An Evening of Delight at the Cork Room: A Gastronomic Gem amidst TranquilityOur arrival at the Cork Room was like stepping into a peaceful haven. The quiet hum of the lake, the charming cabins nestled amongst the trees, and the gentle breeze set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Even before entering the restaurant, the atmosphere was captivating. Unique shops and friendly animals like ponies and peacocks added to the whimsical charm.Inside the Cork Room, the owner's passion for art was immediately evident. Walls adorned with celebrity memorabilia and movie costumes transported us to a world of entertainment. But the true stars of the show were the hospitality and the food.Chef Timothy's culinary artistry shone through in every bite. The pimento cheese, a creamy delight, set the bar high. My wife, with her gluten allergies, was pleasantly surprised by the accommodating menu options. Her choice, was shrimp and grits and to her delight was fantastic. As for me, the cowboy ribeye was a revelation - perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The decadent three-layer chocolate trifle was the perfect ending to this incredible meal.Beyond the food, the staff left an equally lasting impression. Chef Timothy's infectious passion for cooking was evident as we chatted, making us eager to return for another culinary adventure. Our waitress, Michelle, was a gem - attentive, friendly, and effortlessly ensured a seamless dining experience.This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. The 80s night, buzzing with energy and laughter, added another layer of fun to the evening.This place, with its unique blend of tranquility, art, and culinary excellence, truly deserves its high praise.Looking for a getaway that combines peace, nature, delicious food, and warm hospitality? The Cork Room is your one-stop shop! Come experience it for yourself - you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
J C.
An Evening of Delight at the Cork Room: A Gastronomic Gem amidst Tranquility Our arrival at the Cork Room was like stepping into a peaceful haven. The quiet hum of the lake, the charming cabins nestled amongst the trees, and the gentle breeze set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Even before entering the restaurant, the atmosphere was captivating. Unique shops and friendly animals like ponies and peacocks added to the whimsical charm. Inside the Cork Room, the owner's passion for art was immediately evident. Walls adorned with celebrity memorabilia and movie costumes transported us to a world of entertainment. But the true stars of the show were the hospitality and the food. Chef Timothy's culinary artistry shone through in every bite. The pimento cheese, a creamy delight, set the bar high. My wife, with her gluten allergies, was pleasantly surprised by the accommodating menu options. Her choice, was shrimp and grits and to her delight was fantastic. As for me, the cowboy ribeye was a revelation - perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The decadent three-layer chocolate trifle was the perfect ending to this incredible meal. Beyond the food, the staff left an equally lasting impression. Chef Timothy's infectious passion for cooking was evident as we chatted, making us eager to return for another culinary adventure. Our waitress, Michelle, was a gem - attentive, friendly, and effortlessly ensured a seamless dining experience. This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. The 80s night, buzzing with energy and laughter, added another layer of fun to the evening. This place, with its unique blend of tranquility, art, and culinary excellence, truly deserves its high praise. Looking for a getaway that combines peace, nature, delicious food, and warm hospitality? The Cork Room is your one-stop shop! Come experience it for yourself - you won't be disappointed.
