Cowboy Ciao

- 3400 Sky Hbr Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034

For those traveling through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Cowboy Ciao offers an exceptional and distinctive dining experience that captures the eclectic, elevated spirit of Arizona’s culinary scene. Known for its sophisticated blend of American comfort food with strong Southwestern and global influences, this restaurant is not just an airport stop—it is a destination. While the original, landmark location in Old Town Scottsdale may have closed, the PHX airport outpost in Terminal 4 proudly carries on the tradition of inventive cuisine and gracious hospitality that earned the original numerous accolades, including the 2013 Best New Airport Restaurant from Entrepreneur Magazine’s Business Travel Awards.

The atmosphere is described as casual, lively, and welcoming, offering a full-service experience that encourages diners to relax and take their time. This is a critical distinction from the often-rushed environment of most airport food options. Diners can enjoy views of the tarmac from certain seats, providing a classic travel backdrop to a meal that is anything but typical.

The menu provides a satisfying range for any time of day, from hearty breakfast dishes to well-executed sandwiches and specialty salads. Its long-standing reputation for an impressive wine program, with a dedicated focus on local Arizona vintages, truly sets Cowboy Ciao apart as a premier dining spot within the airport environment, offering a genuine taste of the region before or after a flight.

Cowboy Ciao is perfectly positioned within the busiest terminal at Phoenix Sky Harbor, offering convenient access for a vast number of travelers.

• Address: 3400 Sky Hbr Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA.
• Terminal Location: The full-service restaurant is located post-security in Terminal 4 (T4), near the B Gates (Gate B21 or B22, depending on the most current airport signage). Being post-security means it is a great place to settle in after clearing TSA.
• Accessibility: The venue is fully equipped to be accessible to all patrons, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot (as part of airport services), a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.
• Parking: Customers utilize the general airport Paid parking lot, as is standard for PHX terminal access.
• Crowd: Due to its location, the primary customer base is Tourists and air travelers, making it an excellent spot for people-watching and a relaxed break from the stress of travel.

The services at Cowboy Ciao are designed to deliver a high-quality, sit-down restaurant experience within the unique constraints of an airport setting, focusing on speed, quality, and choice.

• Dining Service: The restaurant offers a comprehensive range of dining options throughout the day:
  • Breakfast is served for early risers.
  • Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert are available with full Table service.
• Convenience Options: For those in a rush, Takeout options are provided. Diners have praised the Fast service, which is a major highlight in a time-sensitive environment.
• Planning: The restaurant Accepts reservations, a highly valuable feature for travelers looking to guarantee a spot during peak hours.
• Bar and Beverage Offerings: A full Bar onsite is a core amenity, specializing in a sophisticated drinks program.
  • Offerings include: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine.
  • Selections: The establishment is noted for its Great beer selection, featuring local Arizona craft beers like San Tan Sky Harbor Lager and Four Peaks Kilt Lifter, as well as mainstream favorites. It is also highlighted for its Great cocktails.
• Menu Flexibility: The offerings include Coffee, Comfort food, Quick bite options (Grazing menu), and a selection of desserts.
• Payments: For smooth transactions, the restaurant accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Cowboy Ciao’s reputation rests on its history of distinctive cuisine and a sophisticated beverage program, which translates well to its airport location.

• The Stetson Chopped Salad: The restaurant carries on the legacy of the legendary Stetson Chopped Salad, which is a must-try for many patrons. This salad is celebrated for its unique combination of ingredients like smoked salmon, arugula, dried currants, asiago cheese, and a unique pesto buttermilk dressing, often arranged artfully in rows.
• Emphasis on Arizona Wine: Cowboy Ciao features an admirable commitment to local viticulture with its Arizona Favorites on the wine list. This includes premium selections from vineyards like Los Milics and Dos Cabezas, allowing travelers to sample genuine Arizona wine, a distinct and promotional highlight.
• Full-Service Comfort: It is highly Popular for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, standing out as one of the few airport spots where guests feel comfortable to “take their time to dine” and are “not rushed out.” It is also a favored location for Solo dining.
• Signature Dishes: The menu offers elevated comfort food options. Highlights include the Ciao Burger and the Fried Chicken Sandwich. For those with a limited time, the "Grazing" menu provides a quick and flavorful start, featuring items like Chips N Guac.
• Atmosphere and Views: While the seating can be closely arranged, the Casual atmosphere and opportunity to sit by the window for desirable views of planes leaving and arriving provide a pleasant distraction from the typical airport chaos.

For inquiries and reservations, particularly to confirm current operating hours and details for the post-security location, patrons can use the following contact information:

• Address: 3400 Sky Hbr Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA (Located in Terminal 4)
• Phone: While a direct line is often difficult to publish for airport restaurants, the former widely-published phone number for the airport location was (480) 946-3111, which may still be a valid point of contact for the concessionaire.

Choosing Cowboy Ciao at PHX is a clear choice for travelers who prioritize a true sit-down meal with high-quality, inventive food and an excellent beverage program over a fast-food experience. The restaurant is worth selecting for three main reasons: its iconic cuisine, its commitment to local Arizona flavors, and its superior service model.

The decision to offer a comprehensive list of Arizona Favorites in wine, including varietals like Los Milics 'Renato's Tempranillo,' provides an invaluable last-minute or first-taste experience of the state's growing viticulture. Furthermore, the ability to enjoy the Stetson Chopped Salad, a local culinary legend, right before boarding, offers a comforting piece of Arizona history and flavor. The full-service experience—including the ability to book Accepts reservations and the noted "top-notch" service—removes much of the anxiety from airport dining, allowing patrons to genuinely relax.

Whether you need a full Ciao Breakfast to start your day or a relaxing Sweet Leaf Salad and a glass of local Pinot Grigio to unwind before your flight, Cowboy Ciao stands out in Terminal 4 as a reliable purveyor of superior American and Southwestern cuisine.

Cowboy Ciao

3400 Sky Hbr Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA