Walk into any high-end bistro in Phoenix today and you’ll likely see a specific salad on the menu. It’s composed of neat, colorful rows of arugula, pearl couscous, smoked salmon, and dried corn. If you know, you know. That’s the legacy of Cowboy Ciao Scottsdale, a place that basically redefined what "cool" dining looked like in the desert for over twenty years.
But if you drive down to 7133 East Stetson Drive today, you won’t find the eclectic, wine-soaked haven that Peter Kasperski built. The doors are locked. The neon is dark.
Honestly, the story of Cowboy Ciao isn't just about a restaurant closing; it’s about the rise and fall of a specific era of Scottsdale nightlife. It was a place where you could order a $500 bottle of vintage Bordeaux while wearing flip-flops and eating a "Stetson Chopped Salad." It was weird, it was loud, and for a long time, it was the only place that mattered.
Why Cowboy Ciao Scottsdale Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why we're still talking about a place that served its last meal years ago. It's because Cowboy Ciao was the "Big Bang" for the modern Arizona food scene. Before Peter Kasperski opened those doors in 1997, Scottsdale dining was mostly divided between "old money" steakhouses and "new money" chain restaurants.
Cowboy Ciao broke the mold. It was "Modern American" before that was a buzzword. It mixed Southwest ingredients with Italian techniques and a wine list that was borderline obsessive.
The Salad That Conquered a State
You can’t mention Cowboy Ciao without talking about the Stetson Chopped Salad. It’s arguably the most famous dish in Arizona history. Seriously. In 2025, the state actually recognized "Original Chopped Salad Day" because of this one bowl of greens.
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The genius wasn't just in the ingredients—the smoked salmon, the toasted pepitas, the currants—it was the theater. The server would bring the rows to your table and toss it right there with a pesto-buttermilk dressing.
Even though the restaurant is gone, the salad's creator, Chef Bernie Kantak, kept the flame alive. You can still find the "Original Chopped Salad" at his current spots, The Gladly in Phoenix and Citizen Public House in Scottsdale. It’s the exact same recipe. If you're craving that specific hit of salty, crunchy, and creamy, that's where you go.
The Wild Ride of Peter Kasperski
Peter Kasperski was the soul of the operation. He was a "wine wonk" with a capital W. He didn't just sell wine; he told stories. His wine lists were legendary—not just for the selection, but for the snarky, brilliant commentary he wrote for every bottle.
But running a restaurant empire is a tightrope walk.
By 2012, the cracks started to show. Kasperski filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing millions in debt to the IRS and state tax authorities. It was a shock to the system. People thought that was the end, but Cowboy Ciao had nine lives. It clawed back, restructured, and kept pouring wine for another six years.
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The Final Goodbye
The end finally came in October 2018. It wasn't a slow fade; it was a sudden social media post. "An end of an era has come upon us," the message read. Just like that, Cowboy Ciao and its moody sister lounge, Kazimierz World Wine Bar, were done.
Why? It was a mix of things. Changing tastes, rising rents in Old Town, and the lingering shadow of those financial struggles. The space eventually became a tiki-themed bar called The Drunk Munk, which also closed its doors in 2025.
It’s a tough corner of Scottsdale. The ghosts of great meals past are everywhere.
Where Can You Find the Cowboy Ciao Vibe Now?
If you’re looking for that specific Cowboy Ciao energy today, you have to look for the "lineage." The restaurant may be dead, but the people who built it are still the kings of the Phoenix food scene.
- Bernie Kantak: As mentioned, he’s at The Gladly and Citizen Public House. If you want the food that made Cowboy Ciao famous, this is the primary source.
- Richie Moe: The legendary bartender who used to run the program at Cowboy Ciao is still a force in the industry, often collaborating with Kasperski on new ventures.
- Character & Alias: Peter Kasperski himself made a comeback on Roosevelt Row in Phoenix with a concept called "Character" and a speakeasy named "Alias." It’s "Ciao-esque" but more elevated. It’s where he’s putting his "lovable weirdo" energy these days.
- Sky Harbor Airport: Believe it or not, there’s a Cowboy Ciao outpost in Terminal 4. It’s not the original, but for a traveler wanting a taste of Scottsdale history, it’s a solid port in a storm.
The Legacy of 7133 E Stetson Dr
What most people get wrong about Cowboy Ciao is thinking it was just a tourist trap. It wasn't. It was the "industry" hangout. On a Monday night, you’d see chefs from all over the Valley sitting at the bar.
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It taught Scottsdale how to drink. It taught us that wine didn't have to be stuffy. It taught us that a salad could be an event.
If you’re visiting Scottsdale and someone tells you to go to a "fun, quirky wine bar," they are likely describing a place that is trying to be what Cowboy Ciao was. It was the blueprint.
How to Experience the Legacy Today
If you want to recreate the experience, don't just look for a menu. Look for the spirit of the place.
- Order the salad: Go to The Gladly. Don't look at the menu; just tell them you want the "Original."
- Drink the weird wine: Find a list with grapes you can't pronounce. Peter would have wanted it that way.
- Visit Roosevelt Row: Check out Kasperski’s newer projects to see how the "Cowboy Ciao" ethos has evolved for the 2020s.
Cowboy Ciao Scottsdale might be a memory, but in a city that usually tears down its history to build luxury condos, its influence is surprisingly permanent. It’s in the way we eat now—casually, adventurously, and with a very good glass of Syrah in hand.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to taste the history, head to The Gladly at 2201 E Camelback Rd. They serve the Original Chopped Salad for $22. For the true Cowboy Ciao fans, keep an eye on the Character menu in downtown Phoenix; Kasperski often brings back "Ciao-esque" flavors in his rotating menu cycles.