Let’s play a wee game. (Sometimes I talk Scottish just for fun. Wee = little, just in case that wasn’t clear.)
I’m going to show you four different photos of four different couples and you guys tell me for which couple would it make sense to host their rehearsal dinner at a restaurant called Cowboy Jacks.
1.
Photo by: Troy Grover Photographers on Inspired By This via Lover.ly
2.
Photo by: Bethany Gilbert Photography on Inspired By This via Lover.ly
3.
4.
Photo by: Arielle Doneson Photography on Sparkle and Hay via Lover.ly
If you guessed Couple Number Three (AKA the Swords) you guessed correctly! Mr. Sword and I are hosting our rehearsal dinner at Cowboy Jacks. I can say with full confidence there is no restaurant more opposite of our tastes. I would describe Mr. Sword and myself as modern and minimalistic city folk. Originally we had envisioned this sophisticated and chic Chicago style rehearsal dinner, but that didn’t seem to be in the cards. Instead, this (see below) is now in our future.
Image via Cowboy Jacks
Yes, that is a mechanical bull. While this restaurant has excellent food (burgers, just like we wanted) and a private room (so hard to find a big enough room for all of our OOTGs), it’s definitely a bit out of my comfort zone!
Even though there are animal carcasses on the walls and rifles in place of door handles, it’s LITERALLY across the parking lot from our hotel and that makes it perfect for the Swords. Our main goal was to get the guests out of the hotel for at least some part of the weekend (since ceremony, reception, and Sunday brunch are all in the one location), and at first we were looking into a few restaurants at the Mall of America. The MOA is really close and would have been relatively simple because of the free shuttles that are offered from our hotel. Plus, it would have allowed our guests to enjoy one of Minnesota’s best attractions, but, unfortunately, between a lack of space and private rooms, and ridiculously over-priced menus (because they can), we opted for a closer location. After all, this wasn’t the first time we had made a decision based on practicality.
Funniest comment so far (as I’m sure this will be a running joke in my family for years) was when Mom Sword said, “I hope the Scottish people don’t end up assuming that all of America looks like this!” And the thing is Mom Sword LOVES country music and is super excited about our choice of Cowboy Jacks, but it’s comical to think about how the the first “American experience” Mr. Sword and I will be showing our out-of-country guests won’t have anything to do with our personal interests!
So, is anyone else hosting a rehearsal dinner somewhere that reflects a completely different style or decor than they’re used to? I feel like a lot of people would totally get into Cowboy Jacks; would this be the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner or wedding?
this made me crack up. Picture comparisons are hilarious.
But I think it will be fun for the out-of-towners to see something so stereo-typically American!
I agree with @wkbee, I loved your picture comparisons. I also think this is so super FUN, which in my opinion, is what a rehearsal should be. Plus I’m sure a lot of the guests will appreciate that it’s across the street from the hotel, so they can leave if they need to, or be able to go to bed at whatever time without depending on a shuttle. I’d have a blast at Cowboy Jacks . . .the real question is, are you and Mr. Sword going to ride the bull? 
haha! This is awesome. But it’s going to be fun and easy, which you need before the wedding =) If we had our rehearsal dinner at a restaurant, it was going to be tex mex, probably a kitchy place called Las Margaritas- nothing in common with our wedding.
I love it! I think it great that you are doing something “outside of the box” – besides who doesn’t love a mechanical bull???
What a nice slice of Americana to show your Scottish friends and relatives, I think they’ll love it
Aww thats cute! As long as it works for you guys its all good!
Uhhhh best game ever… I totally guessed number 3. 
Personally I think this sounds like an awesome place for a rehearsal dinner. You better ride the bull… I want photographic proof!
Oh, I’m sure everybody will remember your rehearsal dinner fondly! Looks like it will be fun! And lets be real, sometimes practical decisions are the best ones to make!
Knowing the restaurant myself, I know you will all have an awesome time! It really is a place that stands out all on its own in the area.
And really, what better way to unwind than to be out of your comfort zone right before such an important day.
Yes, we are both hispanic and are looking at having our rehearsal dinner at a German restaurant.
Mrs. Sword, Chicago Age and Occupation: 28, Nanny/Actress Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Software Engineer Engagement Date: February 19, 2012 Wedding Date: March 2013 Venue: Embassy Suites Bloomington West in Bloomington, MN About Me: I am a true girly-girl originally from the great state of Minnesota and my fiancé hails from the beautiful country of Scotland. We met and fell in love in our favorite city, Chicago, and are having a blast blending our cultures for "A Highland Fairy Tale" wedding! We are truly a case of opposites attract in that he’s a world traveling introvert and I’m a social butterfly who is never too far from home. We both love hanging out with family and friends, fine dining, and laughing at ourselves. He drinks a lot of beer and I talk too much. We wouldn’t have it any other way!
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