Atmosphere at cabin-like Rustlerís Rooste charms
By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Rustler’s Rooste, 7777 S. Pointe Parkway, Ahwatukee Foothills
Happy hour: 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

The vibe: A large bull sits in a pen outside of Rustler's Rooste on a rainy Monday night. We later learn that the pet, Horney, is the restaurant's mascot. The two-story restaurant and bar exudes a warm cabin-like feel. There’s wood everywhere and a few videogames and shuffleboard in a corner of the lounge. Strands of white lights illuminate the charming bar area where small table tops and chairs are spread out. A large screen is showing an old movie in the center of the bar. About 10 people between the ages of 20 to 60 are hanging out in the lounge, where happy hour is offered, on an early Tuesday evening. A country band is performing downstairs to a small crowd of diners.

The food deals: Discounted appetizers The drink deals: $2.25 domestic bottles, $3.50 premium drinks and $4 Sauza Gold margaritas

The review: Although the food is good, most of the appetizers are pretty standard and we’re more charmed by the atmosphere than anything else. The massive potato skins are served in a large order and are blanketed with Monterrey Jack, cheddar cheese and bits of bacon. They're served with a side of sour cream and salsa and are delicious although we’d rather see these served with ranch than sour cream. The mini tacos, which come in an order of six, are packed with ground beef and shredded cheese. These look tasty, but the overwhelming taco seasoning doesn’t sit well and we can only stomach a couple. The savory sliders, which come in an order of four one-and-a-half ounce treats, are bigger than most versions of this appetizer that we’ve seen and impossible for us to finish. We love the margaritas. They’re strong and served in fun jar-style glasses. The inside scoop: The bar features a complimentary hors d’ oeuvres buffet on Friday.

Info: and www.rustlers rooste.com