Nestled up on the third level at Fifth and Front Streets the Gambling CowboyChophouse and Saloon is a lovely return to the historical elegance and refinement of the All-American Steakhouse.
Surrounded by the Romance & Nostalgia of Old Town Temecula, this family-run restaurant provides choice and top cuts of certified Angus Beef, Fresh Seafood, and other traditional steakhouse favorites. The interior design is rustic yet elegant.
The Gambling Cowboy boasts warm hues, gentle lighting, and a granite bar with a turn-of-the-century, Victorian high-class saloon design of rich mahogany that offers a great dining experience unique in the Inland Empire. High ceilings and luxurious high-back booths create an impression of your own private eating experience.
Gambling Cowboy is a renowned dining establishment in Temecula, offering a unique blend of Old West charm and contemporary culinary excellence. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Temecula, this restaurant provides a distinctive and inviting atmosphere that transports visitors to the days of the Wild West. Here's a glimpse into what makes Gambling Cowboy a standout choice in Temecula:
The moment you step into Gambling Cowboy, you're greeted with an ambiance that reflects the spirit of the Old West. Rich wooden interiors, rustic decor, and Western-themed elements create an immersive experience that adds a touch of nostalgia to your dining adventure.
Known for its exceptional cuisine, Gambling Cowboy offers a diverse menu featuring a fusion of classic and innovative dishes. From perfectly cooked steaks and seafood to hearty breakfast options, each item is crafted with precision and a commitment to delivering a memorable dining experience.
A highlight of Gambling Cowboy is its selection of prime steaks and fresh seafood. Whether you're savoring a mouthwatering filet mignon or indulging in a seafood platter, the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor shines through.
The bar at Gambling Cowboy complements the dining experience with a range of signature cocktails and a well-curated wine list. Enjoy expertly crafted drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of your meal.
To enhance your visit, Gambling Cowboy often features live entertainment, adding to the vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. Whether it's live musicor special events, there's always something happening to make your time at the restaurant even more memorable. Situated in the historic district of Old Town Temecula, Gambling Cowboy provides diners with the opportunity to explore the charming streets and vibrant culture of the area before or after their meal.
The staff at Gambling Cowboy is known for its warm and friendly service. Attentive and knowledgeable, the team ensures that every guest feels welcome and well taken care of throughout their dining experience.
For those seeking a unique blend of history, culinary excellence, and a touch of the Old West, Gambling Cowboy in Temecula stands as a culinary gem, inviting locals and visitors alike to savor a taste of the past in a contemporary setting.
Gambling Cowboy interior view In the realm of culinary ventures, the Ehmckefamily has carved a niche for themselves as savvy gambling connoisseurs. Their foray into high-risk domains, be it racehorse ownership, strategic property acquisitions in fire-prone areas, or even launching a restaurant during an economic downturn, speaks volumes about their appetite for calculated risks.
Aptly named "The Gambling Cowboy Chophouse & Saloon," Rene Ehmcke, along with her parents Bill and Nitza Ehmcke, embarked on this gastronomic venture by acquiring the rustic, third-story space that was once Penfold’s Cattle Co.
Following a 60-day trial under the previous moniker, Ehmcke decided to redefine the establishment on May 4 as the Gambling Cowboy, aligning it seamlessly with the Old Town Temecula's vintage charm. The 5,000-square-foot, 150-seat restaurant still retains its hallmark - lightly seasoned, char-grilled USDA Choice and Prime Angus steaks.
However, Ehmcke is not one to rest on her laurels; she's elevating the dining experience by expanding the menu's fresh seafood offerings, reintroducing lunch service three days a week, and unveiling enticing additions such as the 24-ounce Gambler, a bone-in ribeye, and a Sunday night prime rib special.
Under the culinary guidance of new executive chef Jorge Alvarado, previously of Stuart Cellars Winery, the restaurant is set to introduce a medley of tantalizing dishes.
Despite these innovations, Ehmcke is resolute about maintaining an accessible and affordable dining experience. She articulates a commitment to offering a fine dining atmosphere without necessitating a financial upheaval for patrons.
Ehmcke's vision revolves around providing a comforting dining experience where patrons can savor delectable meals without worrying about breaking the bank.
