The Gambling Cowboy
Steak house · Temecula ·

The Gambling Cowboy

Steak house · Temecula ·

Rustic steakhouse with filet mignon, lobster mac & cheese & lobster

The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by The Gambling Cowboy/Facebook
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null
The Gambling Cowboy by null

Information

42072 5th St, Temecula, CA 92590 Get directions

$50–100

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reservations required

Information

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42072 5th St, Temecula, CA 92590 Get directions

+1 951 699 2895
ilovethecowboy.com
@thegamblingcowboy_

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Nov 28, 2025

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Where to Eat & Drink in Temecula Valley - Eater San Diego

"Fringed tablecloths, vintage lamps, and a saloon-style bar set the scene at this gourmet chophouse in Old Town. The suitably meat-centric dinner menu covers everything from classics - think filet mignon and traditional rib eye with add-ons like bone marrow - to St. Louis style pork ribs with a homemade white peach barbecue sauce. Save room for the homemade bread pudding, and, from the cocktail list, the Saddle Me Up Sangria or Reverse Cowgirl Martini with Absolut Peach Vodka and St. Germain." - Keri Bridgwater

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-eateries-food-temecula-valley
The Gambling Cowboy/Facebook
The Gambling Cowboy

Carlos Q.

Google
The gambling cowboy was really good and cool vibes. The restaurant is on the third floor so you have to go up the elevator. The food was amazing and the service was on point. I had the 16oz rib eye with poblano chilli and it was amazing. Definitely will be coming back.

Meranda G.

Google
My husband and I came about a week ago for a date night out, and this place is delicious! I highly recommend making a reservation. We came once as a walk-in, and they sat us right away. Another time I called later in the day, and our reservation wasn’t until about 9. Another time we came in, and it was about an hr wait for a walk-in. The food is delicious, and the main dishes have a lot of food on them. I was able to take my leftovers and eat them for another meal the next day. The steak was cooked perfectly, and when I cut into it, it was like cutting butter! The lobster was a bit dry in the lobster mashed potatoes but still good. The corn was super good. We ordered the cowgirl kisses for an appetizer. We did wish it came with four peppers instead of three, but still good. Service was a bit slow when we sat. It seemed the servers were more focused on bigger parties instead of smaller ones, so we did wait a little bit before we were served. But once we were served, everything was pretty quick. The atmosphere is very country, cozy, and cute. I love the food here, so I do recommend it.

Juan P.

Google
My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at The Gambling Cowboy, and it exceeded all expectations. The rustic charm, warm lighting, and cozy ambiance created a romantic atmosphere perfect for the occasion. We began our evening with two standout appetizers: the Brie Sachets—crispy, golden pastries filled with creamy brie and drizzled with a sweet glaze—and the Famous Cowgirl Kisses, which were smoky, bacon-wrapped jalapeños with just the right amount of heat. The bar staff was friendly and skilled; we both had handcrafted cocktails that were strong yet smooth and full of flavor. My wife’s drink had a floral finish with hints of citrus, while mine had a bourbon base that paired perfectly with the meal. For our entrées, my wife chose the Slow Braised Short Rib, which was melt-in-your-mouth tender, richly flavored, and served over a perfectly seasoned bed of mashed potatoes. I ordered the 72-Hour Blackened Ribeye, medium rare, and it was outstanding—juicy, flavorful, and seared with a perfect crust. The sides of mixed vegetables and loaded mashed potatoes balanced the dish well and were generously portioned. Service throughout the evening was attentive and sincere—our server made sure we were comfortable without being overbearing, and even wished us a happy anniversary with a complimentary dessert to cap off the evening. From start to finish, The Gambling Cowboy delivered a truly memorable dining experience. It’s the kind of place where food, atmosphere, and service come together beautifully. We’ll definitely be returning—and recommending it to friends and family.

Mia W

Google
Sooooooo, whenever the man and I go to Temecula of course we either go or stay at one of the wineries, but this time we decided to do something different for his bday this. I wanted a good steak and good drinks and based off the reviews decided on The Gambling Cowboy, AND I’M SO GLAD WE DID. even though we had reservations we still had to wait a bit no biggie. The inside is spacious but loud so we opted to be seated on the patio (best spot ever). We dined, we drank then drank some more and had a fantabulous time. Food good, large portions, drinks good very tasty and pricing was reasonable. Our server, she was phonemail (forgot her name, too much to drink 😘) If you haven’t been give them a try. You won’t be disappointed. Everything was seasoned just right. 🧡

Marisella J.

