John Cowley & Son’s
33338 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI, 48336
John Cowley & Son’s Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Diabetics at Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets serves burgers which are generally high in sodium and fat. Ensure that you pick the burgers which are light and doesn't contain too much sodium. Try ordering salads if you're concerned about your sugar intake and looking for healthy choices.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for Diabetics:
Johnny Rockets is a fine dining place for burgers, but you must be selective if you're a diabetic. Skip all kinds of dressing when you order a burger at Johnny Rockets as it will only spike the sodium content on your meal. Salads are often considered diabetic-friendly but not the ones at Johnny Rockets. Avoid Crispy Chicken Club Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as they are too high in sodium and fat.
Make sure you opt for water instead of the drinks available on the Johnny Rockets menu. Besides Diet Coke and Coffee, most of the drinks served at Johnny Rockets are high in sugar. Skip the shakes at Johnny Rockets to avoid high sugar intake. Breakfast is always preferred heavy for diabetics but most of the breakfast items on the Johnny Rockets menu are high in sodium and must be avoided.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Johnny Rockets:
Rocket Single Burger (1 Serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Bacon Cheddar Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 280mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Double Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 410 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 10g), 320mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
The Original Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 590mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Hot Tea (8 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Facts: 0 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 10mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Sweet Potato Fries, Side (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 220 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 370mg sodium, 30g carbs, 10g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Side of Fries (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 0g), 460mg sodium, 30g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Farmington for healthy meals suggestion.
High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets
Fast-food restaurants are your last resort if you are suffering from high BP. Most fast food restaurants including Johnny Rockets offer foods rich in sodium. High sodium intake can be even lethal for people concerned with high blood pressure. However, you can always try the salads or choose food without any extra dressing or side dishes to limit your sodium intake.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Blood Pressure
It is extremely important to avoid any kind of burgers with extra dressing at Johnny Rockets. You must also skip any kind of breakfast items except Pancakes at Johnny Rockets. Also, avoid Breakfast Belt Sandwich and Rocket Breakfast Burger at Johnny Rockets as both these items are too high in sodium. Also, avoid Crispy Chicken Salad and Grilled Chicken Club Salad as well as any kind of dressing on other low-sodium salads available at Johnny Rockets. Skip shakes containing Oreo on the Johnny Rockets menu as Oreo shakes served at Johnny Rockets are high in sodium.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Johnny Rockets
Strawberry Chocolate Swirl Milkshake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 810 calories, 40g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 30g), 300mg sodium, 90g carbs, 90g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Rocket Single Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Route 66 Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 240 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 350mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Garden Salad (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 150 calories, 10g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 260mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Side Salad (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 70 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 110mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Apple Juice (10 fluid ounces)
Nutritional Facts: 140 calories, 0g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat0g), 30mg sodium, 30g carbs, 30g sugar, 0g fiber, 0g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Farmington for healthy meals suggestion.
High Cholesterol at Johnny Rockets
Burgers fall into the fast-food category and most fast-food items are high in cholesterol. If you're suffering from high cholesterol, then it is advised that you skip any meal with excessive fat and sugar.
Foods to Avoid at Johnny Rockets for High Cholesterol
You must skip all types of dressing on your burger. Also, avoid burgers like Smoke House Burger at all costs from Johnny Rockets menu. Skip all the drinks except coffee, iced tea, and diet coke as they are completely unhealthy for people with high cholesterol. Breakfast items on Johnny Rockets are very high in cholesterol and it is strictly recommended to avoid all the breakfast items on their menu including the sandwiches.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Johnny Rockets
Kids Cappuccino Crunch Milkshake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 740 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 20g), 310mg sodium, 100g carbs, 80g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Garden Black Bean Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 650mg sodium, 10g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
The Spicy Houston Burger (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 190 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 700mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Kids Banana Shake (1 shake)
Nutritional Facts: 560 calories, 30g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat20g), 190mg sodium, 60g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Johnny's Breakfast Sandwich (1 serving)
Nutritional Facts: 180 calories, 20g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat10g), 230mg sodium, 0g carbs, 0g sugar, 0g fiber, 10g Protein
Visit below restaurant in Farmington for healthy meals suggestion.
Q & A on Johnny Rockets
Who owns Johnny Rockets?
