Black Cow Tap & Grill
| Address: | 54 Merrimac St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA |
| Phone: | +1 978-499-8811 |
| Site: | blackcowrestaurants.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–12AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–1AM 11:30AM–11PM |
Location
Photos 1
Reviews 11
A
A Private User
We were strolling around Newburyport after dark on Nov 14 just as all the antique shops were closing. We asked the proprietor of the last one we were in to recommend a place for dinner, she recommended another place but added that when she wanted something a little special she went to the Black Cow though it was usually too pricey for her. After more strolling we found it and were pleased to see the double fireplace roaring as it was chilly. Fairly empty and we got a great table #7 by the fire. The staff were super friendly and helpful. The selection was not quite as expansive as we might have liked, i.e. no lobster or prime rib but some very interesting options. So by the courses Duck Quesidilljias (bad spelling I know) disappointing, two much other stuff, little or no duck taste. dipping sauce was way too mayonaisy. Grilled Mahi Mahi with pineapple salsa -- delicious/excellent Ginger rack of lamb-delicious/excellent though ginger inperceptable (I asked for it to be easy on the ginger) Both cooked perfectly. Roasted potatoes and butternut squash - perfect Grilled broccoli - too el dente Service - excellent Atmosphere, very romantic, fire, quiet view of harbor lights etc. Definitely warrants a return visit.
JO
Jon Heller
Pretty good food. Ridiculously expensive for what it is. Ive been to the Black Cow about six times in the past few years, but was so insulted by the cost last visit and the fact that the management refused to address it that I wont be back anytime soon. Here is our receipt, for which we paid $12.94 for a kids meal and $18 for chicken fingers with asparagus. Yes, $12.94 for a kids meal and $18 for chicken fingers with asparagus. The kids meal cost is correct -- we asked if we could just have some plain lettuce instead of fries, the server said sure, and didnt mention that a handful of lettuce would be a $4.99 upcharge. It was still $13 for a kids meal, a price Ive never seen in my entire life. The $18 chicken fingers was a mistake, as theyre $12 on the menu, but we were charged $6 for substituting the asparagus for the fries. When we contacted the restaurant afterwards they insisted the $12 chicken fingers were an appetizer even though theyre clearly listed on their pub menu (with a side of fries) on their website. Its not like in the end $6 makes or breaks a meal but blatantly lying to a customer is pretty sad.
JO
Johnny Beckworth
We avoided this restaurant for awhile due to the high prices for mediocre food. However, we decided to give it another try after spending a day in Newburyport. Big mistake. I ordered a $15 burger that was an absolute disappointment - no seasoning and very skimpy cheese. To make matters worse, there was a fragment of bone in the ground meat that I bit into! Gross. I brought this to the attention of the manager. She brought it to the attention of the kitchen staff and returned with the explanation that "sometimes that happens with meat". Wow! Dont waste your time or money here. Go to Crave in downtown Amesbury; they never disappoint.
A
A Private User
Never been here before and stumbled on it while surfing for restaurants in Newburyport. A truly excellent find. The service was outstanding and very attentive. Our group of three ordered the Pan Seared Halibut, Grilled Scallops Skewer and The fire grilled Strip Steak. For desert we each selected the Reves Du Chocolate. The food was delicious and very well presented. This restaurant may be slightly on the $$ side but the quality of the meals, service, ambiance and location right on the Merrimac makes it very worthwile. We intend to come back and have absolutely no reservations about recommending it.
A
A Private User
After spending the day strolling in Newburyport during this humid summer, we decided to belly up to the bar at The Black Cow. The waitresses were a disaster - rude, horrific service and terrible drinks. Never asked us if we wanted to see dinner menus. When we asked for them, they said "You are eating dinner?" The bar was so crowded that people were standing between my wife and I. There wasnt any space for them!! When I asked the waitress if she could service from a different spot, she told us that is what happens when you sit at the bar. WOW! I will never go there again - should you??
A
A Private User
The location of this restaurant is great. Center of Newburyport right on the water, couldnt ask for more. The atmosphere is great as well, decors tasteful and service is definitely above average. For a foodie like me however, paying for the food they try to pass off is more than enough to turn my stomach I don’t have to eat it too. Its overpriced and pretty much terrible. Im sure they get away with it because of the atmosphere but if youre going out for a good meal, skip the waterfront and go to the Blu Water Cafe, Joseph’s, or one of the other good restaurants in Newburyport.
A
A Private User
Great location but I live in the area and believe me, we locals dont eat here. The masses of transient summer tourists whos curiosity brings them to this restaurant results in food that is hurriedly prepared, often delivered cold by wordless waitstaff, and served in small portions but with a BIG price tag. Definitely no value for your dollar. There are many other smaller, more cozy restaurants serving genuine local fare at a good value ($16 for a seafood dinner, soup to dessert is average, instead of paying $36+ at this place) that a little research is worth the effort.
RI
Rick Hanson
The Black Cow offers a nice selection of items and everything that I have had has been good. The atmosphere is great with either large windows to overlook the river or seating on the back deck right over the river. The chowder and the fish and chips here are excellent. My only complaint and big enough complaint to only get 3 stars is the prices. I can understand good food cost money, and I appreciate that, but $3 for a cup of soda. It is the little things that ruin a good place.
BR
Brady Hoover
My wife and I tried the Black Cow out the other night and both our meals were excellent. I had the special, Mahi Mahi which was very delicious. I recommend it to the waitress if any of her other tables were to ask about it was one of the better fish dishes I had ever had. My wife had the monk fish which was very good as well. Both meals were very clean and friendly to those trying to eat more of a whole food diet with limited processed food. We would go back again.
BI
Bill Bacon
The restaurant is pretty set back from the street so it can be somewhat ready to miss, but the food and location on the water are absolutely worth it. They have a great beer selection consisting of some of your staples and plenty of local craft breweries. Food was very tasty; tips with a mild marinade cooked perfectly rare along with vegetables and rice. Prices are good for the food you get; a dinner and drink will probably average $25-$30 per person.
CA
Carl Gromatzky
Im giving this 4 stars because of the location. The view from the bar and outside deck is wonderful. They play old school tunes through the sound system and the food is decent. I didnt have an entree though so it could be better than what I had. They do have s good selection of beer on tap but the taps need cleaning. I tried two beers on tap and have had them before at other bars and these taps are definitely dirty and need a regular cleaning.