Google
Great atmosphere, friendly customer service. Delicious meal and cocktails. Along with even better company. Absolutely coming back!!! See yall very soon.

Miko

Google
It was my First time,Food was really delicious steak 🥩 was really delicious and cooked even though we were at 8:30 pm but food and service was great a little bit pricey but worth it

Eddy B.

Google
The portions match the price. Excellent value. The food was prepared as expected nothing lacking full of flavor fresh and also an excellent presentation. The decoration was nice everything was very clean and well-kept you definitely felt welcome and they also had a very huge bar

Danna J.

Google
We decided to try this place for our anniversary. We had heard so many great things about this place. Our experience…..Our server was polite, just not attentive. Our steak wasn’t medium rare, but she never checked on us once the food came so we just ate it. It was delicious. When we ordered more drinks it took long enough to get them that we had finished dinner. Not horrible service. Just not what we expected for the quality that they portray.
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Esteban A.

Yelp
The steak and sea bass were amazing! We recommend this place to anyone in the Temecula area. Please do have reservations.
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Jessica H.

Yelp
This place is a MUST TRY if you are in Temecula! My girlfriends and I didn't have dinner plans and everywhere else seemed too busy and loud. We decided to go give it a try and only waited about 10 minutes before we were seated. The staff was amazing. The food was amazing. The bread and garlic butter was delicious. We had to ask for more after we finished the basket. The mushroom medley was one of our favorites though. Everything was delicious and would definitely recommend this place. The decor is so unique and you really get such a fun and interesting experience.
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Bob J.

Yelp
Ambiance is very eclectic, but welcoming. The people were amazing. Jessica, our server, and her crew couldn't have been more helpful. I know it's a BBQ place, but ordered the sea bass. Best sea bass I have ever had. A buddy felt the same way about the salmon. My cocktail was a very generous pour. I'll have two next time. Gave the manager a lot of positive feedback. (Name escapes me). I definitely will be back.
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Jo Ann G.

Yelp
Celebrated our wedding anniversary here for the first time and I was pleased with the food! We had a variety of appetizers, and had the surf and turf entree that did not disappoint! The staff were pleasant and checked in every now and then. The dining area is nicely decorated giving off that cowboy saloon vibe. Very western and unique. I enjoyed it so much that I brought some girlfriends out to the bar area for appetizers and drinks before we headed out for our night. We enjoyed the poke nachos and some good libations! Definitely a great spot to enjoy an evening surrounded by the vintage saloon aura!
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Dennis T.

Yelp
On our first visit here with friends, we started with two great Classic Cowboy Shrimp Cocktails that did include meaty jumbo shrimp and a spicy Cocktail Sauce. Then, for me, a crock of hot French Onion Soup with Gruyere was suitably cheesy, and even though almost all the Bleu Cheese Crumbles fell off before I dug into my salad. The 1/2 Wedge sprinkled with bacon was excellent. Great crusty Sourdough Bread & Butter rounded out our preliminaries. For my entree I selected Filet Mignon Stroganoff, which featured mushrooms and medium rare meat. It was a fine rendition of a hard to find dish but did not contain any Pearl Onions as I prefer. It did, however, include one or more types of other onions. Diane ordered a very good Bowl of Clam Chowder followed by fresh Halibut Oscar Style which was only lukewarm but otherwise fine. And a friend ordered and very much enjoyed Meatloaf. The setting upstairs had a homey country feel to it, and live music from a duo was very good. Service by Natalya W. was attentive and accurate except for the Halibut having some unwanted tiny Chives intermixed with it. Overall, a very enjoyable meal!
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Marianne L.

Yelp
I love everything I have tried here. From the vegetable spring rolls with the most delicious peanut sauce to the yellow curry and the pad see ew. I recommend coming for lunch because their lunch specials are amazing. They have a full bar and their specialty cocktails are affordable as well. Excellent service and a really pretty dining environment. Well be back.
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Kalev S.

