Cowgirl

We arrived in Santa Fe at 8:30 in the evening and got a great suggestion from a friend to go to Cowgirls. She knew we enjoyed live music, good food & drinks. And she was right, we had the best time! It's such a cute indoor/outdoor restaurant with a fun vibe. They had a local band playing, who were phenomenal! Their vocals and instruments along with song selection, just incredible! We would watch them every week if we lived here and I think a lot of locals do, because there was a large crowd dancing, singing and having the best night. It was so cute and fun to see! I believe their name is, The Hooligans. We wanted to sit outside to enjoy the music and we had a 15 minute wait. We got a great table and probably one of the kindest, most caring servers ever! Her name is Maria and she's a gem! She was attentive, great at suggestions & just over the top friendly. We've never been to Santa Fe and we chose the best place to experience our first evening. My hubby and I enjoy trying local craft beer when we travel. He got the Social Hour(with style) from Santa Fe brewing & he loved it! I got 7k IPA from ? I'll look it up and edit my post. It was a West Coast style, which I normally don't like but this one had such a nice hop profile & balanced flavor, not bitter at all. We can't wait to check out those breweries! We ordered the green Chile burger medium with handcut fries with a side of chipotle aioli. We also subbed out the brie cheese for cheddar. It was done perfectly and it was huge! I'm glad we shared. The flavors were outstanding! The fries were good but too done for me, a little too crispy. My hubby liked them a lot though. I highly recommend this fun vibe, amazing food, great beer & cocktails for a fun evening out, especially if they have live music. What a cool atmosphere! Also very affordable. The beers were $7 & the burger meal $17.99 & it was a massive portion so very sharable.

Amazing barbecue! The platters were excellent — great portions and flavor in every bite. Our server provided outstanding service, attentive and friendly throughout. The drinks were strong and perfectly made. Overall, a great experience!

Super fun and casual spot. Great variety of food and solid margaritas. We ate here with our 2 year old and he was a big fan of the corn dog. The BBQ sampler platter was also a big hit. Highly recommend the baked potato ice cream! Super fun!

Just stopped for some drinks during happy hour. Had the margarita which was quite good. There was live music (a woman with a guitar) which was nice and not too loud. Lots of shade on the patio which was really nice and the prices were great.

Category: Comfort Food. Originally the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Restaurant (really), this Santa Fe Guadalupe-district institution has been feeding and entertaining locals and visitors since 1993. It has been feeding and entertaining us almost as long. Weather permitting, the place to be is the lively, colorful, fun, shaded, dog-friendly courtyard, especially if it’s a live music afternoon or evening. We like the back corner on the right, where we can hear the music but it isn’t too loud. One of the things we love about the Cowgirl is that it’s open to 10p on Monday and Thursday-Saturday, which is great for a town where most of the restaurants close too early for us. The restaurant’s inside is also fun, with old wooden floors, walls jam-packed with cowgirl photos above the wainscoting, beamed ceilings (we call them vigas in Santa Fe), and wooden tables with black and white checkered tablecloths. The old wooden bar, in its own room, is often peopled with locals later in the evening. If you bring kids but want to get rid of them while you dine, there’s a playground outback. For hustlers, there’s a billiard parlor to the right of the entrance. The excellent food is smokehouse and BBQ-centric, with plenty of other comfort food choices. The menu offers a whole page of tequila and tequila drinks, plus a zillion beers and some wine. Cowboys are also welcome. YouTube’s Chef’s Apprentice

I ordered a very simple sweet tea the menu mentioned that the tea was super sweet. There was zero sugar in that tea. I wouldn't come back here again. In addition, my waiter was very impatient. Instead of excusing himself as I searched the menu, he just stood there waiting. I felt rushed to place an order thus I only ordered a sweet tea. You can see in the attached picture how many sugars I had to add to the sweet tea to actually make it sweet. It was quite disappointing. I would not suggest this restaurant to anyone visiting Santa Fe.

