In 1996, El Gaucho opened with a vision of fine dining from a bygone era with old-school tableside service for people celebrating their lives. Twenty years later, the family-run company has grown to five restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest and a boutique inn. To mark the occasion, a company-wide celebration with promotions and events will run through December 2016.

Founder Paul Mackay loved working at the original El Gaucho which closed its doors in 1985. In June of 1996, he decided to bring back that magical, swanky ambience and began remodeling the former Sailors of the Pacific Union hall on First and Wall in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. In June of 2016, president and COO Chad Mackay is bringing new changes to the building with an outdoor dining area, remodeled restrooms and foyer with wine lockers for guests.

“My dad, Paul Mackay, created something special when he brought El Gaucho back to Seattle. Guests were transported to another time of service, elegance, and a tableside show,” said Chad Mackay, president and COO, El Gaucho Hospitality. “We are so honored that our guests continue to celebrate their lives with us and we are building on that legacy by updating our flagship restaurant in Belltown.”

Original El Gaucho Selections

Veal Scallopini Marsala 

Rack of Venison 

Tableside flaming sword lamb shish kebab

Ostrich fan filet 

Original El Gaucho Cocktails

Pisco sour

Muddled rye old fashioned

Cocktail Favorites from El Gaucho Locations

Bellevue’s Gaucho Cosmo

Portland’s Ruby

Seattle’s Gaucho Blanton’s Manhattan 

Tacoma’s French Kiss 

Other celebration specials

• Throwback prices for one table at each El Gaucho every night from today through November 10th 
• Special 20th Anniversary Wine – an exceptional 2012 Washington State Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  
• USO Northwest donations: in October and November, guests at all El Gaucho restaurants will be provided with information about how to make a USO Northwest contribution

USO Northwest donations: in October and November, guests at all El Gaucho restaurants will be provided with information about how to make a USO Northwest contribution

Dedicated to Service Event and Auction to Benefit USO Northwest

The highlight of El Gaucho’s celebration year will be an invitation-only benefit event and auction to be held at El Gaucho Seattle on Veteran’s Day: Friday, November 11, 2016. All proceeds from the evening will benefit USO Northwest and their goal of opening a new hospitality center at Joint Base Lewis McChord. The Army side of JBLM is the largest concentration of military and their families without a USO presence. These centers are fundamental to the mission of USO Northwest as they provide a place of community building and connections for our military personnel and their families. Their goal is to raise $160,000 as part of the event and our overall anniversary campaign. They feel honored to be part of this community and are inspired to serve those who serve us.