Changing planes in the Phoenix Airport with a three and a half hour wait to Albuquerque. We were hoping for a decent dinner and hopefully not just a fast food place. What a pleasant surprise. The corned beef sandwich was excellent. Homemade chip to go with it. Scrumptious !!! My sister and I shared the flank steak dish. Delicious. Prepared a perfect medium rare with potatoes and a veggie side. The asparagus was to die for...could have made a dinner of this alone. The side tossed salad was fresh pumpkin seeds and house dressing top notch. Looked online because I wanted to make it at home. So sorry the restaurant in Scottsdale closed. I would have made it a must stop. read more

We came in on a flight, hungry. This restaurant was right next door to our gate, but we had a lengthy layover, so my wife decided we should look at other places to eat. After walking me around the ENTIRE airport and looking at at least ten places, she decided we should go back to Cowboy Ciao. This place is great. Really good service and a sit down restaurant experience. Highly recommend the guacamole and chips plate. Good amount of chips, lots of good guacamole, and what seems like a homemade salsa. We split the fried chicken sandwich, which was adequate for two. Good seasoning on the chicken. It is served on a bun with a mustard cole slaw which is very good. It also comes with fries. On our two week trip, this was maybe the best food we ate. Prices were very reasonable for an airport location. read more

Quick (sit-down), reasonably priced, and decent tasting bite to eat in the Phoenix airport. I was seated immediately and my food arrived about 10 minutes after ordering. There are outlets at every seat at the bar-- huge win! The food met expectations for a basic breakfast, but was really nothing special -- scrambled eggs, toast, and sausage. The service was great: attentive and quick. All in, I say this is a good place to spend your layover. read more

We happened to be in the B gates this time and went here to eat and have a drink. Service was OK... SO, I go up to this server at the server station to ask for a straw. The guy in a bold voice replied, "Wee don't have straws," as if he was saving the world. Then I see this same guy take the bartenders receipt, fold it, then use the receipt to mix the drink! (The bartender didn't mix it??) THAT WAS SO GROSS! CIAO is RIGHT! read more

Dylan was a fantastic service. Everybody bemoans airport food, but we were hungry for breakfast. Was it standard airport breakfast fare? Yes. Why write a review? Because customer service matters! Dylan was attentive, professional and answered all of my ridiculous questions with patience and kindness. We ordered basic breakfast items and we'd gladly return. read more

Their menu has funny "quotes" from their "customers". And I just might have to agree with some of them. They've got few local brews on tap, that made me happy. I was on the fence between testosterone salad and flat iron. After some research on yelp and ig, I decided on the testosterone salad. Glad I did. It was tasty and refreshing. The tendeloin steak was not medium rare but was still tender. Service was ok. We asked for hot water and the guy said they don't have any, only tap. How can you have a full bar and full kitchen but no hot water? Price is as expected at an airport, inflated to take advantage of hungry travelers. Location is nice, good ambience. Great spot for people watch with counter seats facing the gates. Food 4* Service 3* Price 3* Location 4* read more

Cowboy Ciao - Testosterone salad - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The Stetson chopped salad with chicken is my go to every time I stop in. Its presented with each ingredient piled into a line, one next to the other and is served with a pesto buttermilk dressing. The flavor combination is so good. It's definitely a one of a kind salad. I wasn't a fan of the restaurant's version of a Moscow Mule. My server did warn me that it was different and made with a smoky liquor, which I thought I'd be okay with, however it did taste more like tequila instead of vodka, and overpowered the drink. Very much the opposite of what I know a Moscow Mule to be. Lastly, I'm not sure why they don't serve the salad with your normal set of utensils. I'd assumed it was a one-off, but after three visits and only two large mixing spoons provided each time, I have to assume the idea is spoon feed the salad to oneself......Anyway, be proactive and order utensils with your salad, or walk to the hostess to grab a set like I did, because I don't know anyone who can eat a salad without a fork. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Stetson chopped salad - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Service is fine and there was no wait but if you're hungry, don't come here... they have nothing on the menu. You have a choice of chicken sandwich, burger or a survey sandwich.... That's it. Unless you can for a salad. I'm not being hyperbolic... we asked about the "soup of the day" which as you'll see says "might be soup " but it doesn't matter bc they didn't have soup period... ok, we'll have chips and guacamole.... We don't have guacamole ... can we just get the chips? No. They didn't make the chips bc we didn't have guacamole. ... I am so confused. Do you HAVE food here? Yes... you can have a salad, a chicken sandwich or a burger... ok thanks. Honestly, I haven't even gotten my food, so I'm just hoping at this point, since they only have 3 entrees on the menu, that they can do a good job. read more

