The Cowboy was one of the more interesting finds after a
couple of disappointments during our second visit to Lake Placid. Though
seemingly a restaurant with a bar, we were excited when presented with an
extensive drink menu. The restaurant has an equally interesting dinner menu,
but that’s just wasted on us.
Neil, the bartender, extremely knowledgeable in his trade,
seemed to know a lot about the variety of liquors they carry, and is possibly
responsible for the overall diversity behind the bar. The refreshing element of
Neil’s wisdom was the no-nonsense way he imparted information without coming
across as a know-it-all. He had a dry sense of humor, best saved for his
martinis, that we enjoyed immensely. In his knowledge of mixers and liquors, he
was more like a highly trained chef, but with personality. He seemed to be one
of those mixologists who could make something tasty out of whatever he had on
hand.
The specialty cocktail menu, with prices ranging from $7 to
$11, includes some unique blends like the Western Sunset, the Cowboy Manhattan,
and the Mango Margarita. Pam, who has been trying to bring back the whisky
sour, was pleased to see the Pale Rider Whisky Sour made with High West silver
whisky as a featured drink. But it was the Black and Blue 46er that caught her
eye as the one to try. With Maker’s 46 bourbon, blackberry and blueberry juice,
lemon juice, and agave nectar, garnished with fresh blueberries and
blackberries, she made those yummy noises as she drank it (when Kim finally
released it from its photo shoot). Kim opted for a Summer Basil; a savory
summer sipper made from fresh basil, Hendrick’s gin, St. Germain and lemon
juice. Bottled beer ranges from $3.50 for a Miller Lite to $5 for Red Stripe,
Guinness (pint can), Corona, Dos Equis, and Pilsner Urquell. Wine (five red,
five white) are priced from $8 to $11 a glass.
Owners Vicki and Rob Breyette, both world-traveled chefs who
have lived and worked in such locations as London and the Netherlands, have
been operating the Cowboy for over a year. They bring their world travel to
Lake Placid with a unique menu and the prowess to extend to the bar. Vicki and
Rob acquired the former Caribbean Cowboy, located just down the street, and
quickly made it their own, running it for the past ten years. While the Cowboy has taken
many staff and several menu items with it, the Cowboy is not the same
restaurant as its predecessor.
Decidedly not West Texas cowboy in décor, a somewhat
confusing combination of color and accessory suggest southwest. Or perhaps
Ireland. Dark stained pine paneled walls are brightened by a generous number of
windows and boldly painted accent walls of orange and green. A saddle, holster,
and leather stirrups are casually placed on partitions. Skis, cowboy hats, and
artwork hang on the walls and assorted plants and cacti are everywhere.
The bar at the Cowboy is open from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. daily
in the summer; closed on Wednesdays in the fall. Happy Hour specials are
available from 4 to 6 p.m. every day except Sunday. The restaurant is open Monday
through Saturday for breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner
from 5 to 10 p.m., and open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The menu leans toward Asian,
with everything in-between. From clam chowder to gazpacho, jerk chicken to
Vietnamese meatballs, and burgers to lamb patties, the Cowboy presents a
variety of freshly prepared offerings to please any palate, at somewhat steep
prices. Soups are $7, appetizers $10 to $12, and tavern entrees are priced from
$22 to $34. Sandwiches, burgers and small plates range from $12 to $18.
The bar seats ten, but surrounding tables can be used for
dining or as an extension to the bar. The deck in front can do the same for
dinner. The deck is spacious, with a small fire pit and cheerful red tables
overlooking the street and would be a nice place to relax in the cool evening
into night. Located on Saranac Avenue, somewhat off the main drag, The Cowboy
is a favorite for locals and tourists to intermingle and
enjoy a little something out of the ordinary in Lake Placid.
