The Cow Pub & Kitchen — Restaurant in Dublin

Another recommendation by Anthony Bourdain and it’s really hard to make steak badly. As I got to the Chophouse, it was packed! That’s a good sign. It took a moment to find an available person to ask for a table. They asked if I had reservations, I did not. I guess you could say, I had “No Reservations.” You’ll get that one, let it sink in.

The server said to ask the bartender for a seat so I did. Once again, this place was packed. The bartender had me wait for a moment and said they were preparing a table. Cool! I’m in!

I sat down took a look at the specials and the menu. It was pretty hard to decide with the limited selection but I ended up getting the “35 Day Irish Dry-Aged Prime Limousin 10oz Ribeye,” medium-rare. Sound amazing, right?

Free bread was provided but I only had a small bite to try it. My experiences have taught me that the portion sizes are very big so I shouldn’t waste my time with bread unless I’m taking some food to go.

The Ribeye arrived and it was BLOODY! It was very rare but I ate it anyway. The seasoning on it was pretty light. That 35-day dry aging process didn’t really make it taste better. I was disappointed because I had very high hopes for this place. It was a 40-minute walk from my hostel too!

Damn it Anthony Bourdain, I respect you for showing food and cultures all over the world, but our tastes don’t align. I think you were too nice with your reviews because you were friends...

Review:

I had the pleasure of visiting The Cow - Pub and Kitchen on what must have been one of their busiest nights—rugby night—and I was blown away by the experience. Despite the packed atmosphere and constant buzz of excitement, the service was absolutely top-notch. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making sure everyone was taken care of with a smile, even under pressure.

The food was outstanding—far beyond what you’d expect from a bar. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and full of flavor, clearly prepared with care and attention to detail. From classic pub favorites to more creative options, the menu had something for everyone.

What really stood out was how seamlessly the team worked to maintain the energy and keep things running smoothly. Glasses were never empty, and orders came out quickly without any compromise on quality.

Whether you’re a rugby fan or just looking for a spot with great food and excellent service, I can’t recommend [Bar Name] enough. It’s a gem of a place that knows how to handle a crowd without losing its personal touch. I’ll...

I had been here several years ago and had a great experience with high quality food. Even Anthony Bourdain raved about the place. But the pandemic appears to have taken it's toll. No longer do they have the theatrical show of the cuts of meat you can choose from. Instead we were bizarrely told upfront that everyone in our medium sized group had to order a main course. As it happens we didn't but still racked up a hefty bill. The prices are pretty steep (my striploin steak was 44 EUR) but we were splashing out for a steakhouse meal with friends. So the expectation was excellence. Sadly it was not. The quality of the meat was good but it was beyond charred on the outside. In truth it was burnt. This was true also for the others in my group too. Cocktails were average. The fish dishes were good. Our server was charming and attentive. As someone who wants to support local restaurants, it pains me to say that this was not a great experience and I doubt I would go back unless prices come down or...