Yelp
Cowboy western style vibe. Not really my style for a steakhouse but service was good. Ribeye was just so-so. Won't be back unfortunately.
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Tavelle A.

Yelp
STAR STUDDED ENTRANCE on the first walk in the place grabs you! From the walls to the music and one of a kind decor you are taken away! I couldn't get over the attention to details that were everywhere, this place is like an art museum. From the gold door arms, to the wood craved ceiling fans, you can just look around for days.! Now the food everything was awesome, we ordered the stuffed peppers, Mac n cheese, two filets one prime rib, all with loaded potatoes greens beans and more. But the standout for me and this might be strange, was the crab cake! Oh my goodness y'all soo rich with flavor and it was the first time someone mixed crab and shrimp which I thought was genius, aaaaand they gave me a lemon to squeeze on it! Say what! I know that may not sound like a big deal but it was, for someone who loves crab cakes this was the piece I had been missing.... I'm forever in debt!!! WE LOVE GAMBLING COWBOY!!!
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Charlie L.

Yelp
Absolutely a delight. This little gem hidden off of the main drag tucked away behind several other buildings hidden in the 3rd floor is like getting the prize in your cracker Jax! The decor and ambiance is warm friendly, yet playful and fun. It can be romantic and whimsical. It felt like being in a hammock on a cool breezy day. Just plain relaxing. The food? From the pozole to the machaca with a nice warm tortilla, down to the giant 6 layer carrot cake absolutely delicious! My friend had the fish and chips / we shared ... it was fresh light and tasty , just as if ocean front fish. The staff was attentive without hovering. Glasses always full , anything we need there magically. So happy my friends suggested The Gambling Cowboy! It was like a short staycation with a 5 star chef! Check it out , old town Temecula!
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Yvette S.

Yelp
What a great experience! First off our server Maria was wonderful!!! She was charismatic and upbeat and kept our drinks full. Such a delight. Gambling Cowboy is a must go back and try something else kinda restaurant. I did a reservation for a birthday brunch and their food was so good! We ordered 8oz. Top sirloin, eggs & potatoes and a few other dishes along with an appetizer. Our entire party couldn't have been happier, great view sitting on the patio outside. Scenery is nice and you get to people watch. Half our party returned a few days later that's how good it was, looking forward to returning for lunch or dinner!
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Jasmine D.

Yelp
My husband made reservations for brunch here today. We were expecting the restaurant to be busy, but surprisingly it was fairly empty. Loved the ambiance and western themed decor, as well as the wonderful service. The food was fantastic, and I highly recommend the cowgirl bites as an appetizer. My son and I both opted for the Country Fried Ribeye Steak & Eggs which came with choice of fruit, tomatoes or "cowboy potatoes." My husband chose the filet mignon Benedict, which he said was very tender and delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and we will definitely be back to try their bottomless mimosas and other dishes.
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Victoria A.

Yelp
One of my family's favorite restaurants to go to for any holiday or special occasion. Highly recommend the short rib, prime rib and chicken. The patio and Banquet rooms are very nice if you are considering having an event here. They do not have their own parking lot but there is plenty of parking in Old Town. Great food and fun atmosphere!
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Karen T.

Yelp
We were in Temecula after some wine tasting and wanted a bite before heading home. We picked this place, and figured since it was 5PM we would have no problem getting a table. Well, the place was packed! The bar area including high tops is first come first serve, and we got lucky to get a table. The service is great. Our server was very friendly and attentive. We started with a wedge salad and French onion soup. The salad was yummy with crispy onions on top. The soup had good flavor but had way too much cheese for my taste. My boyfriend had the prime rib dinner. I had the filet tips which is an appetizer but was plenty of meat with a yummy sauce. My boyfriend also likes his prime rib. The potatoes that came with it could be cooked a bit crispier for our likening, but overall the food was good. The space is fun and vibey, like a cowboy saloon.
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Robert D.

Yelp
Probably the best prime rib in all of the IE. The sides, service, and drinks were great too.
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Adrianna N.

Yelp
Been going here for years and the food and atmosphere is always great! Ruby, who serves the bar area, provides exceptional service with a smile. The best service we've had in a long time. The food is fresh, delicious and it's always good when you can support a local, family owned business. Keep up the great work team!
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Brenda J.

