Tucked right along Sedona’s main strip, Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits has been feeding hungry visitors and locals since 1993. While the red rock views and cowboy-themed decor are hard to miss, it’s the food that keeps people coming back.
From the now-legendary rattlesnake sausage to juicy bison burgers and perfectly smoked ribs, this place offers a little something for everyone. If you’ve never heard of it, get ready to add it to your must-visit list the next time you’re in Arizona.
The Rattlesnake Sausage That Started It All
Some dishes earn their fame quietly, one loyal customer at a time — and that’s exactly the story of the rattlesnake sausage at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits. This bold, one-of-a-kind appetizer has become the restaurant’s most talked-about item, and for good reason.
Made with actual rattlesnake meat blended into savory sausage, it delivers a flavor that’s surprisingly approachable while being genuinely unique. Guests who try it often describe it as mild, slightly gamey, and totally satisfying.
Reviewers frequently mention ordering the sampler platter, which includes the rattlesnake sausage alongside other Southwestern bites. It’s the kind of dish that makes for a great story at the dinner table.
If you’re visiting Sedona and love adventurous eating, this is one menu item you simply cannot skip — it’s the dish that put Cowboy Club on the map for curious food lovers.
Cactus Fries With Prickly Pear Sauce
Few things scream “Arizona dining” louder than a basket of cactus fries paired with prickly pear sauce. At Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, this fan-favorite starter has earned rave reviews from visitors and long-time locals alike.
The fries arrive crispy, golden, and perfectly salted, nestled in a cute little basket that reviewers can’t stop mentioning. The prickly pear dipping sauce adds a sweet, tangy kick that complements the crunch beautifully.
Multiple guests have called this combo one of the best things they’ve eaten in Sedona.
One reviewer described them as “SO GOOD” in all caps — and honestly, that kind of enthusiasm says everything. Whether you order them as an appetizer or a side, cactus fries are a non-negotiable at this spot.
They’re playful, delicious, and totally on-brand for a place that leans hard into its Arizona identity.
The Bison Burger That Keeps Bringing People Back
After a long hike through Sedona’s red rock trails, nothing hits quite like a perfectly cooked bison burger. At Cowboy Club, this menu staple has become almost legendary among visitors who stumble in hungry and leave completely satisfied.
Reviewers consistently describe the bison burgers as incredibly juicy, flavorful, and cooked exactly to order. One group of hikers all ordered the same burger after a trail adventure and couldn’t stop raving about it.
Another first-time visitor said she and her boyfriend couldn’t stop talking about how fresh and delicious it was throughout the entire meal.
What makes it stand out is the quality of the meat — bison is leaner than beef but still rich and satisfying. Paired with crispy fries and eaten with a view of Sedona’s scenery, this burger turns a simple meal into a full-on experience worth planning a return trip for.
A Cowboy-Themed Atmosphere That Feels Genuinely Fun
Walking into Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits feels like stepping into a well-loved piece of the American Southwest. The walls are lined with cowboy gear and artwork, the wood paneling gives off serious ranch vibes, and the whole place just feels alive with personality.
One reviewer described it as having “wood walls, cowboy artwork, really fun vibe” — a family-owned spot that’s been part of Sedona since 1993. That kind of history shows in every corner of the dining room.
Nothing feels forced or overly commercialized; it’s the real deal.
Even the music adds to the atmosphere. One guest specifically mentioned hearing Zach Bryan and Turnpike Troubadours playing during their visit — a perfect soundtrack for a meal like this.
Whether you’re dining inside or grabbing a seat on the patio, the ambiance at Cowboy Club is relaxed, welcoming, and undeniably memorable.
Prickly Pear Margaritas Worth Every Sip
Some drinks are just meant to match their surroundings — and the prickly pear margarita at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits is exactly that kind of drink. Bright pink, perfectly balanced, and bursting with Southwest flavor, it’s become a go-to order for first-timers and regulars alike.
Multiple reviewers have called it delicious, with one guest pairing it with cactus fries and calling the combination an unbeatable start to the evening. Another reviewer listed it as one of the only highlights of an otherwise mixed visit — which says a lot about how good this drink actually is.
The bar program at Cowboy Club leans into local and regional flavors, and the prickly pear margarita is the shining example of that philosophy. If you’re sitting on the patio with red rock views and a cold one of these in hand, life is genuinely pretty good.
The Cattleman’s Cut Filet Mignon That Wowed a Sedona Regular
For a couple who has eaten at nearly every restaurant in Sedona over several decades, returning to Cowboy Club and being genuinely impressed is no small thing. That’s exactly what happened when longtime locals tried the Cattleman’s Cut Filet Mignon from the newly revised menu.
The dish comes with Yukon Gold whipped potatoes, baby carrots, fried shallots, and a rich demi-glaze — and it earned a five-star rating all on its own. The reviewer described the filet as “exceptionally tender” and the glaze as “rich and earthy.” Adding sauteed mushrooms on the side only made it better.
Much of the credit goes to Executive Chef David Schmidt, whose health-conscious and refined approach has elevated the entire menu. This isn’t just a good steakhouse steak — it’s the kind of dish that changes your expectations for what a casual Arizona steakhouse can actually pull off.