Johnny Rockets is founded by Ronn Teitelbaum. Today, the restaurant chain is owned by Sun Capital Partners.
Does Johnny Rockets serve breakfast?
Yes, Johnny Rockets has a separate breakfast section, especially for breakfast meal. Johnny Rockets serves breakfast all day and night.
Where is Johnny Rockets located near me?
There are over 320 Johnny Rockets outlets across the United States. You can find a Johnny Rockets restaurant nearby using our Restaurant Listings directory.
What time does Johnny Rockets open and close?
All Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States opens at 8 AM and stays open till 9 PM. Some Johnny Rockets restaurants stay open till midnight at some locations.
Does Johnny Rockets have gluten-free?
Johnny Rockets offers a wide range of gluten-free items. You can opt for the gluten-free bun to turn your burger into a gluten-free burger. For assurance, you can check out Johnny Rockets gluten-free menu.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
About Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a restaurant franchise headquartered in the United States. The American restaurant chain features 1950s diner-style restaurant format with individual jukebox stations, red vinyl seats, chrome accents, etc. There are around 320 Johnny Rockets restaurants in the United States.
Ron Teitelbaum from Los Angeles, California founded Johnny Rockets as a recreation of the 1940s vintage themed malt shops of his childhood. The first Johnny Rockets began its operations on June 6, 1986. Johnny Rockets specializes in American burgers and sandwiches as well as offers salads, starters, and shakes to enrich your dining experience at Johnny Rockets.
Healthy Food Options at Johnny Rockets
Johnny Rockets is a fast-food restaurant and finding healthy food at Johnny Rockets can be a bit tricky. While you can always opt for the salads and healthy shakes at Johnny Rockets for healthy options, there are also some healthy burgers and sandwiches which you can bet on. Ensure that the sugar, sodium, and cholesterol is in check when you order food at Johnny Rockets.
-
Address :
33338 Grand River Ave
Farmington, MI, 48336 - Phone (248) 474-5941
- Website https://johncowleys.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 12
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Fri, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Lynn H.
I hadn't been to Cowley's in over 20 years. Then a friend suggested we try it out when nearby Basement Burger Bar's wait was too long. And I'm glad to be reacquainted with this lovely Irish pub. Our waitress was the model of good service. She greeted us immediately and took our drink order, delivered it promptly and then waited patiently while we chatted for a while before looking at our menus. We were made to feel right at home. When we finally ordered and our food arrived, it was delicious. Hubby and I each ordered the cod boxty. Authentic and so good we had to stop talking to concentrate on the food. Our friends ordered the portobello salmon salad to split. It was plenty big enough for the two of them, and they both enjoyed it. I'm glad to have rediscovered this excellent establishment in downtown Farmington. I don't plan to let another 20 years go by before visiting again!
(4)Joe B.
Joe V. and I hit this place up for lunch today. It's right up the street from my office but I haven't had the occasion to drop in until this afternoon. If you're not looking for it you'll likely miss it, but the Royal Blue façade is a dead giveaway. Parking is easier behind the building FYI, since street parking is at a premium downtown. It was pretty dead at around 130 with maybe 4 tables and a couple patrons at the bar. I ordered the Cowley Club with a cup of their Baked Potato Soup instead of fries or chips. The soup was delicious although a dash of salt and pepper and this would've been perfection, but the scallions and cheddar on top were a nice additional touch. The sandwich I ordered must've stood at least 4 inches tall with stacked meats on rye with ripe tomato and fresh greens, pickles and mayo on the side and they threw chips on the plate despite the soup I had ordered. The sandwich was almost too tall to eat but it was quality! The entire menu looked pretty enticing as it was...the Pub Burger, their Reuben etc., etc. I had a difficult time picking the Club over the rest. Service was fantastic and despite the fact that they were slow I get the sense that they treat their patrons well here. I glanced at the upstairs for a quick second...I'm guessing that's where the entertainment plays....it looked like a nice place to enjoy a few pints with friends. I'd like to come back and check this place out at night but I'll be back for the food sooner than later.
(4)Todd N.
Cowley's is horrendously expensive for what it offers. Upstairs is a cavernous, sticky wasteland of gunky taps, greasy food, and a thoughtless, forgettable beverage selection. Stay away. Quit making your customers pay for your decision to build this ridiculous place.
