Cancel

Open app

Search

Cow Cafe

4.1 (171 reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Updated 3 months ago

Order Cow Cafe Takeout or Delivery

Cow Cafe Photos

Business Info

COW CAFE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
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

5/17/25
Charlene C.

Cute to see a train moving on the tracks on the wall by ceiling. Fun little kids area in the back with kid tables, ride in tractor and cow ride. Strawberry ice cream wasn't the greatest quality tasting but still a nice cold treat on a warm day. Liked there were frozen strawberries in it.

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

3 days ago

The ice cream is tasty, my son and my daughter in law enjoyed your ice cream. I got the cherry ice cream,

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

20 days ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 1
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0
Photo of Sarah R.
46
126
61

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rachel S.
24
29
22

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 months ago

Service was prompt. Ice cream is good, scoops are generous and the price is right. Would def go back.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James G.

James G.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James G.

James G.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James G.

James G.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of J H.
50
225
134

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rita A.
127
104
53

4 years ago

Business owner information

Photo of James G.

James G.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

It was a cute local spot that we stopped in on the way home from the beach. The food was fresh and the service was fast and friendly

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Fun cute and moo-tiful... ice is delicious and the service was friendly. We tried the apple pie ice cream and the apples were warm!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

My husband and I had the same sandwich two days in a row. My son enjoyed his ice cream.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

Page 1 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

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Simply Natural Creamery

Simply Natural Creamery

4.6
(9 reviews)
3.4 mi

We stopped in here on our way home from Beaufort. We wanted to buy some of the dairy products, but…read morethe one we'd gone to in Morehead City wasn't open yet. They were fully stocked so I got a few different things to try, including buttermilk, butter, and heavy cream. After eating all these at home, I can confirm that they're absolutely delicious! The flavor and richness and freshness are so much better than anything you get from the grocery store. I've made buttermilk ranch, buttermilk cornbread, and buttermilk waffles - all tasted perfect! This shop is also very cute and welcoming, super clean and well decorated. I didn't find the service to be as friendly as the location in Morehead City, but it was still a bit early in the day so nbd.

I've been to the farm and other stores like this one and this family always does the best!! The ice…read morecream is delicious and they have a great variety. They have many flavors of ice cream, even though I always get salty caramel!! They also have milks, packaged ice cream, sometimes butter and cheese, and so many other cute farm things. This new store is clean, wide open, and the folks are always friendly. We went in today, Saturday afternoon, to grab a treat. My husband wanted a milk shake, and the young woman gave him the suggestion of using chocolate milk instead of white milk. It was awesome!! She also suggested to me a sundae. She was very friendly and sweet and I'm sorry I did not get her name. I hope they have enough business to stay open here!! We will certainly be back.

Photos
Peanut Butter Brownie
Peanut Butter Brownie
Strawberry in a waffle bowl & cookies and cream in a waffle cone.
Strawberry in a waffle bowl & cookies and cream in a waffle cone.
The counter of ice cream bins and toppings.

See all

The counter of ice cream bins and toppings.
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
Yummy blizzard
Yummy blizzard
Well, that there's the menu. Yum
Well, that there's the menu. Yum
Dairy Queen Store

See all

Baxter’s 1892

Baxter’s 1892

4.3
(101 reviews)
0.1 mi

Enjoy a little Jazz Brunch with my love. The food, service, and atmosphere were lovely.read more

I had been so looking forward to dining at Baxter's 1892 with the speak easy feel and the live…read moremusic. I tried to make reservation but the restaurant would not take a reservation for one so I went early. My options were the bar or in the dark tunnel. I chose the tunnel as I thought I was going to get a table not a high top there. Then where the menu was placed that would have me facing the back wall as the other seat was near the kitchen entrance. So I moved there but I still didn't have a view of the performers. So things didn't start well but I ordered the boba boat mocktail and the mac n cheese with short ribs. My waitress then informed me that they were out of the short rib and would brisket be ok. I hate brisket so I said no and she went and got me the menu to order something else. While I was looking at the menu with my phone flashlight (other tables had actual flashlights, they came prepared) as the tunnel was too dark to see without it, I was given mac n cheese with short rib according to the food runner. I questioned him as I had been told they were out but he went and checked and told me it was the last of the short rib. It was not short rib and someone lied. When the waitress returned, she thought it was burnt ends and checked with the kitchen and they told her brisket. Whatever the mystery meat was, it was not what I ordered. Did they think I wouldn't notice or know the meats are prepared differently. It is dark there so it is hard to know what you are eating. The mystery meat dish was taken back to the kitchen and I asked if they could prepare it with vegetables instead as mac n cheese seemed like the safest option on the menu with the mystery meats. I wish they just had what I originally ordered. The specialty made veggie dish was good but I expected more flavors with the cheese. It was kind of bland. I did try the dessert too. I got the strawberry lemonade cake. The strawberries were the best part as the cake was on the dry side. While eating this, the check was brought to the table. This is my biggest pet peeve to not wait until the guest is finished eating. The most frustrating part was that while they refused to increase the lighting when I arrived and asked as I couldn't read the menu. They immediately turned the lights up when another guest asked as I was finishing my dessert. The chef came to the table from the front dining area. It was my understanding that things were going to be made right. I didn't expect to be charged the full price for the dish without the premium meat. Then there was the service failure of bringing out a dish I hadn't ordered to begin with. The decor here is outstanding, with the copper ceilings and the speakeasy feel. The clock out front caught my attention too. They went all out with the details and elegance. So it is disappointing that the food and service is not up to the same standards.

