- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Atomic Cowboy
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants Mexican Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Bars, Mexican, Music Venues [Edit]
4140 Manchester AveSt Louis, MO 63110
Neighborhood: Forest Park Southeast
(314) 775-0775
- Nearest Transit:
-
Manchesterave @ Kentucky Ave (32)
Chouteau Ave @ S Sarah St (32)
Manchester Ave @ S Boyle Ave (32)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 am
Sat-Sun 5 pm - 3 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Trendy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Atomic Cowboy
Review Highlights
"overall The Atomic cowboy/fox hole is a great time..."
(in 4 reviews)
"I almost forgot, the fire pit out back is pretty sweet."
(in 8 reviews)
"Good tequila and beer selection as well as nice staff."
(in 5 reviews)
Loading...
68 reviews in English
-
Review from Stewart P.
Ballwin, MO
This is such an interesting place ... part restaurant, part dance floor (this night swing dancing), part club. Do you like to people watch?? Come on a Thursday and you will see an interesting mix for sure if a DJ or group is next door. I stuffed myself when I was there too. Had was the Lobster Rangoon (not your fast food Chinese style for sure, excellent), Atomic Rice Bowl with chicken, black beans, veggies and Mexican rice (rice might have been a bit dry but I would order this again for sure), and I topped if off with a huge slice of mud pie (I didn't ask for a huge one, it came that way) that I could not finish. That was a bit hard to eat because the crust was so frozen but I managed and it was very good. There were other various dishes among our party which everyone seem to enjoy such as the Fried Plantains, Wagon Wheel and Pepper Jack Cheese Bites (heavy on the wagon wheels, peppers), cheese quesadillas but the real star of the night was the waiter, Marti, he has the perfect personality for this work. He was super busy and while you could tell he was, he still managed to take care of everything in a timely manner without losing his cool. Nice guy so ask for him (although he may be the only one waiting tables) and tip him well.
Never get tired of the Atomic Cowboy. -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hark! Be those beats of Chromeo that fall upon thine ears? I'M THERE!
A little Tenderoni? Amen! I think I've been saved by a nuclear outlaw.
We initially came here on a Friday night after searching for late night food. After arriving it was unclear to us newbs whether or their kitchen was actually open (looked like it), if a menu did exist (nowhere to be seen), and if there was any staff from which to order the rumored late food items from (sitting at a table nearby?). For that confusion and lack of service I was on the verge of a 3 star setting to this review BUT lucky for the reputation of AC, the DJ saved my life that night.
Lykkie Li, Daft Punk, Sia remix'd... Awww Yeah! Especially since my PIC that evening just so happens to be the worlds greatest dance floor hype man.True Story + Lucky Lady. hyup.
A little vanilla porter did just the trick to get my bones out on the practically empty dance floor so I could boogie down with the best of B-boys and watch as gradually, the entire DJ side of the bar joined in and helped us D.A.N.C.E. the night away.
So we danced... all.night.long. Lionel styliez.
Oh yeah- and there's lazersss!!! -
Review from Ben O.
9/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
As a drinking spot I love this place. Good drinks, friendly bartenders, nice atmosphere, fire pit out back, no smoking inside, great beer choices on tap. Just a nice place to hang out, and even for how hipster it can get in there sometimes, I appreciate how the bar staff still are super friendly to just about anyone who walks in the door.
But I generally only end up showing up here to drink long after the kitchen has closed.
After coming here to drink for years I stopped in for lunch this past week. The service was a little slow and my drink went empty for a while. The enchiladas I ordered felt soggy and the rice had no flavor to it at all.
I'll stick to coming here at night and enjoying the cheap drink specials and late night crowd. Not sure if I'm going to take my chances on the food again. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Saint Louis, MO
2/8/2012
I love Atomic Cowboy, and I swear by the atomic burger and queso fundido. In addition to the great food, the bar itself is very cool. The back patio is amazing, and there's also dancing. What's not to love?
-
Review from J G.
Farmington, MO
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
When they have music playing on both sides they should close the door. Adele cover and a Johnny cash cover band......my ears are confused and beginning to bleed. On a different note; Our server was very good and attentive. I think I would have enjoyed this establishment if it were not for the musical mess.
-
Review from Mechelle S.
Roanoke, TX
12/27/2011
Just ok. Ordered the plantains and they were mushy. Chimichanga was ok, hardly any meat. This is bar food, not a true restaurant. They had a pear beer that was great.
