Cowboy Dan’s Jerky Emporium

I really enjoyed the diversity and uniqueness of this store. Why the past tense? I just pulled up and they have put up «Out of Business» signs. I’m quite saddened. This family business had a wonderful selection of products and great customer service. They introduced me to flavors and textures that I had never experienced before. Wherever they went, I wish them the best.

We had just finished fulfilling a lead on my «Most Marvelous Meat Pie Adventure» as we passed by Cowboy Dan’s location in Los Alamitos.
«JERKY! TURN AROUND!», screamed I.
«YOU SERIOUS?», questioned he.
” YES!”, said I in disbelief. Duh.
After a near collision, and a roundabout excursion in the parking lot, we discovered the storefront closed, or rather MOVED. Hey, what’s another few miles? We’ve already driven 45 so far for other foodie reasons.
And that is how we ended up at this tiny store called Cowboy Dan’s Jerky Emporium, in Long Beach.
There was only one problem. Somebody had not anticipated their customers would clean them out of stock. The shelves were barren in many areas of this tiny store. Weird. The problem appears to be a specific obsession for Fatman brand jerkies. There simply were none left, multiple flavors, and they had just restocked the week before.
Not quite sure what is so special about Fatman’s. Obviously didn’t even get a chance to find out. But, if it is so good it disappears that quickly, then I guess I gotta get some too. Next time. And while there were many other jerkies they did have in stock, it is the one you can’t have that can drive you crazy.
So for now, 3 Unilocal stars for a clever, cute store, until that day when another 1 hour trip brings us back. I can already see it in the stars.

Three weeks ago, I ordered 3 bags of the sugar free (no carb) beef jerky online from Cowboy Dan’s. It still wasn’t showing as having been shipped as of last week, so I emailed them asking about the status of my order. They said it would be shipped out early this week. Here it is Thursday, so I emailed them again about the status of my order. I received a response that it should be shipped out in a couple more weeks. I think 5 weeks before shipping out an order for something you are selling at your online store is too long. I have emailed them requesting to cancel my order and obtain a refund. I’m not sure they will do that or not; we’ll see.
I absolutely do not recommend ordering from them online. I have since found out I could have ordered that beef jerky online directly from the maker.

Today, January 20^th, came in with my girlfriend because we always, well I always wanted to try this place out!
Upon entrance was greeted right away by Robby, I believe, he was amazing, made me want to spend some money, he first gave us a tour of the shop, and he even explained everything in great detail! He was an outstanding sales person !
I was really excited to try the deer jerky, I also bought the alligator jerky for my girlfriend, those to is weren’t that great, it could’ve had more flavor to it.
As for the other things we bought, the jalepeno chips were great, also the death by jerky wasn’t as spicy as we expected.
Overall great experience to have! I will be coming back, maybe the one in Los Alamitos, a tad bit closer to home!

I like it here =)
It’s a small shop between the salon and Baskin Robbins. You walk in, hear cowbells ring, and the employees inside will likely greet you. They will ask if you’ve been there before and, if you haven’t, if you’d want a tour. For the most part, the jerky is separated out based on different flavors, and then unique meats near the back. So, if you want über spicy, it’ll be in the left-​side shelves when you walk in. Regular mesquite flavors are on the right-​side shelves. Sodas are directly on your right-​side in the fridges when you walk in. Unique chips (e.g., dried jalapeño chips) are on the right-​side shelves next to the sodas. Dried fruit strips are in the back near the register. They have the BBQ jerky, teriyaki jerky, spicy jerky. They also have different-​sized jerkies, whether it’s just a huge sheet of jerky, or it’s jerky that is cut up into smaller pieces. The texture varies as well, depending on the brand, where it might be very tough, or there are some that are a bit more tender that won’t pull your molars out.
Jerky is a little pricy, but it is a huge pound of meat that’s been dried to last longer than regular raw meat. So, overall, the prices are fair. The unique sodas are a bit pricey, but not too many stores have it, so I shouldn’t be surprised (but you can probably go to World Market/​Cost Plus for it to be cheaper).
Service has always been pleasant.
Parking is okay for the most part. It can get pretty crammed at around 7−8pm because of all the kids and their families at the taekwondo place.

Amazing terriaki jerky! One of the most tender and moist jerky I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot! The whole store is so darn cute, I felt like I was in Texas again. The owner is very nice and knowledgeable about his jerky! Love it! It’s right next to the Baskin Robins BTW.

This is the 2^nd store that was recently opened in Long Beach off of Los Coyotes Diagonal. I, being a huge fan of the original and primary location in Los Alamitos needed to check out this store to see if they carried anything different.
The Long Beach store seems a bit roomier and larger than their Los Alamitos counterpart as it’s a bit more open. The product is primarily the same as the other location with sections for beef, turkey, chicken, bacon and wild game jerkys (emu, veal, venison, kangaroo, alligator, even fish). They still have a wide variety of old fashioned sodas and gift sets. The hot ghost chili nuts and spicy chocolate is still available but this location also sells some spicy BBQ sauces that are unique to this store. A nice addition to an already stellar lineup of products.
The parking here is alright, I found it tough to get a spot on a Friday afternoon due to the neighboring gym but the location seems to get a lot of street visibility which is never a bad thing. A larger sign on the building or on the marquee would help as it simply says jerky and is quite small and vague. Business seems to be doing well which is good to hear as it’s the unique concepts like this store I appreciate and gravitate toward for business. The product is good, fairly affordable and offers a frequent buyer program (5% off your purchases by giving your last name).
Overall a great second store to the already amazing Los Alamitos location. I hope for much success and I am sure I will be visiting both locations regularly from here on out.

What a cute little jerky store! I’ve been to the the Los Al location & this is their new one. I’m assuming its Dan that is dressed as a cowboy. He guides you through the store showing the different varieties along with exotic meat varieties, like alligator. Cool spot that just opened & is sure to do well.
* remember * to sign up for their «rewards» club for a 5% discount/​reward.

Greatest store ever Jerky lovers come to this paradise of meaty goodness! Also if you’re a vegetarian, there is veggie and fruit jerky!!!