(1)Joyce B.
This was my favorite restaurant. However, it seems they do not wish to listen to the customers. There cole slaw was fab, but they changed it. I saw many sending it back but the waitress acted as if the customer's were wrong. Many sandwiches I loved are now gone. The "Irish" that would make it unique is not even addressed on the menu either. This last time they are now replacing regular bacon with something "fancy" and I hated it! I hope they start listening before it closes. The waitresses are very nice (but some need to listen to the customers) with quick service. Please wake up Cowley's.. I went for dinner and everyone was eating sandwiches..your dishes do not appeal to the "people."
(3)Matthew E.
Been a Cowley's fan for years, especially in about the last year or two. It seems like the food quality and originality of the menu has gotten much better. I do wish there were a few more offbeat Michigan beer selections on tap (maybe something from Greenbush or Atwater?) and please bring back the Curry chicken. I loved it. I could eat to servings of it. It reminded me of Chicago pub food!
(4)Abigail H.
I'm not quite familiar with the Farmington area but we came out here to listen to a band. (One of my coworkers is a singer.) I probably never would have come to this place otherwise but I'm glad we came here. We got to the place around 10pm.The upstairs portion was the only area that was open. I think most bands they host play in this space. We weren't greeted by a hostess or waitress so we just picked a seat for ourselves. The atmosphere here is nice, and it feels cozy. We were probably one of the youngest people there. This place seems to attract the 40s-50s crowd. There is ample room for the band and for anyone who wants to shake it on the dance floor. Since the kitchen was only serving appetizers we split a Blarney Crock, which was a spinach and artichoke dip. Nice and hot. I'm not much of a drinker but whatever kind of vodka they were using was awesome. I ended up polishing off my drink which doesn't happen often. My fiance stuck with bottled domestic brews and enjoyed them, so I don't have a comment on their tap beers. I think I'd like to come back here for a dinner to see what they're about.
(4)Kelly O.
We went here recently for the first time for a date night. We had a really nice time. It was a Friday night and they were pretty busy. We sat at the bar, and the bartender did a really great job and we were never ignored. Food was good... typical Irish food. There was one little annoyance that occurred throughout our entire experience. Right behind me was a place for the hostess to stand and seat people. She was a young girl and she sat there crunching tortilla chips the entire time. When I say crunching, I mean mouth open, chomping style. I just found it disturbing and gross. If we're ever back in this area, I would go back. I've heard that the second floor is a little more of a party vibe. They were setting up a band when we were having dinner.
(3)Jim N.
Cowley's is located in downtown Farmington right next to the funeral home. We went there on July 29th after my grandmother's funeral visitation service. We didn't know exactly how many people we were going to have, but eventually all of my cousins and some aunts and uncles made it up to the second floor. They were great with the number of people coming and going. Our server was Shana C and she was on point the entire time. because people came and left at different times, I'm sure it was extra work for her in sorting everything out. The potato soup was a little plain though, we actually salted it even though we hardly ever add salt to anything. other than the soup, it was a great time at a nice pub with great service. Thanks Shana C!!
(4)Tarrah L.
Nice place to grab a drink but the food is over priced & not worth it. Don't bother. Grab dinner downstairs at Basement Burger Bar or the awesome new Mexican place.
(3)Bella M.
A decent place for a beer but the food, not so much. The fish and chips is $15 and I find that a high price for bar food. The fries were the frozen thinner type and the fish a little bland and soggy.
(2)Heather R.
Almost $20 for one beer and one shot with my $3 cup of coffee. You've got to be kidding me. I didn't see a Starbuck's logo anywhere on the menu. Pft.
(2)John K.
Great food and atmosphere! Chef changes the menu monthly but keeps the favorites. Bands on weekends.
(5)John W.
Cowley's is a classic style Irish bar in downtown Farmington. It has two levels. The main floor is a casual dining area and typically pretty quiet. The upstairs is a bar with sit down open floor plan dining, which also includes a stage for a band. For me the second floor is a must, it's way too quiet downstairs for this to be called a bar! Upstairs has a big screen projector and another couple TV's. If you were interested in having a big party here (25-50 or more) you could certainly pull it off up here. This place in my opinion is just so-so, there's nothing that really grabs me. I don't know what it is, just something isn't working quite right here. Farmington has approved a downtown streetscape project. If I were the owner here I might consider offering some outdoor seating on the main floor and knock out the wall on the second floor facing Grand River and open it up in the summer much like Duggan's in Royal Oak. The food is OK, I can't come out and tell you I was blown away by anything in particular. You can see their full menu on their web site johncowleys.com
(3)Amy B.