-
Review from Meg M.
Saint Louis, MO
9/28/2011
Did you know they have breakfast now? Saw their sign out when passing by on my way to work for their Giddy Up Breakfast Bar. Why not? Got the croissant stuffed with eggs, cheese and bacon and a pumpkin spice latte. So much better than Starbucks! This actually tasted like espresso! Yum. The croissant was super flaky and filled with goodness. It's basically all easy to eat on the go type stuff, like a parfait with Nutella that I am definitely getting next time. They had donuts, too! Apparently the charming girl with purple hair who made my latte also makes all of the breakfast yummies. Easy to stop by on my way into the office- check. Open at 7am so I can get to work on time- check.
Deliciousness- check. -
Review from Erika K.
8/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been to Atomic Cowboy a few times for lunch because I work next door. I have been pretty underwhelmed with the food and the service is usually pretty poor. They always seems terribly under staffed. I returned yesterday after reading all of the really great yelp reviews to give it another shot.
When the waitress came over (after waiting for 10 minutes or so), I tried to order the carne asada gordita, but I was told they were out of steak. I was in the hurry, so I quickly glanced through the menu again and saw that there was a chicken gordita, so I ordered that.
My food came out quick and it came with rice and beans. The gordita was comprised of a grilled chicken and chipotle aioli on a flatbread topped with lettuce. I took a bite and it wasn't bad, until I realized that there was bacon on it too. It was really poorly cooked bacon too, not crisp at all. That sort of ruined it for me. I like bacon, but I hate when people just add bacon to things willy-nilly. Not everything is better with bacon, people! And if you are going to add it, cook it right.
I had heartburn the rest of the day too and I very rarely get heartburn (maybe twice a year?).
I will be back to Atomic Cowboy because it is so convienent and we often go there for work lunch meetings. Hopefully I will find something I like soon!Listed in: My Favorite Lunch Spots
Comment from Chopper S. of Atomic Cowboy 8/4/2011
Erika...ouch...sorry to learn of this...no… More » -
Review from Mandie M.
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dancing. Food. Drinks. All of which are available here! There are some nights when all I want to do is dance. Dancing helps me to forget my worries and let loose. Atomic Cowboy is a small venue, but I never feel claustrophobic when on the dance floor. This last visit was not the best because I don't think I enjoyed the music. I think the DJ may have been new or trying a new style, but I just didn't care for it. The bartenders and the drinks made up for it though. I would dance a few songs and then drink. It was quite a fun night and I am glad I went. I can't say I have eaten here, but those who have report the food is good. Maybe next time I will try a menu item!
-
Review from Chip K.
4/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
I only had beers and appetizers here, so I can't speak for a variety of items on the menu.
But the "Wagon Wheel & Pepper Jack Cheese Bites" -- a mixture of breaded and fried jalapeno peppers and breaded and fried pepper jack cheese -- were pretty tasty, although the peppers were pretty fiery in my opinion. They were cooled down by a tasty milk stout that they had on tap.
The menu is relatively large and has a lot of enticing-looking Tex-Mex and Southwestern items.
The atmosphere is kinda dive-y, kinda funky... I sort of liked it. I would like to come back and try more of their menu. -
Review from Liz G.
Saint Louis, MO
7/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
$0.50 Stag night, Dollar Bin... Atomic Cowboy is a great bar due to their prices on these nights along with the variety of beer and alcohol available and the eclectic patrons.
4 stars because I've never eaten here so I feel I can't fully rate this joint. 4 stars because they have Bell's Oberon on tap. Mmm...
The bathroom can get pretty gross at night, use at your own will. -
Review from Aimee K.
I had two goals for myself this week:
1) No drinking
2) No eating meat
The rules were put in place because I haven't been feeling my best lately and I thought it might help if I took a break from both things. And I stuck to it... until today. I never claimed to have mastered the art of self control. The good thing is I'm actually feeling better than ever!
I love going to Atomic for lunch... my mom works right down the street and we meet here often because it's in the middle of both of us. I used to get the fish tacos but last time they tasted really, really funny so today I just went with the cowboy chopped salad. It comes with iceberg and romaine lettuce, pico de gallo, corn, black beans and guacamole ranch. It wasn't really chopped so I'm not sure about that, but I liked it! I was really jealous of my mom's lunch though and I was lucky enough to score a few bites of it. She had the pulled pork cubano and it was shredded pork, mexican cheese, pickles, lettuce, pico de gallo & chipotle mayonnaise - the pork was so tender & juicy and the mayo melted right into the bread. I feel a little guilty after describing that one! Top it all off with a glass of chardonnay and that's a damn good Friday afternoon!