We absolutely loved the food! I got the cowgirl tacos with pork. Delicious. Pork was well cooked and tender. My friend got their vegan tofu options, the green sauce was flavorful.

These people are my heroes. After driving over 12 hours from Big Bend Texas and arriving at my less than adequate hotel room I was literally on the verge of tears. We went to one place nearby that supposedly had late night food and they said they were packed and sent us over to Cowgirl. I was anxious as I was approaching because it's clearly a bar and I'm looking for food. Then I was told they close in 10 minutes and I almost wanted to give up and just leave but I was so hungry having only ate road trip snacks the whole day. So we proceeded to the bar where we could order food and they were busy and distracted and didn't notice us. I was about to cry and leave and just hit the road again since I didn't want to stay in the hotel. But thankfully they noticed me right as I was giving up. We didn't really have time to peruse the menu and I hate being the person that is ordering food right at closing time but this was like desperate circumstances. They recommended tacos or burgers so we got a bacon cheeseburger and a charred fish taco. Yes I was starving and on the verge of an emotional breakdown so perhaps I was biased but this was some of the best food I've ever had in my life haha. The taco was outstanding though I wish we had both got tacos but I was ordering for both of us and we were at the end of a rope for the day so I just made a split-second decision. The bacon cheeseburger was also outstanding but the taco really hit the spot. We shared both of them. I really appreciate their kindness to make us food right at closing time because it gave me the energy to be able to drive all the way back home to Colorado which ended up being an 18-hour drive for me. Their food sustained me and gave me willpower. Highly recommended to anyone who likes yummy food and the atmosphere was lively and entertaining if that is your vibe as well.

In the midst of a Santa Fe blizzard, Cowgirl BBQ delivered! Well, not literally- we walked in snow to eat, but DANG it was tasty! Service was fast and friendly- there are multiple dining rooms, so while it feels intimate, there are plenty of tables. We were a big group- but I noticed the next dining room over also had a larger group. I couldn't decide so I got the sampler- and a side of Mac n cheese. No regrets! We will be back in Santa Fe next summer- highly recommend and can't wait to come back!

This used to be The Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Although a little eccentric, the food was decent. Every once in a while, I return to Cowgirl, hoping that my last several meals were outliers. But no. Food is sometimes okay and sometimes just bad; service often fails completely; too noisy. After the last try, it's time to give up on it.

Great seasonal menus! Crawfish ettoufee tonight! Live music is always a plus on the weekend.

Bartenders provide excellent service. The food is delicious. And the atmosphere is lively.

Really enjoyed eating at this place after hearing so much about it. Had the Oktoberfest flight, which was fun as I like to try a variety of beers. Had the game burger which is mad with elk and venison. Served open face, there was actually no bun. A person with me had the tomato soup and absolutely loved it. My son liked his burger a lot and my daughter loved the Mac and cheese. There was a band setting up for a live performance but we left before that. Lots of decor on the walls to stare at.

Met some dear friends here on a Saturday night and really enjoyed the ambiance and the food. A Rib Plate, a bison burger, a hamburger were ordered by my companions, all had rave reviews. I picked the harvest salad with grilled salmon added on top. The serving of salmon was ample and cooked perfectly. The salad had roasted beets, almonds, asparagus, over mixed greens with a house vinaigrette. Delicious and flavorful. I'm coming back to enjoy that salad again. Since we were old friends catching up after 20+ years, our waitress was just the right amount of attentive. Cowgirls is the perfect little spot in Santa Fe for great food, lively conversation, and live music.

Although the food is not fancy at Cowgirl BBQ, the menu is extensive and it's easy to enjoy lunch or dinner for under $25 per person. The service is always good and the music in the bar is one of Santa Fe best venues. The fajita platter is always a filling dinner. Stay away from fries as a side: they are always soggy.