When I sat down I was greeted by a female bartender who was getting another order and tried at least 10 times to get the attention of a male bartender to take care of me. He finally came over an looked at me like he didn't know what to do. I had to tell him that I wanted to order the Stetson salad and a water. When they brought my salad, they never mixed it for me like I have read in other reviews, good thing I have been to the Gladly and knew what to do. I never received silverware and had to ask for it. The male bartender never came back to see if I wanted more water. I had to ask him for my check. A male customer sat down next to me and was greeted right away an asked what he wanted. read more

I'm always hesitant to read airport reviews because they can be misleading, but I'm honestly so glad I went to this place. Got the chicken sandwich and it was really good, but a little Cholula sauce made it amazing when it mixed with the slaw they put on top. Fries were hot and salted perfect, and I tried the San Tan Lager from Phoenix. Normally not a beer person but I wanted to try local and I loved it. Staff was friendly, got seated pretty quick because I got in before the lunch rush. Airport prices of course, but It was a nice way to relax on a layover. If I have the time on my next trip I will be coming back here. read more

Really great place. Popped by here on a early morning layover. The guys working the bar area were extremely friendly and offered my wife and I seats immediately. I had one of the specials. And the wife had the biscuits and gravy with an egg over easy on top. This was a first for her and for years I have been asking her to get this dish prepared this way. She was instAntly in love and started regretting every biscuit and gravy dish she has had before. Sometimes you have to just listen to your husband. And/or the bartender/server. read more

American Airlines gave me a meal voucher in the Phoenix airport when my incoming flight was delayed so long that I missed my connection. I asked the agent for a recommendation, and both she and a passing colleague recommended Cowboy Ciao. So I went there. I might have made a mistake, however, choosing a sandwich that is neither Western nor Italian: "Reuben Wishes He Was This Cool." "It is not a traditional Reuben," admitted the very friendly waitress. But unfortunalely, every change they made resulted in a less-enjoyable sandwich. 1) The shreaded short rib meat -- reheated on the grill before being put into the sandwich -- was tough; a far cry from scrumptious pastrami cut thin across the grain. 2) The cabbage compote was tasty, but with only a very subtle acidic bite; a far cry from traditional sauerkraut. 3) The marbled rye was toasted, rather than grilled, which made its edges dry and tough. Unpleasant. 4) Cheese was extra ... and pepper jack, not traditional Swiss, was the only option ... for an additional $1 (which was initially billed as $1.50). On the plus side, the chips were excellent! Perfectly crispy and neither too greasy or too salty. read more

Cowboy Ciao - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Great service from Douglas. Fun atmosphere. Good music. Really good burger & fries. Highly recommend.

My credit card was compromised at this place. Several unauthorized charges from Cowboy Ciao came through two months after being there.

