Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cow Cafe

    4.1 (174 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 6:00 pm

    Order Cow Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Cow Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    COW CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Cow Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Cowlossal Cow Coney
    John C.

    It was a very rainy day in New Bern as Tropical Storm Debby approached the North Carolina Coast. Despite that the Cow Cafe was doing a good lunch business with a blend of their savory foods and their sweet ice cream treats. The cow decorations and cow puns are aplenty here and sure to get a smile and chuckle. A cashier noticed there was a line and quickly came over to the second register to take my order. I got a Cowlossal Cow Coney with chili, slaw, and mustard. The cashier also encouraged me to get their pasta salad so I gave that a try too. It took a little longer than I expected for the food to arrive but when it came out the food looked good. The hot dog was big with a split top bun and loaded with tasty looking toppings. The pasta salad was ok. Nothing out of the ordinary or wildly delicious but perfectly fine pasta salad. Hot dog was good too and was a pretty reasonable price. I love the deep golden toast that the bun had. I wish I had had room for dessert but I guess I'll just have to come back! Extra tip: You don't have to go far to find free on-street parking if you're not looking to pay. I parked around the block in front of a dry cleaners and it was about a 3 minute walk to Cow Cafe.

    Inside
    Brian L.

    Coming to New Bern for a short trip and visiting Cow Cafe brought out some child hood memories. Just the overall vibe of Cow Cafe is special. The inside of the store is entirely cow-themed and there are a bunch of small trinkets and figures of cows all over the place. It kind of looks like a toy shop inside, and there is even a small model train that is constantly moving around the entire shop. There is even a small area in the back that I think is used to show kids the ice cream-making process. There was a good selection of ice cream flavors so everyone should be able to find something that they will like. Although we only got a simple 1 scoop cup, they have sundaes and a bunch of other items. I think this is a super cool spot to go visit if you have kids with you and are visiting the New Bern area.

    Milk chocolate & cookie dough. The scoops are huge! This is half eaten.
    Meredith S.

    We stopped in for ice cream while out and about. How can you resist New Bern's only 4 hoof rated ice cream parlor?! Amazing hand made treat! You can even watch them making it! Lots of flavors to choose from and the scoops are HUGE! Soft, creamy and flavorful. The kid had 2 vanilla scoops in a waffle cone. He said the ice cream was great and it was the best waffle cone he has ever had. That's saying something, as we come from the city where waffle cones were invented (not exaggerating - search Doumar's in Norfolk, VA)! I had 2 scoops in a bowl - 1 milk chocolate and 1 cookie dough. I am normally more of a dark chocolate fan, but this was so creamy and full of chocolate flavor, that it won me over. And the huge chunks of cookie dough were on point! Hubby had a chocolate shake which he loved. Definitely the old fashioned kind made with ice cream - not many places do that anymore. Fast, friendly service make this a must stop when strolling around downtown! We will definitely be back when in the area again.

    strangely put together banana split as banana is normally the first item on the bottom
    Rebecca M.

    I was hoping to have the same experience as many of the reviewers did but Cow Cafe was a disappointing experience. I ordered the banana split that was listed as $5.99 and a chocolate milk that was listed as .99 so when my order came to $12.90 I knew there was some sort of problem. I thought I was upcharged for each of the toppings. It turns out that the clerk charged me for a chocolate milkshake instead of the milk. I'm not sure if she was new or just bad at her job. She did make the banana split wrong and had to be reminded to add the banana. The banana goes on the bottom layer then the ice cream then the toppings. This was made with the toppings on the bottom; the ice cream and the banana on top. I don't think she was trained very well or maybe they just do things backwards there. I was given a refund for the clerk's mistake but this was done while I was trying to eat instead of waiting until I was finished. Then instead of issuing a refund it was done will a full refund on the $12.90 and then another charge for the accurate amount. The ice cream melted quickly so I had soup. Not anywhere I'd return again. I do understand that mistakes happen, the situation should have been handled much better.

    Rum raisin ice cream
    Jennifer A.

    Family friend place with delicious Cubans sandwiches and amazing ice cream!! The decor is super cute and funky! We didn't get a picture of our sandwich because we came hungry! But trust, it will not disappoint. We ordered the clucking pig sandwich

    I got the clucking pig and it was delicious, I would recommend it if you're walking downtown new bern and just want some comfort food to eat
    Jamiyah P.

    Food was delicious, the service was really nice, and the decor of the restaurant was awesome.

    Don V.

    Stopped in for a quick bite. We received a recommendation from our hotel and this place was pretty good. They have an amazing selection of ice cream. We opted for lunch! I ordered the quesadilla ( it has a cow-like fun name). It was good, and it had peppers, onions, cheese and chicken. The hubs ordered chicken salad. It was made in Texas toast. We enjoyed the food and it wasn't a long wait. We went about 230...they quickly filled up. We would certainly eat there again. 4stars, because the employee wasn't very friendly and the eating area could've been cleaner. Stuff on the floor etc. None of these things would prevent us from return though.

    customers in a cow cafe
    Rebecca P.

