3 1/2 stars for Cowboy Ciao. I had a few hours to kill at PHX, so I literally walked up and down the terminals checking out all of the restaurants. I would've just used Yelp, but was having difficulty with the phone app that day. After working up an appetite, I decide to get a big ol' burger and fries so I landed at Cowboy Ciao. Good news, they had burgers! Bad news, they did NOT have French Fries. Doh! I seriously considered leaving, but decided I was too tired from my walk-a-thon and would have to live without fries. As most airport restaurants, space was tight between tables. Since I was by myself, it was okay, as I placed my carry-on on one chair and my backpack on another. I ordered "Lester's Burger Bonanza" which was served with green chile pork, avocado, bacon, and homemade chips. If they could make chips, why couldn't they make fries? Deep fried is deep fried. *sigh* Anyway, I'm a big wimp when it comes to anything spicy, so I asked for the jalapeño aioli on the side. One plus for Cowboy Ciao is that they will cook a burger to order instead of cooking it well done by default. I like a nice medium rare burger, thank you. When he brought out my burger, it didn't look right. You know why? No french fries! Ha ha! Just kidding. He forgot the pork. Once we got that squared away, I was ready to devour my burger. This was a pretty sizable burger, especially since it was on a big ol' Challah roll. I just squished it down and went at it. It was definitely a messy burger, but I must've made it look good, because the two ladies next to me asked me what I had. I was stuffed when I was done, so that's always a good thing. You know airport food isn't cheap, so I won't even bother mentioning the price. If you are craving a burger and fries, Cowboy Ciao isn't your place. However, if the fries aren't a deal-breaker, I'd recommend Cowboy Ciao and specifically the Lester's Burger Bonanza. read more

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The breakfast enchilada is a good dish. My husband had to send back his biscuits and gravy. He then ordered the enchilada. It took 20 minutes to arrive. The wait staff is run off their feet, but they are still sweet and smiling. I'd probably still come back here just for beers. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Breakfast enchilada. (No, I wasn't drunk) - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

It was a fairly large group of us. Everyone enjoyed the mail mine was particularly tasty and last several days! read more

Cowboy Ciao - Chili beef quesadilla Bloody Maria - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I used to like this place for the creative flavorful mushroom stew. Have to say the last visit was pretty disappointing. I just wanted a couple of fried eggs but they only have scrambled eggs. The bartender was pretty stern about what they have. So I went to grab something to go from their retail section and this thing turned out to be $16 for a thin pile of Ingredients. Meh read more

Cowboy Ciao - Over priced salad to go - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Couldn't put 0 so I put 1, such a disgrace. Had to type more words so I typed this sentence to leave this review. Consider this your warning. read more

Located in Terminal 4, to start, this was a last resort option because this airport lacks the presence of good restaurants. I quickly scanned the menu before going in and sitting down and the only thing that really caught my eye was the filet mignon. Everything else was pretty mediocre. The space is really small but they don't GAF, they've got tables crammed in to where you'll be touching elbows with your neighbor. It's like a family of 8 trying to cram all their kids into their two door Honda Civic. That's how I felt! No lie! Received my food, my filet mignon ($33) was tough. The flavor was pretty good but the meat quality just wasn't filet mignon quality. The mashed potatoes were lame, made with some type of Dijon mustard, I don't like my potatoes to taste sweet unless it's yams. I'll be coming back to Phoenix soon but this place has been crossed off my list. read more

Cowboy Ciao - 6oz Filet Mignon w Mashed Potatoes - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Zero out of zero! DO NOT RECOMMEND! Forced to deal with the unfortunate circumstance of an unexpected layover and decided to head to our first restaurant for an easy appetizer and beer. Unbeknownst to me, I get verbally accosted by the server and host as I attempt to grab an open seat at the open bar. Understandably, sanitized surfaces are a concern for all. However, to raise your voice and physically confront me in a very hostile and aggressive manner whilst I stand patiently for you to clean the area is ABSURD and EXTREMELY INAPPROPRIATE! Never in my life of service (social work, education, and even non-profit work) have I ever been as offended and truly upset. The manner in which these two individuals spoke, felt like a literal a verbal lashing/accosting. Will be emailing the restaurant and manager!!! read more

Not bad for airport food, both price wise and taste wise. Pretty busy place but was able to be seated via stool top. Only weird/downside was facing the customer line while you are eating. read more

