As a lifelong resident of the area, I can't tell you how sorely we needed a place like the Blue Cow!

I've been to eat there several times now for both lunch and dinner, and I highly recommend it. The food is excellent, prepared with very fresh (and local wherever possible) ingredients, and in the moderate to high price range. (Drinks are fairly pricey - reviewer recommends getting your first drink there and heading down the street to Schuberg's Bar for the remainder of your "after dinner" drinking.)

The decor is fantastic, although the indoor restaurant is very noisy during busy hours. I rarely eat inside because of this reason, and prefer to eat outside on the sidewalk seating area. This may be a concern to some potential diners with hearing problems. The owner is aware of this concern.

Remember to try the corn and andouille sausage chowder (only slightly spicy - but perfect for those who like a little kick) for lunch, and for those coffee drinkers out there, IF YOU ASK FOR IT, they will give you a rock candy sugar stick for coffee! (Such a treat.)

ENJOY your trip to the B.R. area with this new (fantastic) restaurant!

My family has a place outside of Big Rapids and I have been going up there since I was a kid. In all those years, there was never a restaurant I would reccommend. My husband and I just ate at Blue Cow this weekend and we were completely blown away. I want everyone to know about this place. It is high-quality dining from the silverware to the cup of coffee with a fabulous dessert to finish. I had the smoked pork chop and my husband had the rib eye...both were delicious!! I have to say, their pricing is extremely reasonable too.

We enjoyed our sidewalk view of downtown Big Rapids. The menu is fun--I went for a fresh cream vanilla soda. Food was fresh, plentiful and the service was great. We met the owner and were welcomed by fellow diners when i announced that i had never been to Michigan. Compared well to big city dining!

When you go there you must check out the bathrooms! Food is great too!