By: Kelly Ryan
“In the old days farmers adorned their cows with custom bells to identify them as they ate their way through the open range.” Thus, owners Brack May and Krista Pendergraft-May chose the moniker Cowbell for their inventive new restaurant located where Oak Street meets the river.
Outside the restaurant there is a table, which is a wooden front door resting atop rusty truck rims. The indoor décor is comprised of fresh flowers in glass milk bottles and shot glasses, tin can and Mason jar light fixtures, and an array of appealing art pieces and collages. The walls are made of shiny corrugated tin, reminiscent of old time garages. The bathrooms are labeled with recycled collages, “Meat and potatoes” for men and “Dairy and eggs” for women. Cowbell has a visionary ambiance that is worth experiencing before you even get to eating.
As for the food, I ordered the Adult Grilled Cheese, which comes with a cup of soup for $8.95, and was worth every penny. It was delectable; a grilled cheese eating experience like no other. I am not a meat eater, but some sources have told me that Cowbell’s Natural Beef Burger may be the best in town. The burger comes with Cowbell’s spicier version of ketchup called Agogo Sauce for your fries.
Cowbell makes each meal upon ordering, so the quality of the food is outstanding. However, since each meal is made fresh, make sure you allow yourself time to eat here, I guarantee it is worth the wait. Currently, the restaurant does not have a liquor license, so bring a bottle of wine or a couple of beers, and have a few drinks outside while you wait, you will not regret it. Cowbell lives up to its motto, “hand made, simple, delicious.”
Cowbell
8801 Oak Street · New Orleans, LA 70118 · 504-298-8689
HOURS: 11:30AM-3PM and 5-10PM Tuesday-Thursday
11:30AM-3PM and 5-10PM Friday
11:30AM (brunch)-3PM and 5-11PM Saturday
CLOSED Sunday and Monday
