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Dining Divas: Atomic Cowboy
BY LISA KAMPETER
The Dining Divas make special exceptions when it comes to charity. On such occasions, we make choices in the better interest of such fundraising efforts and bend the “rules” a bit. This month, the Dining Divas bent the rules and invited the men. Or as we like to refer to them, our own “charity cases”.
To help support the St. Louis Effort for Aids, the Dining Divas participated in “Dining out for Life.” We chose to eat at Atomic Cowboy because they donated all profits from that night to the Effort for Aids. And we figured the more people, the more money for the charity. Plus, we knew with our “charity cases”, they’d eat way more and drink way more than we ever would and drive up our dinner bills. All of it, of course, for a great cause.
Set in the Grove Neighborhood (aka Forest Park Southeast), Atomic Cowboy’s unique vibe and atmosphere alone stand out on this revitalizing section of Manchester Road. What other restaurant can you go to and get fabulous Baja Mexican food and enjoy a dunking booth, bobbing for apples, horseshoes, and more.
Don’t worry. There isn’t a circus going on (although a group of clowns showed up just as we were leaving – thankfully). There’s just more to do than eat, drink, and watching sports on the monitors.
Atomic Cowboy’s slogan is “Only at the Cowboy – The Grove’s Baja Mexican Nuclear Night Spot.” Makes sense to us. Our waitress was ready to drop an atomic bomb on us. Well, maybe mostly me.
As the Mommy-to-be Diva said, “She made that restaurant chain ‘Dick’s Last Resort’ -where the staff is PAID to be mean to the patrons- look like a tea party.” I guess my drink special (Diet Coke topped off with Dr. Pepper) was pushing it. And then my indecisiveness over what I wanted to eat.
When I finally did order, I chose something I didn’t really want; however, I was too afraid to change my order. A tattoo-covered, multi-blinged backhand to my face didn’t sound appetizing either. So I reattached my perma-smile and kept my mouth shut.
In an effort to run up our bill (all for a great cause, of course), we ordered a couple of appetizers. The Wagon Wheels (deep fried jalapeno slices) & Pepper Jack Cheese bites served with chipotle mayo were very tasty. The Chips and Salsa with Queso kept our stomachs from grumbling.
For dinner, Mommy-to-be Diva had the Carne Asada Quesadilla and a cracked black pepper Mac & Cheese side. Both were delicious! You could really taste the smoked chipotle pepper in the Mac & cheese. Both Mommy and Baby enjoyed the meal.
Daddy-to-be had the Famous Cheeseburger Burrito and understood what’s so famous about it. He loved it. Some of us checked out Gustavo’s Quesadillas, and they were yummy. Plus, the Chimichanga was considered the best ever.
Our “charity cases” drove up our bill even more with desserts. The Atomic Mud Pie with an Oreo cookie crust, coffee ice cream, and chocolate fudge topping was the table favorite. The Cheesecake Burrito served with chocolate and caramel and vanilla ice cream had everyone saying “ole’”! And the Super Fit Football Player guest of ours didn’t even raise an eyebrow when all these treats came to our table. He smiled with every raised spoon. And so did I with my perma-smile.
By the end of the evening, the overworked and under tipped waitress lost the attitude and found a sense of humor. And I lost my fear of battery. We definitely deserve a second helping of Atomic Cowboy, which is also a smoke-free restaurant.
