Yes, Cowgirl serves food, and it's good food at that. But sometimes it seems eating here is almost an afterthought. Cowgirl is one of the major hubs of social activity for the Santa Fe scene; that's not to say it's an exclusive scene. Anyone and everyone shows up here sooner or later, whether it's for karaoke night in the bar, to catch a singer-songwriter on the patio, throw a kiddie birthday party in the play area or to play pool in the new billiards room. Inside, the bar can get plenty busy, the dining rooms (we love the one with the glittery pink paint) offer room to stretch out, relax and stare at vintage photos from the Cowgirl Hall of Fame. Outside, the picnic tables are sometimes taken by big parties, but just as often they fill up slowly as groups of tourists and locals plop down two by two. The down-home barbecue, steaks and burgers are supremely satisfying. The smoky shredded chipotle pork sandwich is a killer, as are the design-your-own quesadillas, beloved by vegetarians, but much fun is to be had by prolonging the meal, ordering plates of what the Cowgirl calls "fingerlickers." Chicken wang dangs, chile cheese fries and brisket-topped nachos. Ah! Good times!
319 S. Guadalupe St., 982-2565.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. $$