Super cool new airport bar and restaurant in PHX airport. The bartenders were sooooo nice and attentive and helped me land on the Stetson Salad with the smoked salmon. This salad is small but mighty and soooooo FLAVORFUL! My drink also packed a punch and was perfectly balanced with flavor. This may be my new favorite place when in Phoenix! read more

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On my way to Monterey and decided to grab a bite to eat prior to boarding my flight and Cowboy Ciao was the only thing that looked decedent at the gate. And they served beer. :) Well let's just say I probably would have been better getting McDonald's. The beer was great but the sandwich left something to be desisted for. Although the fries were large it seemed like they skimped a bit on the quantity. The green chili pork fries were absolutely bland. No flavor at all. I couldn't tell that I was even eating meat. I had to add salt to make it somewhat flavorful. Needless to say I wouldn't get either again. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Fried chicken sandwich - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Service is wonderful - Dillon was awesome, ambiance is ... well, it's an airport so it is what it is. I didn't get any food because I wasn't really hungry but I remember it being standard like Applebees fare - nothing outstanding. The drinks were not good. The cowboy Palmer was cloyingly sweet. I switched to an old fashioned (which no one can get wrong) and it tastes like cough medicine. I'd say grab some food here but stick to beer or wine if you're looking for libations. read more

The dreaded 3 hour layover from a delayed flight. After an hour of wandering the miles of people movers my daughter and I decided to get something to eat. We went by every restaurant and finally settled on this place. The prices seemed on par for airport eateries. They didn't have apple juice so we had orange juice and a beer. I ordered the breakfast enchiladas with over easy eggs and it eventually came out. Nothing to write home about. The food was so so and the service was pretty slow. Try another place. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Breakfast enchiladas - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This review was based on one visit. I showed up and was immediately seated. I literally had 35 minutes before my plane was scheduled to board so I informed my server when he showed up after a few minutes. He assured me that my food would be out of the kitchen in less than 10 minutes. I ordered the Rueben sandwich which was different because it contained brined beef rib meat instead of pastrami. It included some stuff that I didn't want on it but it was served an marbled rye bread. The sandwich was good and creative. The rest of the menu appeared to be creative as well. I didn't have a drink but there is a bar there that is quite large. I did have good service from TJ and was happy that I was able to make it out in time. The prices were fair for an airport restaurant. Four stars! read more

Cowboy Ciao - Rueben with brined beef rib instead of pastrami - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I stopped in here on a layover hoping to find something reasonable to eat before the next leg of my trip. The little airport restaurant is really pretty with interesting lighting and lamps, a large bar, and exceptionally comfy booths. I was greeted and taken to a booth in the corner where I was hoping I could sip some wine and while away the time till my flight. My server was super friendly and educated on gf and guided me on the few gluten free options on the menu. He knew a lot about celiac so it was awesome when he told me he'd caution the kitchen about preparing my snack in a safe place with clean gloves and utensils. I ordered the elote corn appetizer with corn chips and enjoyed the lovely presentation. After only a bite or two I found something in the middle of the nicely constructed elote mound that didn't belong, a fettuccine noodle. It was super frustrating that an ingredient that should not at all be found in this appetizer and was a huge gluten contamination after the kitchen was warned about safe food prep. Unfortunately, I couldn't eat more and knew I would be sick in the next hour. I did appreciate that the manager came over and was not only apologetic but also asked how he could improve gf awareness in his kitchen. I very much enjoyed the friendliness and customer service of both the server and manager and hope that they will be able to improve the safety of their kitchen for individuals with food allergies. read more

YUM! I'm always nervous when I stop at a sit down place at an airport. I always expect airport food to be overpriced and under deliver and with many people rushing to their flights sometimes quality is given up for speed. Here at Cowboy Ciao we received some great food, filled water glasses and made our flight with no issues. I grabbed the Stetson Salad because as soon as I saw the pictures on Yelp I had to have it. Anytime I can grab smoked salmon I am in and this salad was perfect. There was couscous, crunch and delicious bites of salmon. I was definitely satisfied after this salad and will be trying to replicate it at home. I also heard the Chicken and waffles were great, but I was too occupied with the salad to even know there were other people at the table. If you like colorful and delicious things you should try it! read more

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My server was excellent. The food took a long time to come. The glass of Modelo was small and expensive. The chicken sandwich was OK but overpriced (even considering airport prices). The server, however, was excellent. Took 15% off my tab because of the long wait (he did this on his own initiative). He was working hard to do a good job. However, if you can find a different place for lunch, I would encourage you to do so. Won't be coming here again. read more

Very mediocre experience. Food was average and prices were high. Don't order Mac & cheese....it was almost inedible.

I almost never send food back, but they got my order wrong and the fries were cold. Order was still not quite right second time, but fries were hot. Hostess and waitress were courteous. Food delivered in good time but took a long time to get bill and pay. I liked that it was quieter than other restaurants. read more

Well, I tried again, during busier hours, and was disappointed again. This time, they grumbled about seating us at an available table because it was "busy." Yet a party of two just left that table, and we're another party of two. And at the time, there was us, and one other party of two waiting. And last time, you closed the kitchen two hours early. Not exactly customer forward. I will not get burned again by this restaurant. Totally not happy with this place, which makes me sad because I used to really love the location in Scottsdale. read more

I had a flight cancellation at 830 pm. I found this place and say someone sitting down with a drink, naturally I assume they are open. I asked if they were open and the blonde bartender kind said "no sorry". Her bar back who was cleaning the floors laughed and said "does it look like we are open buddy?" I said "yeah it does because someone is eating here." I got another laugh and a head shake as a response. I cant speak on the food or drinks here. But this was uncalled for rudeness. read more

This place used to be good. I don't know what has happened but the food is bland now. I used to get the testosterone salad which is basically a steak salad. It was always cooked to perfections and just delicious. Now they offer something similar, but with cold diced chicken cubes. Whatever reason they chose to do this, I have no idea. I will tell you it's bland and sucks! They could at least serve hot grilled chicken on their salads. We got the burger too, also sucks. It's basic airport food at this point. My advice is to go to Pei Wei. It's hot and consistent. read more

As much as I hate Phoenix airport I love coming to Cowboy Caio. I have been here numerous times and whether I am at a table or the bar the service is great! You can see the associates love working here and it seems like they are always having fun. Unfortunately I always order the same thing which is the Chopped Stetson salad with avocado. Prob one of my all time favorite salads. The flavor & freshness never fails! With this being said all their plates look Delish but if I'm here I have to my salad! read more

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

I went off Yelp reviews. Makes me wonder if Yelp is valid these days.... staff is very friendly but if I worked there I would quit of embarrassment.:: I understand COVID has slowed things down but quality of food should be same or better. AND I DO NOT APPRECIATE WINE put of a plastic glass and plastic utensils unless I am eating fast food. I feel people and businesses using COVID as an excuse to be lazy. Wash a damn dish and serve my meal on a plate with silverware and how about a wine glass. A restaurant being in an airport should not be an excuse to be crappy yet the opposite... an experience to enjoy and want to return to on next layover ! read more

Cowboy Ciao - Stetlessss salad! - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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They make some tasty food, but the lack of service and the prices being steep kept it from getting a better rating. I basically settled because it was next to my gate (22). I pretty much almost seated myself. Had to get my own utensils and straw. And... I was seated at a kinda unclean table. I should've moved myself, but tired and luggage, you know? It was thoughtlessness I endureed mostly, but I was like, "did I do something to them. Lol. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Ceiling decor - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Satanic symbol over you as you eat food that I would feed my dog. Cowboy Ciao used to have an amazing Stetson salad but they are using dry old chicken that more resembles jerky served in plastic. For the price I expect a real plate at the least. I can't wait for fake news to stop killing these once great restaurants. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Satan Star - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great food! Delicious salad One if the best Rueben sandwiches I've had - cabbage / onion was flavorful!!! No cheese, but not dry it was YUMMY!! Great service read more

I always give extra points for good service, even if the food isn't outstanding. I waited at the hostess stand for over 10 minutes! Wait staff kept walking by without even acknowledging my presence. It was so weird that even another patron asked if I was in line because I was getting no service. Finally, I was seated in the back. It was so noisy that people had to scream to be heard. I was traveling alone so I just put on my noise canceling headphones. A weird way to eat, but it worked. My waiter was actually really nice. He made great recommendations, was engaging, and made sure that my hot water pot was always full for my cup of tea. The food itself was ok. Despite the large crowd, it was ready in a normal amount of time. The thing I like about this place is the variety. When you travel alot, the options seem to be burgers or salads. Expect something a little different here. If they turned the TVs down a little bit, I would come on every trip read more

Cowboy Ciao - Mac n cheese - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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