Atomic Cowboy is laid back, full of color and fun paintings all over the walls, and pin-up girls everywhere. They also have live music a lot of the time, and Friday & Saturday nights are always guaranteed to be entertaining. Good food & good people. Go!Listed in: Let's Just Be Casual, Wanna Grab Lunch?, Gems in the Grove
-
Review from Bill S.
Saint Louis, MO
5/12/2011
The Atomic Cowboy "gets it" when it comes to the write blend of atmosphere, food and drink. If you're out for something fancy, don't bother. But if you want a bit of urban attitude and grit, this is the place.
The anchor of The Grove neighborhood (from my perspective) the Atomic Cowboy gets my highest compliment: Unlike many STL favorites, Atomic Cowboy could hold its own in Chicago, New York, LA or any other major US city. This isn't a "Where'd you go to high school?" place.
The menu is diverse and fun, with a pub food flair. The cheeseburger burrito is fantastic. Beer selection is solid. Mixed drinks are well poured and perfectly blended. And the house specialties are off-beat--as they should be.
You can't go wrong here. Thanks to the Atomic Cowboy for helping bring back a neighborhood and for not settling to be ordinary. -
Review from Jason R.
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have never had a bad experience at Atomic Cowboy. I recently had lunch here with a co-worker. Since I have been eating lighter their Chicken Fajita ht the spot. I was quite surprised that it wasn't loaded with salt. They use corn tortillas also which was a very nice healthier alternative to flour tortillas. Service was fair. I think we arrived on a day that the waitress was prepping and serving at the same time. Overall the food is fab and a great place to hang out in the evening for dinner. Oh, they carry a superb selection of bottle and draft beers also.
-
Review from Patt C.
2/25/2011
Today for celebration lunch. The celebrants get to pick the venue. Very few tables occupied when we arrived. Pretty sure there was only one server for the entire joint. And I'm not sure she was a server; I think she was the bartender.
It took a quite good while to put in our orders. The food came out relatively quickly. Beverage glasses were always empty.
We all got the small house salad with iceberg and romaine lettuces, corn, black beans (not too many), with guacamole ranch dressing ($3). The menu said we had a choice of dressings -- house oil and vinegar being the other offering, but none of us were given the option. It was rather large for a small salad, quite tasty, and the dressing was fabulous.
I got the "Famous" Cheeseburger Burrito ($8). It came with bland and gooey refried beans, and awful-tasting rice. The cheeseburger burrito was tepid at best. The flour tortilla was extremely difficult to cut, chewy and dry. I've never seen a flour tortilla like this. The cheeseburger meat was kind of chunky pieces, not too tasty.
One dining partner got the Flyin' Mayan Burrito ($8) -- shredded pork, Mexican cheese, rice and pico de gallo covered with enchilada sauce. She asked the server if it was spicy and was assured it was not. Well, it was, and she had real trouble with the flour tortilla, too. So she resorted to forking the pork out of the burrito, and leaving most of it for the trash.
Another dining partner got the Fire-Roasted Chicken Burrito ($8) --
shredded chicken breast, roasted vegetables, corn, black beans, Mexican cheese, pico de gallo covered with queso sauce. He gobbled it up, and ate my beans and rice.
Our vegetarian friend got the Veggie Burrito ($8) -- portabellos, lots of spinach, black beans, corn salad, rice and zucchini with chipotle mayo. She opted out of the beans and rice and substituted additional vegetables. Server said she wasn't sure the vegetables were ready. Hello!! It's lunch time. But, indeed, the vegetables were available, so our friend was truly in heaven with all her vegetables.
The ambiance and decor are interesting, even unique. When we left, there still weren't all that many people there.
And I saw one patron go up to the bus station to get additional napkins.
Not once did our server come to ask how the food was.Listed in: Mexican Eating
-
Review from Jen J.
3/19/2011 5 photos
Atomic Cowboy is one of my favorite places in town, because of:
1. Unique drinks - infused vodkas and tequilas (try the pepper vodka; it's spicy!) They also have spiked coffee drinks - yum! Perfect for chilly nights.
