My boyfriend and I had a blast at Cowboys and Poodles, we loved the decor of the place and J the bartender made us some tasty drinks! We sat on the stools that resembled a horse and ordered the golden hour, cafe noir and the bunny buckle. All of the drinks were great and just up my alley because they were nice and sweet. We will definitely be back for more.
Alex Y-Moto
Long wait on Saturday night (about 20) but good energy inside.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Joie De Vivde & Gin NE SAIS Quoi
Anon S.
Ambience was so cute! And the host was very friendly. The bartender was incredibly rude and felt like my group and I were bothering him when we asked for his suggestion. Will not be back but not at the fault of the atmosphere. 5/5 for the ambiance but the experience really made it difficult to enjoy our experience.
Armand
If you're ever in the area of The Camp in Costa Mesa, make sure you check this spot out. Enter through the front door. If the door is locked, knock and have your identification ready. Once verified, you walk through the main entrance and pass through a secondary door. The bar is western themed, with a flavor of poodles, hence the name. This is a craft cocktail spot, and fresh ingredients is prepared in-house. The bartenders here are steps above your average bartender, as drinks are well balanced. The bartenders do work off menu, but please refrain from a Captain and Coke or vodka cranberry, and of course, that dreaded Fireball. Step out of your comfort zone and taste the flavors! The staff is very personable and more than accommodating. The ambiance is very cool! Kick back and enjoy the moment! Cocktails only, so plan solid sustenance accordingly. Enjoy!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Dog F.
Stopped by with our Doodle just in case the gatekeeper needed some convincing... great drinks, great atmosphere!
Michaela S.
Very conflicted review, because the only yelp reviews I typically leave are good/positive ones. Also, I work in the service industry and I understand that there oftentimes are legitimate reasons for why things may go wrong or why an experience may have been less than ideal. That being said, I had a very unpleasant experience with the service when my friend and I came here. When ordering a drink, I simply asked if I could sub blanco tequila instead of the repo tequila in one of the cocktails. The female bartender mentioned she couldn't because it was pre batched, which is completely fine, I work in a bar and wasn't wanting to make her job more difficult. I then asked if she could make any drink with a blanco tequila and I was met with a field of questions about why I couldn't have a reposado. Not that I should have needed to explain myself, for all they know it could have simply been a taste preference, but I let her know that I get migraines easily and try to stick to clear alcohol over brown or dark alcohol. She proceeded to ask what it is about the darker alcohol that made me feel like I couldn't have it, and I said I didn't have a scientific reason to give her, I just tend to get bad migraines and noticed that I feel better with clear liquor. At the end of the conversation, I ended up ordering the drink with the repo tequila because I felt so uncomfortable with her responses and didn't want be difficult. The other bartender said if the first drink makes me sick, then he would make my next drink with the blanco tequila. I felt so weird and uneasy having to explain myself, my health issues, or why I have the preferences I have. Maybe she's naturally more dry, but her tone came off incredibly dismissive and it just left me with a bad feeling. We still tipped over 20% because it's not in us to tip poorly or not take care of those who serve us. Needless to say, we didn't stay long. We had our one drink and bounced and were met by much friendlier bartenders at neighboring spots. The atmosphere here was 10/10 and I didn't even care about the drink prices, I just genuinely wouldn't come back for the service alone. It takes a lot for me to think poorly of someone in the service industry considering I have the same job, so it was an extremely disappointing experience.
Elizabeth H.
Such a cool experience! There's an actual wagon you can sit in!!! Bathrooms were clean and drinks were fun! Def want to go again
Ashley R.
Daniela was the best. Her customer service was amazing. She goes above and beyond. She made our experience here one to remember. Thank you for being such a great host while we waited to enter the bar. The drinks here are amazing and this spot has the cutest vibe. I will be back.
Nora F.
This place is super cute, I would say, my favorite thing or the chairs which are horse backs.. super cute! Drinks are good and it's a total vibe with fun music playing. Definitely a great place to hang out with the girls or date night.
Lauren R.
I went here for the first time and was standing in line to get a drink. I got hit by a lady on purpose three times by the carousel seat while she laughed each time. When I asked her to please stop the front door lady came by and told me that I was the one going to get kicked out. I asked her "so I get hit and you're going to kick me out?" The front door lady was okay with a customer getting hit multiple times at her job and not doing anything about it. Yeah, this place is a no.
went on a sunday night and the wait was about 15 min. definitely not a speakeasy because it was loud as heck. tried each of my friends drinks and they all came out so sweet we had no desire to order a second round. the employees were nice but i don't recommend coming here if you're looking for specialty cocktails.
