Country music superstar Chase Rice thinks cowboys are just so damn cool. That’s why he wrote a song named I Hate Cowboys. Beginning this weekend, that song will have its own bar in Cleveland.
When Welcome To The Farm opened in The Flats in early 2022, it brought a different vibe than other bars and restaurants in the area. There’s now a second bar that has a country music theme as I Hate Cowboys will open its doors to the public on March 16.
Despite both bars having country music themes, their respective vibes differ. I Hate Cowboys has much more of a Western feel to it than anything else in the area. Visitors are greeted by a neon cowboy adorning the wall that’s holding a pair of Coors beers. It’s a tremendous way to set the scene for what to expect.
I Hate Cowboys is the place for those in search of a more relaxed atmosphere and sophisticated drinks. Rice is in partnership with Forward Hospitality Group to open the bar.
The Food
At I Hate Cowboys, the food might not be the thing that brings you in the door, but it might bring you back. The menu isn’t very expansive, but the items on it make this a quality over quantity endeavor.
While the initial menu is subject to change, there are six items listed ranging from bison tartare ($20) to a kale Caesar salad ($14). The fried chicken ($18) is double-fried, bringing an outstanding crunch and flavor to the three bone-in pieces on the plate. It’s served with a sriracha butter sauce that adds additional flavor without being overpowering.
The burger ($16) has two patties smashed down with blue cheese, caramelized onions and a chipotle mayo dressing that packs a surprising kick.
The Drinks
If you’re looking for bourbon, I Hate Cowboys is the place in The Flats for you.
The bar has a list of specialty cocktails with bourbon bases, including the Side Saddle ($17) and Western Flight ($16) that feature Coopers Craft Barrel Reserve Select and Elijah Craig Small Batch, respectively. There are also tequila and mezcal-based drinks, such as Burning Daylight ($17) and Desperado ($15).
If you’d rather have your bourbon on the rocks, various versions of EH Taylor, Buffalo Trace, Weller and Pappy Van Winkle are available. Multiple high-end tequilas have been aged in bourbon barrels such as El Tesoro Extra Anejo featured at the bar.
The Space
I Hate Cowboys is best described as an intimate space. There’s a small stage on the west end of the bar with a handful of tables near it, but the highlight of the venue is the bar itself. It’s long and occupies nearly the entire southern side of the establishment.
The decor and music help to bring patrons to the Old West. If Welcome To The Farm is progressive country, this is much closer to the music that birthed the genre. The walls inside are adorned with mounted animals and cowboy boots.
The 2,400-square-foot bar holds 75 people and provides an intimate atmosphere that’s consistent with the type of food and drinks that are available. I Hate Cowboys isn’t going to be the biggest party in town, but it’s going to be one of the more unique places to enjoy bourbon, beer and good food.
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