Copper Cowboy Is Bringing Western Flair to the Gaslamp Quarter

Yippee ki yay, San Diegans—Gaslamp District is getting a triple shot of true grit with Copper Cowboy, opening in early 2027 at 820 Fifth Avenue in The Keating Hotel.

Co-founder and partner Alessandro Minutella (Romanissimo Cucina Italiana, Zama, AKA Gaslamp) will bring three concepts under one roof: an American West-themed restaurant, live music saloon, and bespoke cowboy hat shop. What it won’t be is another Coyote Ugly, the rowdy Western bar chain that operated in the same space from February 2014 until its permanent closure in May 2020. 

Instead, Minutella is trading dancing bartenders for elevated cuisine and a lively atmosphere. “There’s an understated sophistication to places like Aspen and the Mountain West that I’ve always admired,” said Minutella. “Nothing feels forced or pretentious. It’s great food, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay. That’s what we’re bringing to Copper Cowboy, with a little San Diego flair.”

Flair will come from a $1.5 million makeover designed by Greg Mueller, CEO and principal designer of Tucker Sadler Architects, the firm behind the iconic Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Portside Pier. Think rodeo chic meets Aspen architecture, with warm wood floors, exposed brick walls, tan leather banquettes and bar stools, and a glistening stamped copper ceiling. 

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Equally promising is the restaurant’s culinary program from chef James Montejano. His resume sparkles as brightly as a pair of well-polished boots, with stints in kitchens like Four Seasons, L’Auberge Del Mar, La Valencia Hotel, and at James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina’s Mina Group. There aren’t many details about the menu (yet), but Minutella promises a “polished interpretation” of classic American cuisine with Western influences. 

Of course, no Western restaurant worth its weight in gold would skimp on the drinks. The saloon, which will emulate the honky-tonks of Nashville with a San Diego spin, will regularly host live music on the elevated stage above the bar. And if I had to guess (or at least advise), there should be a nice whiskey and bourbon selection. (Here’s hoping). 

The final touch will be Stets & Stone’s Hat Bar, an interactive experience where guests can design one-of-a-kind cowboy hats to suit their personal style. (There will also be an interactive cocktail experience, so might I recommend designing first and drinking after?) These won’t be run-of-the-mill hats, either—Copper Cowboy partner Dustin Noblitt is the owner and CEO of HatCo. You might not recognize HatCo’s name, but you’re likely familiar with two of the brands associated with it: Stetson and Resistol. If you’ve always wanted to step out with a Stetson, here’s your chance. 

Copper Cowboy aims to become a new nightlife destination, building on Minutella and his partners’ previous Gaslamp projects like AKA and Zama. It might seem risky during these economic times in hospitality, but Minutella says they’re all-in on the area. “I’ve seen the Gaslamp at its best, and I know what this neighborhood is capable of,” he says. “Copper Cowboy is another big bet on that future.”

Copper Cowboy opens January 2027 at 820 Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp District.

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