2. Laid-back crowd (no pretentious Dbag variety here)
3. Great food - repeat: GREAT. This is not your typical bar grub, the menu is big and the kitchen opens late. I have not eaten anything I dislike here, from the fried pickles to the fried plantains (sure alot of things are fried but tell me you want a salad at 11 pm while drinking pepper vodka? I didn't think so).
4. They have some great acts come to the Foxhole (little theater/room out back). I watched a burlesque show there once last year and it was a neat intimate setting.
Service can be spotty...not all servers know what they are doing. But I mostly overlook this considering the 4 points above. I really hope they can continue to revitalize this section of Manchester to bring in more bars and restaurants. This area could be a great alternative to Wash Ave and CWE nightlife neighborhoods. -
Review from Andrey E.
Saint Louis, MO
3/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great late night place to come hang out with friends. The big bonus is the kitchen which is open late and serving some really delicious and unique food. They have curry mayo with the fries, and honey with the roasted plantains.
The other specialty is infused drinks. They have infused tequila and vodka in varying flavors. I really like a Bloody Mary with the pepper infused vodka.
Overall the feel of the place is very casual - it's like a trendy dive bar if that makes any sense. -
Review from Pamela R.
2/1/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Atomic Cowboy. Only one of my favorite places on the planet. Where else can you see tatts and munch taters? The beer selection is pretty ridic and if you ask for a special sort of cocktail or shot, the bartenders are well versed and can handle it. More so then at other establishments.
The food is um, um good. I love the fish tacos, fried pickles, french fries and their version of the sliders. I know a burger is a burger is a burger but there is something about getting them at Atomic.
I also like the Hut and the outdoor fire pit. Not many places in the city allowed to burn, baby, burn within city limits legally. Definitely an eclectic crowd but not unnerving. I like the diversity and the laid back attitudes all around.
I drop in to Atomic during the week and on the weekends. No matter when I go I always know it is a good time with good food, good drinks and good friends. -
Review from Rick C.
Saint Louis, MO
8/25/2011
Mexican fusion...? More like Gringo confusion. Calamari was under cooked, Uncle Ben's makes better Spanish rice. We weren't impressed to say the least.
-
Review from Brandi T.
Saint Louis, MO
5/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I went here three times in one week for different events. The first night we came for drinks after eating dinner at Sanctuaria. The weather was nice, so we sat on the patio. It was a good way to end the night.
The next night I met some friends there around 9. We had some drinks and appetizers. The sangria was good, though a little watered down. I ordered a side of chips and salsa, which were good but a way larger portion than I expected. Our server was a little big on the TMI. After we will there a while, the DJ started playing music, so we moved to the dance floor. You could tell he played a lot of weddings because the songs seemed like your typical reception music. In my opinion, the songs were hit and miss. Nonetheless I had a good time.
The next Tuesday I held a book club meeting there. It might seem like an odd choice, but it actually worked out really well. The staff was fantastic and very helpful. They let us have the patio to ourselves and allowed us to just order from the bar when we were hungry or thirsty. I's definitely a good place for group gatherings. That night was the first time I tried the food, other than the appetizers. I ordered chicken tortilla soup and a salad. The soup was bland and the salad had way too much dressing. I had expected better, but I suppose people don't really go there for food.
In summary, go to Atomic Cowboy for the atmosphere and drinks. The food may be hit or miss. -
Review from Tim F.
Somerville, MA
10/5/2011
This place has evolved a lot over the years, which is its charm. Fantastic spot for a drink, and a great haven for non-smokers. Never eaten the food here...
-
Review from Kate B.
12/5/2010
Only been here like two or three times but every time it was great!
Food is sort of like tex-mex. I was worried about eating Mexican food the day before I had to travel somewhere (LOL) but the softshell steak tacos I had sat well and digested well. IMHO the digesting is just as important as the eating! :) But then again, this is coming from someone with a weak tolerance for spicy foods!
The chips and guac are sooo tasty. I was impressed, as someone who spends quite a deal of time in Florida, and frequents many Mexican and Cuban restaurants, these chips were on par with what I'd get down south! Only thing I didn't like was the softshell taco shells. YUCK! They need to take a hint from West End Grill and Pub. Because those are some of the best softshells I've ever had! (At West End.)
They always have quite a few drink specials, though I usually just order a beer. They have some nice beer selections too. IDK about wine.
