Devin is totally on it tonight... meeted, greeted, and seated shortly after stepping in while I was taking in the olde timey vibe (they's got a tower o' pies as you come in, so cool) got a seat in the corner, coffee and ice water and going with the meatloaf today. kinda loud in here until the hard of hearing set (young and old) clear out and then it's a comfortable background din in a small town diner my dinner arrives without much fanfare it is accompanied by pickled beets and a baked potato; comfort food as I'm recently finished with someone else's cold (jerk...) no surprise that there's no surprises... it's meatloaf and it's representing well in brown gravy with a fresh hot biscuit beside. baked tater is soft all the way through and forkable for butter and sour cream, and beets for a healthier me! no room or time for dessert but a good solid effort tonight from everyone involved... and did I mention Devin was superb; attentive without being intrusive and very personable. read more

See all

Great little lunch spot, dug in before I could take a pic of the hot beef sandwich. Wasn't too crowded on a Saturday but we were after the lunch rush. Really good crispy battered French fries too. read more

Cowan's Restaurant - Hot beef sandwich - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

See all

Excellent homestyle cooking! The atmosphere is diner charming and it's easy to see how they have staked claim to being "the oldest restaurant in town" and "still the place to meet". The service was just as you would expect it to be, small town friendly! Oh my, the pie!! The chocolate peanut butter was like an alice of heaven!!! read more

Cowan's Restaurant - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

See all

This is as American as you can get. Came in for the famous mile high pie, and it was delicious and unique. The whipped cream was super light and fluffy- it's like eating air.... The waiter was attentive and the food was delicious too. Also, the information about outdoor seating on Yelp is not correct. They don't have outdoor seating. read more

See all

This is our go to breakfast place when we are in Washington the breakfast is the best you can get. Staff is friendly and they have huge home made pies read more

As far as the food goes, it's classic, delicious, home-cooked Sunday breakfast at Grandma's. I ordered the Bacon special: crispy, tasty bacon, eggs cooked however you want, crispy hash browns and buttery toast. Paired well with the black coffee. Service was friendly and prompt, despite the busy after church crowd. A huge menu featuring breakfast til 2, lunch and dinner. They are famous for their "Mile High Pies" and although they liked good, I did not get one. The only downside is it's pretty loud and can get very cramped and crowded but that just means they must be doing something right. read more

Cowan's Restaurant - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

The biscuits and gravy are great, the service is good! Other food is also great! I'm glad they are still in business after so many years. Part of the restaurant has been converted a number of years ago to a separate excellent pizza restaurant that is interconnected and has the same owners. read more

I have had a couple of good experiences here and a couple of not so good. The food is okay, but not the best in town. I got sick once after eating here so it makes me a little nervous to go back. The service was pretty good. No complaints on that end. The vibe is pretty good, but the pie they say they are famous for is just mediocre. I would go back, but it wouldn't be my first pic. It's sort of "meh." read more

MO was a stopping point in a longer trip and our Air BNB host recommended a couple places to try. It was good food for breakfast before we headed out. They used sliced cheese on their scrambled eggs which is just layer over and melted on top. It's not how it's done in the south or other places, but still tasted pretty good. The place was clean and people were courteous. read more

We always enjoy dinning at Cowans restaurant , it is a Wonderful family restaurant ! Fast, friendly service and Great food

I've been coming to Cowan's since I was a child with my family. Recently I've reignited my love for this restaurant. My draw is for the pie but also the home cooking. I love "down home" style food, especially in a small cafe setting. The dining area is fairly small, but comfortable and not too loud. On the occasions I've went the food has been amazing and the pie is to die for. That's what you are really coming here for - desserts. If you are able to get food and finish your whole plate you are doing good lol. I come specifically for the coconut meringue - I love it and it's HUGE. My cousin and I usually share it and sometimes still struggle to finish it. They usually have a large dessert case full of many desserts, but I haven't tried any others yet. I've had the meatloaf dinner which was AMAZING and the country fried steak breakfast which I also enjoyed. My dining partner ordered a build your own omelet both times and raved about it. Last time a biscuit came with my meal but I was too full to eat it there. I reheated it later at home and WOW it was amazing. This was definately a made from scratch biscuit. It has me needing to back and try their biscuits and gravy! read more

See all

I absolutely love their breakfast. Even when it's crowded the service is still great and the food is always delicious. One of my favorite places to eat when I'm in town. The food gives you an old fashioned meal like Grandma made. read more

Food was delicious! Service was wonderful as well. They were super crowded so it took a while to get our food (but we ordered fried chicken so that takes a bit). We will definitely be coming back. read more

Sara was knowledgeable and helpful. All staff pleasant. Food was good. Hamburger was warm macaroni and cheese was hot and delicious. It is a little noisy and full. We didn't make reservations and they took us on time. read more

This is one of our families favorite place for pie, so many choices to choose from. The pies are all homemade and you can truly taste the love that they put in each one. The staff is always friendly and food is always delicious. Definitely recommend this restaurant if you're looking for home cooking. read more

it was very crowded, but the service was still great! Service people really hustle! particularly enjoyed those little onion straws that are good as an appetizer, but I like them along with a meal and even on the sandwich. Barbecue ribs are especially great. read more

