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CORK & ALE

4.2 (104 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

CORK & ALE Photos

CORK & ALE ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups
Dogs allowed

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Recommended Reviews - CORK & ALE

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Reviews With Photos

Pastrami Sub
Kevin C.

My friend took me to this tiny little restaurant bar in downtown Waxhaw. Parking is a bit of an issue; there are some close parking lots nearby. The restaurant is tiny with only a few tables inside. There is also a bar and an outdoor patio. The walls are loaded with bread and wine to purchase. We ended up buying several to take home and try. The food was mostly between $15 and $30. They have daily specials; I ordered one: a pastrami sub, which was crazy and delicious. The service was very friendly but leisurely. Very enjoyable, stop by for a drink and a bite.

South African Red
Tamara J.

Once again excellent food and service, Reed took very good care of us. We had she crab soup, French dip, and chocolate cake (gotta have dessert)!

Caramelized onion flatbread 7.75/10
Kait O.

Cork & Ale is a good spot in downtown Waxhaw! Extensive beer/wine menu and pretty good food that is reasonably priced. My college friend and I had dinner here tonight, we ordered the charcuterie burger, the caramelized onion flatbread and the bretzel to share. The charcuterie burger was my favorite, such a unique menu item with complementary flavors, would definitely order again. The flatbread was also really good, I just didn't like that the tomatoes were cooked/a little soggy - I'm a texture person so I just picked them off. The bretzel itself was yummy but the parmesan artichoke dip it came with was nothing to write home about. Our server was friendly and quick, helpful without being overbearing. I took stars off for was the atmosphere. While the inside was decorated beautifully for Christmas, we were sat right next to a table of two women who were incredibly loud. Kind of hard to catch up with an old friend when the table 5 feet away from you (no, seriously, 5 feet away!) is hootin and hollerin! Being that the restaurant itself is relatively small, I would be cautious about what occasion you come here for. Despite good food and drinks, maybe not the best spot for a first date or catching up or anything intimate. However if you're coming in with a large group where 1x1 conversation is no priority, I would absolutely recommend. All in all, Cork & Ale is a gem in downtown Waxhaw! Just bear occasion in mind when you're planning to come here and you'll be set to enjoy a nice meal

Wine, charcuterie, and a prime rib sandwich
Jeff C.

Great food...great service! This is the spot in Waxhaw, NC. Right in the heart of this quant downtown. Beautiful patio and outdoor area with live music several nights a week. The entire staff always makes you feel comfortable, and the food is top notch! They have a huge selection of wine, beer, and ciders to choose from. Have a sip while you are here or grab a bootle to take home. It's your choice!

Shrimp and grits, bacon, fresh fruit and French toast.
Laura K.

Cork and Ale hosted a bridal shower for one of my best friends. The restaurant is so cozy and cute. The food was brought out buffet style and was SO good. The French toast totally knocked my socks off. The staff working our party kept everything coming and our plates and glasses were never empty. Thank you Cork and Ale for a great time!

a glass of wine and a menu on a wooden table
Gina B.

Girls night out. Wonderful glass of wine and salmon. They have a nice outdoor area with picnic tables and three fire pits.

Meals to go during the Covid-19 crisis.

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Review Insights

7 months ago

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7 months ago

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1 year ago

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Wonderful wines selection and really good food! Definitely coming back!

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3 years ago

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1 year ago

I've never had a bad meal here and the beer and wine selection are quite spectacular.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

Yes. My wife and I biked here and enjoyed the outdoor seating. Such great food and service. On our list for date night.

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5 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Food is great, staff is friendly! Love the quaint atmosphere. The wine selection is fantastic.

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4 years ago

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Ask the Community - CORK & ALE

Review Highlights - CORK & ALE

I've been coming here since it was the Black Chicken and food service and hospitality is outstanding.

