Cowan's Public

My fiancé and I visited Cowan’s Public for the first time and left feeling a bit underwhelmed overall. To start on a positive note, the cocktails were excellent. We each ordered a different signature drink, and both were beautifully crafted and flavorful, no complaints there at all. The appetizers were also solid and came out at a reasonable pace. Despite the restaurant looking packed when we arrived, the service was very good. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made us feel well taken care of throughout the evening. Unfortunately, the main courses were where things fell short. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich, and my portion was noticeably burnt on one side. My fiancé ordered the Caesar salad, which looked more like a small side salad than a full entrée. That was disappointing,

Ambiance is lovely and out waitress was sweet, however those are the most positive things I can say. Our entree orders were simple - salads with protein. Caesar salad was crazy fishy (and I love anchovies) and SO heavily dressed; it was challenging to eat. I applaud they’re using jumbo shrimp, but they were mushy. The farro salad had a very unappealing dressing that tasted like old oil (sent it back and the manager came out to defend it. I didn’t even ask for it to be taken off the hill, but don’t feel like arguing that it’s indeed off). The warm burrata app was so unappealingly sweet, and for the love of God, don’t heat the burrata!! Heat what it’s served with, but the integrity of the burrata is ruined when heated. The martinis are more like tiny tinis in the teensiest little gl

We ordered chicken wings and steak frites tonight for dinner take out. It was so good! We were pleasantly surprised! We will definitely order from here again! We plan on going there in person soon! We can't say enough good things about the food! You have to try it! Highly recommend!

I ate here once in 2024 and once in 2025. In 2025 we went there maybe the first week of December. We had our reservation we sat down right away. We were really impressed. But to wait for your food 1 hour and 35 minutes is ridiculous. The table on the right of us and the table the left of us got beautiful full plate of long french fries. We basically got the bottom of the bag that you find of those tiny black frozen French fries and maybe a hand full . How many times do we ask for our drinks ? Well we got up after a while and went to the bar by ourselves and got our own drinks . To pay over $130 for three handful of food is ridiculous (More like three small appetizers). Way too overpriced for under seasoned appetizers that you say is entree . No I would not eat here anymore. On top of that

One of my favorite restaurants in Nutley, Cowan’s consistently delivers high quality food, great cocktails, and friendly service. I went for lunch, sat outside, and brought my doggie. The chef created a a deliciously savory potato and aioli starter that alternates between fries or chips. Highly recommend. The chef prepared my book at a medium and I really enjoyed the candied bacon. I would order again.