This was our second lunch at the Cowgirl, and it was good. Husband enjoyed his hamburger with just so-so slaw (vinegar based and dry) and amazing fries (I'm not supposed to have fried foods, but what I tasted was memorable!). My pork slider was huge, topped with dry slaw, which helped diminish the spicy pork. Thankfully a gentleman at the table near us recommended sour cream. Perfect! It enhanced the flavor and took away the fire. The place is definitely comfortable and has plenty of cowgirl touches. The outside was too sunny, even though it was a cool day. We sat inside, at a table for two, near the bar and other tables. Service was not so great. The gentleman helping us also had the bar, the 2 tables next to us, and tables around the corner. Husband only wanted mayonnaise and lettuce. He got pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and no mayonnaise. It was a wait for mayonnaise packets and my sour cream. We needed the bill quickly as the only place to park was at a meter. I needed to go to the bar, and waited patiently for our check as he cashed out another customer. Our parking spot was a block away, and the meter charged a quarter for every 7 minutes. We only had $2 in change. We made it back just as it hit zero minutes.

Our place to hit every time we go to Santa Fe. Great 3 piece band on the patio today. Lots of vintage songs to sing along with in your head. We started with stuffed squash blossoms with the most delicious tomato style sauce smothering them. We both had the great beef brisket cowboy chili with tons of meat and spicy flavor. It included a small piece of cornbread. Then each had a harvest salad with yellow meets, some kind of boiled nuts, jicama, red pepper strips and a cilantro dressing. There are so many great things on the menu, but I gravitate toward the same things that I like. Our server was a very funny guy who added to the ambiance. See you again soon Santa Fe and the Cowgirl.

BBQ and more at this restaurant near the Railyard and not far from the Plaza in Santa Fe. My local friend brought us here for dinner the first night we were in town and we all enjoyed it. Everyone had something quite different: the chicken Mac n cheese with hatch green Chile for me, fajitas for my mom, and the jerk chicken for my friend, which she says she always gets. Everything was tasty and my dish had a great comfort food vibe (with very stringy cheese!) Service was friendly and the setting laid back. My friend said it was unusual that we got in without a wait. Overall, lots of choices and a casual atmosphere! Cowgirl up and check it out.

Our 1st day in Santa Fe we stopped here for a drink. A lively cafe with live music. Bright, colorful atmosphere with friendly staff. We only had time for sangria & chips/salsa but enjoyed ourselves. We made an attempt to visit it later for dinner but it was packed. A local favorite.

If you wanna visit this place, you'll have to park at one of the meters in the street or maybe you'll get lucky at one of the dozen parking spaces in back. We got here 15 minutes before they opened at 11:30 which meant we got a spot in back and first to be seated. At the front entrance to the right of the host stand, you'll see a pool hall with four pool tables where you can enjoy your beverages. In the evening, they sometimes have live music from 4 to 6. Now to the grub.... 3 of my guests had the mother of all green chili cheeseburgers which were cooked perfectly with a touch of heat. I had the three meat sampler plate. The chicken and the ribs fell off the bone and were very moist. Coleslaw and potato salad were good, but the pinto beans were dry and flavorless. The brisket was a little bit on the dry side and had no noticeable smoke ring. We did get a side of onion rings which I do recommend due to their crunchy batter. If you come here they do offer daily specials.

Came here from out of town after seeing the billboards on hwy 45. Seated promptly inside because it was warm out. The inside was cool and inviting our waiter approached and asked for beverage order. He returned and explained some items and we ordered a sampler dinner. Or came out in a flash and was mostly good. The brisket was awfully fatty and the ribs and chicken didn't need the sauce they put on it. They would have been stars by themselves. Potato salad, Cole slaw and beans were good. The toast was dried out. Otherwise we were happy

Came here on a random night and it was busy! We somehow got a table right away and enjoyed the entire experience. Our server was very friendly and helpful. He checked in on us frequently too. The combo #2 platter was a huge serving of meats, coleslaw, toast, potato salad, and beans. The pulled pork was amazing and smokey. So juicy, so tender! The ribs fell off the bone and had amazing flavor. I would not recommend the chicken, as it was very dry. The other delicious meats made up for it though. We also tried the brisket platter, which was also a great choice. The brisket was very tender and had a nice crust. It was a huge pile! I'd definitely come back the next time I'm in Santa Fe!