Yelp
Cute place from the inside out, it's like you stepped into a filming of a western movie. So much to look at on their walls. The food was great and our waitress so so funny and charming.
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Emily C.

Yelp
We tried and loved their signature "the gambler" cooked medium to perfection. We upgraded to the lobster mash and it was soooo worth it. Usually restaurants cut up the lobster so tiny it doesn't make a difference but not here it was incredibly delicious plus a little squeeze of lemon on top. The asparagus, corn, and green beans were just as great. Well seasoned and our server was delightful. The decor is adorable definitely will recommend and come back. The fresh sourdough and garlic butter is also a must have.
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Alicia T.

Yelp
Everyone working there is amazing and on top of their game. Service is amazing! Love the whole cowboy vibe. Food is okay not a lot of options for people who have celiac.
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Nata Z.

Yelp
I have been here twice now and both times were great! I love the vibe super cozy with cute decor and comfy booths. I think this is one of the best spots in Temecula for steak. The meat is flavorful and cooked just right (they nailed the medium, which a lot of places mess up!). Portions are big, and the service has always been nice and friendly. My only small complaint is the veggie sides, I wish they offered something a little more exciting with the steak. That part was a bit of a letdown. Overall though, I would definitely recommend this place if you're in the mood for a good steak and a chill atmosphere.
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Francine H.

Yelp
Been here a few times and it's always delicious! Parking can be difficult due to limited amount of parking spots, so get there early. There are a couple handicap parking spots just outside the entrance if needed. You take the elevator up to 3rd floor. The restaurant is beautifully decorated for Christmas. So festive! The burger is the BEST! This time I had the Cowboy filet Benedict. I highly recommend. The waitstaff are so nice and helpful. We will be back!
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Maria O.

Yelp
The food was excellent. The steaks perfectly cooked. Loved the biscuits and gravy. Portions were nice and the price was good. Yelp really helped me find a hidden gem. The service was fantastic. Our server was friendly and attentive and made dining there fun. Loved the ambiance of the restaurant. Very cowboy saloon kitschy and I loved it!! Would definitely go back here and have already recommended to friends.

Tuala H.

Yelp
If you're looking for Great Foods and Excellent Service go here and Ask for Rose she's undeniably the Best Bartender & Server in Old Town Temecula!!! Thankyou Thankyou Rose, it's always a pleasure
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Stephanie O.

Yelp
A wonderful dining experience for a spontaneous date night. My husband is typically picky when it comes to going out to a steakhouse, but he was so happy we came in. We didn't have a reservation, but was still able to find a table in the open bar seating area for 2. Our server was extremely fun and easy to talk to. She offered some great options for drinks and dinner. Our steaks were both cooked perfectly! Too many times have been to steak houses and the lines between Medium and medium rare have too often been blurred. Gambling Cowboy did an AMAZING job. Both steaks were juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. The Mac and cheese was piping hot, and of course I couldn't wait and burnt myself on it 85 was absolutely delicious, the perfect amount of creaminess and thickly coated pasta was more than enough to be a meal on its own. Highly recommend this place for a night out, especially with its ideal location in the heart of Front St!
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Cindy B.

Yelp
Who is ready for a rootin tootin good time?! Well saddle up on your horse and head on over to the gambling cowboy! Take the elevators to the 3rd floor of the building and you will enter into a western country wonderland. This restaurant is perfect for Old town, definitely fits the theme. Had reservations and was seated immediately. Our waitress was attentive and polite. Alcoholic beverages are not to be messed with here! I ordered a high noon and blood orange margarita and I was ready to GIDDY UP! Well not so fast, we still gotta eat supper! The food here is incredible! I ordered a 8 oz filet mignon steak. It was cooked perfectly at medium rare. Juicy and tender. Along with mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. Buttery goodness! My husband ordered the Gambler which is the cowboy signature steak 24 oz bone in ribeye also with mashed potatoes, corn and green beans. He devoured it all! We also shared a creamy cowboy mac and cheese, I was in cheesy heaven. Be prepared to be in a food coma, food is heavy. Also be prepared for a pricey check! It's very exorbitant to dine here but it's worth every penny. I recommend giving the gambling cowboy a try! It's going to make your tastebuds go YEE-HAW!
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Jenifer G.