Neil W.
First time my wife and I decided to go to this very interesting speakeasy. We waited for about 15-20 minutes outside but understood they were waiting for people to leave before letting people in. Once we got in we were sold. It is an amazing little joint! It is very small with very cool decor. I was standing back while my wife used the bathroom and the super attentive female bartender asked me if we wanted drinks. I was in awe that a bartender actually cared enough to seek customers to help. She took my order and was spot on for the rest of the night. We got a stool in front of her and chatted throughout the night and admired her professionalism and drink making ability. She also noticed a young man had drank too much and closed his tab to the chagrin of the man's girl. It was needed and appreciated. Thank you for bringing back my faith in the small, personal bar with the amazing bartenders!
Al P.
Yeehaw meets chic at Cowboys & Poodles, and let me tell you, it's the most stylish hoedown in Costa Mesa! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the eclectic decor that's like a fashionable stampede through the Wild West. It is so unique and beautiful. Now, let's talk libations! I recently saddled up to the bar and tried their 'Gin Ne Sais Quoi' - a drink that's like a flavor fiesta in your mouth! Uncle Val's Gin, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, Grapefruit, Passionfruit, and Lime - it's the kind of magic potion you didn't know you needed. Again, so unique and a delicious cocktails. The staff here deserves all the cowboy hats off! Friendly, attentive, and always ready to lasso you a good time. Whether you're in the mood for a two-step on the dance floor or a fancy sip, Cowboys & Poodles is where the West meets the Runway. Giddy up and give it a try! (If there's a line, it IS WORTH THE WAIT!)
mariam b.
Beautifulllll speakeasy, ambiance is 4 stars Always a bit busy which creates a long wait/line but it's a small space so understandable. Drinks are A1. love the alcohol free menu's creativity as well, Dj is litty and played trendy/classic dance songs!! . Shoutout to employee at the door Daniella, very kind and pretty person in the front that kicked out the aggressive and rude group in front of us.. We love a SAFE space!!! Ordered the golden hour & Thanks Yasmeeen (non-alcoholic!!)
Leena N.
Cute little speakeasy bar with many gram worthy cocktails. They have carriages as seats for a small party of 4. Another booth too. Bar smack dab in the middle. Bartenders are super friendly. Be sure to ask if they have any specials. No food tho, but the drinks will make up for it
My boyfriend and I had a blast at Cowboys and Poodles, we loved the decor of the place and J the bartender made us some tasty drinks! We sat on the stools that resembled a horse and ordered the golden hour, cafe noir and the bunny buckle. All of the drinks were great and just up my alley because they were nice and sweet. We will definitely be back for more.
Long wait on Saturday night (about 20) but good energy inside.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Joie De Vivde & Gin NE SAIS Quoi
Ambience was so cute! And the host was very friendly. The bartender was incredibly rude and felt like my group and I were bothering him when we asked for his suggestion. Will not be back but not at the fault of the atmosphere. 5/5 for the ambiance but the experience really made it difficult to enjoy our experience.
If you're ever in the area of The Camp in Costa Mesa, make sure you check this spot out. Enter through the front door. If the door is locked, knock and have your identification ready. Once verified, you walk through the main entrance and pass through a secondary door. The bar is western themed, with a flavor of poodles, hence the name. This is a craft cocktail spot, and fresh ingredients is prepared in-house. The bartenders here are steps above your average bartender, as drinks are well balanced. The bartenders do work off menu, but please refrain from a Captain and Coke or vodka cranberry, and of course, that dreaded Fireball. Step out of your comfort zone and taste the flavors! The staff is very personable and more than accommodating. The ambiance is very cool! Kick back and enjoy the moment! Cocktails only, so plan solid sustenance accordingly. Enjoy!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Stopped by with our Doodle just in case the gatekeeper needed some convincing... great drinks, great atmosphere!
