Cowan’s Public
“The bartenders are really knowledgable about the craft beer that they are constantly changing and can usually suggest one if you're lost.”
“The pulled pork was the low point but even that was still delicious, just not as exciting as our other dishes.”
“The disco fries were delicious, perfectly crisp fry, smothered in a white gravy and sharp cheddar.”
Cowan’s Public
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Accepts Apple Pay: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Had a great experience here. The food was very fresh and the beer selection was excellent. I believe this is a relatively new place.
For appetizers my fiancé and I ordered the edamame humus. It came with a lot of naan bread. There was plenty of the humus to split. It had a touch of garlic to it and a little bit of cayenne pepper on top.
For my main course, I ordered the gobbler. This was a thick turkey burger with avocado, cheddar cheese, and greens. Really nice flavor to it and not too filling.
A few suggestions, first there wasn't a dessert menu. On this particular night we were totally down for some dessert but it wasn't an option. Based on the regular menu items they have I would be excited to see what they could come up with for dessert. Also the windows were completely frosted. Seemed a little uninviting when walking in for the first time. I would totally recommend the Cowan and would like to come back to try some specialty cocktails too.
I think I've been here enough for drinks and occasional appetizers to adequately judge the joint. The ambiance is what I would consider "mad chill." This place definitely has hipster vibes going on all over and I dig it. The staff is also very friendly and efficient.
The few apps I've had (fried pickles and fries) were both great, but would be pretty hard to screw up. My buddy ordered the fried chicken tacos one night and they looked great. He loved them.
The cocktails are reasonably priced in that now-seemingly-standard $12 range, but the beer selection is really why I go here. It's constantly craft and always changing. The beer prices are a little high, but not if you go during happy hour. In fairness, one of the nights I was here, they were featuring a selection of limited craft beers so the prices were naturally higher than what would otherwise be standard pricing. Regardless, I'll be back.
I had high hopes for Cowan's Public based on reviews but I gotta tell you, I was disappointed. I stopped in hoping to grab a beer and possibly sampling their food. It was a quiet weekday night so it was virtually empty. The place is a hipster haven. From the bartender, to the wait staff to the clients…every one was hipped out. I didn't feel welcomed. People were walking in being greeted by the tender. There are zero TV"s at the bar so you haven no choice but to either converse with the person next to you, view your phone reading lame articles or people watch. I chose the latter. This fat Italian felt out of place. A quick beer and I was outtie like clam chowdie.
I did like their beer list and craft beer options. Their menu was limited but there were some interesting options as well.
Parking is non existent so st parking is the only option…as I am sure the residents in the area love *insert sarcasm*
I won't be returning as I had my 15 minutes of CP which is 14 minutes too much. Sorry CP, not my style. I am sure there are plenty of people who love you. Bye.
I had bookmarked Cowans a few months ago, and this past weekend, we finally got there! The atmosphere is really laid back and chill! Perfect spot if you're looking to grab a bite to eat, and a nice cold beer! Their beer selection, is pretty on point. They have a nice mix for all you craft beer connoisseurs out there. Their menu, awesome! We ordered a bunch of things to split, which is nice if you come down with a group! We chose the fried pickles, pub wings, poutine, chicken chipotle tacos, and the grilled cheese. Everything was delicious. The breading on the pickles was awesome, added such a nice crunch to the already crunchy picked! The grilled cheese, so cheesy, so creamy, I'm still thinking about it! The chipotle tacos, packed some heat, and the poutine, well, do yourself a favor and order them!
Another plus, their menu changes with every season! I LOVE when places do that!! Keeps it fresh, I was there two days ago, and already want to go back, just to check out the new menu!!
If you're in the area, stop in, if you're not in the area, make a point to get there! Your tastebuds will thank you!
Enjoy!
So many reviews calling this place so hipster and so Brooklyn. C'mon now. Let's be real. We're in Nutley. Just because there were 2-3 dudes with full beards wearing cropped skinny jeans sampling craft beers, does not mean it is just like being in Brooklyn. It did make me feel like I was in Montclair, though. That's just as urban bohemian, no?
As much as I appreciate Art Deco and the modern American menu, I wasn't crazy about the NYC prices. $10-12 for a cocktail, $7 for beer. It must be the lavish Centre St location that's causing such a hike in prices.
They do have happy hour 4-7 which I just missed. That's probably the better way to go. As far as their food, I had the shrimp po'boy. The fried shrimp was nicely seasoned, and sweet chili slaw complemented it well. The roll also seemed fresh and easy to chew.
Being a local, I do like that there's a bar in town serving craft beers and interesting cocktails. Great for a mommies night out. We'll be at the bar sporting our vintage overalls and thick rimmed glasses exchanging vegan, non gmo recipes.
My buddy and I stopped in for brunch knowing that they have been said to have a good craft beer tap selection. Well the word on the street was right. Cowans offered a great selection of brews and even a list of beers on deck; two made it to tap while we were there.
Cowan's itself is a cool retro-vibe bar with great beer and great cocktails. The big bonus was the good food to go along with the booze.
I suggest both meals we had : The breakfast burger topped with a sunny side up egg and the grilled cheese with the added option of pulled pork. Fries were extra but totally worth it; they were some pretty damn good fries if I say so myself .
We found no flaws with our visit but I would like to go back one night and see if I have the same good experience in order to give 5 stars for consistency.
Looking forward to my return.
7/14/16: I finally made it back to Cowans and got to go for dinner and drinks instead of brunch . We went with 6 people and got a great table by the bar. By 9 pm the bar seats were all taken and most the dinning tables as well. Just like my experience with brunch , the food was all fantastic, great selection of craft beers , those drinking cocktails loved their drinks and everything came out in a timely manner and hot. Some recommendations are the fried pickles and the poutine for apps , both fantastic , and any of the tacos . Our table ordered the steak, the fried chicken and the shrimp tacos and all were given thumbs up! Can't wait for the next trip there .
I have to upgrade my review to a full 4 stars. 4.5 even!! This place is that good. It's a bar full of amazing cocktails and great mixologists. If it's not on the menu, you can tell them a flavor profile you like and they will probably satisfy your taste buds. Even though this is a cocktail bar, they always have an equally impressive list of rotating craft beers on deck! The food is awesome too. Get the poutine!! Get the grilled cheese!! Get tacos!! Just go. Eat. Drink and have fun. The entire staff here is awesome too. Weekends get pretty packed, so get there early or be prepared to stand, which isn't so bad anyway. Two things you must do. 1. GO. 2. ENJOY!!!
This place is great!! The bartender Matthew is the best! My sister and friend and I had the best time here. GREAT drinks, GREAT food, and GREAT people watching. They're known for their fancy cocktails and the "It's vodka…we tried" is the best, in my opinion. They also have the most delicious poutine! I cannot wait to go back!