One night they had a special event--a Circus type thing or more like a Carnival with a real side show. I got to pet a baby alligator, hold an anaconda and see a guy breathe fire and walk on glass! It was pretty darned cool and they had other performances too as well as live music. It was really fun and worth the money I paid to get in for the event. They seem to put on really good events there!
I was really confused at first, too, because I thought Atomic Cowboy was a gay bar--being in the Grove--and whatnot. It's not inherently a gay bar but I would say it's gay friendly just for being in the Grove. -
Review from Danielle A.
University City, MO
3/28/2011
I was thoroughly, thoroughly disappointed by the Atomic Cowboy... It may have been because I went on a Sunday night, or maybe the place just sucks balls. The service was slow as all hell, and I tried to order one of their drink specials, and they wound up being out of the liqueurs that were in it. If it's supposed to be a special, shouldn't they have plenty of what they need to make it?
I'm hoping if I go for Dollarbin and Get Serious that maybe this place will be more impressive, but for now 3 stars is all they get from me...Comment from Chopper S. of Atomic Cowboy 3/30/2011
Hi thanks for trying Atomic Cowboy...we have urged our… More » -
Review from Emily W.
2/20/2011
Damn, I never realized how much sass and personality really can make dinner go from good to great. The Atomic Cowboy is a fantastic dinner spot for a group of friends. It offers great personality without being over the top.
I went on a double date with some out-of-towners and, in a selfish act, I choose Atomic Cowboy solely on the fact I wanted some nachos.When we got to the restaurant, there was a little confusion about whether we sat ourselves, and we had to wait a solid 15 minutes to get a menu. Fortunately when the service did arrive, it was great. Even with all of the tables he was waiting on, our waiter was awesome and so funny! Super personable and I love a server that can tell a good joke. It was clear that he was SUPER busy (He was the only server I saw in the whole restaurant), but he was knowledgeable, offered food suggestions, and was educated on how to make a good drink.
The atmosphere was AWESOME. 70's glam music pumped up, but not too loud that you couldn't converse. And there is something uniquely kick ass about eating fantastic guacamole in the light of a revolving disco ball. At one point, my friend said she felt weird about the fact she wasn't in roller skates.
A lot of personality backed up by terrific food and drink. It lost a star for the slow start, bland queso (but to be fair, it was only $1 extra with the guac), and weird margarita. I realize the bar was massive, but if you're serving Mexican you should learn to make a decent margarita. Other than that it was terrific and I can't wait to go back for their late night atmosphere. -
Review from Dave P.
Central West End, Saint Louis, MO
8/7/2011
The service is horrible. It took us twenty minutes to get someone to acknowledge us. Once we were waited on, they were rude and were out of two of the items we ordered. Wasted 25 minutes of my lunch hour just to get nothing. I have had take out and the food is good if you can get waited on.
-
Review from P S.
Saint Louis, MO
11/24/2010
For full disclosure let me start by saying I tend to wind up in shows here monthly, that being said I really like this place. Mostly the food. Over the last year or so I have been trying different dishes almost every time I go and working my way through the menu. The fish tacos are great order them grilled with cruchy shells (trust me on that one).
The bar staff is generally polite and I have never had an issuse with the service. The Fox Hole is a great stage to be on and the staff tries to make sure that both performers and audience have a great time. They are smoke free inside both the cowboy and the fox hole. There is a huge outdoor patio and a covered outdoor bar as well. Beer selection is good, wine selection is small but bigger than I expected. overall The Atomic cowboy/fox hole is a great time everytime..
oh and try the fried pickles..yumm -
Review from Dave F.
4/3/2010
I counted 6 distinct areas in this funky bar and only 3 TVs. Each area has just a little bit different attitude.
The first two shares a U-shaped bar with one side having booths and tables and the flip side being open dance floor for a house/electronica band that night. The third front area was a all black (including plastic ceiling) & raised band stage. I will be back to review the sound because it did actually have speakers built into the stage and I want to know what it sounds like. For a band with a small following this would be a great place watch the show.
The outside is smoking and is 3 different ideas. The first is a covered (reminds me of a military aircraft hanger) area with a some indoor furniture. The next is a descent sized patio where the smokers hang out. The most interesting is the one that reminds me of park playground with large pebbles to play/fall on, they even put a safety Teepee around an open firepit!
I am sorry, but between my nieces talking about his place and the rave reviews I found something funny... Plus it was final four week and the only TVs were rear projection without a good straightforward view (pointed above my head!)
