The Contented Cow — Restaurant in Northfield

This is a pub, not a sports bar or Applebee's. Like many literal British pubs owned by actual British peoples, this pub has nuances that don't mesh readily with American preconceived notions of service. It has bartenders with character and grit, and locals alike. It has a long history of great and not so great happenings. If you are taking a ride on the Contented Cow I suggest, make sure you thicken your skin when stepping up to the taps. If you are a jerk, it's highly possible you will get reciprocal treatment. 98% of the time you will get the service you are looking for. If not, politely request service. I've never had an experience I didn't enjoy here. Often has music, and much of it is good. Taps are on rotation often. It's a safe joint, and has a great coffee shop right next...

The place itself, looks nice. The staff needs a lesson in how to speak to people. Two nights in a row we had bartender swearing at us at closing time. We stopped in for a night cap, drink still half full, bartender screams at us to get the "F@#k" out. That is not how I or my employee's talk to customers. We were walking by the next night and decided to check it out again, give them another chance. Barely get in the door, ( didn't realize it was closing time already) and the bartender starts yelling at us with "F bombs" flying again. This employee has no business working in a business like this. Northfield is supposed to be a friendly place. Hopefully the owner and management take a look at video footage and fire this guy. What happened to ...

Let's not pretend this place is something it isn't. It's grungy, dirty, and in a musty basement. The service is a weird single file line and the bartenders aren't particularly knowledgeable or kind. But everyone is real and helpful enough. It attracts the right crowd and usually has some great entertainment. A dirty popcorn machine pumps out free delicious snacks.

This is the best place in town to meet for a drink and have a conversation. Things don't get out of hand; the vibe and ambiance is just right. Non-pretentious. AMAZING two-story patio on the river. They do fun drawings and winter ice bars and so much more. They even have the best pizza place's phone number on their menu haha this place is my CHEERS. I wouldn't go...