Yelp
This place has wonderful appetizers and a fun environment. They always have good music on certain nights. The service is pretty good.
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Nikki V.

Yelp
TLDR; started out great! Some things were really nice. Overall great service. Others hit or miss. Food was good. Drinks delish. Cowboy decor throughout was so cool. So much to look at! Made a reservation, surprisingly it was not busy for a Saturday evening, not a lot of people waiting, bar was empty and plenty of empty tables/booths on that side. Checked in for our reservation, but we were early so we grabbed a few cocktails at the bar (bartender was super attentive and friendly, got our drinks quick - Martini and Old Fashion, both delish). I told the hostess, and she then asked me if I was just going to dine there. I was like, no, just grabbing a cocktail until our table is ready. She said ok. We enjoyed our drinks, checked the time and it was like 10 minutes after our reservation time. Since no one came to get us, we aid and took our drinks to the little waiting area by the hostess stand. Also decorated very nicely. Now 20 minutes after our reservation time, so I checked again with the hostess. She casually said oh we can seat you now. As we walk pass empty tables and booths, she takes us outside to seat us. It was just too cold. So I went back in and asked if we could sit inside, she said well I can turn on the heat lamps for you. I was like, no I'd rather sit inside so the food doesn't get cold. So we come back & sit in the waiting area and she then escorts us to a super cute round booth. So I get over it (lol). And the server is super nice and friendly! No rush, lets us take our time ordering apps, drinks ... so great service and redeeming! Anyways, on to the food: Bread & butter - good!!! Artichoke - AMAZING! My favorite thing all night. Would go back for this. French Onion soup - delish! Cesar Salad - good, but had to ask for more dressing. Prime Rib - good! and comes with horseradish. Blackened rib-eye - the first one came out with A LOT of GRISTLE, a little cold, not charred. She kindly got me a new one, and while that one was not AS gristle-y. But this one was hot, & I could taste the blackened seasonings which was really yummy; not charred as I thought it would be or have seen in other pics. Baked Potato: The HUGEST potato I have ever seen! Veggies: so good. The corn - I would order on its own! Mashed potatoes: good. Too stuffed for dessert! Bar: Espresso Martini - really good, served really cold. Loved it $14. They do charge $4 extra for an Old Fashion! $14 + $4.
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Cristina C.

Yelp
Today's visit was highly disappointing. Now first, let me tell you, we LOVE this place.We have been regulars at the Cowboy for 6 years and bring our celebrations, our happy hours, our brunch's and holidays here. Idk if it was the new crew but when Vanessa was behind the bar we were welcomed with open arms, served like we're special and never had a disappointing visit. That is until today. When we arrived and sat in the bar, as we usually do, we noticed empty tables which is unusual for brunch. It did happen to be a rainy day so that was expected. The bar had maybe 3 tables occupied and 5-6 people at the bar and the restaurant seemed slow. The bartender/server, Linessa, didn't approach our table for a good 7-10 minutes to ask for our drinks. Whoever sat at Connors Corner today had all the attention, and that's great for them, but we were underserved. Mind you, we don't ever fuss. We're super easy and understand the busyness but in this case the other tables had cleared by the time we got our waters and drinks. We ordered our appetizer, Ahi Chips (fave), and although they came out fairly quickly we had yet to receive the small plates or silverware. We had to ask the manager and when she returned we had to ask if we could order. She took the order for us and we didn't see anyone until our food arrived. This means refills were ignored and we had to place our glasses on the edge of the table. We've never had to do that before. When the food arrived I immediately smelled the pozole had a burnt odor. I took a taste, and sure enough, as I stirred it around I found burnt chunks of meat and hominy. I took a couple bites and couldn't handle it. Again, we don't return food or cause a fuss. We ordered biscuits and gravy and received rock hard biscuits with barely any gravy. We used to LOVE their gravy. The chilaquiles had 3 pieces of meat. Yes we counted! What was supposed to be over easy eggs were well done. Like I said, this used to be our favorite place and today not only disappointed us, but had us thinking we'll give it a rest before returning. I'm so sad to say this because for the last 6 years this place was home away from home.
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Gabby F.

Yelp
Wow, what a meal! Excellent ingredients, tons of options, both land and sea, and a heavy handed bartender. Country western vibe. What's not to love!
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Wahh W.