The revamped menu boasts a Sunday brunch, live music on the veranda during the weekends, a pocket-friendly four-course "dinner for two" at $40, and the resurrection of the beloved cioppino.
Ehmcke's emphasis on affordability doesn't compromise the quality of the dining experience. The menu, curated after extensive taste-testing, features favorites such as the shrimp scampi appetizer, Heirloom Tomato Halibut with Italian Risotto, Chilean Seabass Stuffed with Poblano Chile, and delightful desserts like apple crumble, bread pudding, and creme brulee. The selection of beef from Newport Meats of Irvine is a testament to the meticulous sourcing of flavorful aged, corn-fed Midwestern beef.
Beyond the dining arena, The Gambling Cowboy extends its charm to a 1,000-square-foot old-fashioned saloon. Here, an ornate, turn-of-the-century granite and mahogany bar welcomes patrons to a daily happy hour menu, offering delectable items like halibut fish and chips and steak and fries, priced from $5 to $12.
With roots in the restaurant business spanning many years, Ehmcke brings a wealth of experience to this venture. Hailing from Scripps Ranch and later operating a deli/catering business in Bakersfield for 17 years, she decided to take a break, relocating closer to her parents in Fallbrook.
Five years ago, she made Murrieta her home, delving into the restaurant supply industry and extensively researching the dining landscape in Southwest Riverside County—a market she aptly describes as both robust and highly competitive.
In the nuanced world of The Gambling Cowboy, the Ehmckefamily combines their penchant for risk with a dedication to offering an exceptional, yet approachable, dining experience in the heart of Old Town Temecula.
In the heart of Temecula, California, the Gambling Cowboy Restaurant stands as a culinary gem, offering a unique dining experience that blends Old West charm with modern gastronomy. Here's a glimpse into what makes this restaurant a must-visit in Temecula:
- Old West Atmosphere -The moment you step into the Gambling Cowboy, you're transported to the days of the Wild West. The restaurant's decor, reminiscent of a saloon from a bygone era, creates an ambiance that adds character and charm to your dining adventure.
- Exceptional Culinary Offerings -Renowned for its culinary excellence, the Gambling Cowboy boasts a diverse menu that caters to a variety of tastes. From perfectly grilled steaks to fresh seafood and innovative appetizers, each dish is crafted with precision and a commitment to delivering a memorable gastronomic experience.
- Prime Steaks and Seafood -A highlight of the menu is the selection of prime steaks and fresh seafood. Whether you're indulging in a tender filet mignon or savoring a seafood platter, the restaurant's emphasis on quality ingredients and expert preparation shines through.
- Signature Cocktails and Wine Selection -The bar at the Gambling Cowboy complements the culinary offerings with a range of signature cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list. Guests can enjoy handcrafted drinks that perfectly complement the flavors of their meals.
- Live Entertainment -Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Gambling Cowboy often features live entertainment. Whether it's live music or special events, the restaurant provides more than just a meal—it offers an immersive and enjoyable experience.
- Location in Historic Old Town Temecula -Situated in the historic district of Old Town Temecula, the Gambling Cowboy allows diners to explore the charming streets and soak in the unique culture of the area before or after their culinary journey.
- Attentive and Friendly Service -The staff at the Gambling Cowboy is known for its warm and attentive service. With a commitment to ensuring every guest feels welcome and well taken care of, the team contributes to the overall positive and inviting dining atmosphere.
Breakfast Hours: 9 am - 2 pm (Saturday & Sunday)
- Eggs Your Way -Indulge in the perfect breakfast with three eggs prepared to your liking, accompanied by Cowboy potatoes, fresh fruit, and toast. Enhance your experience by adding crispy bacon or savory sausage for $13. Want to elevate it further? Add skillet biscuit & sausage sage gravy for an extra $3.
- Buttermilk Pancakes or Belgian Waffle Breakfast -Savor the goodness of buttermilk pancakes or a Belgian waffle, served with two eggs prepared to your liking. Complete your meal with a choice of bacon or sausage for $12, or enjoy them a la carte for $6.
- Cowboy Omelettes or Make It a Scramble -Treat yourself to a hearty cowboy omelette, served with Cowboy potatoes, fresh fruit, and toast. Choose from delightful options like Bacon Mushroom Swiss, Spinach Mushroom Feta, Sausage Bacon Ham & Cheddar, or Fresh Tomato, Pesto & Mozzarella. Feeling creative? Build your own with three items of your choice.
