The Cow Restaurant in Lake Cowichan

Finished the west coast trail today and remembered this place from 2017 and all I remember was how delicious this place was and still is . Thank u for my lunch it was friggin epic

Delicious food, friendly staff and interesting decor

Definitely go with one of the crab options, it s just

The Cow! What a beautiful little spot. I love the comfortable setting, it is just right. Caesars are exactly how they should be, if you like them as much as i do you should try one. Cowichan Koolaid is also delicious. I had the Fajita salad with prawns and it didnt disappoint. Great place. Thank you!

Great food, EXCEPTIONAL service! Any place that prioritizes the kids orders gets a big thumbs up!

sorry but who doesnt do take out on a friday night...they wouldnt answer the phone so i drove there to order take out and they still said no...it wasnt even that busy..lots of people outside but no one inside ...will not be calling the cow again ..Jakes or Riverside from now on i guess

Good place. I tried their fish and chips.

Fish and chips where terrible unfortunately 90% batter had a bad taste the prime rib routine not only looked like aweful but was the equivalent to dog food topping

If you are passing through or have finished the Juan de Fuca trail this is a wonderful stop. We had the ribs and brownie for dessert. Fantastic after our 3 days of hiking. Great food with a home cooked feel. Great staff and service.

Stopped here for lunch on the parents recommendation from 10 years ago, and it s still really good, very tasty food, recommend the crab melt!

First time food was delicious and the chef brought it out to us on the deck

Excellent great food and service

I only got takeout but the staff is very friendly and the food was delicious. Wheelchair accessibility: Its level from the sidewalk right into. Easy access for wheelchairs. Food : 4/5 |

I took the time to drive through a crazy rain storm to try this restaurant. I had heard that they have a great burger so on the advice of my friend that lives in the Lake Cowichan area I met her there. I did look at the web site before taking the trip and saw the 1 pounder burger picture and wtite up. There was a 1/2 pounder option as well. It sounded great we both chose the 1/2 pounder option with fries. When the meals arrived I was very taken back at the size of the burger. It was no where near a 1/2 pounder burger. At best before cooking maybe a 1/4 pounder or even smaller. The few fries on the plate were burnt and flavorless. The burger was no better than a fast food burger at a quarter of the price. All in all $42.00 for two burgers and a pop and one beer was a waste of money and time. It was a very clean place and the one waitress on shift was over run but did try her best. I would say change the menu to represent what you are truly serving. Just a regular cheese burger. Dont play it up to be something it is far from being. Sorry will not be back. All the best in the future.

Very fast and polite service

My family and I have been going to the cow for 11 years now. The food is always delicious, hot and consistent. We do our special occasions with the owners Dave and Holly and their Sons as often as we can. We feel at home when we go to The Cow . So much so, it s always our first stop when we have family/friends come from Alberta. The servers are always friendly and for us we always feel like the red carpet is rolled out whenever we go. We have favourites from the poco loco burger, Thai chicken wrap, rib dinner, beef dip, prawn bake, wings & the cheesecake is always hard to pass up. In the summer the patio is a favourite and we love that they are pet friendly in the summer months. Plus, they have monthly specials which is usually where I dabble. It s always a good day when you stop in at The Cow , we always leave happier than when we arrived:)

We had lunch at the Cow Restaurant today. Everyone enjoyed the meal, highly recommend the Loco Polo, chicken sandwich. The kids enjoyed the burgers too.

Great lunch with my sister.

Liked the place a lot untill my last visit. The owner will yell at you if you send anything back. Not going to go back, scary guy. Snapper burger is really good.

Terrible service. Was there for 20min before server even took our drink orders, then 2 appetizers took over a hour and were incorrect, and burgers were burnt. Would not recommend and dont plan on going back.

Enjoyed my dinner here and would not hesitate to return. Staff and service were great and the menu and food quality were good. It is exactly as described on their website.

Hands down the best burger and fries in North America and possibly the world. Superb

Had brunch at The Cow and it was awesome. Dog friendly patio which is so great. Our service was great! Appreciated our pup, brought water and was around if we needed anything. Well be back esch time were in town. Thanks!!

Blonde waitress was very rude and very unprofessional Was rude to us and seemed annoyed while ordering our drinks we seated ourselves after waiting 10 mins at the door because no one was there to seat us she skipped over us and went to the people that came in after us the brunette waitress was nicer to us then the blonde waitress

Note! the carbonara is not authentic, if you are looking for a chicken noodle soup with veggies and noodles, then this is what to order. it is not carbonara at all. Other than that good service and nice people

The food was very good .As were the cheesecakes.

Hawaiian BBQ ribs delicious! Service great!

Blonde server was very rude. Was acting annoyed by our drink orders. She then refused my daughters order of a kids grilled cheese, and brought my other daughter the wrong order and gave her attitude because she placed the order wrong. She then tried to get my daughter to just eat the mistake order which she couldnt due to allergies and gave us attitude for that. Will not be returning.

Seems like the restaurant was named after the blonde server lol. Terrible attitude and when she gave me the wrong food she acted like she wouldnt take it back and asked if i just wanted to try it. I said no and shortly after she said the owner or cook would give me a discount if I took the wrong food. I said No. I want what I ordered. She seemed annoyed and said that my friend couldnt order off the kids menu as she wasnt as hungry. We thought she was joking when she said she cant have a grilled cheese but she wasnt! Mediocre food, bland and horrible attitude. From one server to another, I dont understand how management allows her to keep working there! Do better.

Stopped in after a float down the river and that was the BEST fried chicken sandwich Ive ever had!!

Always the best fabulous food

Excellent food and service, waitress was extremely nice and attentive, bumbleberry parfait was delicious!

Scrumptious! I normally hate cheesecake but the cheesecake here caused an existential crisis.

Probably the best food I ve had in BC and one of the best veggie burgers I ve had in general. The Cookie Monster Cheesecake is an absolutely must try. Also very friendly and attentive staff who gave us advice on some places to visit while in BC. Would recommend this place to anyone!

Really tasty but really rich. A good option in Lake Cowichan.

Butter chicken was bad. Seemed slimy, and the rice tasted like chicken oxo.

Laura makes the best ice waters in town.

We go quite often, absolutely love the food their prime rib poutine is one of our favs but the ribs are amazing and the penne Pacifico is a huge hit! But the thing we always crave is the mushroom caps they are to die for. it s got a very chill atmosphere and the staff is so nice. Kid-friendliness: One of the few places my picky eater niece enjoys

The Cow, a conundrum if ever Ive seen one. The name itself in my mind lends more to a steak house or gritty essential burger joint or alternatively to an ironic vegan bistro; but not to a Sino-Canadian fusion family restaurant. Understandably, it is just the shortened name of the establishment, I get it, but the main sign is not the full name, so my first objection stands. The staff here are quite friendly. It has the feeling that you could become a recognized regular quite quickly; whether you like this or not is up to you. The Basic Chowder was the first dish I tried and basic describes it to an extent, but mark me, basic is not always bad. This chowder was dependable, not great, but good in its standard mediocre nature. My biggest critique regarding the chowder was the chowder menu: 4 chowders were offered, a complication most unnecessary. My opinion: keep it basic, keep it simple, when one is mediocre, multiplying it by 4 is still mediocre. The price/portion ratio is off too: give me another ladle full or at least some garlic toast for the $14 you are charging. The next dish we had was the Red Hot bowl, and this dish I can firmly stand behind, with two minor complaints; first buffalo chicken and soft scrambled eggs are not complimentary, ditch the scramble and replace with a lovely Sunnyside up egg with runny yolk. Second, this bowl would be 5 star excellent if you replaced the cheddar cheese shreds with a nice sprinkle of cheese curd. The last dish we chose for our expeditionary trip to this eatery is a dish that my partner and I both hold as a principle order essential of any establishment we eat at that serves it: Butter Chicken Poutine. We order this dish as a rule whenever we see it. Most often, it is mediocre, a bland melange of old curry that is devoid of any cardamom or allspice but still palatable and somewhat enjoyable. Sometimes, rarely, it is divine in scent, rich and intoxicating to taste, the butter chicken curry mixing perfectly with the fries and cheese curds; it is what is eaten in paradise. The dish that is labeled under the name Butter Chicken Poutine at this restaurant... I can still feel the anger that swelled in me after the first bite... frankly guys, and without malice, 86 that item. I dont care if you have to put white out on your menus but your take on butter chicken poutine is a nightmare. Im still not totally convinced that it wasnt just a handful of garbage slapped ontop of some sweet potato fries... SWEET POTATO FRIES!!! IN POUTINE!!!... Im fatigued with disappointment thinking back to it, please take it off your menu and do everyone a favour. Please dont misunderstand me, I did enjoy eating here. The room for improvement is there and is frantically beckoning to you, and honestly some dishes should not exist; Butter Chicken Poutine by The Cow is one.

The service was friendly and professional. We appreciated the refills on our iced tea. Unfortunately there was not a lot of choice for somebody like me who avoids dairy and wheat. Having said that the server was helpful and allowing me to replace rice for the wheat noodles in one of the stir fry dishes.

Yummy food, great service.

Pollo loco is their best chicken burger I had in the Island I recommend you to try!!!

Wow! After a whole day fishing, we were tired and hungry. Not sure where to dine...The Cow Restaurant was certainly the beat decision! Generous portions, delicious taste and reasonable prices. I have been a few times to Cowichan lake but this was my first time at The Cow restaurant. It shall become a tradition!