Loved everything about this local establishment! The vibe, the cocktails, the food, and the new friends made it a memorable and delightful experience. Will for sure go back!

Adorable decorations inside and out. Our server was really friendly and recommended several things and we loved them all!

Might be a good place, but don't get the brisket. I had big expectations for this place due to all the positive reviews. First of all the atmosphere was fantastic with semi covered patio seating and a live singer/guitar player. I thought the service was also pretty good. For lunch I got the brisket meat plate, it came with a decent amount of food. I thought the sauce was nice as well. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed by the brisket, it was clearly too dry. A great brisket should be able to stand on its own and not rely on sauce poured over it. They have a big menu so I'll get something else next time if I go back.

Love it! Large plate with low price. Strongly recommend for the chili burger and BBQ beef brisket/rib! Environment is good as well! Live show with band makes kids thrilled!

The location is great and it serves as a popular local hangout in the afternoons. The patio is nice, and the food is generally acceptable. However, the gender-neutral bathrooms are a downside for me. They often smell like urine, which can be unpleasant. If you decide to dine here, avoid using the restrooms before your meal, as the strong odor can be off-putting. I find it frustrating in two ways: first, that people can't aim properly, and second, that women have to use the same facilities as those who cannot seem to properly use the facilities.

I ordered, the Big Bowl of Chili, Queso Fundido and the BBQ Sampler Plate with Brisket, Ribs & Chicken. It came with a side of beans, potato salad and coleslaw. First things first. The Chili was awesome! I highly recommend getting their Chili. The Queso Fundido was subpar. Lastly, the BBQ Sampler Plate, all of the meats were very dry. Comparable to eating a saltine cracker. Their baked beans had zero flavor. The slaw and potato salad were ok. Overall; From my experience, I would only recommend getting the Chili. Maybe I caught them on a bad night, or I didn't order the right items. I personally, would not recommend this place.

Staff are extremely sweet and helpful. Didn't take long at all to get our food. And this was the best burger I've had in my life.

I enjoyed my green chile burger. It was cooked perfectly, just the right amount char, topped with brie. It was messy to eat, but all the best burgers are. The chicken fried steak was also very good. The crispy breading was flavorful and crunchy. Probably the best thing I tried though was the fried okra. The cornmeal batter was a winner, making a crispy exterior and a soft warm gooey okra center. We sat on the patio, and they sat us directly under a speaker. The music was too loud to hear conversation at our table. We asked to turn it down, and they did, but then someone raised it back up again, so we asked to turn it down a second time. After the second request the volume remained tolerable. Would like to come back and try the BBQ some time.

We came in for dinner and were sat outside right away. Our server was very friendly. I ordered the "winner" burger that came with Brie and green chiles. I ordered it medium, but it came out well done. It was still very good! My sister ordered the Frito pie and loved it. We would have loved it if there were more fans outside. The flies were a real nuisance when we were trying to enjoy our meal.

Good morning from central New Mexico. Come join Tom Neiman and Jim Tritten as they venture north to Santa Fe and the Cowgirl BBQ. For this trip, we took the Rail Runner train and walked from the station. You can do that also, and it will be worth it. Great food, attentive service, and a setting that is worth visiting just for its tchotchkes. You won't regret watching our report - just click on the following YouTube link and enjoy the ride. https://youtu.be/MHMaL2LFIfk?si=FGYRSKgknMhoZEOB

Not ce vibe. Food was not great. Plentiful. Nice that they support local live music -- and that we could sit far away, inside. Had trouble with the food digestion later...

We ate here lady night and my son has the pullas pork sandwich and had food poisoning all night. We do not recomend this restaurant at all

If overstimulation was a place, this would be it. Pulled pork was good with the chipotle BBQ, but the brisket didn't have a smoked flavor like how you would imagine. For BBQ being in the name, it did not deliver. After a long day, this is not the place to go to unwind. Our server was good and understanding.