- Prime Rib Hash & Eggs -Indulge in famous slow-roasted prime rib hash, served with three eggs prepared any style, fresh fruit, and toast.
- Country Fried Steak & Eggs -Experience the classic tenderness of hand-breaded country-fried steak, served with three eggs any style, Cowboy potatoes, fresh fruit, and finished with delectable Sausage Sage Gravy.
- Traditional Eggs Benedict -Delight in two poached eggs over grilled English muffins with Canadian bacon and Hollandaise sauce. Served with Cowboy potatoes and fresh fruit.
- Cowboy Filet Benedict -Elevate your breakfast with two poached eggs over grilled English muffins, tender filet, and Hollandaise sauce. Accompanied by Cowboy potatoes and fresh fruit.
- Salmon Florentine Benedict -Savor the richness of two poached eggs over grilled English muffins with salmon, sautéed spinach, and Hollandaise sauce. Paired with Cowboy potatoes and fresh fruit.
- Homemade Skillet Biscuit & Sausage Sage Gravy -A comforting delight, served with fresh fruit.
- Monte Cristo -Indulge in a delightful combination of turkey, ham, Marscapone, and Swiss cheese between sliced brioche bread dipped in egg batter and grilled. Served with raspberry preserves, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and accompanied by fresh fruit.
- Cowboy Breakfast Burrito -Experience the robust flavors of a prime rib, potatoes, scrambled eggs, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses burrito. Served with sour cream, avocado, and salsa.
Embark on a midday culinary journey with Lunch Extravaganza, where every dish is a celebration of flavors and a testament to the artistry of culinary team.
- Signature Steaks - Savor the succulence of Signature Steaks even during lunch. From the classic New York Strip to the indulgent Cowboy Ribeye, each cut is a masterpiece, lightly seasoned and char-grilled to perfection.
- Seafood Selections - Dive into the depths of Seafood Selections, where ocean-fresh delights await. From the delicate Salmon Florentine to the robust flavors of Shrimp Scampi, lunch menu caters to seafood enthusiasts with discerning tastes.
- Innovative Additions - Explore the culinary innovations of lunch offerings. The lunch menu goes beyond the expected, featuring innovative additions that redefine your midday dining experience.
- Salads and Starters - For a lighter lunch option, indulge in vibrant Salads and Starters. From crisp and refreshing salads to flavorful appetizers, lunch menu provides a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence.
- Hearty Sandwiches - Satisfy your lunchtime cravings with Hearty Sandwiches. From classic favorites to unique creations, each sandwich is crafted with quality ingredients and served with a side of Cowboy potatoes or fresh fruit.
- Soup of the Day - Warm up your afternoon with Soup of the Day. Crafted with the freshest ingredients, daily soup selection adds a comforting touch to your lunch experience.
- Sides to Savor - Enhance your lunch with Sides to Savor. From the richness of Mac and Cheese to the classic appeal of Garlic Mashed Potatoes, sides are designed to complement and elevate your main course.
The Gambling Cowboy offers a variety of signature breakfast dishes, including Cowboy Omelettes, Prime Rib Hash, and traditional Eggs Benedict.
The Prime Rib Hash & Eggs is priced at $22 and includes the famous slow-roasted prime rib hash, served with three eggs any style, fresh fruit, and toast.
Yes, patrons can build their own omelette by choosing three items from a selection that includes bacon, mushroom Swiss, spinach mushroom feta, sausage bacon ham & cheddar, and more.
The Monte Cristo at Gambling Cowboy is a delightful combination of turkey, ham, Marscapone, and Swiss cheese between sliced brioche bread, dipped in egg batter, grilled, and served with raspberry preserves, powdered sugar, and fresh fruit.
Gambling Cowboy stands out as a go-to dining destination, offering a diverse and mouthwatering breakfast menu that caters to various tastes.
From classic favorites like eggs your way and buttermilk pancakes to signature dishes such as Prime Rib Hash and Cowboy Omelettes, the restaurant combines quality ingredients with flavorful combinations.
Whether you're craving a hearty country-fried steak or a unique Monte Cristo sandwich, Gambling Cowboy provides a delightful breakfast experience with a Western flair, making it a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts in search of a memorable morning meal.