Chinese tonight, the Cow never disappoints!

Really good burgers

Another great lunch at the Cow Cafe in Lake Cowichan thanks

Sat and waited on an empty patio for 10 minutes And didnt get served....Then they came out to serve people who just arrived and I asked why I wasnt served!She told me to have a nice day instead of acknowledge her error!Too bad wont be back.

Loved the environment, food, and dog friendly patio Luna had so much fun!

Best chicken burger ever!

They say its the best burger in Cowichan but its just basic burger that are overprice. Would not come back again

Worst service/food/dining experience I ve had in a long while. Yesterday we ended our day trip with some food at this establishment. After having a very unpleasant experience with the server and chef in regards to the crab dip tasting overly fishy and not good in general we will never eat hear again. We kindly told them it was not great and that would would like to send it back, and they argued with us that they had quality checked our food already so it couldn t be taken off the bill or even discounted for that matter. This restaurant has 4 stars.. BUT.. in my Knowledge of working in hospitality and service for over 15 years, any establishment that has this kind of rating (or in general) should always know the customer is always right and it could have been as simple as that. Instead they picked fight, lipped us off, and also disgusted the customers beside us so much to the fact they said they were never coming back either.

Great food

Mushroom caps were flat like a pancake, smothered in gooey cheese, and served on a basket liner. Unappealing and disgusting. When complained to diner staff after our meal (server never asked how our meal was during patio service) we were asked to leave because they said we were rude to staff. We paid, left a 15% tip, provided comment, then we were asked to leave! No staff apologies from young blond server. Note: we both work in restaurants so know how to provide comments tactfully! Server was a ignorant Cow staff member.

Excellent service and food from start to finish! Veggie burger was awesome!

Been there once, environment and service was great, food was unseasoned and tasteless. Tasted like they soaked my burger in water to dilute it of as much flavor as possible before serving. Was disappointed.

Had the a Beef Dip & it was delightful

I m not sure how popular this place is but it was probably confused with the Cow Cafe in Cow bay We just finally found it! and pleasantly satisfied! The yummy light fluffy cheesecakes were a hit even for the not a big fan of peeps:) Food is flavourful and not too salty We will sure be back!.. as there is a few things we would love to try on the menu.. like the homemade egg rolls and spring rolls! Worth the drive! and family friendly to boot! Owners in the kitchen! They put love into it!

Good food very reasonable prices

Always have the best service and great food, very consistent. Also the desserts are the best around! Love this place

Excellent

Had a very good poutine!!

Enjoyed lunch the other day and the service was quick and wonderful, the food was amazing! They have the best Parmesan fries ever! I had a burger and it was that real good handmade grilled quality, not from a frozen pattie! It was absolutely the best burger! Never been disappointed here, can t wait for lunch this weekend again!

Short staffed but still a good dining experience. The fish and chips were a bit bland but much better when I added salt and vinegar. I will go back.

Ordered from the Chinese food menu, sooo good!! Super flavorful & cooked to perfection. Great service too. We ll be back for sure :)

Generous portions and great honest food. The snapper fish and chips was great and well cook. The homemade cheesecake was also working it. Clearly à labour of love and tough work from the owners. There is not a lot of restaurants like that anymore, you should try it if you are in the area.

Friendly staff. The food was pretty good except for the frequent bits of dry prime rib in the Prime Rib Poutine, even though completely soaked in gravy. Sorry, I gotta be honest. But I see somebody mentioned the Parmesan fries, so I might go back for those when I am over that way again.

Low key and dated interior. Good food though!

A good place to eat

Had the Chinese food and it was great

Delicious food - particularly if you go for the Chinese food. Some things a little overpriced but just stick with the Chinese combo - yum!

Extremely good food and good people.

Very tasty food. The staff are lovely. Dealing with the covid protocols well and respectfully. I would absolutely eat there again if I am in the area.

This place was amazing! We were cycling around Vancouver island and this place came on our radar as spent the day in Lake Cowichan. The prime rib poutine was to die for!

Covid friendly seating in a nice dining environment with a great menu and food.

Very good. Enjoyed the place.

I had seared tuna steak. It was the special on the menu. Loved it! Tyra, our server was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable about the menu items, friendly and efficient.

Great service, better food. Unique. A must try

Cozy environment, pet friendly patio and good food! What more can you ask for?

Nice homemade food with good prices.

My 5 year old came down with food poisoning after having their Belgian Benny, from their breakfast menu.

Best place for a meal in cow town

I had the deluxe burger and yam fries. It was definitely a good burger. The server was nice, cute, and friendly and the beer was cold.