@cowgirlsantafe served up my next treat for my #saturday #restaurantreview! Since we drove through Texas, this makes up for the chicken fried steak I didn't get to enjoy while there. This one was really delicious... and we could taste the sweetness of cornbread contrasting the spice of the seasoning just perfectly. The atmosphere made it feel like we were on a ranch and watching our server run around with cowboy boots and a cowboy hat was entertaining (she really has a lot of pep in her step!) The price was also appropriate for the portion given (I enjoyed the leftover for lunch!). Definite 5/5. #gourmetrecovery #santafenm #santaferestaurants

The BEST burger I have ever had!! My husband and I had the green chile burger and have been talking about it since we left! We also loved the fun vibes at this restaurant. The live music made for an awesome lunch experience and the customer service was great. We would highly recommend this restaurant.

Their management and waitstaff turnover is unusually high and the average age continues to drop. They simply no longer have the continuity or skill to effectively handle the shear volume of customers. The service has really gone downhill. After nearly 30 years as a customer, I just cannot go back.

It's a cute family place. The food was ok, maybe I have not found the perfect dish. The service was great.

We went with a group of 7 on a Saturday evening. The band on the patio was fun. Since we are accustomed to Texas BBQ, the brisket here just did not deliver-too dry. The french fries were excellent- fresh potatoes rather than frozen. Great service and ambiance.

only was at the bar great atmosphere and best margarita (Cadillac) I had in SF Yelp is making me add more words hope this is enough

We needed vegan food and the Cowgirl BBQ offered a good selection including mushroom fajitas, rice and beans, chili fries, and bowls of vegan chili, and probably a couple of other items that I've neglected to mention. They also offered takeout service which was important for us as COVID was still prevalent when we were in town. The portions were ample but the flavor was mediocre. I was especially disappointed with the bowls of chili which were tomato heavy and lacking the traditional flavors of New Mexican hatch chili. Take away orders needed to be placed in person, at the restaurant (a negative during COVID). However the food was prepared and ready to go quite quickly. The food served out needs and filled us up. But I wasn't "wowed" by the taste or quality.

Good food. Reasonable price. This place won some best BBQ award. They serve a range of western and Mexican food. Nice cowboy/cowgirl Western decor. There are plenty of outdoor seats. There is a live band.

Yummy jerk tofu. So good and sauce was a real treat. The lemonade was also delicious. Service was friendly and fast.

Lava lamp margarita was the best drink I had in Santa Fe, so refreshing. My hubby had the 1/2 rack which came with 3 sides, I had the steak fajitas, both dishes were delicious. The garlic appetizer was the star of the show as was the flan and the cookies it came with. Service superb!!!

Excellent service and decent Bbq near the Old Town plaza. Stopped by while on vacation and made time to stop again! Worth the trip!

Our family want to just give credit where credit is due. Food was fabulous! The special was brisket hash and everyone who got it wanted to lick the bowl. Good portion for a lunch. The onion rings came with their amazing bbq sauce. I had the "mother" and it was perfect. The hostess and waitress and staff were so friendly, good at their job and made us feel welcome. The kid playground was just an absolute BONUS

Fun place to go hang out. Had the BBQ ribs.... Little dry in my book but my friends had other dishes they throughly enjoyed.... Steak fajitas and enchiladas. Margaritas are best frozen. Little $$$ but everything is now‍

Staff and service: 5 stars. The staff was very friendly, nice, and accommodating. No issues. Food: 2 stars. Their BBQ is mediocre at best. VERY disappointing. I ordered the BBQ Sampler Plater #1 which had chicken, ribs, and brisket with BBQ beans, potato salad, and coleslaw. The coleslaw and potato salad were the best part of the meal, though nothing special. The beans tasted strange (not in a good way) and flavorless... The chicken and ribs were decent only because they weren't that dry, but again nothing special. The brisket was flavorless and yellow-tinted(?), very disappointing. They masked all their meats' lack of flavor with BBQ sauce. I remember eating at Cowgirl a long time ago and their BBQ was amazing, which is why I was very excited to return, but ultimately left very disappointed. Chefs probably changed since. Again, their BBQ is mediocre at best, which is a shame because it used to be great.