Mentioned in 13 reviews

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Bistro D'antonio

Bistro D'antonio

4.0(194 reviews)
0.9 mi
$$

I had dinner here tonight, and I'm still thinking about it hours later. Everything about this place…read more-- from the atmosphere to the service to the food -- was on another level. You can tell immediately that Antonio and his team takes pride in what they do, because every detail feels intentional. The service, "Haleda" definitely one of my all time favorites, was the kind you don't forget: warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling forced. It set the tone for the entire night. And the food... unreal. Every dish was balanced, flavorful, and clearly crafted with skill. You know that moment when you take a bite and just stop talking for a second because your brain needs to process how good it is? That was me, repeatedly. This wasn't just a meal -- it was an experience. I recommend the Egg Plant Parmesan! The ambiance sealed the deal. Comfortable, stylish, and perfect for actually enjoying the people you're with. It's rare to find a place that nails both the vibe and the food, but this one does it effortlessly. Tonight officially raised the bar for what I consider a great restaurant. I'll be back, and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know! Thank you Antonio and Haleda for always an amazing experience and dinner!

Yuck. That's the word that comes to mind. We gave them two chances over the last couple of months,…read moreand I could not have been more unimpressed. The first visit was for brunch -- except there was no brunch. It's advertised as brunch, but the menu was dinner only. Pasta at 11am? We passed and left. So, dinner it was. They market themselves as Italian-inspired cuisine. If this is Italian, my foot is an eggplant. I rarely write harsh reviews, so bear with me while I go into detail. First, the cocktails. I ordered an old fashioned. The older gentleman behind the bar -- who I believe is the owner -- should not be making cocktails. If you're going to charge $20-25 for one, do it right. Invest in a mortar and pestle, skip the premade mix, and don't use bargain whiskey. Smoking the glass doesn't hide premade bitters or cheap bourbon. Second, the bread. No real Italian restaurant would serve this. My family and I genuinely wondered if it came from Aldi or Lidl with a dusting of flour to fake an artisan look. Third, the appetizers. We should have stopped here and gone elsewhere, but we pushed on. The calamari was rubbery, soggy, and greasy. The crostini was fine -- though it's hard to mess that up. Fourth, the entrees. I ordered the ossobuco. One look at the sauce and I knew this wasn't going to be right -- ossobuco shouldn't be sweet, and this was. The meat was okay, but the sauce ruined it. My wife saw my face and started laughing -- until she tasted her own dish. A real Italian restaurant should be able to make a proper tri-color tortellini. This one couldn't. The kids weren't impressed with their pasta either. The staff, though, were good -- no complaints there. Given how cramped the space was, we were genuinely impressed by how well they maneuvered around. In closing: beyond the questionable food, there was an off-putting vibe we might not have noticed if not for the manager's belligerence toward his staff -- we could hear him yelling at them in the back. Odd, considering he spent the whole time sitting at the bar while the owner flirted with one of the waitresses which was the only thing funny about this dinner. Overall, this is one of the rare times I'll say: avoid this place. Questionable food, questionable behavior. Our waiter, at least, was great.

Photos
Bistro D'antonio - The front entrance

The front entrance

Bistro D'antonio - The Lovely and The Tropical Mojito and these calms were so good

The Lovely and The Tropical Mojito and these calms were so good

Bistro D'antonio - Such a beautiful logo

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Such a beautiful logo

Illumination Wines

Illumination Wines

4.7(37 reviews)
12.7 mi

Sadly, I've not been back since 5/22 but today was the day…read more Michelle and I participated in the Third Thursday Art Crawl and afterwards popped in to see what was on. I was hoping to see Albert(a) Wine-Stein aka, Amanda and she did not disappoint! So happy to catch up with her after almost 4 years. I know, I should get out more! They have a great opportunity to select from 50% of wine bottles so Michelle and I selected a Franciscan CabSav from San Miguel, Ca just south of Napa near the Paso Robles area. Just an EXCELLENT choice we concluded, you will NOT be disappointed with this selection with hints of black cherry, carmel and coconut. We settled into one of their many rooms and selected a table where we could order from their menu with a nice selection of appetizers, salads, hand helds and small bites. We shared the Crab Rangoon app & each had the Harvest Salad. All together is was an excellent combination. It was a warm pre-spring evening and just a perfect finish for memorable outing. Kudos to Erin and her support team for making our visit an experience to remember.

Great place to meet up with friends for a glass of wine! Bartenders help you select the perfect…read morewine for your taste. Erin was fun to chat with & Very knowledgeable! Menu contains appetizers & flat breads. Awesome atmosphere of an old house with lots of character! Thanks to Mark & Linda, the owners for a Fantastic Experience!!

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Illumination Wines
Illumination Wines
Illumination Wines

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CORK & ALE - wine_bars - Updated July 2026

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