Cow Cafe

For one of the most genuinely fun and family-friendly dining spots in New Bern, NC, Cow Cafe is a real treasure. Set at 319 Middle Street in the heart of historic downtown Craven County’s county seat, this beloved cow-themed eatery has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1994. With house-made super-premium ice cream, hearty sandwiches, “Gourmoo” popcorn in 14 varieties, a toy train circling the dining room, a barnyard play area for kids, and a “Bovine Boutique” stocked with nearly 500 cow-themed gifts, Cow Cafe is the kind of joyfully quirky destination you simply can’t experience anywhere else. Click on the pictures below to get a feel for Cow Cafe before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Family-Owned Cow-Themed Cafe Since 1994

Cow Cafe was founded by Jim and Mildred Green in December 1994, originally at a local dairy processing operation they ran together. The original cafe was just 800 square feet, decorated with the now-signature black spots on white backgrounds, and served simple hot dogs alongside the dairy’s house-made ice cream and a small handful of cow-themed gifts.

When the dairy was sold in 2003, Jim and Mildred opened the new and improved version in downtown New Bern, where the cafe has operated continuously ever since. Today’s Cow Cafe is significantly larger and more colorful than the original — with a vibrant menu, an expanded shop, and a whimsical interior that has made it one of downtown New Bern’s most distinctive landmarks. Look for the black-and-white speckled awning out front — it’s a hard one to miss.

Super-Premium Ice Cream Made On-Site

The signature draw at Cow Cafe is the house-made super-premium ice cream, crafted on-site in playful, wonderfully named flavors. Visitors can choose from a constantly rotating selection of options, including:

• Mooford’s Chocolate Mountain — rich, indulgent, and a perennial favorite
• Mooey Cowphooey — playful and creamy
• Plus classic flavors, fruit-forward options, and seasonal specials

For an even bigger treat, the cafe offers sundaes, milkshakes, and signature desserts — including the famously named “Pie Ala Moo”. The ice cream pairs perfectly with a stroll through downtown New Bern, especially during the warmer months.

Hearty Sandwiches, Wraps, and “Gourmoo” Popcorn

Beyond dessert, the cafe serves a full lineup of hearty sandwiches, wraps, plates, soups, and salads. Some of the most beloved menu items include:

• Greek Cow sandwich/wrap — a refreshing favorite that’s a top pick among regulars
• Cuban Cow — a delicious twist on the classic Cuban sandwich
• Chicken Salad on Texas Toast — a hearty crowd-pleaser
• Plus mac and cheese, hot dogs, quesadillas, and other kid-friendly favorites

And then there’s the “Gourmoo” popcorn center — Cow Cafe’s playful, trademarked take on gourmet popcorn, available in 14 flavors ranging from sweet to savory. The popcorn is a wonderful take-home option (or just a fun snack during your visit).

A Whimsical Setting with a Toy Train and Barnyard Play Area

Cow Cafe’s interior is genuinely one of the most memorable dining environments in New Bern. The cow-spotted decor sets the tone the moment you walk in, with a wonderfully designed dining room featuring:

• A working model train that circles the upper perimeter of the cafe — endlessly fascinating for kids and adults alike
• A dedicated barnyard play area with toys for the younger set, making the cafe a genuinely welcoming family destination
• Outdoor sidewalk seating for warm-weather visits

The cafe describes itself as “New Bern’s only 4 Hoof Restaurant” — a playful wordplay reference to its bovine theme (and not, despite some confusion, actually a pet-friendly designation).

The Bovine Boutique — Nearly 500 Cow-Themed Gifts

A favorite feature for visitors is the “Bovine Boutique” — an in-cafe shop stocked with nearly 500 different kinds of cow-themed gifts. From plush toys and home decor to t-shirts and kitchen items, the boutique has a remarkable variety for cow enthusiasts and gift shoppers alike. Combined with the cafe’s catering services (which extend up to 75 miles from New Bern), Cow Cafe genuinely functions as more than a restaurant — it’s a destination unto itself.

Good to Know

• Established: December 1994 (downtown location since 2003)
• Founders: Jim and Mildred Green
• Address: 319 Middle Street, New Bern, NC 28560
• Style: Cow-themed cafe, ice cream parlor, popcorn shop, gift boutique, and children’s entertainment center all in one
• Ice cream: House-made super-premium, with playful flavors like Mooford’s Chocolate Mountain, Mooey Cowphooey, and the signature “Pie Ala Moo” dessert
• Food menu: Hearty sandwiches (Greek Cow, Cuban Cow, Chicken Salad on Texas Toast), wraps, plates, soups, salads, hot dogs, mac and cheese
• “Gourmoo” popcorn: 14 varieties, available to eat in or take home
• Bovine Boutique: Nearly 500 different kinds of cow-themed gifts
• Family features: Working overhead model train, barnyard play area with toys for kids
• Seating: Indoor and outdoor sidewalk seating
• Catering: Delivers up to 75 miles from New Bern
• Best for: Families with kids, ice cream lovers, cow enthusiasts, gift-shoppers, and visitors looking for a uniquely playful downtown dining experience
• Pair with: A stroll through historic downtown New Bern, a stop at Bear City Fudge Company, or a visit to the Birthplace of Pepsi
• Located at 319 Middle Street in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

Cow Cafe is the kind of stop that captures everything that makes downtown New Bern so genuinely delightful. The thirty-year family ownership by Jim and Mildred Green, the house-made super-premium ice cream in playful flavors, the hearty Greek and Cuban Cow sandwiches, the 14 varieties of “Gourmoo” popcorn, the overhead model train, the barnyard play area for kids, and the Bovine Boutique stocked with nearly 500 cow-themed gifts all add up to one of the most consistently joyful dining experiences in Craven County. Whether you’re settling in for a Cuban Cow lunch with a “Pie Ala Moo” dessert, exploring the Bovine Boutique for gifts to bring home, watching the kids light up at the model train, or just stopping in for a cone on a warm afternoon, this is one of the most rewarding stops you can make in North Carolina.

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Cow Cafe Website

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