This is an excellent restaurant, and I would highly recommend eating here. If you're concerned about a salad bar during Covid, know that they have an attendant at the salad bar who will put whatever you request on your plate. Very safe. Negatively, you should also know that the prices on the website and listed here on Yelp are nowhere close to what you will pay. Prime rib says 19.99 for the Earlybird menu. We paid something closer to 32.99. The good news is, it is worth the price. Great service and great food, but know you're going to pay a little more than the website or the Yelp listing would lead you to believe. read more

Great steak, superb salad bar, and the menu is fun. Just don't throw it. This is everything a steakhouse should be.

We are from out of town. We wanted salad bar. We show up and find out reservation are highly recommended. Needless to say, we didn't have a reservation but the post graciously seed it us anyway! ( Amazing customer service). Our waiter was prompt, attentive and very knowledgeable and gave us awesome recommendations for dinner that didn't disappoint. We chose teriyaki chicken and on Christian crusted chicken! It was absolutely amazing and I highly recommend!! Chicken was moist and not dry at all!!!! All you can eat salad bar was perfect under current Covid conditions as they had a server that hooked us up!!!! We will absolutely be back and we will make reservations! read more

I loved the food here! The menu was a great idea and added to the overall experience. Food came out quickly and accurately and the staff was kind and welcoming. Steak and shrimp were tasty and I enjoyed the salad bar. read more

Absolutely... hands down, the best prime rib I have ever had! Service was incredible and atmosphere was cozy. First time in Evansville and would highly recommend for anyone that loves steak. Shrimp cocktail was delicious as well. read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Prime Rib! - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

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Very good first experience at a restaurant I have been wanting to try for a long time. Service was was great, food was great and we will be a returning customer. Just want the COVID restrictions to be lifted so there is more of a personal experience. read more

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Soo good! I had the Hawaiian Chicken with a baked potato. Wish we would have sat in the lounge when offered it looked super cool while walking by. We will definitely be back! It was delicious! read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Hawaiian Chicken with teriyaki sauce and a baked potato! Yum! - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

Disappointed! Cork is supposed to be one of Evansville's premium spots...we recently went for my son's 21st bday, the drinks from the bar were awful, worst old fashioned I've had. My son's drink was completely wrong and had to be sent back. The food was good not great, but the Tbone was horrendous, zero flavor! The most disappointing aspect were the bar charges they tried to slide into my final receipt, which is so unethical. Menu told me the old fashioned cost $9.95...receipt depicted almost $17 per drink...$12.50 for Four Roses (joke!) and an additional $4 for making it an old fashioned. Guess they do this to everyone hoping it doesn't get caught. I'm glad I caught it and had $40 adjusted off the bill. To say the least, we won't be going back. I expected so much more, as our past experiences with Cork have been solid. But I've had a couple other work peers give the same review for recent visits..."it wasn't very good and I expected more" The salad bar is always good so I'll bump it to 2 stars read more

My husband and I were in Evansville for a couple of days. We very much enjoy fine dining and try to avoid chains. In Evansville it is difficult to find either, but we did and were very pleased. We walked in without a reservation and were promptly seated. Our server had our drinks to us quickly and took our entree order. My husband had the kabobs and just loved them. I has the bourbon salmon special and am still craving it the next day. There is a small salad bar with many choices that are fresh and plentiful. Our server was attentive without being overbearing. This was a wonderful start to a romantic evening. read more

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My wife and I were celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. We decided to have our dinner here. Well, that was our first mistake! My wife ordered the 1lb lobster tail, it was served to her undercooked, tasteless, and the Pecan crusted chicken was just regular sautéed chicken breast with store bought honey mustard. Will not be returning, and will tell all of our friends not to aswell. read more

After struggling somewhat to make a reservation, I was not convinced that we made the right decision to go here, but our son is with us and this was a childhood favorite place for him for special occasions. I'm glad we did come because it was a wonderful experience. We were greeted enthusiastically, the server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we wanted on a timely basis. The salad bar was very fresh with a variety of nice selections. Our ka-bobs and steaks were excellent! They have a very nice grade of meat and they were done perfectly to order. The place has not changed in 40 years, but was clean and fresh. Prices are reasonable in today's market. We will definitely return soon! read more

Great service, great food, Very accommodating on our first but not our last trip! Salad bar A1