    Awesome key lime pie icecream! All the icecream is homemade. Can't wait to try the savory menu side of sandwiches. Looks very interesting.

    Christina V.

    Pretty good. Love the vibe. Got the cotton candy flavor ice cream cone and my friend got the key lime pie milkshake. Customer service could be worked on, the cashier lady made me feel so stupid at the counter talking about ice cream.

    Panini- so good
    Cassie N.

    Wow!! What fun!!! Like a part in your mouth. Hubby ordered the Caribbean plate and said "There are so many flavors of deliciousness going on". I ordered the Chicken Lemoon sammie which is like a cheesesteak but with chicken and a hint of lemon on a panini. So yummy. Aaron at the counter was polite and friendly and the owner Ms. Mildred came out a couple times to check on us. Of course we saved room for homemade strawberry (WOWZA) and Peanut Uddercup in waffle cones. Can I just say 1 scoop is humongous. So delicious!!!! They also sell gourmet popcorn, there's a kids area in the back, an overhead electric train circling the place, and on some days you can watch the ice cream being made. Place was clean friendly and YUMOO. We will be back for sure. Thank you Ms. Mildred. You are a blessing to New Bern.

    Hot Fudge "a La moo"

    See all

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jack M.
    16
    35
    12

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Our kids absolutely LOVE the Cow Cafe. It's got your typical foods and ice cream, but with a nice playful atmosphere for kids.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Great place to take the kids , service was good and desert was delicious.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Amazing! Their ice cream is so fresh and delicious. I highly recommend these folks for satisfying your sweet tooth!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 5 of 5

    Ask the Community - Cow Cafe

    Saw the phrase "New Bern's only 4 Hoof Restaurant" is that just an implied phrase or are dogs actually allowed inside if coming to order or do they have to stay outside at all times?

    I think it was a euphemism for cows. This was definitely not an animals inside type of establishment. Maybe outside though.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Dairy Queen Store

    Dairy Queen Store

    2.6(16 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $

    Avoid coming here if you can, worst location and service…read more I ordered a small chocolate dipped cone and when handed to me it was covered in napkins. Clearly had been dropped in the chocolate and tried to be salvaged by wiping the cone off - gross. My husband tried to get the attention of someone at the window and they actively ignored him. Finally they came to the window and they hen asked to remake the cone it was nothing but attitude - I should have gotten a picture before handing it back to them. Husband ordered the blizzard of the month, the Oreo Dirt Pile. He received a regular oreo blizzard with 2 gummy worms on top. Clearly a mistake that they just didn't want to remake. The picture and description say chocolate ice cream, and we know they had it today as someone in front of us got a chocolate cone. Not what he ordered. Whoever is running this location needs to pay more attention to their staff and the day to day.

    Personally I stopped by this location after my Mothers Dr appointment and she wanted her favorite…read morewhich is the peanut buster parfait and when I did I decided to go ahead and order myself my favorite since I'm about a week or so out of my birthday and everyone seems to forget this is actually my favorite type of cake ! Lol not just a ice cream cake but a DQ ice cream cake. My dad used to get me a small heart shaped one every Valentine's Day as he is no longer with us it is a fond memory as well! We used to get dipped cones together all the time. Staff was also friendly and helpful not all are these days I traveled about 45 min w the cake safely due to their efforts !!!! I would add this particular local is a smaller one so maybe not a huge group but it's a great place to grab something cold and sweet or get it to go !!!

    Photos
    Dairy Queen Store - Yummy blizzard

    Yummy blizzard

    Dairy Queen Store - Well, that there's the menu. Yum

    Well, that there's the menu. Yum

    Dairy Queen Store

    See all

    Baxter’s 1892 - mac n cheese with a mystery meat when I ordered short rib

    Baxter’s 1892

    4.2(105 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    Was our special occasion splurge for our trip here in New Bern…read more Get on their events calendar quick if you want to reserve seating to see their evening live music. Beautiful, jazzy, Art Deco space. They had wonderful cocktails to choose from, cold draft beers, a big wine list, and very interesting food. We felt like just tapas, we got the empanadas and the "naked" egg rolls. We also got one order of smoked mac and cheese. The empanadas were too hard. I wish they were a little softer, but the egg rolls were delicious, and the mac and cheese was shockingly good. Probably the best I ever had. They have these really cool individual rooms that you can rent with friends if you want to make a special night of feeling like you're in a different world back in time. Definitely worth a visit.

