Nutley Bar Named As One Of The 'Best In America' On New List

NUTLEY, NJ — A local tavern in Nutley has been named as one of the “best bars in America” on a 2025 list from USA Today.

Two spots from New Jersey landed on this year’s list: Cowan’s Public in Nutley, and Georgies Bar in Asbury Park.

“These are the places where locals and visitors alike gather for good conversation, warm vibes and a little slice of the city’s character,” USA Today writes.

See the full list of bars here.

Here’s why Cowan’s landed on this year’s list, USA Today said:

“From the outside, Cowan’s Public is just another brick house in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Nutley. Inside, though, is a celebration of community and libations. This bar and eatery – with a roaring fireplace, Art Deco bar, custom stained glass, Prohibition relics and expert mixologists – opened in 2015, but the building has been a pub since it was erected months after Prohibition ended in 1933. Elevated pub grub, a local craft beer taplist, events (including dinners and trivia) and an adjoining dining room with classic tin roofs and upholstered walls create an experience both lively and cozy. Cocktails are king. Get the velvety Half Lotus with Japanese whiskey and black sesame; the earthy, mezcal-based Pale Blue Dot; or the vibrant green Sea Foam with pisco, coconut and Chartreuse. Pair those with pub grub such as killer tempura-fried chicken lollipops in hot honey, Swedish meatballs with blueberry jam or simply some of the best deviled eggs around. Cowan’s is not the ‘speakeasy-style’ pub so in vogue nowadays; it is a modern bar with boundary-pushing cocktails and an old soul.”

Cowan’s has caught the eye of other writers in the past – it was named to Esquire's list of the “100 Restaurants America Can't Afford to Lose” in 2021. Read More: Nutley Restaurant Named As One 'America Can't Afford To Lose'

In recent years, the bar has played host to annual holiday-themed pop-ups as part of the Miracle On Centre concept. Read More: Christmas-Themed ‘Pop Up Bar’ Returns To Nutley

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