Excellent! From the food to the service I cannot day enough about our experience. We were out to celebrate our engagement and wanted a good steak. We had all that and more! This restaurant is small enough to give you a cozy home feeling but with big taste. No doubt we will be back. In the past we tried to walk in but no seats were available and all reservations were taken. The host gave as a coupon for a free appetizer! Once again friendly faces and great service. Top Knotch! Hats off to Zachery our server. Great knowledge on all the specials, drinks, etc. Was excellent! Give him a raise! read more

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Don't do it! Jeez I miss the days when this was my preferred place to go for special occasions. The last 2 visits were uninspired messes. From dry chicken that likely began as frozen to a truly mediocre steak (ordered medium well, cam to me fully rare to medium rare. Either way it wasn't even a good cut of meat. It was their lunch filet. The "twice baked potato" (costs extra, mind you) was a regular baked potato with what I'm pretty certain was a half-melted slice of the kraft "cheese food" slices you buy at the grocery,,,they didn't even have the decency to fully melt the cheese, so it was even easier to discern the fake cheese square. Save your money, and find another choice, or severely lower your expectations. This past week's visit was my absolute last at this once great establishment. I'd go to McD's first. read more

Absolutely delicious! The service was amazing and the food was even better. My husband had the ribeye and twice baked potato and was in heaven. I had the filet mignon with hollandaise sauce and it literally melted in my mouth. read more

Very unique little corner of Evansville In. Come early bird 4-5:30 pm the salmon and salad was very good. The only downside was the guy who seated us was far from personal We will return here read more

Steaks and Seafood. I am still up in the air on the overall rating - I want to say 2.8 if we were able to really dice the stars into meaningful numbers. I had dinner at the bar, as I tend to do just about everywhere I go. Bartender was very nice and helpful with suggestions. She got my order in and I kicked back and had a look around. The interior is on the dark side which is what you want in a steakhouse. The clientele seemed to be on the older side and regulars as well. There were two older gents at the bar who were pretty lit up and loud which was a tad irritating. I ordered a filet, some veggies and a baked potato and it all arrived pretty quickly - which I was a bit surprised to see. I did order it med / rare and this thing was pushing med / well. Again, I was a bit surprised since this was a steakhouse - they tend to be right on the money with meat done-ness. I was hungry so just went with it, finished up and headed out. Overall a disappointing experience and I will have to give it another shot. Parking lot available. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. I love family owned and operated establishments like this. Chains are so... blah. There is ample parking, and the entryway is really cool with wine bottles poured into cement in the wall. The bar area is cozy, and every place in the restraint feels romantically secluded. Service was expedient, friendly, warm, and welcoming. My wife and I both had the salad bar. Normally, I don't care about salad bars, but this one was far above normal! I had the filet and my wife had the prime rib. While I'd rate the filet as good, the prime rib was simply out of this world! Both were ordered medium rare. Normally, I have to send a steak back at least once for being over-cooked, but this one was perfectly prepared. They cook the prime ribs overnight, and it was still cooked exactly how my wife likes them. It was packed with flavor, unbelievably tender (you really don't need a knife), and was well-presented. I recommend the prime rib hands down. If you're tired of crowded, loud chain restaurants, like to help the local economy, and want exceptional food and service in a calm atmosphere, give them a try. They don't advertise much because they don't need to! We will definitely be returning in the near future. read more

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The Cork 'n Cleaver was always our team's spot for special dinners (that is, when one of the partners was in town), and for good reason...it's pricey. Pricey, but well worth the money. The first thing you notice walking in is that it's dark...not dimly ambient, but a bit too dark. The next thing you notice: the menus are printed on cleavers! In a wise move, they're blunt, but they certainly leave an impression. When they present you with the soup and salad choice, go with the salad...their salad bar goes far beyond what you'd find at your cafeteria salad bar. I loved seeing if anchovies would go well with artichokes and pepperoni. While I'm not a big steak guy, the goods here have never disappointed. The service is always good, and when we roll in deep, the staff usually have fun with us, which is nice for a group of rowdy consultants (well, after a few bottles of wine have been passed around). Definitely someplace you want to stop by at least once during your time in the EVV. read more

