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The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon Reviews List

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon

The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon, located in the heart of Old Town Temecula, brings a new standard to local fine dining. Expansive views from our third floor deck and elegant turn of the century setting offer an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Our Classic Steak and Seafood menu features only the highest quality aged Midwestern corn-fed beef along with many other sumptuous selections. We offer an impressive wine list featuring vintages from many local wineries and from the finest regions of the world. Join us for Happy Hour Tuesday through Thursdays from 3-close and Friday through Sundays from 3-6pm. Our bar features Premium Spirits, Draft Beer, Fine Wine and mouthwatering appetizers. Enjoy live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday Nights. $1.50/ounce Prime Rib on Sundays 3-6pm. Join us for a casually sophisticated Breakfast, lunch or a romantic dinner and enjoy a truly distinctive dining experience! Reservations Highly Recommended Friday-Sunday.
See more The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon details
52 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(52 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 52 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(5)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Noise Level
2.1 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • special occasion(25)
  • neighborhood gem(20)
  • romantic(19)
  • fit for foodies(13)
  • vibrant bar scene(12)
  • good for groups(11)
The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon Reviews List
Review 1 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I have been here several times (dinner and weekend breakfast). Food is always first class as is the service. Always busy so make reservations."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Robot Server

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Server did not have any personality. Although she checked on us once in a while, she never smiled or open up a conversation. She was like a robot. Took our order, there's your food, anything else? ....We felt like we were dining at Swing Inn. My family is used to South Coast Winery restaurant because all the servers are friendly and great food."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 3 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Terrific food, wonderful staff

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was the end of a long day. My husband was hungry. I was grouchy. I was too tired to eat, but I knew skipping dinner was a wise move. Our server was patient, friendly, and helpful. She suggested some great options. We both enjoyed dinner."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 4 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/30/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Justin was an outstanding server. Food presentation was spectacular. The Salmon chophouse salad is the yummiest :-)"
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 5 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

First time I've eaten here

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"First time I've eaten here in several years. Used go dine pretty regularly but the constant change in management with the former owner that changed concepts all the time. I thought the food was really good and service was right on to what we wanted. The only issue here is that the place is load, really load. They had live music going and if you were there for a good time you were going to enjoy your self. I was there for a romantic evening for my wifes birthday. I feel they need to invest in some noise deafening products that are available. Even on the other side of really nice glass wall it was hard to sit and talk to my wife. I will return because the food and service won me over."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 6 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Always a solid choice!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant is always a great choice for great steaks, good and attentive service, and great ambience!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 7 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A-1

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This place is a one of a Kind. A must go to place if you are in town."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We have been here a couple

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We have been here a couple times lately. We have really enjoyed the food and the service is wonderful. Very friendly."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining
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Review 9 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Went for a birthday dinner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Went for a birthday dinner and it was great!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 10 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The 2nd time we were ate at

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The 2nd time we were ate at the Gambling Cowboy. we both had steaks that were cooked just as ordered. Will return again."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 11 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good choice for in-town dining.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Arrived on time for Saturday noon reservation and seated promptly, even considering that it was "Rod Run" weekend and the town was packed.
My patty melt burger was very tasty. Looked like a hand-formed patty that had a nice char. Onion soup was very good as well. Partner's BLTA sandwich was very large and fresh(cheerfully accommodated request to serve it on parmesean toast instead of the normal croissant).
Service was OK.
Very attractive western decor.
Seems like it would be a nice choice for dinner as well."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2004
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Loud, loud, loud

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
"We had previously been here on Christmas Eve and had a wonderful experience. We decided to go back for our 28th wedding anniversary. When I made the reservation I noted that it was our anniversary and asked for a quiet booth. We were seated right in the main dining area (they have a separated section with the quiet booths). We were seated next to 2 large parties of about 20 who were celebrating birthdays. It was so loud we couldn't even carry on a conversation. We had to ask for bread and we shared an appetizer of and they just set it down in the middle of the table with no extra plates. We couldn't even find a waiter to ask for plates so we just ate it off of the serving plate. Service was slow but the food was great."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 13 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you're looking for a superb

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"If you're looking for a superb dining experience that fits the ambience of Old Town Temecula, then you won't be disappointed with the Gambling Cowboy. The food (steaks, chops, seafood) is top notch. Pricing is a bit on the high side, but what you would expect for a high end restaurant like this. The appetizers were awesome (highly recommend the clams....the flavor of the sauce is amazing. Going here for anniversary and birthdays with my wife has become a tradition for 3 years now.....Highly recommended!!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 14 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Match the waiter to the experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Food was amazing!!!! I was a little off out by the casual dress of our hostess and the fact that our waitress looked sloppy, had gauged ears, piercings, and hemp bracelets.... It seems to me a place like that with that high dollar of menu would require a little more professionalism from its workers. They didn't look the part of the fine dining staff that went along with the atmosphere I believe the restaurant was trying to display! Not that I have anything against wearing the kinds of things the young ladies did, but, in future, they may consider requiring them to remove them for work. Not a huge request for a $160 dollar check for two people! Loved the atmosphere, food, and music though! Will definitely be going back!!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 15 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Normally one of our favorite

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Normally one of our favorite spots, tonight's special occasion was a less than special evening. The problem with a place that's always been excellent, is that non-excellence is such a let down. The food was unexciting (short ribs like pot roast and fishy-tasting halibut), the spinach and rice were both too limp and too gummy, respectively, and the "entertainment", a solo singer who added his own touch to cover songs by slowing all of them way down, failed to entertain. We are now afraid to bring guests. Tonight, Mimi's Cafe would have been a better choice at less than half the price."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2009
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Review 16 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

This is a hidden treasure

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is a hidden treasure right in old town Temecula. We have been before and will go again! Great food and service, you feel almost at home!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Romance?

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great romantic but pricy dinner bring your own wine for a romantic date nite"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 18 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best Place for Steak in Old Town

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food is great with prices that are lower than a steakhouse like Morton’s etc. My wife had a rib eye and I had the Porterhouse Lamb Chops which were fantastic. If you bring a bottle of local Temecula Wine they do not charge you a corkage fee. It’s busy so make dinner reservations."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I'll be coming back!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I can't believe it took us so long to check this place out! We came in for lunch on a Friday, and it wasn't over-crowded at all. Our server was super awesome, made sure we were totally taken care of, and did a great job. We ordered a fish and chips plate and a prime rib sandwich - oh my gosh! It was AMAZING! The fish and chips were very fresh and cooked to perfection (not soggy or greasy) and the prime rib sandwich was some of the best I've ever had. And I'm VERY picky about my prime rib! The wine list was great, and our server did a wonderful job pairing with what we were ordering. I thought the facility itself could use a little freshening up (decor seemed a little dated) but overall it was a very nice environment and fabulous experience!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great steak and seafood dining+!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food and service were excellent as has always been my experience! Highly recommended!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 21 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good but not great

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Service was outstanding and the ambiance was very cool with a western feel. The food was good but not great. To try and put into context, I would say way above Black Angus and below Ruth Chris Steak House. Again, good but not great."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2013
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Review 22 for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Overall the dinner was good.

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Overall the dinner was good. My husband had the filet and said it was outstanding. I had the crab cakes which were some of the worst I have ever had. They were over salted and just not good. We will most likely return because it usually is a very good restaurant but this meal for me was disappointing."
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon
Based on the average of (30) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Service 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Moderate