Very conflicted review, because the only yelp reviews I typically leave are good/positive ones. Also, I work in the service industry and I understand that there oftentimes are legitimate reasons for why things may go wrong or why an experience may have been less than ideal. That being said, I had a very unpleasant experience with the service when my friend and I came here. When ordering a drink, I simply asked if I could sub blanco tequila instead of the repo tequila in one of the cocktails. The female bartender mentioned she couldn't because it was pre batched, which is completely fine, I work in a bar and wasn't wanting to make her job more difficult. I then asked if she could make any drink with a blanco tequila and I was met with a field of questions about why I couldn't have a reposado. Not that I should have needed to explain myself, for all they know it could have simply been a taste preference, but I let her know that I get migraines easily and try to stick to clear alcohol over brown or dark alcohol. She proceeded to ask what it is about the darker alcohol that made me feel like I couldn't have it, and I said I didn't have a scientific reason to give her, I just tend to get bad migraines and noticed that I feel better with clear liquor. At the end of the conversation, I ended up ordering the drink with the repo tequila because I felt so uncomfortable with her responses and didn't want be difficult. The other bartender said if the first drink makes me sick, then he would make my next drink with the blanco tequila. I felt so weird and uneasy having to explain myself, my health issues, or why I have the preferences I have. Maybe she's naturally more dry, but her tone came off incredibly dismissive and it just left me with a bad feeling. We still tipped over 20% because it's not in us to tip poorly or not take care of those who serve us. Needless to say, we didn't stay long. We had our one drink and bounced and were met by much friendlier bartenders at neighboring spots. The atmosphere here was 10/10 and I didn't even care about the drink prices, I just genuinely wouldn't come back for the service alone. It takes a lot for me to think poorly of someone in the service industry considering I have the same job, so it was an extremely disappointing experience.
Such a cool experience! There's an actual wagon you can sit in!!! Bathrooms were clean and drinks were fun! Def want to go again
Daniela was the best. Her customer service was amazing. She goes above and beyond. She made our experience here one to remember. Thank you for being such a great host while we waited to enter the bar. The drinks here are amazing and this spot has the cutest vibe. I will be back.
This place is super cute, I would say, my favorite thing or the chairs which are horse backs.. super cute! Drinks are good and it's a total vibe with fun music playing. Definitely a great place to hang out with the girls or date night.
I went here for the first time and was standing in line to get a drink. I got hit by a lady on purpose three times by the carousel seat while she laughed each time. When I asked her to please stop the front door lady came by and told me that I was the one going to get kicked out. I asked her "so I get hit and you're going to kick me out?" The front door lady was okay with a customer getting hit multiple times at her job and not doing anything about it. Yeah, this place is a no.
Restaurantji Recommends
went on a sunday night and the wait was about 15 min. definitely not a speakeasy because it was loud as heck. tried each of my friends drinks and they all came out so sweet we had no desire to order a second round. the employees were nice but i don't recommend coming here if you're looking for specialty cocktails.
First time my wife and I decided to go to this very interesting speakeasy. We waited for about 15-20 minutes outside but understood they were waiting for people to leave before letting people in. Once we got in we were sold. It is an amazing little joint! It is very small with very cool decor. I was standing back while my wife used the bathroom and the super attentive female bartender asked me if we wanted drinks. I was in awe that a bartender actually cared enough to seek customers to help. She took my order and was spot on for the rest of the night. We got a stool in front of her and chatted throughout the night and admired her professionalism and drink making ability. She also noticed a young man had drank too much and closed his tab to the chagrin of the man's girl. It was needed and appreciated. Thank you for bringing back my faith in the small, personal bar with the amazing bartenders!
Yeehaw meets chic at Cowboys & Poodles, and let me tell you, it's the most stylish hoedown in Costa Mesa! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the eclectic decor that's like a fashionable stampede through the Wild West. It is so unique and beautiful. Now, let's talk libations! I recently saddled up to the bar and tried their 'Gin Ne Sais Quoi' - a drink that's like a flavor fiesta in your mouth! Uncle Val's Gin, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, Grapefruit, Passionfruit, and Lime - it's the kind of magic potion you didn't know you needed. Again, so unique and a delicious cocktails. The staff here deserves all the cowboy hats off! Friendly, attentive, and always ready to lasso you a good time. Whether you're in the mood for a two-step on the dance floor or a fancy sip, Cowboys & Poodles is where the West meets the Runway. Giddy up and give it a try! (If there's a line, it IS WORTH THE WAIT!)
Beautifulllll speakeasy, ambiance is 4 stars Always a bit busy which creates a long wait/line but it's a small space so understandable. Drinks are A1. love the alcohol free menu's creativity as well, Dj is litty and played trendy/classic dance songs!! . Shoutout to employee at the door Daniella, very kind and pretty person in the front that kicked out the aggressive and rude group in front of us.. We love a SAFE space!!! Ordered the golden hour & Thanks Yasmeeen (non-alcoholic!!)
Cute little speakeasy bar with many gram worthy cocktails. They have carriages as seats for a small party of 4. Another booth too. Bar smack dab in the middle. Bartenders are super friendly. Be sure to ask if they have any specials. No food tho, but the drinks will make up for it