Never again. Old owners were the best

Hreat place patio dog friendly

The breakfast bowl was fairly meh, but decent enough. The size, however, was comically small. My first thought was that they brought me something off the kids menu. I politely pointed this out to the server, who dismissed my concern with a that s just how it is , followed by a do you want to order some more? I said no thanks. Literally took me 3 minutes to eat. Left hungry and disappointed.

Food was OK. Service was good. A little pricey

Great food great service!!

Redemption! Walked across the road here from the Riverside Pub after a truly abysmal experience there only to be delighted by the friendly staff and delicious food at the Cow. Thank you for redeeming our experience in Lake Cowichan.

Great food and atmosphere! Compliments to the chef!

The beer was cold. I had a plain old cheese burger with bacon and fries with a Greek Caesar salad on the side. It was nothing to write home about. The staff was nice and accommodating. It wasn t busy when I came through at 5:00 and my food came fairly quick and hot. I left full and content.

The kids like it

Nice place, food is okay.

Excellent food. Energetic and competent waitress. Chef also worked the till. Nice place.

great food and great staff

Good food and super people!

The spicy benny bowl is crazy good...

Excellent Sunday breakfast!

Good food, homey atmosphere. Portions are decent sized, but not oversized. Very consistent, quality food and good service. We make a point of going here vs. a chain restaurant elsewhere to support the local business.

Always a great meal

Friendly staff, nice decor, awesome food!

Very good food

Found this place when I googled looking for the best food in Lake Cowichan. We were here mid-afternoon, after the lunch crowd, so it was quiet, but it was so good. Decent prices and good, tasty food. And we had a cheesecake for desert that was decadent. The lady who served us was so friendly. If we werent so far away, wed be back often.

had the all you can eat riblets for 19.99. was very good had 3 servings with 3 different flavors. great dealvery tasty!

Great food, great service.

Not bad for Lake Cowichan. Good food real & nice people.

OMG This small little cafe has some very good tasting foods. Can be a bit pricey, but is worth every penny. And if you do go, make sure you have the Belgium Sundae. OMG!!! TO die for!!

Tasty juicy burgers at a reasonable price and free wifi

Natchos were not that great . But you can bring your dog on the patio.

Great prices and very enjoyable meals and nice big tables for our big family.

Just terrible....the extra star is because they refunded a meal.

Good food friendly service

Wonderful place to go with the kids!

Very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful waitstaff. Food was tasty and prices in line with similar places.

The Cow is one of the longest-running restaurants in Lake Cowichan, and theres a reason for that - the current owners, Dave and Holly, are passionate about, and proud of, the food they make. There is an episode of The Simpsons where Bart becomes adept at using a lasso. As he begins to lasso everything, including food, he says, Everything tastes better when its lassod! Its like that at The Cow - everything tastes better when it is made with a love for the craft. The restaurant is cozy, yet there are many seats indoors, an outdoor patio, and a full bar with additional seating. Service is quick, and the dishes are always delicious. There are monthly specials like Ribtoberfest with all you can eat ribs, a burger month with special creations from Dave, or a Chinese buffet throughout December. Breakfasts on the weekends, which far surpass other local options. Holly also makes award winning desserts not to missed. The restaurant can accommodate very large groups of 20+. If you cant dine in, they also offer the majority of their menu by take-out as well. If youre visiting Lake Cowichan, your trip is not complete without eating here!

Decent food home made pies

Wonderful food and great service. The.menu is amazing

Very nice place to eat. Love the staff, food is excellent.

Excellent food and service.

Good service excellent food!!!

Good food. The steak was amazing. The Butter Chicken Rice Bowl was one to skip, if you are an Indian food fan. Try something else.

Great food and good value. A big patio which is dog friendly and offers nice lake views. Quick and friendly service!

The sliders are VERY good. Great for a light or heavy meal or to bring your kids to

Really good food, excellent service, clean conditions and wonderful ambiance!

Amazing food. Felt good and nourished just eating my meal! Great for families and large groups.

Interesting menu. High quality food. Clean and attractive surroundings. Friendly service.

Great food, good service!

Good quality food and a good selection.

Food is OK, place is little bit smell. People are very friendly.

ALL the food is absolutely incredible and yummy! My all time favorite is the scrumptious Butter Chicken Poutine! Better than any other!!

Great food! Not cheap or greasy. Great specials especially during off season

Wow....... Mega delicious!! Especially the cheesecake as dessert :-)

We first stopped at the Cow Cafe for lunch. It was fantastic. A week later we returned as we were camping in the area with friends. The 4 of us had brunch and again the service was excellent as well as all of our meals. Dave is extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the area too. Hope to go there for their October weekend rib fest!

yum

If you are on the circle tour between Victoria, Port Renfrew Lake Cowichan and Duncan, this is a great place to stop to eat. Ive never been disappointed with either the food or the service. It is a short hop from the traffic circle on the east end of town.