Outstanding Potato Soup. Just right on a cold night. Nice atmosphere Carrot cake yum
(4)Robyn T.
I'm bumping this one up to 4 stars because the element it lacked before was quite good this time. I went for lunch again, and ordered 1/2 chicken salad sandwich and 1/2 broccoli cheese soup. Both were very good! The chicken salad may actually have been great! The service was excellent this time. She was right on it and drinks, food, and check all came out in very good time so I could fit it in during my lunch hour. I'm pretty sure the first experience was an isolated incident.
(4)Cy W.
The food is extremely average, but with $15+ entrees, is severely overpriced for the quality of the food. I regret not trying any of the wide variety of scotch that they apparently have.
(3)Matthew K.
A great place to get a beer after seeing a show at the Civic. I've seen probably seen 50 Amp Fuse more times there then I want to admit. Wait times can be hit or miss, but they have Labatt on tap, and its with in walking distance of my parents house when I stay there during the holidays.
(4)Tom F.
Kiss the blarney stone.. Went to Cowley's to meet up with friends. This is the closest bar to my house so I thought I would give it a try. Based on previous reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect. We went up to Cowley's Pub upstairs(smoking allowed). Downstairs is the Coolhenry Dining(non-Smoking) which is a little "fancier" than the Irish pub upstairs. Good selections of beer. A few tv screens(could be more). Appetizer: LOBSTER BAKE Tender lobster pieces, folded into a blend of asiago, parmesan and cream, topped with parmesan cheese and baked golden brown, served with crackers-Not too bad. Drinking it down with the beer was good. Entree: EIGHT OUNCE SIRLOIN* Wood grilled and topped with tomato bruschetta and painted with balsamic glace-Not real bad...Could be better. Not tender and juicy enough. I ordered medium, it was more medium well and dry. Choice of potato, mashed, could have been warmer. Prices: Maybe a little high for bar food, but it looks like they are pricing it for the "fancy" restaurant downstairs. The service was slow. I had to track down waitress to keep getting beer refills(more beer). Seemed like a nice to place hang out and listen to music. Service needs to be better, and food needs to be a bit better. I remember this place before they completely remodeled it a few years back. They made a good bar burger back then. I will be going back here and try their burger and see how it compares to the old.
(3)Eric W.
I stopped in here last night for dinner. I'm in the Novi, MI area 2 or 3 times a year for business, and try to check out at least 1 or 2 new places each time. I've been to a few of the Irish style pubs in the area, and decided to try a new one. Horrible, horrible decision. The place itself is nice enough. They were having a wine/food tasting downstairs, so I was directed upstairs for dinner. Nice bar, gal behind the bar was nice and prompt, had a well poured Guinness. Good start. Now the bad part starts. I ordered corned beef and cabbage (my staple at Irish pubs if I'm not getting Shepherd's Pie) with a caesar salad. The salad came out quick, almost too quick. My plate was ice cold, but so were the croutons. It felt like it had already been made and had been sitting in the fridge waiting for someone to order it. Probably why it only took 3 minutes for it to come out. It certainly wasn't bad, just a typical Caesar salad. Then the corned beef and cabbage came out, and I don't know if I have the vocabulary to express how terrible this was. First, it came out in a large bowl filled with what was either the water the corned beef had been in yesterday, or some terrible broth. The carrots were woefully undercooked. The corned beef was sliced sandwich thin. The parts of it that were laying in the 'broth' were one color (pale) and the parts laying out were a deep red. Literally, this corned beef was just a step away from jerky. The cabbage was done, but here's what got my attention. The outer layer of the cabbage had burn marks, then it dawned on me. They had put the plate together, then put it in the oven. No wonder the corned beef was all but dead. The horseradish cream sauce was very bland. The only thing I can't fault on the plate was the potatoes. Now, I will say, the head chef was doing the wine/food tasting downstairs, so obviously either some second string schlepper was making my food, or someone had premade a bunch of things and he said 'if they order this, put this in the oven for 5 minutes and serve it!'. This may be a cool place on the weekends for bands and drinks, so understand that my one star review is simply because my meal was so awful that I had to go back to the Buffalo Wild Wings near my hotel and have 3 1/2dzn orders of wings in different sauces to kill the dead salty corned beef taste in my mouth. The corned beef/cabbage was 13.95 - with the salad and one Guinness came to just over 23$.