Touristy joint... wanted to try the BBQ, but all "our "Q" comes with hearty sides of potato salad, coleslaw, BBQ pinto beans" no al la carte! Not wanting big pile of carbs(prolly out of a 5 gallon bucket) Huge menu Had two star salad instead... Vinaigrette is better salad destination, cleaner as well.

What makes a good restaurant is a good experience. And good food tops the experience. The Cowgirl BBQ fits both bills. From a whiskey margarita to dessert everything was good. (Except maybe the old fashioned). Our waitress was so friendly and from service to conversation exemplary. The support staff also wonderful - delivering water we requested and clearing our plates. We both ordered baby back ribs. Fall off the bones delicious! Then dessert was plate licking good. My husband enjoyed the bread pudding and I had the flourless cake. So special to be gluten free and able to eat cake. (Plus the menu pointed out gluten free items.) It's not five star decor but for a BBQ place it works.

Hoping to post helpful info. 1) ordered 2 BBQ combo platters (ribs, pork, brisket, chicken). 2) Nothing was hot. 3) Coleslaw and potato salad needed salt, baked beans were fine. 4) Ordered hand cut fries, and while they were warm, they were not crisp at all. 5) But the real problem was that you could not taste smoke on the meats at all, because all you could taste was a thick, pasty rub mixed with BBQ sauce overloaded with cumin. 6) And while the smoked chicken was tender, it was overcooked and falling apart, complete with bones, which kept making their way into every bite. The ribs were tender, but again, I could not taste smoke. Maybe this restaurant is better for the New Mexican dishes, not smoked meat.

Fun, spirited atmosphere. Live band on Friday night when we visited. Service was pleasant. Noticed there was a long strand of hair on our table after it was cleaned. When we requested to have it wiped down again, the waitress just swirled the rag which made me feel like the table was even dirtier! Food was not good! Sauce was so sour & overpowering. It lacked sweetness & balance. Brisket was tender & smoked well. Baby back ribs were very dry! Sides were all bland- had to salt my food! Jalapeño cornbread was dry. So disappointed! We had high hopes.

Ambiance Service Menu Options Food Quality When we arrived on a Thursday night around 5:45 pm, there was live music on the outdoor patio entertaining all the customers. We opted to sit inside with the air conditioning and could still hear enough of the music. Our server, Matt, was both easy to chat with and quick to take our order (happy hour ends at 6:00). My husband really enjoyed his quesadilla with "Christmas" (red & green peppers) and grilled asparagus. I opted for margaritas (2) and a small Cowgirl salad with the amazing house vinaigrette and the most interesting (in the best way) bleu cheese dressing on the side. We also had chips and guacamole for an appetizer and the infamous Baked Potato Ice Cream Sundae (a MUST try). Highly recommend trying this restaurant!!

Ribs are good. Chicken was fantastic. Pulled pork not good, potato salad nope service nope, waitress was nice but s l o w. Atmosphere was okay just don't sit right under a speaker. Chairs not really comfortable and I am personally fed up with the pride flags & signs everywhere. Was kinda wishing I had just ordered a burger. They do not bring water no straws so was just okay. Good portions. Waited far too long for everything and they were not that busy.

Review of Cowgirl BBQ's Catering Service: Other than being served in a room inside Cowgirls, the food was not connected with Cowgirls menu or kitchen. Cowgirls would never serve this catered food to their clientele. Hiring a food truck to cater our event would have been better quality food and far more appealing to the eye!

Only one drawback and that's the pulled pork. (Critique coming from a southerner). Everything else is tasty. Super fun atmosphere good service