Yelp
Hubby brought us here, a unique place that always reminds you Western Lifestyle:) We ordered three main course and one appetizer, kids also lyk the sweet corn as the side. Vibe is gd.
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Anthony M.

Yelp
Definitely a higher end steakhouse to try at least once in the Temecula area. I came here for my mom's birthday and it did not disappoint. Their ribeyes are massive and juicy with loads of flavor. Their mashed potatoes and lobster mac and cheese are also super tasty!! Will come by again when I have the money LOL.

Carole F.

Yelp
Fabulous Food. Wonderful Service. Terrific Ambiance. 5 Stars! Restaurant is on the third floor. There is an elevator, but if it's not working you're going to be climbing up or down about 50 to 60 steps. Parking is very hard to find but they do have valet service. Reservations are pretty essential as it is a very popular restaurant. Portions are large. Exceptional meals.
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Carl C.

Yelp
Amazing Place! There is a TV in there as well to catch a game! The food was terrific, and the décor is fantastic and makes you feel like you're in a Western setting. The service was good--it could have been better, but we understand it was Mother's Day weekend, so they were swamped I had the ribeye with roasted poblano, and it was perfectly marbled. When laid right on top of the steak, the poblano added a delicious flavor. The sides--corn and greens--complemented the steak really well.Our favorite dish was the mac and cheese. It was creamy, flavorful, and delicious!
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Maria M.

Yelp
A week ago we went on our date. Steak and lobster was amazing. I ordered a mezcal drink and it was perfect, but let me tell you our waitress Maria was amazing! The most helpful, knowledgeable and bubbly one yet, get this she has 3 kids including a 1 yr old and still makes it to work with great attitude!!! Yes I asked her since she was super nice to us. We are certainly going back! I can tell the people dining here are people who know good steaks! We have plenty here in SD but wanted to visit DT Temecula for a while.
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Linda K.

Yelp
Everything was exceptional. The ambiance was so warm and inviting, the service was impeccable and best of all the prime rib with all the fixings (at no extra charge) was the best I ever had! We will be back!
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Berta B.

Yelp
This place was an awesome find!! My husband and I have been to Temecula plenty of times and had never been here before. But now every time we visit Temecula this will be a must! My husband and I ordered their prime rib steak and it was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The steak came with three different sides which included corn, green beans and smash potatoes. Everything was so delicious. If you want to seat inside you should make reservations, because they are really busy. Luckily we were able to get a table outside, which was lovely. They have a nice set up, with lights, cute decor, cute ambiance! Our waitress was awesome! She was friendly, checked on us regularly and brought us a delicious chocolate mouse for our anniversary. If you're around the area make sure to stop here for lunch or dinner. I wish it was closer to home, so I could go back again sooner!

Ebony M.

Yelp
I recently dinned for my birthday. The ambience was great it was decorated nice. The food we received was disgusting . We ordered the chicken meal and I was very dry and unseasoned we had to put salt and pepper to make it edible. The Gambler steak was a nice size but it also was rubbery and unseasoned. The spinach , green beans and mash potatoes were also unseasoned. The presentation was nice but the food especially for the price wasn't worth it $74. For a dry rubbery tough steak wasn't worth it.
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Bill R.

Yelp
We decided to try someplace new today for lunch. We're making the rounds through all the Temecula favorites. The Gambling Cowboy did not disappoint. We started with the Wedge Salad and the Famous Cowgirl Kisses. The wedge was crisp and fresh and a great ratio of ingredients and dressing. The cowgirl kisses are stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon, served with a raspberry chipotle sauce and fresh berries. Both were perfect. I'd order them every time we return and be completely happy! Our entrees were the Cowboy Steak Burger and the Prime Rib Dip. Both were very large portioned. The burger was cooked perfectly. The Prime Rib was sliced thin and piled high. Both were delicious and reason to return as well. We ended our meal with a slice of their 7 layer carrot cake. OMG it was delicious! So glad we stopped by other than the fact I now need to work off those calories! Service was attentive and timely. A great experience and one we will definitely look to repeat soon.
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Absolute V.

