playing maestros who were so polite and played an Elvis tune. The wait staff was absolutely prompt and attentive. The steaks are the BEST on the island and the soup to die for. The sangria is also top rate. Although the location, downtown Oranjestad is dicey and the decor a bit smarmy, the upstairs dining is recommended. Reservations not required - for us, anyway. The place was packed on this visit. I didn't vist the restroom, so don't know about that. We recommend this restaurant for the food. A cigar bar is just across the street. Parking is nearby.

We agree, the best steaks on the island... well, didn't eat steaks elsewhere but don't know how you could beat the 16 ouncer (that my guy couldn't finish) or the Surf & Turf. Fun, festive, friendly. A nice compliment to our other island dining experiences. Don't miss it!