I will admit if I knew anyone in the band or was in the mood to impress a 20 somethings hipster & posers...
I digress, this bar is bigger and more diverse than what I thought. My only real only complaint (other than TVs) is being charged $7 for rail vodka (I might know the taste) "infused" with chia tea. I should have known when I got a sarcastic answer from the bartender when I asked about it. I never had the combo and thought it would be good to try with Sky or better, but RAIL, each sip was ?!!! I do give respect for not just putting less of the same thing in a martini glass and charging $10... (Hi "Lounges" ;-)
I WILL BE BACK! I am impressed by the layout and with no sports that I want to watch...Listed in: Sun & Suds
-
Review from Amanda C.
O'Fallon, MO
7/11/2010
Cheeseburger Burrito.
Okay, now that your mouth is sufficiently filled with saliva, I urge you to try this place ASAFP!
This place is relatively close to where I work and one of my coworkers tried it out once. We are now complete regulars. So much so that I'm pretty sure the waitress only asks us for our orders to be polite. All of us always order the Cheeseburger Burrito (which is exactly what it sounds like only SO much better than I'll ever be able to describe) though I have had other things on their awesomely eclectic menu and haven't yet been disappointed. My only regret is that I've never gone here to partake of their HUGE bar (complete with house-infused vodkas!)
If you do get the Cheeseburger Burrito you will find that it comes with rice/beans. I suggest you (and a friend or two since they cost $6.00 and the portion size is HUGE) order some of the Gaucho Fries which come with two sauces that are OUT of this world. One is a mayonnaise based sauce and tastes great with the burger and the other is a spicy ketchup which is awesome with the fries. You won't be sorry.
Obviously, don't go the burrito/fries route if you're on a diet, but I promise you they have lots of yummy options including great salads and vegan selections as well.
The ONE downfall of this place (and it wasn't even enough to deduct a star) is that the lunch service usually only has ONE waitress. She's great and she does her best, but with her taking care of a dining room FULL of people (as it usually is at lunchtime) sometimes you may have to wait a little longer than expected for a refill or for your bill at the end of the meal. Like I said, it isn't a deal breaker, but it could make life a bit easier. They also won't split the checks (not that I blame the, it'd probably take a long time and again, there's only one server.) I just suggest you don't come here with a time line, but go when you can relax and enjoy it.
I've heard the nightlife here is kind of awesome (though they do have like fetish shows and stuff...totally different crowd than the lunch crowd, I imagine!) and I'd love to happy hour here. That review may be soon to follow!Listed in: Lunch Break, Top Restaurants
-
Review from Jelena Z.
3/2/2008
A taste of the avant-garde in St. Louis. Hip art gallery meets Indie music second stage at Lollapalooza. Both the DJ's and live music deliver. Come to Atomic Cowboy for the art, the music, the great libations and the mellow vibe. In Chicago, people would be quick to label the Cowboy a hipster/scenester bar, but really, it's just authentically cool.
Oooh, and there's a bonfire outside. Does cool get cooler than that? -
Review from Amy B.
Saint Louis, MO
10/9/2009
Atomic Cowboy is probably my favorite bar/restaurant/nightspot in St. Louis. For starters, the food is amazing - not your typical "Mexican" joint - everything has its own Atomic flair, like the Flyin' Mayan pork burrito or the delicious fried plantains. The prices are right, the food is great and the cocktails are flowing.
Atomic probably has one of the nicest and largest outdoor patio/seating areas in the STL as well. A covered "Quonset Hut" featuring vintage booths and furniture, heaters and a bar leads onto a brick terrace with ample seating, back to a large fire pit area and around to a new covered patio behind Atomic's new music venue, The Fox Hole.
The Fox Hole features great local and regional bands as well as regular shows by St. Louis' reigning Burlesque Queen Lola Van Ella and her troupe the Bon Bons. Every night is something different (and something fun) at The Cowboy.
In the hip Grove area of the city, South of the Central West End, Atomic Cowboy is one of the more unique dining and nightlife destinations the city has to offer. And one final note - the bar and restaurant are SMOKE FREE, which makes it even better. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor areas, so you can go out and see a cool band and not go home smelling like a pack of Marlboros. -
Review from Sanjeev K.
Edison, NJ
6/21/2009 1 photo
F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S . Thats how i would describe tis place.