Yelp
I really enjoyed this restaurant. It was packed the day we went and we had no reservations. Luckily, we were able to wait for bar side seating and we really didn't wait at all. We had a bowl of clam chowder and we shared an appetizer. I believe it was ahi tuna. It was a little too sweet for my taste. We each had a burger. The clam chowder was ok, but let me tell you about the burger... it was massive!! It was also very delicious. You need to have a huge appetite for it or maybe share it. It came with onion rings and those were delicious as well. My hubby had an espresso martini and he thought it was very tasty. Overall, we really enjoyed the ambiance of this restaurant, the service was great and I will definitely go to this restaurant when visiting Temecula.
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Carly T.

Yelp
1st TIMER HERE !!! FINALLY got to try the famous Gambling Cowboy! However, just for breakfast ! I cant wait to try lunch and dinner, as I have heard the food is amazing! Let's get to breakfast I ordered the country fried ribeye steak and eggs - and omg - I'd definitely order again! I do wish they had hash browns but the potatoes were delish and the eggs were good. Great prices for breakfast and the amount of food. Their brunch menu looks fabulous too! I definitely recommend sitting outside on the patio, the atmosphere is so fun and the decor is super cute. Staff is friendly and super attentive! Cant wait to go back and try their lunch sandwiches and dinner!!!!
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Monty D.

Yelp
Located in Old Town Temecula, while quaint, parking can be a challenge - plan accordingly (we parked nearby and walked over - far less stressful). As you can see my inside pics, it definitely has the cowboy theme going with a touch of splash. But that's not why you're coming here. We shared their Prime Rib (end cut - before you get too judgy, we like the bark. While it's a bit overcooked, quality beef will still be tender and juicy). And in this case, it was very tender and juicy (even though it was an end cut). What you see in my pic is an 8 ounce portion (there are 12 and 16 ounce options). The bark was great. It was seasoned just right, but perhaps too much salt. The garlic potatoes were quite fluffy - just as they look. But they were very weak on the garlic. The roasted corn was fresh and had the nice, roasted flavor. We ordered a side of Wild Mushroom Madeira Medley. It delivered as you would expect: plump mushrooms in a rich sauce. The 'shrooms and sauce went well with a bite of steak. Since we were there for an occasion, they provided us with a shared chocolate mousse. For being a freebie, it was refreshing, light way to end a hearty meal. We ordered red wine by the glass. I ordinarily don't discuss wines, since we all have such unique wine tastes. But we were impressed with our selections, both types had depth of body, a great bouquet, rich and very mild tannins.
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Sara A.

Yelp
Ate here on 6.21.25 for our anniversary, we'd only been here once before for Thanksgiving Dinner in 2023, it was ok, but everyone we know raves about the steaks here so we decided to choose this place for dinner. Ambiance is pretty cool, staff is attentive and pleasant, cocktails were great, but the food was just rather disappointing. I ordered the Prime Rib, rare, also went with a cup of the clam chowder. Clam Chowder had great flavor but the potatoes seemed rather large and were a little too under done for me. Prime Rib was rather disappointing I'm afraid, the crust on it tasted great but I really had to work more than I ever have before to slice it, which I found rather odd for a rare prime rib. Husband had the ribeye and went with the wedge salad. Salad he definitely enjoyed and I equally took a bite and thought it was a pretty good wedge, not the same could be said for his Ribeye unfortunately. He ordered his medium and when he first sliced into it, it appeared to be medium, but as he cut more into the ribeye it looked seriously well done. He equally was disappointed and said it was rather dry and would definitely not recommend. I was hoping this place would have knocked it out of the park from all the people we personally know that have been here, but unfortunately it did not. We have family coming out who love steak and were hoping to bring them here during their stay, but yeah that definitely won't be happening. I don't know if it was just an off day in the kitchen or what but yeah I couldn't recommend this place.
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Joy T.

Yelp
We ordered the wedge salad, amazing! Prime rib, amazing! Filet mignon, amazing! Their garlic mash added to the selection made it all the more perfect! We paired them with a nice bottle of wine and called it a date! It was a Friday night so it was packed (reserve ahead of time to avoid long wait) so it's kinda understandable that our server was busy. Overall it was a great experience-food, ambiance and service. We will come back for the nth time
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Rob W.