Photos
Friends enjoying brunch
Friends enjoying brunch
Short rib brisket reuben
Short rib brisket reuben
Liqueurs and cordials

See all

Liqueurs and cordials
Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant

Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant

3.6
(642 reviews)
0.3 mi
•$$

We had a spectacular lunch at Persimmons recently, highlighted by the amazing service and tasty…read moreofferings. This was our first visit, so we were excited to get a water view when seated at our table - it was a bit too blustery to sit outside overlooking the river and massive boats parked alongside the waterfront restaurant. Our server, Brooke, guided us through everything from the cocktail menu to the entrees, effortlessly - she made solid suggestions from the get-go and was a delight to have helping us. Our two-top started off with a classic Persimmons Old Fashioned ($18) cocktail and a pear vodka, habanero and cucumber lime drink called the Bon Voyage ($14). We chose to split the Roasted Beet Salad ($13) as our appetizer and it was certainly large enough for two to share. The spring mix was topped with delicious red and golden beets, flecks of goat cheese and pistachios, as well as a thick fig balsamic. The salad could have easily been a meal topped with an optional protein. The entree menu features most of the coastal classics, including Fish Tacos ($16), a couple of massive burgers and some heavier offerings like Seafood Pasta ($32) and a huge Fried Seafood Platter ($30) We opted for the Tequila Salmon ($32), served over rice pilaf with green beans and a spicy margarita sauce. I ordered the Unicorn Fish ($30), mostly out of curiosity and upon Brooke's suggestion. The latter was an amazingly flakey fish with the taste and texture of grouper. Topped with honey pecans and served over a lemon scallop risotto with asparagus and spinach - certainly the most nicely prepared fish I've had in a very long time. We wrapped up the meal with a couple more cocktails and enjoyed the late afternoon view - the Wake Breaker ($18) drinks feature reposado, bailey's chocolate and a touch of habanero - the perfect end to an amazing meal.

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
Inside
Inside
*Fish Tacos featured 3 perfectly seasoned & fried fish fillets in full size soft tacos!
*Fish Tacos featured 3 perfectly seasoned & fried fish fillets in full size soft tacos!
Outdoor dining on the Nuese River. Stunning.

See all

Outdoor dining on the Nuese River. Stunning.
Lawson’s On The Creek

Lawson’s On The Creek

4.3
(85 reviews)
0.3 mi

If you're looking for a great place to get lunch in New Bern, Lawson's on the Creek is a strong…read moreoption. They're adjoined with the Tryon Palace visitor center right there in downtown New Bern, so likely they're convenient for you. They have a decent, slightly obstructed view of the water but you can walk about 50 feet and be right on it. There is a large private parking lot, so no worries on that either. In general, the sandwiches there are darn good, and the few sides we tried (dill potato salad, and their pasta salad) were excellent. My reuben on marbled rye was straight up delicious, and you order yours based on how much meat you want on it. They use Boar's Head meats here, which while I think sometimes that is overblown, you can count on that level of quality. The thing though is this, it's gonna be a pricey lunch. They are full service, so count on tipping. Their prices for sandwiches are higher than what I'm accustomed to, even with my standards adjusted for the current life of everything be expensive that we live in in 2026. Chalk that up to waterfront dining and high rent I would imagine. In any case, if the sandwich didn't live up to the price, I wouldn't give it a 5. Tasted great, service was excellent, overall a very enjoyable lunch. Would return!

Only open for lunch so dont miss out. Really good sandwiches and side. I had the corn beef with…read moreSwiss and it was delicious. Staff is friendly and efficient. Place is nice with view of Trent river

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

See all

House made Watermelon Shandy & watermelon lemonade

Cow Cafe - sandwiches - Updated June 2026

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