Ordered & paid for Double vodka, soda & lime. With the last drink, something sharp was in my mouth. I pulled it out to realize it was a piece of glass. (See attached picture). When I told the bartender she first tried to throw it away. Then said ' Well I don't know how that got in there. I can get you a manager.' I said please do. Because if I ingested glass, this place is responsible. The manager came. Corrected me and said it is plastic. Didn't apologize. Did nothing. So I demanded he sign a written statement of this incident. A witness offered to sign and give her name & number. No one has reached out to me. No one offered to refund my drink cost. Not even an apology. I have reached out to the health department. When I did reach out to someone via messaging, I received a response days later telling me to send an email to info@cowboycaio.com. So I chose to write that email here. read more

Cowboy Ciao - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Nice atmosphere and creative menu, but poor execution earned Cowboy Ciao 3 stars today. My husband and ate breakfast here before flying internationally. We were in a good mood and looking for a yummy meal to kick off the trip. I asked how the Mexcal Mule was and our server told me it was horrible! I appreciate the honesty, but the margarita I ordered instead was a major disappointment. My husband's bloody Mary was watery and tasted like a bad mixer. His meal of Chorizo Enchiladas was a little bland, but not bad. I really enjoyed the flavors and textures of the Pig 'n Puddin' (or some spelling variation), but the polenta was more of a cream-of-wheat consistency than the toothier texture I expected. We finished our food but left our drinks 2/3 full. read more

Cowboy Ciao - These look mediocre and taste even worse. - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Amazing food and great service. I got the Stampede Salad and it was seriously the best salad I have ever had. I wish we could come here all the time but definitely will when passing through Arizona. read more

I've once infamously missed a flight because I was enjoying their signature chopped salad. That was a million years ago, this is now a ghost of the airport dining option it used to be. First of all, I don't understand how in the year 2021, there is not ONE menu item without meat. Even Stetson salad is now premade (!?) and has chicken when they cannot take out. It's ouragous. Service, food and ambience were awful. I won't ever return and surely won't miss a flight to dine here again! read more

A person should not be asked to move because of a non existent breakfast rush, food sucks as much as the staff. Won't return. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Place was vacant and was asked to move and not sit in booth, I say blow me I'm out. - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Had a stop in Phoenix, on my way home, and decided to grab a bite since I was starving. I've flown through Phoenix many times but wanted to try something new. I saw this place on the information board and saw it was listed as Mexican, so I figured, "Hell Yeah!" I would not classify this place as Mexican. It's moreso a blend of many different cultures, and kind of hard to explain. After I glanced at the menu, I realized that really the only thing I would eat is the burger, which I didn't really want, but oh well. Was already sat down and had a beer in front of me. The patty and bacon was alright, nothing special. The bun though was waaayyy too much. It was so dense, I had to remove half the bun barely into the meal. It just masked all the meat on the burger. The chips were an okay pairing, but they didn't seem fresh. Great service, but for the price and quality I experienced, definitely wouldn't be back compared to other places in the airport. read more

Cowboy Ciao - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The food came out cold and there was a hair in it. I just ended up giving it back and going to McDonald's next door. I was very disappointed. read more

Zero stars. The burger was TERRIBLE!!!! overcooked poorly seasoned patty. Fries were undoubtedly cooked in old fry oil and I didn't get very many. Now let's talk about that "jalapeno aioli".... Chunks of jalapeno in mayonnaise... Nothing more... And there was a TON of it. Seriously sooooooo much mayonnaise. Who thought that was a good idea. HANDS DOWN WORST BURGER I'VE EVER HAD. read more

Cowboy Ciao - 47 gallons of mayonnaise with chunks of jalapeno. Pretty much just too much mayonnaise...... Mayonnaise - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I've been here several times while traveling to/from (or through PHX). They have a great grab and go section, but also have a full service restaurant. On my last visit, I was able to grab a quick bite--we were seated immediately, and service was fast and friendly. I got my famous stetson salad (note, the salmon version is by order only... chicken in the grab and go version), and had a happy belly before my evening flight home. read more

Raw chicken came out as my meal. Service was horrible as well. No apology from the staff or manager.