Yelp
Food was amazing!!! We had a fun server that kept telling us stories. I had the prime sirloin steak and eggs cooked medium rare. Fantastic!!! Came with home potatoes and toast. The sad thing is I got no toast, my server forgot to bring it. Had the chocolate cake for dessert with two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. We will be returning for sure.

Mike H.

Yelp
First timers as we moved here 7-2024 and very disappointed that we waited this long to make it over to this great restaurant High end steak house with a bar as well as the ability to order a very nice steak or a French dip Or burger if one wants They do a great job of a very big menu with many choices Most high end steak houses only cater to the cuts of meat and possibly fish so this is awesome if one person wants a rib eye and another a large salad etc We had seven adults and two little ones and were seated on their amazing patio My perceived value is very justified for the price of a meal here Very few restaurants hit the make on atmosphere food and service It will be a regular on our go to places Thanks for your commitment to excellence in a tough business!
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John A.

Yelp
A wonderful place to dine, filled with exceptional service, uplifting music, and mouthwatering entrées. After a 45-minute wait at another restaurant, we reached out to GC and were welcomed in immediately. Just my wife and I, but it felt like a special occasion, reminding us of the joy found in great experiences.
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Sierr W.

Yelp
I came for lunch and had the fish taco and Caesar salad. I was a fan of the dressing on the salad. Had a vinegar aftertaste. The taco was tasty 7/10. The chipotle sauce made it better The service was excellent! I sat at the bar and the server was so nice and friendly. Hate I forgot her name The ambiance is very cowboy themed. A lot of cute signage and props
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Darryl D.

Yelp
First let me start by saying, Maria, our server was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. A breath of fresh air. Thank you Maria! We came in for lunch, started with the Angel kisses, delicious! Mains: wife ordered prime rib dip sandwich, tender and delicious, served with amazing onion rings. I decided on the BBQ Cowboy burger, 8 ounce ground sirloin patty, wonderful flavor, severed also with magnificent onion rings. Dessert: We shared the 6 layer Cowboy chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream topped with hot fudge, complimented by a large sweet strawberry. Ambiance was relaxing as it was a lunch date during the week, noise level was very low making conversation easy. Strongly recommend Thank you and we will be returning!
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Valentin S.

Yelp
Oldtown Temecula can be mind bogglingly busy. Initially, my family had tried to go to a restaurant next door but the wait would be an hour and a half! Fortunately, we walked over to The Gambling Cowboy and were seated within minutes. Had it been earlier in the day, it might have been bad, but from early evening into the night, our seats on the balcony were perfect with a nice breeze and decent view. We started off with the cowgirl kisses (essentially stuffed jalapeño) and cilantro shrimp. I would say that they're alright, but nothing mind blowing. My family decided to go with 2 ribeye steaks, a salmon, and braised short rib. The amount of food was substantial! I found my steak to be fine but as for the rest of my family, they found theirs to be too greasy. I will say that we appreciated the nice service. They ended up treating my parents with a complementary dessert for their anniversary. If I could give half a star, I would make this a 4.5 experience! We didn't have a long wait for seats, had good service, but some of our dishes were too heavy and greasy for our liking.
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Tony S.

Yelp
Another GREAT dining experience, thank you staff, including wqit staff, chefs, hostess and more. Arrived early for a reservation, but we were warmly greeted and promptly seated (it rhymed too!) Our waitress, Natalya, was outstanding. Drink orders taken quickly along with appetizer order, drinks arrived fast (thank you for that) and the kitchen turned around the apps fast. So about the food (the best part). Try the shrimp! Large shrimp, perfectly battered and served with a spicy cilantro dressing, paired pefectly. Added the scallops, crispy bacon wrapped I must add. Delicious! Perfect combo of crunch and texture. Went all-in and added the roasted artichoke. Cant beat it. Rare to see it served perfectly, light garlic flavor complements the taste. Now steaks are where it's at! My party went with Filet Mignon, perfectly cooked, and prime rib, just right. Not too rare, but not too medium. If you want a GREAT steak, look no further. Ambience is great because it's fun but muted, you'll be just as comfy in a suit or slacks, or jeans (but wear a collared shirt, be dressy). Same as women, you wont feel over or under dressed. Arrive early because Old Town parking can get tricky, and no valet is anywhere around the area. Public parking, both free and paid, is available.