(Dined 04/11/2026 SA @ 9:00am, 03/23/2024 SA @ 1:00pm, and many times before): How now... black…read morecow!?
The Black Cow Cafe has been part of my life since my college years, so when I came here now, it was always filled with nostalgia and a slowed pace over a calming meal. Opened in 1994 by a father and son, they embodied the community's "Main Street USA" vibe with a neighborhood diner where everyone knew each other, and you were served a soothing homemade meal during breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Did this cafe leave me with warm memories of the past, or did I cower from time's inevitable changes!?
PURCHASE(S)
Green Milan 16floz Drink ($7.95): My body needed something "green" and this sounded interesting. I thought it would be one of those health smoothies back in the 80s, but instead a frothy hazy light drink with a light grassy aroma and a middling leafy flavor. I didn't dislike it, but I wouldn't order it again. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=Uo_FrA9ezkxhIn4VnwEVtQ
Vegetarian Omelette w/Country Potatoes & Sourdough Toast ($18.95): Made with avocado, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, Ortega chiles, pico de gallo, salsa ranchera, spinach, and topped with sour cream, an omelette was also on my eating bingo card. This smallish portion on the healthier side was packed with fresh goodness and fluffy eggs. The country potatoes were plentiful, nicely seasoned, but lacked the outer crisp I liked. The large sourdough toast with creamy butter and preserves rounded out the meal well. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=vDf51dNgOCoyIaPX_AOvrw
Fish & Chips w/Coleslaw & Muffin ($17.95): Made with tempura fried Icelandic cod served with jalapeno tartar sauce, and Hawaiian coleslaw, the three fish pieces were crunchy, hot, and thick but needed more seasoning so the tarter sauce came in handy (no vinegar!). The coleslaw lacked much flavor and moisture, and the muffin was moist and warm. This one could've been better. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=dsLbeFauDvvnvXiA6IZhBA
[ONION RINGS/STRAWS/STRINGS ALERT - 4.0 of 5.0 STARS]
Substitute Onion Rings ($3.95): I replaced the french fries with these, a good side portion with many rings of different sizes, these were hot, dark golden browned, crunchy, and had a tendency to crumble when bitten into while the onion ring (not sweet Maui) pulled out at times. Although they were somewhat oily, they were good, and dipping sauce wasn't needed. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=hBUiwmcGa-pKcL8pRPQipg
German Chocolate Cake Slice ($5.95): Solid, thick, and a rich chocolatey flavor, the coconut maple frosting was outstanding! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=WracW1NRal1uz_2MeLeqlw
Peach Cobbler Pie Slice ($5.95) + Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop ($1.25): A flat-looking thing with a ton of fresh peaches that bursted with cinnamon and spices, but the crust was lifeless. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=iBVwJ4BeHE_DcX1FHAP7qA
SERVICE
We were greeted by friendly young hosts, seated immediately, given menus, and shortly afterwards our orders were placed. Everything arrived within ten minutes, and we were checked on periodically. All was good - thank you!
PARKING
(Varied: FREE this instance): I found a spot in the large public lot directly above the restaurant off of Florencita Dr. Otherwise, there were metered spots along the main drag of Honolulu Ave. and all surrounding side streets- 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A packed layout filled with tables inside and along the front sidewalk, the decor was as if grandmothers united and gave it a country farm house appeal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=HWq31BkepPCR8uWcUf4Gtw with odds-and-ends and knickknacks. There was a coffee bar and dessert counter https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=24&select=xA7i9XBuwKW-6sfh0n-vUQ with more space. A minimal amount of natural lighting came in through the front glass windows and doors while a mix of recessed and track electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs nor could I recall any background music over all of the loud conversations.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
It was nice to revisit The Black Cow Cafe, and hoped to return soon. The menu was packed, the food was good, the prices were comparable, and the service was busy but manageable. Plus, I always preferred to support small local mom & pop businesses. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $69.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS