Gaucho Parrilla Argentina: Pittsburgh’s Culinary Gem Thrives Under Sarah Powers’ Leadership
Written by: Delaney Pipon
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina is a restaurant best known for honoring the smoky flavors of wood-fired Argentinian cuisine, but if you've called Pittsburgh home anytime in the last decade, you probably already know that. If you're new to town, or have somehow missed the buzz about this Pittsburgh gem, consider this your official invitation to discover what locals have been raving about, and who’s behind it.
Since opening on Penn Ave in 2013, Gaucho has been affectionately dubbed “Pittsburgh’s baby” by DNA Resident Ambassador and Gaucho manager Sarah Powers. Her management style reflects this sentiment, as she leads with the same care and attention she believes the restaurant deserves.
Sarah Powers brings a blend of grit and grace to her role as manager. Her journey in the food service industry began at 15, when she first worked the host stand at Eat'n Park. With a strong foundation in hospitality, she expanded her expertise behind the bar, gaining ample bartending experience that sharpened her skills in both service and management. After taking to the skies as a flight attendant, Powers returned to Pittsburgh to earn a degree in Public Relations from Point Park University.
As a single mother, Powers dove headfirst into restaurant management, bringing a fresh perspective to a traditionally male-dominated field. "I used my stilettos to break that glass ceiling," she quips, "so that I could get into rooms that I've never been able to be in before."
Powers' management philosophy at Gaucho mirrors her personal journey – resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to quality. She kindles a tight-knit environment among staff, believing that this sense of community translates directly to the caliber of food and service offered - and it does.
Gaucho Parrilla Argentina offers some of the most flavorful meat-centric dishes in Pittsburgh. Highlights include the 12-ounce Vacío flap steak, the Bife De Chorizo New York strip, the tender Lomo filet, and the massive 24-ounce Bife De Gaucho ribeye.
Under her watch, Gaucho Parrilla has evolved from its original Strip District location to its current downtown home. The move allowed for an expansion of both space and vision. Powers views this transition as a natural progression, adapting to meet the demands of Gaucho's expanding customer base while maintaining the core values that made it a Pittsburgh favorite. Throughout this evolution, Powers has remained committed to the principles that put Gaucho on the map: quality ingredients, attention to detail, and a unified team.
With Sarah Powers at the helm, Gaucho Parrilla has continued to grow while staying true to its original charm. Whether you’ve been coming for years or are just hearing about it now, Gaucho is ready to show you why it’s earned its place in Pittsburgh’s dining scene. Stop by and see what the buzz is all about.