I was in St Louis for 3 days. A friend had recommended this place so after work Thursday night, i went down to Atomic Cowboy..
Oh Boy. It was awesome. They had a free lesson of Swing Dancing. I took it . okay I must say, i am pretty bad at it .. Probably with some practice i might not go crushing my partners toes. But the class sure was inspiring . Probably might continue to take classes..
The food was outstanding. I asked the hostess for her suggestion, and she recommended the 'Pulled Pork Cubano' .. and so i went ahead and ordered that .. I think i must have inhaled it..
I think next time i viist St. Louis , Atomic cowboy sure is gonna be top of my list. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Maplewood, MO
Updated - 12/31/2009 2 Check-ins Here
Is it fair for me to write a second update? Well, here goes:
Atomic Cowboy expanded their menu. They added probably another 10 or 11 entrees.
I had the vegetarian chili mac, and it was DELISH. The portion was huge and I had plenty to take home as leftovers!Listed in: Save Me Some Sopapillas,…
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
5/12/2009
I couldn't wait to come back to this place and actually eat something, so I went back today with my… Read more »
-
-
Review from Kurt W.
6/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been coming to Atomic Cowboy since it's inception when it was located in Maplewood. The big deal then and the big deal for me now about this place is that it is smoke-free. I have not been here recently for the food, so nothing comes to mind as being memorable, with the exception of the "Gaucho Fries". Basically, it's decent appetizer of french fries with three sauces, the best of which is the chipotle sauce.
That said, they have good shows and events here. The space is great and the crowd, at least as of a year ago, is unpretentious.
Be aware, the parking rules changed when I was last there, and I ended up with a parking ticket. You have been warned. -
Review from ALICIA O.
3/29/2009
Ok first of all let me say, I feel horrible that I have to do this.
I've never had a bad experience at the AC until Friday Mar 27, felt like the 13th. We grabbed the last table around 9:30PM. The service was absolutely HORRIBLE. By horrible I mean wtf am I getting punked here? She didnt see that we were at the table for over 20 mins. I asked the bar tender if he could help us out which then took her another 25 mins and she couldnt and didnt remember to give us menus. I got them from the bar. She tried to take our food order and didnt flinch when we said, we just got our menus OURSELVES. She tried to get us drinks and then decided only the people who were eating actually wanted drinks. Again I walked to the bar to get my own drink.
We ordered carne asada tacos and got carnitas. My friend wanted a jarrito strawberry soda, they were out so he ordered lemonade but received a strawberry soda made by the bartender. We ordered nachos with no lettuce and wouldnt you know they had lettuce on it. I would blame it on the music if I couldnt hear everything we said across the table. Anything this chic did was wrong and took forever to do...
So we find another person, I'm like are you the manager, can you tell him about this. We got a million excuses about how she just finished a 2 day training yesterday. The MANAGER WOULDNT EVEN SPEAK WITH US and sent someone else to do his dirty work. Then they said the computers went down when she was trying to fix the bills. She never check on our drinks to refill them to order more or if our food was good or correct. Not one word ever. We kept going to the bar for our drinks. Keep in mind we were nice complainers of our service and stunned at the lack of making it right. So I wasnt looking for free food but the excuses were lame.
Result, we got a lot of excuses, nothing removed from our bill just excuses and sorry. They gave us some free appetizers for next time. Seriously, I don't want to eat there after this. If I do it's appetizers at the bar.
Well here's my opinion, food is usually hot and fresh, service sucks. It's not great food so my result is that I will entertain there and never eat there as a restaurant guest unless they got some serious servers on staff. Who in their right mind would put a new girl on a Friday night? So a dinner that should have taken maybe an hour took 2.5 hrs for tacos & nachos.
3-4 rating for bar entertainment & non smoking
0-1 rating for restaurant. -
Review from Erin K.
Manchester, NH
5/13/2009
Thursday nights, the Atomic Cowboy is the place to be if you're a St. Louis area swing dancer. Swingin' the AC is one of the friendliest, most fun events for beginner (and more experienced) dancers, and the Atomic Cowboy ROCKS for letting us dance the night away. The food is awesome - I had a really good quesadilla, and they've got a good selection at the bar.
This is a place I need to come back to on a night when eating food and soaking in atmosphere is my main goal, because (to be honest) when I've been there, it's just been for the dancing. But it's always a good time, and the staff, and crowd, are always friendly! -
Review from Andy D.
