Ryan P.'s Profile

I live just down the street and I am more than excited that this place is finally open! I was excited when I read on CHS it was coming to Cap Hill and then I was even more excited when I read it would be just down the block. The not cool part? The epic tease of waiting for it to open! First it was a skillet in the window, then the sign, then you could see inside... it was just too much. But today....

Much to the delight of my wife and I, we discovered that they were open for dinner tonight (2 days early from what I read) and the place was buzzing. Of course it helped that today was a fantastic Seattle sunshine day (which we've been out of for too long now). We were seated right away and I had a view of the kitchen from our two top. It's fun to be able to see the chefs do their work and to just be in the great vibe of the diner. It does have that diner feel (thought it would really amp it up if each table had mustard and ketchup).

I ordered the chicken salad sandwich and the wife had the Cobb salad. Both were delicious, but I did wish that the bread on my sandwich was a little more toasted/firm as it was tough to maneuver with limp bread. On the side we had their fresca of the day which on this day was a mint and cucumber mix which reminded me of a mojito without the rum (maybe with rum when the liquor license goes through?). But, this place is what you expect from Skillet and more. The menu is expanded, but you can still get your old favorites off the menu as well.

One thing that I need to mention is to FLIP THE MENU OVER!!! We didn't do this our first time in and that's where the dinner entrées are as well as the desserts. Speaking of desserts...

We split the apple pie for two which was downright delightful. The crust was to die for and flaky and delicious. We were getting the hard sell for a banana creme pie, but the apple pie for two was delicious.

I'm excited that this is finally open and living so close this will be my new local spot (despite all the great options on the hill). I'm excited to try their breakfast and to be back again and again... though I'm guessing it may be harder to get a table after it officially opens this Friday...

I have always heard about El Gaucho and after picking up some gift cards from Costco, my wife decided to treat me to steak on my birthday. Right off the bat you are thrown into the ambiance and if coming in from the bright outside light, will take some getting used to since it is so dimly lit. It was great having the live jazz on in the restaurant to help boost the ambiance factor another notch.

The steaks that my wife and I had were delicious and the sides were very large, enough to take home for another meal. We started with the crab cakes, which were tasty, but not necessarily spectacular. The steaks were well prepared and cooked to order, though it felt that I was paying a lot for the experience of eating at El Gaucho.

After the steaks was supposed to be dessert, but we were so stuffed that we didn't have the room for it. But, luckily for us, the dinner is followed up by a fruit and cheese presentation which was a nice light way to cap off the meal. The cheese was fantastic and was quickly gone.

Overall, I enjoyed my special dinner @ El Gaucho, but I don't know if I'm ready to add it as a regular spot as the prices are quite high and while the ambiance is nice, I'd probably consider coming to the bar for a drink sooner than coming back for dinner service just to be cost effective (though, to be fair, you're not coming here to get a deal on the food).

I have only been here for breakfast, but I am always left feeling like I got a good meal. The portions are sized right and when the weather is nice, sitting outside cannot be beat. I still want to come back for late night desserts, as I hear those are great as well, but that will have to wait for another day.

I love this place.

Moving closer to it's location in the CD will make it though for me to stay away. I have never been disappointed with anything that I have had here. The fried chicken is fantastic, the rolls are to die for, and the sweet potato pie is the best end cap to the meal. Also, the service is fast and if they're out of something the'll let you know and offer to swap it out for you right on the spot (or you can also wait for a fresh batch of what you ordered).

There really isn't any seating on site, but it's great to take it to go and head to the park and just lay out, eat some fried chicken and enjoy.

Went here the other night and it was my first time checking out yet another new place in the ID. The menu has the usual items you'd expect for a place like this, but the prices do seem a little higher than some other places in the ID. But, if you are looking for a quick meal, this is a good spot as our food came out quickly and piping hot. Now, even though our two entrées + veg cost upwards of $30 (for 2), this was easily enough for another meal for both of us. So, if you think of it in that respect, it's not a bad deal and there would be worse ways to spend your money.

The ice cream here is delicious and a great alternative to other ice cream places on the hill. I prefer to get mine in a waffle cone, which more times than not you'll see them make right when you order. I just wished that it was closed off on the end! I am always getting snickerdoodle ice cream all over my hand (so extra napkins are required). The prices are reasonable and the flavors are delicious, I just wished that the bottom of the cone didn't have a hole in it.

Came here after watching a Sounders game to grab a slice before heading home. It is a little confusing when you get in on how to order. Do I ask the guy standing behind the pizzas? Do I ask the person at the register? Do I sit down? I figured that I have to pay for them, so I'll just ask the cashier. Seemed to work, just was a little awkward.

As for the pizza, the slices are huge (6 slices on an 18" pie) and while they are tasty, it didn't blow me away. Yes, this place will be a great alternative to Seattle Dogs on a late weekend night, and being in the neighborhood I appreciate that it has finally opened. But, getting a slice and a coke shouldn't cost me over $5. Of course, when it's late at night I probably won't care as much.

We went here the other night to catch the 2nd Sounders match as a part of the CONCACAF Champions League. They had it on two screens to start and it gradually filled up the majority of the place as the night moved along. The only real downside was that the sound was only coming from the TVs, not their sound system. So, it was tough to hear the game (but it was on FSC and their announcers are probably best muted anyways). The drinks are priced right and being able to get a dog from next door @ Po Dog is nice as well. I didn't make any use of the other things that they have to offer (Wii, XBOX, foosball, etc...), but I am sure that I will have the chance as I have every intention of continuing to come back in the future.

I want to love this place as it is so close to where I live and the food is fantastically delicious. But, and there is only one but, the service always rubs me the wrong way. It really is the little things: Welcoming us as we enter, saying hello after we are seated, offering to let us know about the specials, talking with us a little bit besides "What would you like", being prompt post meal for boxes (if there's anything left) and possibly a dessert menu. Though, sometimes it just feels like I am interrupting their day by dining here and it shouldn't have to be this way. From other reviews, it seems that I am attracting bad service here, but I am always thankful for the fantastic dishes and the home made pasta. It is just that the service kills me each time. All I want to is to feel welcomed and treated like you want me to dine at your restaurant, that's it.

We got in late from Seattle and needed a bite to eat. This was the first place which we saw that was open. We both had plate dinners and while they were good, they were not particularly memorable. The Chinese food that was coming out was looking better, but being our first meal we wanted something island, not something we can get back at home. Might be worth a try again for the Chinese food.