Yum! This place is getting a five star BEFORE my food gets here. The owner/chef is on the cover of his menu. Hottttt. So far, I've had a margarita and his picture is looking even better. Yum! I'll post a picture of his menu's cover page. You can see for yourself. Margarita is pretty good too! The waitress, Maria, super sweet. Fantastic service. She's very helpful in helping me decide what to order. I've ordered the Burrata Insalata with chicken. I'll update my review and let you know how it tastes. Update: The Burrata salad is delicious!!!! You get a generous portion of real ooie-gooie Burrata, seasoned to perfection. Cherry tomatoes, arugula, avocado topped with crispy onions. I ordered with chicken. Everything is seasoned well, you can eat them separately or combine them. Either way, delicious. Cowboy Ciao definitely makes this airport wait time a pleasure. It doesn't hurt that the chef is a hottie and his picture is on the menu. read more

So disappointed. I've eaten here before with no problem, as well as the old place in Scottsdale, which I loved. Today was another story. I'm not a racist, I have friends and family of different colors and ethnicity. Today I felt I was hit with racism, by the host. I asked for a single table. He said there were none, but if I were with a party of 5 he would seat me. But I would probably have to wait 5 minutes. Before he could finish his sentence he turn his attention to a young black woman. And was much kinder to her and told he he would seat her in about ten minutes. He looked at me as if your still here? A couple of 2 came up, he said party of 2? I can seat you right away! A table finally became open, it was a table for 2. He sat me there and left. Not a minute later he sat the young black woman at a table for 4 as that was all that was open. He brought her a cup of water. My server finally came over, he was nice. He brought me a cup of water and I asked him to please give me a couple of minutes to review. I looked up yonder if I could find him. He was not around. The young woman was served a drink and chips and salsa. Finally after 15 minutes I spotted my server standing up against the wall chatting with another server. I watched for a few minutes trying to catch his attention. The other server left to call on her customers while he continued standing. He finally looked my way and I waved at him. He came my way and we talked about my order. Again he was friendly. I did ask him about the house beer and if it was smooth or strong. He told me it was light so I ordered it. A few minutes later he brought me the beer. It was warm and no where near smooth or light. It was bitter. I continued to wait and about 20 minutes later I see others that came in after me and order after me get their order. I look around for my server and he is no where to be seen. Just as I try and get the attention of another server that server brings my meal and puts it in front of me and says here and walks away. The food was fine but I couldn't drink my beer. Another half hour later I still could not get his attention. Finally he comes up and I ask for my check. No one ever checked on me to see if I needed anything. Although I see them checking on others. Also as I was waiting, the gentleman who served my my food.... Was wiping down the tables then the chairs then the tables again with the same paper towel. Just because you used disinfectant spray does not mean you wipe the table after you have wiped the chairs. You have no idea the germs people spread on chairs.... Most of this experience was disappointing. The server was nice so that is the one star. read more

Had the cheeseburger. Driest ever. However, staff was friendly and nice. Good service.

Not bad for airport fare. If you're at PHX and need to kill a few hours over a bite or a few drinks, this will do the trick. I had the chili verde fries, which were very satisfying, and the service was terrific - very friendly, attentive, and helpful. I wouldn't go so far to say that it was great even by the standards of airport food, but it was better than serviceable. read more

The margarita was tasty (though it seemed weak), and chicken quesadilla was surprisingly good. The space was very crowded even for an airport. read more

Quick seating, quick service and fabulous turkey melt! Enjoyed eating here at the Phoenix sky harbor airport. Server was great! Atmosphere was super! read more

The service was horrible! The old lady with short blond hair working behind the bar needs a session in customer service!

