American restaurants

Cowfin Bar and Grill

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

13500 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445, United States $10–20
4.4
355 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Surf City, North Carolina, Cowfin Bar and Grill offers an inviting American dining experience that perfectly blends comfort with festive cheer. Known for its hearty, satisfying dishes and a warm, vibrant atmosphere, this local gem is a go-to spot for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

At Cowfin, the menu masterfully combines classic American favorites with a touch of creativity. If you’re craving something cozy, their soups are a must-try—available in both large bowls ($9.50) and small cups ($5.50), wonderfully paired with a perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich ($5.00), delivering that nostalgic blend of creamy, melted cheese and crisp golden bread. These comforting flavors evoke a sense of home and warmth, especially appreciated during cooler days or intimate nights out.

For those who enjoy a spirited accompaniment to their meal, Cowfin’s alcohol menu offers uniquely curated cocktail flights that elevate your tasting experience. From the invigorating Mule Flight ($8.00) to the refreshing Mimosa Flight ($8.00) and the fruity Sangria Flight ($9.00), each selection invites you to indulge in layers of flavor while perfectly complementing Cowfin’s robust menu offerings.

The ambiance at Cowfin Bar and Grill is truly part of its charm. Decorated seasonally with thoughtful touches that instantly lift your spirits, the venue shines especially during the holidays. Reviewers consistently mention the enchanting Christmas décor and inviting setup, which creates an atmosphere that feels both festive and intimate. Whether you're seated inside or enjoying time in their unique outdoor globe, the setting encourages relaxation and joyful connection. The devoted staff, praised for their attentiveness and friendly personalities, ensures every moment is enjoyable — from filling drinks at just the right time to providing expert recommendations.

Visitors like Troy Pittman highlight the fast, quality service and top-notch food, urging guests not to overlook this local treasure. Jessi McCormick’s experience encapsulates the essence of Cowfin with crispy shrimp that delights the palate and a warm environment that makes waiting worthwhile during busy holiday times. For a memorable night out, Johnathan Vaughan discovered that Cowfin’s staff—specifically his server Camille—turned a simple dinner into a cherished anniversary occasion, a testament to the personalized care that goes into every visit.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quiet solo meal at the bar or gathering with friends for a lively night out, Cowfin Bar and Grill promises a rich sensory experience. The combination of thoughtfully crafted food, cocktail creativity, and a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere invites you to savor every bite and sip while making lasting memories in Surf City.

03 Notes from regulars

355 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.4
Based on 355 verified notes
5 274
4 49
3 23
2 17
1 20
All Smash Burgers Mac N Cheese Bar Seating Hushpuppies Moo Fries Outdoor Seating Peanut Butter Burger Christmas Decorations Chicken Fried Chicken Fried Flounder
Troy Pittman.
3 month ago
Fast and good service! Our food was great! The Seasonal drinks were good! The decor definitely got us in the spirit. Don't sleep on Cowfin!
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Jessi McCormick.
3 month ago
Definitely will be back. The food was top tier Due to it being the holidays there was a little wait, but it was worth it. Service was great. The shrimp was super crispy.
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Johnathan Vaughan.
5 month ago
The Christmas decorations were amazing and we had such a great time in the globe outside and our server (I think her name was Camille) was on point every step of the evening. She knew when to drop by and kept our drinks full. She had a great personality and made for an amazing dining experience for my wife and I on our 1-year anniversary!
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Kathy Iadonisi.
5 month ago
This place is so beautifully decorated for Christmas! I went for a girls night and it was a great night. The server was very nice and prompt. For dinner I had the Crispy chicken ceasar wrap with mac and cheese. The wrap was surprisingly good to me, very tasty. The mac and cheese had a different taste to it, maybe more of a sharp cheese flavor and it was good too. My one friend had the Cobb salad with added shrimp, it was a huge salad. My other friend had the Firecracker chicken wrap and the signature fries. It all looked delicious and they really enjoyed it. We had a good time, in a nice environment with friendly staff.
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Sophia Walsh.
5 month ago
I came here alone on a weekday just before dinner and had a nice experience. I sat at the bar and received excellent service. I ordered an appetizer, burger and glass of sangria, all which were really tasty and served quick. While I didn't get any myself, they had a large beer menu which I appreciated. It was a slower time of day so it was quieter at the time but it had a great atmosphere with a ton of TV's and decor which had a mixture of sports and TV shows playing. I thought the prices were reasonable and would definitely consider returning in the future!
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Wil van der Meulen.
5 month ago
While the place was very busy—resulting in a 40-minute wait—it was well worth it. Our server was exceptionally pleasant and efficient despite the high volume, so I would rate the service a 5.0+. The food was delicious, and the portions were generous. The peanut butter jam burger was outstanding. I ordered mine with pickles on the side rather than on the burger itself. My wife’s oyster burger was also delicious, with the oysters cooked to perfection and fresh. The Mac burger was also good but the other 2 items great. We particularly came for the Christmas ambiance, and the decorations did not disappoint. Overall, we would rate our experience 5.0+ and look forward to returning
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Ben.
5 month ago
This one s a awesome location to visit while on vacation. The food was great and fairly priced. All of the food and appetizers were arranged in a neat way. The server was very nice and kept our glasses full. When stopping by Topsail island or just in the area do your self a favor and visit this establishment
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Meredith Knowles.
6 month ago
The place was full and others were waiting when we arrived. Thankfully we were seated ahead of the estimated wait time We had a really sweet, attentive server! Our order was fulfilled incredibly fast (despite there not being a free table in the whole place)! Our food was really good. Overall great experience
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Finding the door

13500 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great dessert
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Hard liquor
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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