J Kowboy: Gathering good times and good people together
Story and photos by Janna Zepp
Possibly the least pretentious wine bar on the planet, Temple’s J Kowboy Wine Bar feels more like a neighborhood hangout than one might imagine when hearing the words “wine bar.” It has a good selection of quality wines and Texas craft beers. Yes, you read that right: J Kowboy has beer, too.
The atmosphere has a definite Texas feel without being kitschy, and customers can see the occasional nod to Giant, the iconic 1956 film set in West Texas in the bar’s decor. The J in J Kowboy stands for the bar’s owner, Jett Preston, who was named for the James Dean character in the film, Jett Rink.
In genuine Texas style, the bar’s regulars are not a stuffy crowd. J Kowboy’s oenophiles (that’s a fancy word for wine lovers) and cerevisaphiles (that’s another fancy word for beer lovers) are a warm and friendly bunch that will strike up a conversation with anyone who walks in the door and you’ll feel like you’ve known them for years. It’s a crowd that Jett has cultivated since he opened his doors in 2009; he genuinely likes people and showing them a good time.
“I’ve met a lot of great friends (here) over the years. I really enjoy getting to see them and meet new people every week,” Jett says.
Jett, a native of Gatesville, chose Temple as J Kowboy’s location because he liked the town and its proximity to his family.
“I was looking for a growing town where I felt like there would be a need for a wine bar. Growing up in Gatesville and going to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor helped me to become familiar with the area,” Jett says.
Tuesday nights are trivia nights, and those nights are for folks who know their obscure info. No bar trivia is quite as challenging as J Kowboy’s live trivia game each week. “Trivia night has been pretty fun,” Jett says. “It helps engage customers and enables them to bring out their competitive spirit. I also learn a couple of new things each week.”
J Kowboy has live music from 9 to 11 p.m. Fridays. “I typically try to have live music a couple of times a month,” Jett says. “Central Texas has a pretty diverse and talented group of musicians. I like to do my part to support local music.”
The bar does not serve food, however it has a working relationship with La Dalat-Vietnamese Cuisine located next door. The bar has La Dalat’s menus from which customers may order dinner.
“I really enjoy being in Temple and serving you and surrounding areas. We are an easy going family friendly place where you can come and relax,” Jett says.
J Kowboy Wine Bar
Hours: 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 5 p.m. to midnight Wednesday-Friday, and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
13 E Avenue B, Temple
254-773-2228
