El Gaucho
 

I've seen a couple different posts about making a reservation for a table on the first floor? What's the deal with this floor?

WE did this before we left. El Gaucho is a small place. The upstairs is quite claustrophobic from what I hear. The downstairs the tables are close, but it is more airy. You will like your meal here. This was our best meal and best priced meal! I would recommend eating early because it gets crowded and even if you have a reservation, you may have to wait. We dined at 6:30(we had kids) and sat right down. I would say 7 would be fine too. Any later, and you will be sitting and waiting!

We ate upstairs..we had no problem with it.The tables were closer together but that did not bother us.

I recommend you also eat at Que' Pasa..it is in Oranjestad behind the Renaissance.We were referred there by a local.It was our best meal.The chef is wonderful..has won awards for outstanding dishes.It is a little less expensive also.El Gaucho is good too.Rumba was good also.

The first floor is less muggy and roomier. There was also some musicians that went around & serenaded each table. I heard second floor was too hot & crowded. Great white wine sangria.

We were there late April, 2005, for our third trip. Had 6:00 reservations, and were seated immediately upstairs even though there were tables available downstairs, and found it to be quite a bit warmer than downstairs and the atmosphere upstairs reminded me of a cafeteria. I'd request a table downstairs if we were to go again.