    It's been a couple years since my last review and there's a new chef at the helm. I was glad to…read moresee he kept the old favorites (the burger, egg rolls, etc.) but the menu is much larger now. We enjoyed the watermelon carpaccio, fried green tomatoes, garden risotto with added shrimp. Everything was very good. The tomato portion was enormous and the beer batter was crispy and light. The risotto? It wasn't really risotto, it was more like a creamy rice but it was delicious. And those shrimp were big, juicy and tasted like they just came out of the sea. The watermelon, though, was a shocker. It was grilled! It had a really great smoky flavor that was totally unexpected and the dressing was light and fresh. We always sit at the bar and the service is always on point.

    Photos
    Baxter’s 1892 - Friends enjoying brunch

    Friends enjoying brunch

    Baxter’s 1892
    Baxter’s 1892

    See all

    Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant - Calamari

    Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant

    3.6(652 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    Everything about this restaurant is five stars. First, you…read morecouldn't ask for a better location on the waterfront an incredible view. The vibe in the restaurant is casual and the decor minimalist. We were immediately greeted with genuine warmth and friendliness. We sat at a window with a view and enjoyed our Brussels sprouts appetizer. Not only was it hot, crisp and flavorful but plenty of food for three adults to share. Mains were fantastic-- roasted beet salad was refreshing on a super hot day, fish tacos could easily have fed two. Crispy fish, slaw and tortillas were perfection. I had a chipotle burger which was the best burger I had enjoyed in ages. Service was professional and friendly. Can't say enough good things about the spot. Wish I lived closer so I could try more of the menu.

    My small group wanted to eat waterside, so we went to Persimmons for lunch. We were quickly seated…read moreupstairs with picturesque views of the water. Our server Ridley, came to the table promptly, answered our questions and took our orders. Our drinks came quickly and were always full. The food arrived soon after our orders were placed. The presentation of our meals was terrific. Three diners in our party ordered the Fish Tacos and one got the Fish and Chips. It would be an understatement to say the servings were seriously generous. The fish & chips came 3 large fried fish filets and a heaping of seasoned fries. The taco orders each had 3 full vs mini sized soft tacos overflowing with fish filets...the fish was legit spilling out over both ends of the tacos! The fish was lightly battered, nicely seasoned and fried to perfection. The quantity of the food was so generous, only one of us could finish our meal!! On our way out, we stopped and spoke with the manager Kelsey. She is the spirit behind the "the new and improved" Persimmon's ethos. She took no credit for the changes or improvements and instead placed our exemplary experience squarely at the feet of her employees! It's obvious she's a wonderful, caring leader of the Persimmon's team. Cheers to Kelsey, Ridley and the Persimmon's crew!

    Photos
    Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant - Inside

    Inside

    Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant
    Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant - A little gin on this scorching hot day lol

    See all

    A little gin on this scorching hot day lol

    Lawson’s On The Creek - Turkey BLT and flattened tots.

    Lawson’s On The Creek

    4.4(91 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Wife and I wanted to visit New Bern again and decided to have a great lunch at Lawson's On The…read moreCreek. What a wonderful experience. Very nice place kind of tucked away on the water side of The NC History Center at Tryon Palace. From the large parking area you can enter through the History Center or walk toward the water and enter through the main entrance of the restaurant. We entered through the main entrance and were greeted upon entering. As you enter there is plenty of seating around the inside, outside, and some seating at the bar. We were seated near the History Center entrance adjacent to the restroom entryway. Very large windows provide plenty of lighting and views of the water and surrounding area. Our server promptly arrived and took our beverage order as well as provided the specials for the day. A few minutes later she returned with our drinks and took our orders. We ordered the turkey club with coleslaw and the special, cheesesteak with smashed tots. Our meals arrived after a short wait. They looked really good. The portions were a good size and were well prepared. We both agreed everything was delicious! The coleslaw had great texture and the right amount of seasoning. The turkey club delivered everything you would expect. The smashed tots were an interesting version of tots, but were good. For me the highlight was the cheesesteak. I had mushrooms and jalapenos added to the already loaded sandwich and it was amazing. The overall experience was great. We will definitely return here again and highly recommend giving Lawson's On The Creek a try.

    Lynch with the family on vacation. I had the Philly special and it was on-point. Three other people…read morewith us ordered this as well. I also tried the pickle lemonade. I love pickles! My dad ordered a hot dog and their panini tots. He said they were both good. Would definitely visit again. It was too windy to sit outside, but it looked like a great place to sit and relax!

    Photos
    Lawson’s On The Creek - Counter

    Counter

    Lawson’s On The Creek
    Lawson’s On The Creek - House made Watermelon Shandy & watermelon lemonade

    See all

    House made Watermelon Shandy & watermelon lemonade

    Cow Cafe - sandwiches - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...