(1)Doug A.
I ate there once, it was OK. I went back a second time. The service was so bad that we decided not to order our food. It was loud and the waitstaff was not helpful at all. I will never go back.
(1)Meredith P.
This place is awesome for the live bands. I've gone here more than once to see my friend's dad play. The only problem is that it is a bit loud to hold a conversation. My mom didn't like to go because of the smoke, but now that it's not a problem I think I'm going to drag her back! Sometimes I prefer going during the day. I love bar food, and theirs is pretty great. Just a good burger with ketchup and mustard is enough to keep me satisfied. But they have a nice variety. I think my dad got the sirloin steak, and I had to try some. I love the feel of a pub. It's always got the dim lighting and dark paneled walls that really enhance the mood. They also have an upstairs area. I've only been up there once, but it's a lot quieter for those people who prefer to talk rather than hear the music.
(4)Michelle I.
Ah, Cowleys....I know I can always count on you. If I don't feel like going far from home, Cowleys is my fallback option for a cold drink and a place to meet-up with friends. After countless visits and an infinity plus one alcohol units, I can say Cowleys is A-OK. The beer list isn't that extensive, the menu is boring (but trying to be fancy) bar food and stage is small, yet I come back because its comfortable, its close, and its pure Farmington. I recently met up with a friend here for an early evening drink and some appetizers. As always, the bar service was pretty good for the most part. We shared the lobster bake and calamari. The lobster bake, which people seem to love, was all cheese and no crustacean. Don't get me wrong, I will be the first to say "cheese, please" but don't call it lobster bake if there are like 2% lobster and the rest a concoction of cheese. On the other hand, the calamari was really good. Drizzled with balsamic and served with horseradish and marinara, I knew I found a winner. Other food selections there range from decent to mediocre. The turkey brie sandwich drowns in a sad cheesy brie puddle, the other sandwiches are ok, pasta here can be good if its not served with a soup bowl's serving of cream sauce. (did you notice a pattern? I think Cowleys needs a dairy intervention). Otherwise the bar is good for live music on the weekends. There is a small dance floor and stage but its comfortable for most bands. It will get crowded on those nights but you still have a good amount of room to move around in. The bar also has beer and wine tasting nights. I have only been to the beer tasting nights, which are hosted by Rex Halfpenny (who pens the Michigan Beer Chronicle). I would recommend checking these nights out if you have a chance. I just can't pass up the samplers of beer, finger foods and a beer-centric lecture for the geek in me.
(3)David P.
Not a bad place by any means. Entrance off the back, and the front, but only the front is handicap accessible. Nice atmosphere in the bar. Brick walls, old fashioned bar in the corner. The place is pretty big (two floors + patio. I opted for the Rock Shrimp Jambalaya. It was good... Not really the southern type dish you'd expect. It came with wild rice and a more tomato like sauce. Was still good, just different. The andouille sausage in it was very good. Sat on the street on a perfect night. The wait-staff were very polite, and fairly attentive. I'll come back.. Maybe try one of the Irish menu items.... One other thing... I gave it 2 $$'s because the more 'unique' items are between $10 and $20. But if you go for the sandwiches, they would be under $10...
(3)Mic M.
