Cowan's Public — Restaurant in Nutley

I have been to Cowens on 2 different occasions and I tried again last Tuesday, I will never return again! I was highly disappointed all 3 times. They had open tables and bar seats on all 3 of my visits yet they turn customers away!! Let me start by explaining my first visit, I work a few blocks away from Cowens, so after a work meeting, a few coworkers and I went after work for drinks. We sat at the bar and the bartender had a really unwelcoming attitude towards us. We asked if the kitchen was open he said yes, then took about 10 minutes to give us menus. At that point I told the bartender we were actually ready to order, as we had checked out the menu online. He said he would return to take the food order. At this point all we had done was order wine and were still waiting for it. Minutes later he arrives with the wine and I asked if we can order food now, he says sorry kitchen is closed!! I kindly told him "oh no but we have been waiting over 30 minutes to order we have been ready" he and his nasty attitude said sorry there's nothing I can do for you. My friend said its ok and wanted to order a cocktail...he responded " You have a drink in front of you, how about when you're all done with the wine I'll come back for your cocktail order" this was so strange, like he was coursing our drinks...so we finsihed the wine and I asked can we now order cocktails.. he told us NO! That they were closing early and gave us our check!! No last call no nothing and this was at 9pm! According to Google, this place is open until 12am.

On the second visit we came in at 8:45pm, again Cowens is open until 12am. Upon walking in we were told we cannot sit at the bar or dining room because they are closed early. BUT we can have a shot if we want and have to close out our tabs in cash because they were closed. The Bartender was nice, he kindly explained they closed early this night at 8:30pm but we can take shots and pay cash and immediately leave. This was so frustrating. I wonder of any management or the owner knows these kids are closing early and not ringing up shots?! Just asking for cash we couldn't even sit and have a drink so we left.

Now for the last straw, a friend of mine came in from the UK I asked her to meet me at Cowens because I would be able to meet her at 7pm. We got there at 7, we were able to sit at the bar. The bartender approached us and said sorry we cannot order food because they are closing early!! I asked what time they will be closing, she said in 30 minutes. I asked aren't they open until 12am she said " yea I'm sorry you can have a drink if you'd like but we need everyone out in 30 minutes" I asked if she was a manager she simply smiled and said no then walked away and never came back to take a drink order. After sitting there unattended, we decided to get up and go.

This is honestly so inconsistent and inconvenient!! Incredibly unprofessional and I truly wonder if the owners or management is aware of this reoccurring "closing early" situation and how they constantly turned away customers.

My advice is just call before going in. I really cannot get over the rude attitude of the bartender on my first visit. He was soo annoyed by us coming, it was one of the most unwelcoming establishments I've ever...

Cowan's Public, nestled in the heart of Nutley, NJ, has garnered a reputation as a quintessential five-star experience, captivating patrons with its unique blend of ambiance, culinary delights, and exceptional service.

Ambiance:

The moment one steps into Cowan's Public, a warm and inviting ambiance envelops them. The establishment boasts a tasteful decor that strikes a balance between modern sophistication and a cozy, familiar atmosphere. The carefully curated aesthetic contributes significantly to the overall dining experience, setting the stage for an enjoyable visit.

Culinary Delights:

Cowan's Public is not merely a place to dine; it is a culinary journey. The menu reflects a commitment to quality, featuring a diverse array of dishes that cater to various palates. From delectable appetizers to mouth-watering entrees, each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and passion. The culinary team's dedication to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients enhances the overall dining experience, leaving patrons savoring every bite.

Exemplary Service:

One of the pillars of Cowan's Public's five-star status is undoubtedly its exemplary service. The staff, from servers to management, goes above and beyond to ensure patrons feel welcomed and attended to. The attentive and friendly nature of the service team adds a personal touch, creating an environment where customers not only enjoy their meals but also feel valued.

Community Connection:

Beyond its culinary offerings, Cowan's Public has embedded itself in the Nutley community, contributing to the establishment's charm. Local events, collaborations with nearby businesses, and a genuine commitment to supporting the community create a sense of belonging for patrons. This connection goes beyond the transactional nature of a restaurant, transforming Cowan's Public into a local hub for both residents and visitors alike.

Consistency in Excellence:

A hallmark of any five-star establishment is consistency in delivering excellence. Cowan's Public has mastered this art, ensuring that each visit is as exceptional as the last. Whether one frequents the establishment for a casual brunch or a celebratory dinner, the commitment to quality, both in terms of ambiance and cuisine, remains unwavering.

In conclusion, Cowan's Public in Nutley, NJ, stands as a testament to what makes a dining experience truly five-star. Its harmonious blend of ambiance, culinary expertise, exemplary service, community engagement, and unwavering commitment to consistency sets it apart as a destination where patrons not only enjoy a meal but create...

The manager and server were absolutely fantastic. This is the only reason I am giving an extra star for my review, otherwise I would have given a 1/5. They offered a gift card, but we definitely would not eat there again (drinks, maybe) - very friendly staff.

I can't speak to the drinks, and I'm assuming the ratings are based on delicious drink options and ambiance. If you are hungry and are looking for food options I would stay away. The pictures of reviews are outdated (which I know is not the fault of management). We ordered a decent amount of food, all of which was much, much smaller in portion.

1. Mini pretzel. This should be called a micro pretzel. Pictures show a pretzel the size of a place. Ours was cut into pieces. We pieced it together which appeared to be taken apart by hand. For $16 (we were charged $11, but menu shows $16). The pretzel was about the size of my fist and I have small hands. A wetzel's pretzel cost $5 for comparison. You get approximately 900% more pretzel at a mall vs what we were served. We were also served a tub of cheese. Cheese was delicious, but whats the point of a tub of cheese w/ a micro pretzel? I gave this some thought... the cheese has to cost more unless the pretzel is purchased outside instead of made in-house. They would be losing on margins. The pretzel wasn't all that bad, but im assuming the cost of purchasing it outside is high bc the cheese can't be that cheap. DO NOT ORDER MINI PRETZELS UNLESS YOU ENJOY THROWING AWAY YOUR MONEY.

2. Bao buns. pictures from 1-2 years ago show 3 pieces. We got 2 but this was not reflected on the menu. my daughter said it tasted ok atleast. $7 per bun is a bit too high, especially for a non-asian restaurant.

3. Chicken sandwich. No complaints this was good as well as the fries

4. Caesar salad. only complaint were the rock hard, likely expired croutons. I would check these before each service

Overall, if the drinks are good - why not! We only had the house beer which was very good. If you are hungry and want decent food, don't eat here. I wouldn't say the food was bad per se, just extremely deceptive. Hard...