Where the Neighborhood Comes Together.
Created by Chef Michael Sanguinetti, Neon Cowboy was born from a simple longing - the desire to bring the wide-open feeling of the Texas Hill Country into the heart of the city. Growing up surrounded by those endless horizons and unhurried moments, Chef Mike learned that the best things in life don't need to be complicated.
There's something about driving up to the mountains or standing under a big Texas sky that strips everything down to what matters. That's the feeling we wanted to capture here - a sense of place where you can breathe a little deeper, stay a little longer.
Our Philosophy
Great coffee. Cold beer. Simple, well-executed food. That's what we're about. We believe quality doesn't need pretension, and hospitality means making everyone feel like they belong. Whether you're starting your morning with us or ending your evening here, Neon Cowboy is your neighborhood spot - the place where city life meets country soul.
The Chef
Born in New Orleans, Chef Michael Sanguinetti grew up surrounded by the rhythm and soul of French Creole cooking - a cuisine built on patience, depth, and the belief that food brings people together. Those early influences instilled in him a respect for craft and tradition that continues to shape everything he creates.
His culinary journey began in Texas, where he learned the power of smoke, spice, and Southern generosity. From backyard pitmasters to fine-dining kitchens, Texas taught him that great food feeds both stomach and spirit - bold, honest, and always made with heart.
Seeking new perspectives, Michael moved to Hawaii, where he discovered the beauty of restraint and precision. The islands taught him to let ingredients speak for themselves - to honor seasonality, simplicity, and the natural balance of flavors.
Returning to Houston and later Fort Worth, he began weaving those experiences together with his Southern and Creole roots, developing a style that is both soulful and refined - smoky and bright, grounded yet inventive.
That creative evolution led him to Denver, where he opened Neon Cowboy - a neighborhood spot inspired by frontier spirit and Southern warmth. Here, morning coffee flows into craft cocktails and cold beer, while chef-driven food stays rooted in honest ingredients and genuine connection.
Chef Sanguinetti's food reflects a lifetime in motion - from the bayous of New Orleans to the islands of the Pacific and the mountains of Colorado. Every dish chases that perfect balance between comfort and craft, refinement and fun, flavor and feeling. At Neon Cowboy, it's not just about what's on the plate - it's about where the neighborhood comes together.