After all the years of being so very close to this place and never going (other than to use their facilities during Founders Fest), we finally took the John Cowleys and Son's plunge last night. The reality is, it was a Friday night and we were looking for a place to eat that had "decent" live entertainment, not so easy to find in the western burbs for some reason! In any event, on a whim I thought, what about JC&S, so I checked out their website and voilà , the Killer Flamingos were playing. So as mentioned in previous reviews its a two story place, a dining room in the lower level and the full service sports bar type of place upstairs. Two things, in the yelp overview it says "takes reservations" when we called at 6:30ish to say our party of 4 would be there at 7:30 and asked if they would reserve a table for us, they said no problem. Well, we lived up to our end of the bargain, we arrived promptly at 7:30, but guess what....no tables available. A guy came over (I assume the manager/owner) and said, we don't take reservations when "this band" or another popular band he mentioned plays there. No problem with that, you just better let your staff know, dude! Well as we milled about trying to figure out what to do, and whether it was worth it to stay, a two person table opened up, so we collected a couple other chairs and huddled around this small table to have a brew and scope things out, and thinking in my head "I am not sitting at this small table for 4 hours"! Luckily a 4 topper opened up right next to us after about a half hour, so things were yet again right in the universe! As boring and generic as it was to do, I ordered the fish and chips, and I gotta say, as fish and chips go, they made them pretty well. The batter was flavorful, the fish had really nice consistency but was just a little dry. The fries were really good with the right amount of seasoning for my taste. Ok, as far as being a good venue for bands, I would put a BIG question mark up. Something I noticed right away was that the stage and dance floor area were quite small, and since the place was so packed many people were standing around everywhere, kind of like you would see at a party (including the dance floor), so as the band played there weren't too many people dancing. All in all we had fun here, it wasn't too loud, too expensive or too uptight! Just a bit of reservation/seating confusion, a bit crowded, and sort of small for more popular bands. I would go back, but I wouldn't count on them to let you reserve a table on a night when a band plays, even though they say they will!
(4)Kevin Y.
A couple of weeks ago my father casually mentioned that Cowleys offers two for one burgers on Sundays when the Lions are playing. Being the masochists that we are, we still enjoy watching the Lions - so I swung by and told him I'd be happy to go for a burger. If only our masochistic ways extended to our dining preferences. There were indeed two for one burgers -- but really the entire meal should have been free. Granted - I wasn't expecting a fine dining experience - but when I order a medium-rare burger - I expect it not to be charred. Likewise - pop's burger, requested medium, looked like it had been swapped for my original order. Second, when I asked for hot sauce, the waitress was kind enough to bring me a bottle. The bottle didn't stick around for my food, however, as the bartender/runner asked if he could "steal it" for another table. I said that would be fine - as I didn't have my food yet - and surely they had another bottle of hot sauce. What I didn't know was that the bartender/runner had actually brought up (the kitchen is downstairs) our order along with the other table's. Our food was sitting behind me. The bartender/runner turned and walked back behind the bar, leaving our food invisible behind my back. When our server came back, about three minutes later, the reveal was made -- but I was still without hot sauce. I asked her if that was the only hot sauce they had -- which I now see was a miscommunication -- she replied with "We have texas petes" - and I said I'd be ok with that. I waited a few minutes, even did the whole catch her eye, mouth "hot sauce?" -- and there was never a replacement bottle brought. Finally, I just decided to walk over to the other table and ask if I could borrow the hot sauce that they had borrowed from me for a moment and solved this overwhelming crisis myself. I should mention there were only three other tables in the restaurant at this point in the afternoon - so these errors can't be waived for business. I suppose the lack of clientele should have been a tell. Perhaps people have come before to watch the Lions on the big screen, and we're just as annoyed as we were that the shades over the windows did little to ease the glare which easily overtook the projection system rendering the details of the game rather void. I've been to Cowleys before for a couple of beers - but even with a comped Guinness (which I gave to my pops) I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.
(1)Lisa K.
I really enjoy John Cowley's and I don't know why I don't go more. My mom threw my wedding shower here in the upstairs part, but I did pick the place. I liked the whole sports bar vibe but still nice for the shower. The food was really good and from my knowledge they were super accommodating! I would hold more events here!
(4)Chris C.
Frankly I'm a bit surprised by the reviews left so far (especially 1 star for not getting hot sauce, wow); my family has been visiting Cowley's for years now and it's one of our favorites. Admittedly, some of their menu is forgettable, but then what are you doing ordering a cajun chicken sandwich at an Irish pub anyway? On my latest visit, I tried the Shepherd's pie for the very first time. Wow. Those looking for the traditional style with ground, minced meat, look elsewhere. What comes out is a delicious slop of fatty, braised lamb smothered in delicious mashed potato and cheese. The juice makes the perfect bread dip. They also make a MEAN bread pudding, both in taste and size (think cobblestone paver-size). As some have mentioned below, I've always had wonderful service experiences. The wait staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming. I've never stopped by just to drink, so this review really only covers the bottom level. If you're looking to have some Irish staples, definitely give this place a go. If you're looking for a cajun chicken sandwich, just roll over to Max & Erma's already.