5/22/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Woah! What an awesome venue! True to its name, a visit to Atomic Cowboy is a rollicking bronco ride through a delicious menu, killer drinks, and great music. Hearkening back (or forward?) to a post-apocalyptic New Wild West, I'm proud to announce this killer restaurant, bar, and music venue is my new favorite find.
A friend and I stopped by last night to catch Dawn and the Electro Funk Assembly (check it: http://www.facebook.co...). We were seated on the patio right away and got a great chance to scope out the crowd. Although the establishment oozes cool and fun, everyone seemed to be at home: a mother and daughter swaying to the music, couples out for a treat after a long work day, singles hanging at one of the many bars.
Although the Cowboy's drink menu is a little pricey, we ordered a hornitos margarita (pretty solid) and a (raspberry?) Tootsie Roll martini, which had even me begging for a second sip. $8.00 each. We had to try the wraps, after some of these Yelp reviews, too, and I gotta say: Those of you that aren't coming here for the food are missing OUT. The cheeseburger wrap was pretty good, but even more to die for was the fire roasted chicken wrap, which deceptively sounds a little boring but was a great combo of chicken and gooey queso.
I didn't get much of a chance to check out the inside, but the feel of it suggested that the Cowboy is a place where people come to have a seriously good time.
Can't wait to come back. I'm going to tell all my buddies about this place as soon as I can. I'm not sure if I'd be into all the salsa dancing or burlesque that seems to go on here, and maybe our one visit was just killer luck, but until I get a chance to go back and try another cocktail and wrap I am gonna call Atomic Cowboy a grade-A five-star establishment.
BLASTOFF! -
Review from Jaffa A.
Saint Louis, MO
8/5/2008
The only thing I really love about Atomic Cowboy is the gigantic fire pit. Well, I wouldn't go near it right now, as I'm sitting in my room with my fan on me because I'm too cheap to turn the air on any higher than it is (and it's only on because there are furry guys in the house). That, and it's pretty darn close to home.
Although I am aware of their food, I've never had it, so I can't really say anything about that. With drinks, the specials are super-cheap or overpriced. For example, I was there on stag night one time, when it's two cans for $1. A lot of people get a whole case and either divvy it up with friends or I guess get really wasted. Personally, I can't really drink more than one or so. Yup. I'm a beer snob. So, it was two for $1 cans of beer and a friend unknowingly ordered a Manhattan, which ran her about $7. More than a case of beer. There's other nights where the beer runs cheap, like their 2 for one Schlafly draft night. I think that might be Tuesday.
Another perk is that it is non-smoking, so if I do end up there, I don't have to go home with that ashtray smell.
The music is all over the map. Sometimes it is someones ipod and will be hit and miss throughout the night and sometimes there are DJs, which can actually be pretty good. Other times, and sometimes with this comes a cover, there is live music, which also, can be good or really kind of awful. I know a lot of people really love the Atomic Cowboy, but for some reason, it's just not one of my favorites. -
Review from Nowell G.
8/3/2008
Going to Atomic Cowboy can turn any frown upside-down. The place is just immaculate, large, and offers plenty of activities for diverse groups.
It's a little pricey, but the service is friendly and fast. Atomic Cowboy definitely has its regulars. However, everyone is treated like they're part of the AC family... like a hipster Cheers.
On Sunday nights you'll find free Salsa dancing lessons, and EVERY night, you can check out the spectacular patio, complete with its own covered bar (with dance floor) and bonfire pit. It's probably on the Top 5 list of Beautiful Patios in the city. -
Review from Howie F.
St Louis, MO
10/29/2009
I wasn't sure what to think about this place before we went.
Is it Mexican, tex-mex, lesbian bar?
After eating I'm not sure if it's any of those or all of them, but I do know I loved the place.
The decor was eclectic, off the wall and the "back yard" was an oasis.
Cheeseburger Burrito. I saw they said it was their signature dish, so I had to try it right? Yes I did and it was as good as it sounds. -
Review from Rachel M.
Saint Louis, MO
5/24/2011
50Cent Stag Night. Summertime DJs. Clownvis. Burlesque. the circus freaks. the rockabilly crowd. Classy cocktails. Trashy county folk. People watching. DANCING. Hipster Trash oooooozing onto the sidewalk. Awkward and wonderful conversations that begin in the middle and go nowhere. Yeah. I'm a fan.