I have never had a bad experience until recently. I am hoping it's due to new cook in the kitchen with no supervision. Steak came out wrong three times. The asparagus was way over cooked sitting in a small area of water on the plate. The shrimp cocktail was amazing as always. Main meal was the only issue. After three times of getting both steaks wrong we cashed out with leaving full steaks on the table. Not the proper service from this restaurant. read more

Evansville locals love this place. I disagree. I went here for lunch. I walked in and there was no hostess. I waited for a few minutes and then found a server. He said I could seat myself... well okay then. That was the first strike for me... this is supposed to be a nice "steakhouse"...I decided to sit at the bar. So I sat down and waited for the bartender to return... the manager was sitting at the end of the bar and got my drink ... when the bartender came back she just looked me and said "Can I help you" rudely... uhhh yes, I'm a customer can I please be greeted properly. I guess she was having a bad day...but anyway... I proceed to order the salad bar and the black and blue Salmon. The salad bar is okkkk (Jason's Deli is better) but the salmon was HORRIBLE. Rice overcooked. Just all bad. Bad food AND horrible service = I will NEVER return. read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

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Fancy joint with a nostalgic atmosphere and good food. Unique place you won't forget and is small and quaint on the inside for an intimate atmosphere. read more

An institution in Evansville. The best part is the place hasn't changed in 10 years but also IT HASNT CHANGED IN 10 YEARS! :-) the food is excellent and of course the salad bar is historic! You have to get the salad bar! read more

I love this place. The salad bar and steaks are amazing. Very nice atmosphere with a very attentive staff. The bartender is very kind and has a big heart. Not a fan of the bar design though. read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

I really enjoy going to the cork n cleaver the experience is romantic and fun We love the salad bar and fresh breads I had a large New York strip with asparagus and cream sauce My wife had a salmon special Great place to relax and eat well read more

Pretty good option if you want something a little bit more higher scale. The steaks are really good especially for the price, and I love the salad bar! Service is always good too! I can see why they've been open for years! read more

My grandparents took me out to dinner here for my birthday and it did not disappoint! Great service, salad bar was abundant and delicious, wine was excellent and the meal was cooked to perfection. I even received a free piece of ice cream cake for my birthday! Will definitely return! read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - 14 oz ribeye and twice baked potato - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

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Tried this restaurant out on a Tuesday night, while on business. I like to frequent the local eateries and stay away from the chain restaurants. It came with high recommendations as being locally owned and operated. The atmosphere is nice-southwestern and rustic with the ambiance being a casual jolt back in time. The service was good- nothing out of this world but not horrible, either. The reason why my rating is a two. The most disappointing thing about the evening was the meal. I ordered the prime rib, which was dry, had no flavor and was tough as a leather shoe. I was so disappointed and could barely cut through the toughness of the meal. At -almost $30, I was quite disappointed, I was told when ordering that it came with a side and was quite surprised when my side was an additional up charge of 3.95. So overall my meal was almost 35! For the quality of the meal... I should have paid no more than $20 While I'd love to say that I could give this place a second chance- the reality is, i won't be returning. Ok service, mediocre food, and just an average place that charges WAY too much for their food. read more

This has been one of my parents annual date spots for their anniversary off and on for 20+ years. The decor is a really unique southwest style. The menu is, unsurprisingly, a bit meat-centric and maybe not great options for vegan or vegetarians. Some places have too many things on the menu and this place is maybe the opposite end of the spectrum. I will say I've tried salmon and shrimp dishes and they were pretty food. I had not been to a salad bar since the pandemic started and that's a key component of their meal offering and I was curious to see how they were handling that. They had a dedicated staff person with gloves who would fill your plate with whatever items you chose along the salad bar so that people weren't grabbing tongs one after another. It went smoothly and seemed like a good sanitary options right now. Not that it really matters, but I always get a kick out of their logo/sign which has this toothy goat creature on it. read more

Has a wide variety of items on their wonderful salad bar. I had a great New York strip at lunchtime and was very reasonably priced. Their twice baked potato was an option you don't see very often. read more

Wow.....what an amazing place! Great classic atmosphere and service! Had the caps and cheese for an app.... great....filet med-rare..melted in your mouth. I would highly recommend this place and am looking forward to my next visit! read more