(4)Michelle R.
Cowley's has a new chef, and I was encouraged to try his farm-market fresh ratatouille last Saturday night. Yum! I don't even like zucchini or eggplant, but what Chef Brendan did with these vegetables changed my mind. I am looking forward to more of his fresh dishes.
(4)Kelley W.
I went in to Cowley's last Friday for lunch with my husband. It's a much quieter place around that time of day - at least on a holiday weekend. The service was still lackluster...I don't get quite why because 1 server with 4 tables and the bartender with a few at the bar should be totally manageable. Oh well...we weren't in a rush... The main thing I wanted to update was the food. I ordered the chef's salad and it was amazing! No deli meats here! Nice chunks of ham and turkey, the Swiss was generously cut off a block and the American was very nice. The eggs were great and the green onion garnish was a nice tough. The lettuce was mixed greens, which I am always a fan of. Their ranch is good - more of the thinner homemade variety which I happen to swoon for. My husband enjoyed the fish and chips sandwich. Overall the food quality may have improved...I want to believe it has but the kitchen wasn't very busy when we went so... Downtown Farmington broke ground on the streetscape project so there will be outdoor seating at Cowley's and other downtown restaurants in the near future!
(4)Ed S.
Beer good. Food ehh... Ordered a medium steak and got rare. Don't get me wrong I will eat rare steak but I would prefer to be in the mood and order it that way. Too bad I've heard nothing but good things about this place.
(2)Kelly S.
I love this place...their food is amazing, I've yet to have anything that I didn't like. I like the separation of the lower & upper levels & totally dig the fact that they now have a patio! This place is not cheap by any means & the wait staff can often leave a lot to be desired. Parking sucks so I often park at the mall across the street & walk over. This place is definitely more of a restaurant than a bar, on my first trip here I ordered a Rolling Rock & was told rudely by my server that "we don't serve that, this is an Irish pub" yet the girl I was with was able to order a Corona...last time I checked that's not an Irish beer either. Anyway, the servers are worth putting up with for the food...the mac & cheese, the fish & chips, the app pizza, the Guinness beef stew...it's all soooo good! My boss' band plays here often & it's always a good time but it tends to get really packed upstairs which can suck.
(4)Erik K.
Very nice place inside. Pleasant atmosphere. The fish n chips were the best I have ever had, and I've had them all over. Wait staff was friendly, proactive, and quick. Food was moderately priced, but I didn't like paying 6.00 for pint of Guinness. Overall, this place hit a homerun with the quality of their food, and combined with the great ambiance and pleasant waitstaff, this place has earned a great ranking.
(4)Dave P.
Nice atmosphere. Good Irish menu. Can't go wrong with the Beef stew or the Cowley Burger. Fine selection of beers on tap. Wait staff friendly & responsive.
(4)Steven S.
Food is ok and rather pricey for what you get. Atmosphere makes up for it. Staff is the best and the patrons are all very friendly. Great location. Overall, worth going to hang out and enjoy a fun, traditional Irish pub.
(3)dorothy h.
This is our place to hang out on Saturdays. They have an enhanced happy hour on the weekends--50 cents off drinks and $2 select drafts and bottles (the usual suspects such as bud but if you're broke and/or cheap you probably don't care). As for the food it's standard bar fare; order anything with the shamrock next to it and you will get something tasty. These are their specialties (guiness stew, shepherds pie) so it's a better bet than ordering the Cajun chicken sandwich (blah, tough, tasteless). I especially love the apps (half off during happy hour). The blarney crock is an artichoke dip with an awesome cheesy crust on top. I also got these loaded potato chips topped with all kinds of goodies like sour cream and bacon that was super tasty. The food is not mind-blowing but for a bar it's a great place to hang out.
(3)Nancy R.
Great food; a odd stale oder when you first walk in, but that goes away once inside. Nice bar, great fireplace; fairly romantic and dark; casual. It does have a semi private room for groups of 10 or so.
(3)