Breakfast is always a treat at this local Long established family based restaurant in Washington Missouri! read more

I always try to get there when I'm in town, like today. I was in a bit of a hurry to get home 2hr away, so I ordered to-go; a basic cheeseburger and fries (a little crispy.) Both the burger and fries were absolutely delicious and obviously cooked with care. Cup of chili was very tasty as well. I've always loved the atmosphere and staff. It's like fast-casual with a soul. Indeed, it does get crowded, but there's a reason for that. read more

Yummy Pies. Food is Homestyle. Service makes you feel like you are part of the family.

Seriously, you cannot go to Washington, MO without stopping by Cowan's and enjoying some of their down home cooking or the famous pies. Cowan's was our first stop after getting off the train. We were going to spend the entire day in Wash-MO, eating, drinking and shopping so we just wanted a little something to start the day. To start our day, two of enjoyed a Biscuit with Sausage Gravy. It was a large biscuit, in both circumference and height. Being a farm boy, I've always had a love for B&G. This biscuit was most likely the fluffiest I've had in a restaurant. The gravy was full of sausage chunks and creamy thick. I will always add pepper, but I even had to add extra salt and I am not a salt fan. So, they could kick the seasoning up a bit. One of our group ordered a side of bacon and a slice of pie. I thought it was odd, that a place that promotes pie and has a sign stating; Eat Dessert First would have a waitress laugh when someone orders pie for breakfast. Come on, isn't pie just a fancy danish? The bacon was smoked and fried perfectly to that point where it is limp and crisp. My cousin wanted Apple Pie, but was told the huge table covered in a larger variety of pies was for a bus that was soon to arrive. So she had to go with a Blueberry Crumble. It was delicious and proof of why they are known for their pies. Service was friendly and down-home. It was obvious who the locals and regulars were and who stood out as a tourist. That was okay, they still made you feel welcomed. Like when the waitress laughed at how we ordered. If you're in Washington, stop by for a cup of coffee and a slice of pie. It is well worth it. As we left, two huge tourist buses were pulling up front. Wow! We got out in just the knick of time. Will I return: Gotta try the Pecan Pie When: November 15, 2017 Why: Adventure Day in Washington, MO read more

See all

Downtown Washington, Mo is home to one of my favorite comfort food diners - Cowans. This place is clean, inviting, warm, friendly, fast and enjoyable. The menu has a wide variety of choices from breakfast to dinner, everything you might crave. They are known for their tall pies, but I'm normally too filled after dinner to add more. Someday! I had the slow roasted beef, gravy, baked potato and macaroni and cheese. The roast beef and gravy was delicious, tender and tasty! The macaroni and cheese was also a spot hitter. Cowans is a country drive treat for us that always delivers! No wonder it's been in the same spot in this quaint Missouri River town for generations. read more

See all

Dessert first, a very good coconut merengue or, and an excellent peach & blackberry pie! The merengue was whipped eight inches high! The p&b pie had the best flaky crust eve. I had a chicken sandwich on 12 grain bread, with sweet tater fries. My brother had the Rueben and German tater salad, while my sister-in-law had a French dip and sweet tater fries. Coffee and sour tea were refreshments read more

Cowan's Restaurant - Interior of Cowan's, an old established downtown cafe, just a couple of blocks from the Missouri River! - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

Great for meeting people and good food. You can always count on good service. and courteous wait staff staff

The worst service I've had in a long time. Warm coffee not hot , took forever to get seated , took 20 min to get a cup of coffee. I will Never go back !!! read more

Cowan's Restaurant - Breakfast - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

I love Cowans . Super friendly and great food! Easy on the wallet as well! The pie is to die for!

I have been here several times. Every time is a good experience. The staff is friendly and efficient, the food is always good, and the place is very clean. read more

Hubby and I live 30 miles from this restaurant so it's a big deal when we go. We've been there 7 times total. Two for breakfast and both were great. Dinner...welp. First time was on a Saturday about 5pm and they were out of pork steaks and German potato salad. It was our first ever visit. Second time, a few weeks later on a Saturday, ordered same as above, had both. Awesome meal! Third time was breakfast, very good. Busy restaurant! Fourth time went on a Sunday, got there at 5pm. Restaurant closed! Two signs outside the restaurant very close to each other. One says they close at 7pm on Sunday, other says 4pm. Mixed message! Fifth time was breakfast on a weekend. Very good, busy restaurant again. Sixth time was months later, went again on a Sunday. Got there at 4pm because we couldn't remember when they closed. Just missed it and we were angry. 4pm is SO early! And they still have two sets of 'hours' posted outside that conflict with each other. Last time was tonight (Sat. 10/23/21). We called at 6pm on the way there to see what time they close. The young man who answered said "the grill closes at 7:45pm". Wow. Their website says 8pm. Guess they should change their hours to be 7pm on Sat. (I was very put off by this.) We get there at roughly 6:30pm. Get seated promptly. Ordered pork steaks (we went there specifically for them), and they were out. I was angry . Why can't they make more? So, hubby ordered fried chicken and I ordered meatloaf . Our sides were good. Hubby ordered unsweetened tea and when he needed a refill, they 'were out of it for night'. Wow, really!? Dinner arrives and both plates honestly looked skimpy. The meatloaf was very good and turned out to be plenty for me. Hubby ordered the 3-piece fried chicken dinner, all white meat. What he got was a leg (dark meat), chicken wing and the smallest chicken breast we've ever seen. Hubby said it was really dry as well. Ugh. Ordered a to-go order of 4 sides. Two were German potato salads. Waiter came to say they only had enough left for one order. Lol, of course! So, other than their fried chicken, we do love their food. Just tired of being disappointed after driving 30 miles to go there (60 round trip!). So that is why I'm posting this review. read more

Great diner with freshly prepared menu items. One of my sons favorites, and wonderful homemade pies!

We ate here for breakfast and it was our first time eating at this place. Nice, clean, family restaurant that's been around for a long time with home cooked comfort food. My husband had the biscuit and gravy which was delicious. Biscuits are big and fluffy. Gravy was flavorful and well seasoned. I eat gluten free and even though they don't have gluten free bread options or gluten free pancakes, if you bring in your own gluten free bread they will toast it for you, and so I had the breakfast sandwich. My husband also got a piece of peach pie, and it was amazing! Friendly service too! We'd definitely eat here again! read more

If you are really into "Mom & Pop" restaurants and American comfort food, this could be a good choice for you in Washington (MO). The place is clean and the staff is very friendly. The food is ok, tasty, but they don't care much about presentation. If you happen to come by train, the restaurant is located walking distance from the train station. Fair enough, we did not try the pies (we got the check before we had a change to order pie!), but the list of choices is long and varied, so I am sure it's worth a try! Would I go back? Maybe to try a pie! read more

Cowan's Restaurant - Biscuits at the bottom, scrambled eggs and cheese covered with gravy. Good ham on the side. - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

See all

They list their hours as open till 7:00 pm - which is already too early. But their real hours are: Close whenever the spoiled kids working there can get the doors locked and sneak out. And that can be as early as 3:30. The food is not very good. So, you have to ask yourself, Is it worth going to dinner in the middle of the afternoon just for a piece of pie? read more

Food is good but they need a hostess. Line is down the sidewalk with people waiting to be seated and you stand at door for 10+ minutes waiting for a waitress to seat you at an open table. read more

Great breakfast place. Good traditional selections and coffee Excellent service. My ham steak was tasty and generously sized. Friendly atmosphere and charming historic space and location in downtown Washington. read more

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? The service is excellent the people are very nice and it is very reasonably priced. But, the greatest thing about them is there pies especially the chocolate pie with the meringue. Best dessert I've had in years read more

LOVE this delicious home cooking restaurant! It's a gem in the downtown district. My favorite time to go is for breakfast but all day they have great food! The wait staff are so warm and welcoming. The pies are a MUST HAVE. Don't visit Washington without having a meal at Cowans! read more

the food was really good! We love stopping at small town restaurants when traveling and this place was perfect! nice clean environment and the service was very pleasant! cute little restaurant- would highly recommend and the pie was delicious! read more

The waitress was condescending and slow. She was also inattentive. We had ordered 2 burgers, one with no bun and no cheese, but the rest of the toppings. It was missing topping when it arrived. The waitress claimed that we were too picky. Like, she actually said that. The other burger was fine. We asked for sides of onion rings and baked beans. They were both good. The waitress, with less than good deodorant use, reached over us to take dishes, while we were still eating. Then she says, "you gonna order pie?" Well I was but not after that. Just really bad service. read more

I've been here twice and both times have been excellent. This is a neat little diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner all day long. I had the a tall stack of blueberry pancakes for lunch. They had real whole blueberries in them! This place is a must. read more

Cowan's Restaurant - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

We were visiting some friends that live out in Washington and they showed us all around downtown! After lunch we wandered into an antique shop and walked along the water to enjoy the view. By then we'd worked up an appetite for dessert, so we stopped at Cowan's for pie! My husband ordered the Blackberry Pie, which he loved!! He raved about how he could actually taste the berries and how it hadn't been overly sweetened. I had a chocolate pie with meringue topping. The chocolate layer was described to me by the waitress as being a rich, custard. But in my opinion, it's texture was much more like a pudding (not as thick as custard) and it was sweet, not rich. The layer of meringue was about 4 in. tall in the middle and VERY lightly sweetened. The restaurant itself was very cozy and homey! It was a comfy place to grab a treat! read more

Cowan's Restaurant - French Silk pie - American Near Me - Washington, Missouri

See all

This is a favorite place to take out of town guests, early morning breakfast with hubby & brunch with the family. Great prices, amazing food, and attentive servers is a winning combo!! read more