I really wish we could give half stars. I would give 4.5. Service was outstanding! Our server knew when to ask and when not to. He knew when to bring a refill and when to stop and probe. Trent did a phenomenal job and earned all of that tip! I had the 13oz strip and wife had the filet. Hers melted on the tongue (yes I tried hers lol). My strip was well on one end and medium at the other. That would be the only reason for the half star. Flavor profile alone everything was top notch. We had the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer. They were to die for! The bread was warm and soft. Salad bar was super fresh and the potatoes were cooked to perfection. There is an obvious talent that runs thick in the kitchen and they should be celebrated as much as the wait staff. As a foodie that has found it hard to adjust to this scene in the Midwest (came from Pensacola Florida and all fresh seafood) as the quality has been sub par to this point. We will return as the taste is still lingering as I write this from home! Thank you staff and chefs for making our 22nd anniversary memorable! We will see you again! read more

This was not as nice as the one I've visited in Fort Wayne but it was still nice. Salad bar was very fresh, stocked and clean. Waiter did good job. My twice baked potato was yummy. I went for chicken instead of steak. It was a bit dry and the glaze I thought came on it came in a cup on side. But everything else was a nice experience. And boys and I had a nice lunch. read more

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I have known about this place all my adult life and really for some reason have never ate there. Over the past 6 months we have been there 3 times and really enjoyed everything about the long time established Evansville IN restaurant. The ambiance is nice it does not have the industrial chain feel. The 1970's decor is making a comeback. The bartender Cheryl is the best. Attentive to all details. The food was great and overall service the best. We always go early and order off of the early bird menu. I highly recommend to those who are tired of the chain restaurants and to those that cook at home mainly and want something that is nice and good. Nibby Priest Downtown Henderson KY (across river from Evansville IN) read more

I belong to Tri-State restaurant reviews, a group of over 4,600 members having serious interest in trying and evaluating local to regional eating establishments not part of a franchise chain. Join our group and get the scoop from locals about places we like or not. You will find the Cork ranks high with most of the local food connoisseurs. They do have the best salad bar in Evansville, regardless of some amateur opinions...clean, high quality items seldom found on the typical bar and normally well presented and seldom in disarray. The quality of the menu items are very good and are some of the best prepared and presented locally. Also, their Mud Pie is huge..6-8 inches tall and adequate for 2-4 people. Worth the trip for the dessert alone, but the whole meal seldom disappoints unless you are a fast food expert. read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Decadent awesome Mud Pie dessert. Ice cream and choc. cookie with chocolate shell, whipped cream, and slivered almonds. - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

Ribeye not on the menu. Has to ask for it. Celebrating wedding anniversary. Free cake good service. Will return. Nice atmosphere.

This is the wife and I's favorite spot in Evansville. Can't go wrong with the steak but make sure you have the caps n cheese as a starter. Cheryl is an amazing bartender and makes the stop at the bar worth while and entertaining! **BTW....best salad bar in town!** read more

This little restaurant has very unique ambiance. However, their food is lackluster. I went there for lunch and ordered the filet mignon. It was dry and tasteless. Additionally, I'm fairly certain that it probably was frozen at some point. For a $30 plate, I expected more. Save your money and go to Texas Roadhouse because their filet is better. I would like to say that the staff was extraordinarily polite and attentive. The salad bar was solid as well but lacks variety; they only have one mix of greens for your salad base, but plenty of extras to dress it up. read more

This was a great find if you prefer eating local vs. chain. The salad bar offered a wide variety of veggies, fruit, and other goodies. The bread was hot and delicious. Blackened cod was the special I chose and was able to substitute asparagus. I was never left wanting anything from the wait staff although I arrived at the start of the lunch hour. Would definitely recommend! read more

Cork 'n Cleaver - Blackened cod for lunch. Delicious! - Steakhouses Near Me - Evansville, Indiana

I had heard about this place several times so when I was in Evansville recently I decided to stop in for dinner with my wife. The service was excellent and atmosphere was nice. My wife had the baked scallops and I opted for the NY strip steak. Her's was excellent - nicely cooked and tasty. For me, my steak was ok but not as enjoyable as I would have liked. I did have to send it back the first time as it came out on the very rare side. The flavor profile itself was really just meat - I'm not sure they used any seasoning to bring out the Strip's natural flavors. My guess is that they use more of a standard or select grade of meat instead of a choice or prime cut. Overall it was a very nice experience but I would say for a place that positions itself as a steak house, they could improve their approach a little and make turn this into a 5 star restaurant easily. read more