Cowboy Ciao in Phonenix Airport was a great place to waste the clock between airplane connections. Drinks were competitive to everywhere. The menu seemed to be at extremes... I didn't know what to think of the fusion. It didn't seem to be American or Italian food. Gourmet, definitely. My order (charred shrimp & mozzarella salad) was overpriced, but was a recommended special, and surprisingly exceptional as it kept me satisfied through delays and final flight. And the decor was weird... Yet, comfortable. Big screen HDTV's for sports. Friendly ambiance and great customer service. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Cheers! - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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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

Ok, I don't normally sit down at a computer to write a five star review for an airport restaurant. I'm generally lucky if I remember what I ate at an airport, much less to Yelp about it. That being said, the Stetson Salad I had at Cowboy Ciao has me hoping for a layover in Phoenix next time I travel out west! The over-the-top friendly server told me this would be an all-time salad to try, and after a week of eating, well, NOT salads, I figured it couldn't hurt. They promptly brought it out for me, and it was not like any salad I'd had before. Each ingredient was set in its own line: roasted dry sweet corn, pupitas, arugula, Israeli cous-cous, bruschetta tomatoes and I added chicken. I don't know if it was my body ravenously craving real ingredients after a week of debauchery, but this salad hit the damn spot! I couldn't eaten two of them. Anyhow, I can't attest to one other thing on the menu but I highly recommend you order this. I may even try to make something similar to re-create it one of these days. read more

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

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

Is it sad to say I was actually excited to go to the airport early? I really was, and all because one of my favorite restaurants in Phoenix is at the airport. Yes, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport actually is a gourmet mecca with places like Cowboy Ciao, Barrio Cafe, La Grande Orange, and Chelsea's Kitchen finding their home there (just to name a few). Now, other airports just don't compare! This menu at the airport compared to the menu at the original location in Scottsdale has some variations. Due to the diverse types of people from across the country, or even outside of the country, that encounter this restaurant, the Stetson salad can come with shredded chicken instead of the traditional salmon for example. The "equal parts" of each salad ingredient idea has taken the culinary scene by storm. Its recipe was even featured in the prestigious Phoenix Magazine, known for its literary prowess in describing new restaurant hot spots. Being a meat-a-tarian, it's hard to admit that it is one of the... Oh well let me be honest. It IS my favorite salad! I paired my stetson salad with a bourbon drink.. Well actually two of them and ordered the truffled macaroni and cheese (also a Cowboy Ciao staple) because it's nothing short of awesome! Sprinkle anything with truffles (or truffle oil, but truffles preferably), and your taste buds with explode with overwhelming flavor. Our waitress made a mistake and ordered us bruschetta instead of the truffled mac and cheese when putting the order in, so she gave the bruschetta appetizer to us out of the kindness of her heart and sincerely apologized. I'm glad she did because with all the other intriguing menu items, I probably would've ordered something a little more adventurous than bruschetta, but I'm so glad that she did, because we loved the bruschetta! The edges of the bread were crispy but the center was soft but strong enough to hold either the tomatoes and cheese or the mushrooms and cheese, depending on what bite you were holding at the time. So simple, but so good! Definitely worth a bite.. or several! It kills me that some people will stop by this restaurant and just think it's an average airport bar-restaurant gig, when it's actually something amazing. read more

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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

I stopped by their "to go" bar to pick up an in flight dinner on my way to Detroit. The "Stetson Chopped" (vs. chopped Sterson - ew!) salad caught my eye. You can get beef, chicken or salmon. Last time I checked, PHX is a ways from the ocean even if it is an airport. So, I went with the chicken. Very nice! Well seasoned, so I didn't use more than half the accompanying dressing. Expensive for what it is($14.25) but average pricing for an airport. The salad had chicken, corn, arugula, pumpkin or squash seeds, and other chopped up stuff. Best to check out the photo I uploaded with this review. In the end, especially with the quick and courteous service, I decided this is a place to remember positively at PHX, which has not been a happy food hunting ground for me the other 100 or so times I've been there. read more

Cowboy Ciao - The delicious Stetson Chopped salad! - New American Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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

Here's an oxymoron for you: amazing airport food. Wha what? Would probably only give it 4 stars but the fact that it's in an airport definitely bumps it up. Entrepreneur Magazine named it one of the best new airport restaurants and with good reason. The food is delicious. The service is a bit slow, but overall a great experience. The chop salad is phenomenal. Definitely have that. You can sub stake for a $6 up charge. Totally worth it. And next time I'm planning on adding avocado. It's a bit spendy, but good food on travel is honestly priceless. Highly recommend it. read more

Cowboy Ciao - Chop salad with stake ($6 up charge). Amazing, but would recommend adding avocado. - 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

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

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