Had the Burger Ciao with oaxca cheese and cooked to medium. It comes out looking small but was still quite filling. The juiciness of the burger was fantastic. It comes with Spanish onions, tomato, and lettuce. Fries were thick and crispy on outside and fluffy in the middle. Overall great burger. Didn't give full stars because the menu was a bit sparse on options. read more

The steak sandwich is one of the best I have ever had....hands down. Be warned- Its not actually a "sandwich", it's a petite filet served open faced on a thick cut slice of bread...not your typical sandwich style. But oh my God, it's to die for. I will definitely be stopping back here before my next flight out of Phoenix! read more

Cowboy Ciao - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Dylan provided exceptional service. Airports are busy, some are on time crunches while others are trying to kill time during a layover... Dylan acted with urgency, checked in on my table as well as the tables around me multiple times to ensure that nothing was missed and everything was as expected. The food was also delicious! read more

Pretty long wait for the takeout food. Constantly moving dine-in line. Took about 20-30 minutes for our food to get out though, so do not order here if you are in a rush. Food was okay. Got a healthy wrap (corn, lettuce, chicken, etc.) - not very flavorful. Steak fries were flavorful and pretty well fried. Salad was pretty good (white balsamic vinaigrette). Decent prices for what you get. Cashier was friendly and helpful. read more

If you have a layover, you need to stop in here for a bite. The owner must be brilliant because they have all price ranges and just what you want when you are traveling combined with gourmet options. Kenna took care of us, she was personable and professional, a usually tough balance. The Punk had chicken and waffles. Her quotes, "Everything is SO good!" , "I wish I could eat here again later!", "These are the best waffles I've ever had!", "We can eat here all the time and I will get the same thing over and over!" Pretty sure she liked it. They also offered to allow us to bring in nearby McDonald's for the Punk, so if you have little ones that like what they like, this is your best option. I tried the pastrami style ribs, I must admit, they were different and really good. I would get them again even if they are the most expensive thing on the menu. We had a guest diner who tried the sweet mustard slaw from the Punks plate. Although she is a mayo loving, mustard hating individual, she said she likes this slaw better than regular slaw. DEFINITELY ON THE TO DO LIST IF YOU HAVE TIME IN PHOENIX. read more

Cowboy Ciao - "Best waffle I've ever had!" - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

This review is based on service only, as all I had was a glass of wine. This little restaurant/bar, inside terminal 4 of Sky Harbor, smells amazing and the food looks good. What really impressed me though was the service. I sat at the bar and had some wine and the bartenders were all very friendly even though the place was packed. My bartender was a dark haired woman with lots of tattoos and she was possibly the friendliest bartender I've ever had even though there were a ton of people that needed her attention. Based on my experience with her alone I'll make sure I seek out this place next time I'm in town! read more

Decent beer selection, but the food was super basic, fastfood quality. Wouldn't eat there again if I had a choice.

Ok so I checked the Yelp community for a suggestion. Cowboy Stetson salad was the choice...I went with the Stetson salad and I added chicken. It was fantastic. The portion is a little small for me but great taste. Good news boys, this salad is not a leafy green salad. It can carry it self as a "man's salad". This is a goodee. Also for those of you who love avocado and/or bacon, ask for it to be added and the staff is more than happy to accommodate. I only added the chicken and was happy. Now for the down side. Ordered the shrimp with polenta. The description on the menu sounds fab but it really falls short. One of my pet peeves is bars or restaurants serving limes that are "woody" or have no juice. It is annoying....stop doing it! So the polenta was dry and had a poor texture. The shrimp were not over cooked but they had no flavor. ...and the lime had apparently crossed the desert before being plated Safe travels! I'll be back for the salad. read more

See all

I have been to this airport restaurant a few times now. I like it. Here's why: They have seating. Yes, it's a sit down spot where you can catch your breath and relax. I'm usually coming off a long business trip and it's nice to take a minute before jumping on a plane. Booze. They have a bar with your basics to help you unwind a bit before departure. They veganize! It really shouldn't be so difficult to find vegan options these days but many airports just haven't caught up. All the pre-packaged stuff has meat, cheese or both. This place has always been able to veganize for me. Service. Always friendly, fast and make the experience feel like you're not sitting in an airport. If any of those options interest you, and you're in Terminal 4 at B gates, go. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Veganized wrap - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona