Bowden's is a relatively new addition to College Town in Tallahassee and carries the legacy of legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden, with the backing and support of his family. Naturally, I was excited to check it out -- both for the atmosphere and the connection to such a well-respected local figure. We visited on a summer evening and found the place quiet at first, but it started to liven up around 9 p.m., especially in the bar area, drawing a pretty young and energetic crowd. The vibe is casual and welcoming, though parking can be a bit of a challenge -- even on a slower night, it was tough to find a spot nearby, and most options require payment, so come prepared. Our server mentioned it was their first week, but they still did a great job. Service was attentive without being overbearing. The prices were surprisingly reasonable, especially for a trendy College Town location. We ordered the pretzel rolls, Caesar salads, and a few pours of their signature beer, Outlaw, which was just $5 and very good. Everything we ordered was fresh and flavorful. Our total came to $62 for two full meals, four beers, and a tip -- not bad at all, especially given the quality and portion sizes. While the restaurant does include some Bobby Bowden memorabilia, I expected a bit more of a nostalgic or themed atmosphere considering the namesake. A few more personal touches or FSU throwbacks would really round out the space and elevate the experience for fans and newcomers alike. Overall, Bowden's is a great spot for a casual night out -- whether you're grabbing a bite before the bar crowd rolls in or sticking around for drinks in the heart of College Town. I'd definitely go back. read more

This is a college town, bar food type place. The issue is the food is not that good. I had wings, which should be outstanding at a "bar food" type place. They were not good, blue cheese was not good. My wife had a Caesar Salad, which was some romaine lettuce with bad dressing and a few croutons. No what I would expect from a place named after such a great coach. The service was friendly and fast. The fried pickles were good... read more

Terrible dinner experience. The servers were rude. They were out of so many things. Even potatoes for a side dish and when asked if I could substitute the potatoes for pasta the server said no. Didn't even attempt to ask given that they were out of potatoes. Food was salty and bland. Ordered an Old Fashioned cocktail and the glass was only half full with one small ice cube. They were also out of the whiskey it was made with so had to replace with another one. The beer we ordered was also out. Just a big mess! read more

Had my first experience at Bowden's yesterday 2/15 with a group of 6. Had to wait but all good. We were seated and my only positive thing to say was that our server was terrific and so professional. We ordered some apps fried pickles, nachos and pretzels. Apps were presented. Pickles were the best. Nachos I felt were just covered in BbQ sauce and cheese and thrown on a plate. We placed our orders. 3 pork platters. Cuban sandwich and two lemon chicken platters. Five minutes later we were told they were out of pork. So 4 of us ordered lemon chicken. 10 minutes later we were told there was no more chicken. Only apps could be ordered. It wasn't the servers fault but she felt awful. We decided to get the check and call it a day. I hope we can give it another shot. We will see. I am not one to review poorly. But. On a Saturday not sure why you run out of food. read more

This sports bar is very well decorated with plenty of seating indoor and outdoor, it was lacks in the food area. While the menu is expansive, the flavor isn't really there. I ordered one of the chicken wraps, and it was just drowned in dressing. I probably wouldn't eat here again, but I would definitely grab drinks and watch a game. read more

Bowden's - Sports Bars Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

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Great service, nice drink selection and beers. Kitchen is a little slow but the burger was great. Tons of TVs so great spot for games. Tons of tables and a big patio. Good addition to the area read more

Bowden's - two glasses of beer on a table - Sports Bars Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

We've been coming here since it opened and enjoying the food, cool outdoor patio and TVs, but the service has become too slow and the chicken tenders have changed. Though you see wait staff inside, they take a long time to get your orders, bring the food and check whether you need anything. On our last visit some wings were alarmingly undercooked (which they refunded). I want to like this place but they have to pick up their game. read more

Best bar in college town. Great food, very enjoyable every night of the week. Would recommend.

The worst restaurant in Tallahassee!, the cooks follow their menu and not what is on the publisheg menu!

Went to Bowden's for Mother's Day. The food was absolutely horrible. Fries were cold and hard. Service bad. First and last time going to Bowden's. I'm sure Coach Bowden would not approve of this restaurant. I predict with that food and service they will not last read more

Dude. 1 hour ticket time? It's half empty in here... foods.................... fine. Bowden is a legend, put some respect on his name.

The waffle fries are amazing. The burger was huge and very juicy. I would recommend that with some wings as an app. The service was great, constantly checking in on us to make sure our drink was full and we had everything we needed. The atmosphere is lively and a fun place to stop into. Recommend it on a night they are hosting Inside FSU Football. read more

Bowden's - The Dual Threat Burger - Sports Bars Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

Caesar salad was warm, old, and mushy.. asked for some fresh lettuce and they brought back an American lettuce mix with Caeser dressing.. the lemon chicken tasted like nothing - the little sauce was on the rice, and the broccoli was raw - not even warm! Then the waitress with the deep voice stiffed us 10 bucks and proceeded to argue with us - we bowed down and let it go - on the receipt she didn't tender 100 dollars - just the change she owed us.. her receipt is shady. read more

Seriously, one of the worst meals I've eaten in a long time. The food was practically inedible. The nachos had a weird texture and almost nothing but watery cheese sauce on them. Service was also bad with very little attention and a long wait for the bad food. read more

First time here and not impressed. Sat right away and ordered immediately. Food took 50 min...yes 50. They were busy but not slammed. Food was average at best and only warm. . Server was friendly. Decor was as expected but experience was disappointing for such a legendary coach. read more

If you like cold food and horrible drinks this is the place for you. Waited almost an hour for my food and it came out cold. I needed a fork to eat my mac and cheese and the golden retriever server forgot it since he rather talk to his friends than work. Had to get up and find a bartender for a fork and ate my cold mac and cheese. Server came back and didn't even realize he forgot my fork. Drinks were made by incompetent bartenders. Hope this place gets better or shuts down. read more

Wish I could give zero stars. Manager yelled at my mom and said she cussed out a waitress. We have 7 people who saw that she clearly didn't..... he made up a lie to be rude to us because he accidentally put us in a VIP table. He also trauma dumped on us...... very weird. The security is nice though. Feel bad for the people who work under this manager. read more

Appeared to be not busy. Hostess took to table quickly. I would think she could had provided us with utensils. Do not know if only a couple of waiters/waitresses but had to really wait to give drink order. Finally received drinks and placed food order. Fish tacos good. The Cuban sandwich was not pressed. Cheese not even melted. Service could be stepped up. read more

Awesome atmosphere in college town. Our server was very friendly. However he told us one of the fryers had gone down so the food was coming out slow. That was fine. We weren't in a hurry. We both ordered the Bobby burger mine came out very pink still good and I ate it. My mom's was pink and she asked for no pink so she only took a few bites of hers then couldn't eat the rest. It also didn't have the TD sauce on hers so she has to ask for mayonnaise. I would possibly go back and give them another try when in town. read more

Went during lunch, got seated quickly, Cole was great server and was very attentive and helpful! Food was mid but tasty and drinks were strong which we liked ! Overall good experience and would go back ! read more

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Overall amazing experience especially for opening night. The food was prompt and delicious and the drinks were well crafted (shout out Jackson behind the bar). As an FSU student, I love the atmosphere. There's vintage FSU football memorabilia all throughout and some signed Bobby Bowden footballs above the bar. Prices are good too. Long live Bobby and Go Noles. read more

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Great service, but the food was mediocre. The nachos were decent, but the burgers were a let down. Go Noles!

Bobby would be crying if he only knew! Insufficient staff and cheap quality food. A small imorovement in food quality and service could transform this well-appointed restaurant. If eating here be patient and expect Chili's level food. read more

Food was booty as a mf can't even lie. Got me on the toilet the next morning. Outside of that, it's a pretty cool venue but don't come if you looking for good food. UPDATE: It's been over 15 hours since I ate here and I ain't feeling too good coach. Avoid the nachos, burger, or Cuban sandwich read more

Stellar service from Charlotte, drinks came quick and I finished them faster!! Gabby was awesome as well we had a great time and great drinks!!! read more

Amazing service from Gabby, Isa, and Charlotte! Charlotte made the best green tea shots! Amazing ambiance with some great live music

It really is frustrating when you're ignored for 30 minutes while standing at a crowded loud bar. Whether it is staffing or just poor service I can not recommend because in 30 minutes I was unable to actually buy anything. They may be used to treating college students to that level of service. read more

John hudik is such an exquisite responsible worker. The ambiance in this place is just the best there is. read more

Bowden's - John hudik doing what he does best. - Sports Bars Near Me - Tallahassee, Florida

Had a great experience. Brought the family and was surprised by the service. Sheyla was so good to the kids. She was polite and fast.

There were four of us here last Friday night and got here late. Charlotte, Regina and Jadah stayed open a little later for us to enjoy the night. Great food and better service! We are back again tonight. Our new favorite spot. read more

Showed up at 8:14 with reservations at 8:00, turned 8:15 when talking to hostess and was told we could not be sat after 8:15. I noted that it was indeed not after 8:15 and was told she could not help us. Why say a 15 minute grace period if not true! Madso's underaged brother read more

Food was TERRIBLE. The chicken tenders I ordered were almost burnt-way too much crunch. Nachos tasted funny. Service was okay. I don't like the inside that much, but it was pretty decent. Off note, ranch was good. Basically, this wouldn't be my first choice but near last. read more

Super fun place, food & drinks were good, our server was super-accommodating and friendly. Go Noles!

My stomach hurt so bad I would never wish this on my worst enemy. No one is going to read this because it's more of a bar but at any cost do not get food‼ the wine was good though for their Wednesday deal. Better than Brick read more

Ambience is great if you are a sports fan. Cool indoor/outdoor concept. Food was mediocre and overpriced. We got the pulled pork nachos and split a burger. Both were just ok. Burger was the least impressive. read more

Service was alright, but what brings me here is the mushroom swiss burger. Imagine: I am quite excited to eat a mushroom swiss burger from this highly anticipated new establishment. I don't know too much about Bobby Bowden, but I am certain this burger made him roll over in his grave (RIP). I honestly cannot recall having a more bland piece of chuck in all my life. And listen, I will eat just about anything, but this burger was downright disappointing. No trace of seasoning, even salt. It wasn't a complete hockey puck but it was much closer than it should have been. The only reason I'm giving two stars instead of one is the beer cheese pretzel was tasty af. It's not like it's hard to come by a sports bar with at least mid food in Tallahassee Florida. Please act right, Bowden's. read more

My boy Matthew is a G. Hooked it up fat. If you go 100% ask for him. There is also Callie, but she wouldnt teach me how to Dougie, and was very unsympathetic to asking for wings extra crispy. Overall Matthew is the man. Sincerely, Cha bois read more

Great vibes to go with friends and family. Charlotte Jones has been my server 3 times and she's kills it every time. She's very attentive and hardworking. Would recommend this place to anyone that wants a night out in collegetown. read more

Horrific place with inexperienced young people who have no people skills, much less restaurant experience. Food is subpar.

When I walked in I was greeted by the hostess, Lainey, and she did a wonderful job ensuring I was sat at a good table in a timely manner and made me feel welcomed in this establishment. Not only was the customer service amazing but the food was great as well. I definitely will be coming back next game day! read more