Smoked Ribs That Hit the Spot Every Time
There’s something deeply satisfying about a rack of ribs that’s been smoked low and slow until the meat practically melts off the bone. At Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, the smoked ribs have built their own loyal fan base among guests who know exactly what they’re ordering the moment they sit down.
One reviewer called the ribs “smoked to perfection,” pairing them with the cactus fries for what sounds like an unbeatable meal. Another guest enthusiastically recommended the ribs alongside chili and burgers, giving the whole spread a 10 out of 10.
The portions are generous, which adds even more value to the experience.
Whether you’re a barbecue purist or just someone who loves a hearty, well-made plate of food, the ribs at Cowboy Club deliver. They’re the kind of comfort food that makes you want to loosen your belt and order another round of drinks.
Elk Loin Chop: A Surprising Menu Star
Not every steakhouse puts elk on the menu — but Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits isn’t every steakhouse. The elk loin chop has become one of the restaurant’s most pleasant surprises, winning over guests who might not have considered ordering wild game otherwise.
One reviewer described it as “so juicy and flavorful” and called it a “nice surprise” after initially planning to order something more familiar. Another guest mentioned it was the first time her husband had eaten elk cooked medium rare — and he loved it, having grown up eating it overcooked by a family member who never quite got it right.
Elk meat is naturally lean and rich, with a deeper flavor than beef. When it’s prepared with care, as it clearly is at Cowboy Club, it becomes the kind of dish that sticks with you long after the meal is over.
Adventurous eaters, take note.
Patio Dining With Views of Sedona’s Red Rocks
Eating outdoors in Sedona is an experience all its own, and the patio at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits makes the most of that stunning natural backdrop. Guests who grab a patio table are treated to fresh air, a relaxed vibe, and some of the most iconic red rock scenery in the Southwest.
One reviewer who dined after a Pink Jeep Tour called the patio experience “absolutely lovely,” praising the views and the charming atmosphere. Another group of hikers sat outside after a long trail day and said the relaxed setting made the meal feel even more satisfying.
One particularly memorable server, Nate, even helped guests spot the famous Snoopy Rock formation after they’d been searching for it for 30 minutes. That kind of personal touch is what separates a good meal from a genuinely great memory.
Grab a patio seat whenever you can.
Cowboy Beans: A Simple Side With Big Personality
Sometimes the side dishes are what make a meal truly memorable. At Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, the cowboy beans have quietly earned their own fan following among guests who order them almost as an afterthought and end up talking about them long after the meal.
One reviewer who ordered the cowboy ribeye decided to add a side of cowboy beans and called them “awesome” — a simple word, but one that carries real weight when it comes from someone who clearly knows good food. The beans have that slow-cooked, smoky depth that only comes from doing things the right way.
Paired with a ribeye or even just as a snack alongside drinks, cowboy beans are the kind of unpretentious, satisfying side that fits perfectly with everything Cowboy Club stands for. Don’t overlook them when you’re building your order — they’re a small addition that makes a big difference.
Friendly and Attentive Service That Guests Remember by Name
Great food is only part of what makes a restaurant worth returning to — and at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, the service regularly earns its own shoutouts in guest reviews. Servers like Isreal, Levi, Nate, Felix, Miguel, Gregory, and Carlos have each been called out by name for going above and beyond.
One reviewer praised Felix as both friendly and helpful, noting he was attentive without being overbearing. Another guest gave a “big shoutout” to Gregory for recommending the perfect meal.
Nate helped a table spot Snoopy Rock after they’d been searching for 30 minutes. These aren’t coincidences — they reflect a genuine culture of hospitality.
When a restaurant’s staff consistently earns personal mentions in reviews, it tells you something important about how the place is run. At Cowboy Club, the team clearly takes pride in making every guest feel welcome, seen, and well taken care of from start to finish.
A Menu Elevated by Executive Chef David Schmidt
Restaurants evolve, and sometimes one hire changes everything. That’s the story at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits since the arrival of Executive Chef David Schmidt, whose refined and health-conscious approach has visibly elevated the entire dining experience.
A longtime Sedona couple who had dined at virtually every restaurant in the area returned to Cowboy Club after hearing about the menu changes and left genuinely impressed. Chef Schmidt’s influence shows in dishes like the perfectly cooked filet mignon, the River Gold wild salmon with grilled pineapple-mint chutney, and the luxuriously creamy macaroni and cheese starter.
What stands out most is the care and intention behind each dish. Chef Schmidt even stopped by the table of that long-time local couple during their visit — a small gesture that spoke volumes about his commitment to the guest experience.
Cowboy Club has clearly raised its standards, and the kitchen is delivering on that promise.
Why Cowboy Club Has Been a Sedona Staple Since 1993
Thirty-plus years is a long time for any restaurant to stay relevant, especially in a tourist-heavy town like Sedona where new spots open and close regularly. Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits has not only survived — it’s thrived, becoming one of the most recognizable names on the entire strip.
Located right on State Route 89A, it’s hard to miss and even harder to walk past without being pulled in by the smell of quality food drifting out the front door. One guest described exactly that experience, saying the aroma alone convinced her to try it — and she left planning her return visit before even finishing the meal.
Family-owned and community-rooted, Cowboy Club represents a kind of dining experience that’s increasingly rare: unpretentious, genuine, and consistently good. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Sedona or a local who’s been coming for years, this is one restaurant that continues to earn its place at the table.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.