Chris Gore
Wow we loved the food, the wine, and the show afterward. This is a hidden gem. We also did a tasting in the little store beside the restaurant. I enjoyed the cream liqueur the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Debi Ward
My daughter and I went for Sunday afternoon lunch. First, they are NOT open til 6 as their page says. We entered the Cork Room and were ignored by 2 different waitresses for about 10 minutes. Finally a young lady comes to us saying they are closing at 3 and if we ordered something "quick" she guessed she could seat us. It took an additional 10 minutes to place a drink order. The waitress was rude and obviously by the look on her face wanted us to leave. We ordered the club sandwich and fried tomatoes. The fried tomatoes were good. The sandwich had more lettuce and bread than meat. No cheese or mayo. The bread had a horrible burnt smell. The fries were not cooked completely. Another waitress came over and refilled our drinks. She apologized for the website being misleading. Said they were under new ownership and it hasn't been updated in months. It's a beautiful place with a lot of potential, but they need better staff and a chef that actually can cook.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes
Kevin Leblanc
Sadly all four plates they tabled had issues.Starting with it taking just over 45 minutes to get the food after ordering yes other customers had come in well after we did and we're served prior.Dish #1 requested a burger "Medium rare" it was BLACK not even edible and sent back.Dish #2 requested a burger "Medium rare" this was also BLACK in my opinion not edible my wife however chose to keep it.Dish #3 Club sandwich bread not toasted and the amount of ingredients was simply laughable basically had a bread sandwich. The sweet potato fries were very good though.Dish #4 sandwich with undercooked fries.Waitress was ..... well let's just say ABSENT had to flag her down for things and had to go to her at the counter and seek the bill..Not going to be return customers, that's for sure.Kevin
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
DiAnna Young
Casual restaurant. Drinks were great. Best Moscow mule I have had in a long time. Dinner was good. Mahi Mahi fresh. Loved the she crab soup. Nice atmosphere. Waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed the visit on the porch from the barn cats.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, She
Roger Himmel
Unusual find. Much more than a restaurant and bar. The owner has collected truly wonderful original art and photographs from famous celebrities. Worth the visit. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Terry T
We went when first opened and were impressed. Somewhat on pricey side but food and atmosphere were great. Probably been there 9-10 times. Last 4-5 times have gotten progressively worse. Service is slow, even when not crowded. Portion sizes are very small and prices way high. Food quality has gone down and dipping sauce for sweet potato fries was discontinued. We have noticed less customers and we can see the reasons. It's a shame because they started out so well.
Tabitha Barnes
The place is very nice in a quiet hole off of Hwy 87! It is beautiful and I love the are inside. The staff is wonderful. Michele was attentive and more than pleasant! She has a jazzy hair cut!! I love it! I would have given this ALL 5s but my fried pickles were more like soggy cucumbers, but in their defense they were cooking for a large party and I came in right after so they maybe just didnt leave them in the fryer long enough. I will be back and I am inviting my family to come as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Stephanie Harris
We ate at The Cork Room restaurant a year ago and it was fantastic. Went back tonight and it was highly disappointing. The Burnt Ends app was so tough it was hard to eat. All 3 steaks were cooked incorrectly. Two prime ribs were overcooked. Returned one that came back close to being right but not as it should be. A ribeye was ordered rare and first came out medium, then when returned came back blue. Second time it was returned was closer to rare but still not right. So 3 tries and still could not cook it right!On a positive note, our waitress was fantastic and did her best to help to correct the ineptitude of the cooking staff. The decor is fun and the grounds, cottages and spirits are great! Just wish the restaurant's cooks knew how to cook to make this a truly memorable experience!Will stay again at the cottages and enjoy the spirits and wine but not so sure we'llbe eating at The Cork Room as part of our stay.
The setting is lovely, but DON'T plan on a nice dinner there! We booked a table for dinner our last night of vacation. The menu sounded good. The drinks were nice - a good mocktail, but from there it went downhill. I ordered Caesar salad and my husband Filet Mignon. The salad arrived with all the Romaine lettuce edges brown, obviously old. No anchovies, no croutons - which make a Caesar salad (in fairness the menu didn't list anchovies but it's a standard), miniscule Parmesan. Our server said they were out of croutons! WHAT??? The filet was dry with no seasoning on top - menu said topped with rosemary sage butter. Server said the health dept. wouldn't let them use melted butter. WHAT???? We ask to have bread since there were issues, and she said yes. Then came back and said the kitchen wouldn't let her serve us bread. Server was excellent and was able to get us a discount on the meal, but said there were kitchen issues. Obviously!! Mangement never appeared, and sounds like they don't exist. Grounds are nice but need some TLC. Mulch is scattered across the drives and out of the flower beds, fountains not working, etc. This has the potential to be a really nice place, but there is no management visible and no attention to detail. It is not an inexpensive restaurant, so unless you want to be disappointed don't plan on a meal here.
GREG Samples
A must see and taste if you are in the Cape Fear
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Faith Jackson
We so enjoyed hearing Trish DiLello Sunday afternoon. What a soulful, beautiful voice she has!! ❤️ Check her out on Sunday afternoons! Nice, relaxing atmosphere in The Cork Room!We also loved our delicious apps and “specialty” drinks brought to us by Skylar, our server!Totally enjoyable experience!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Wings
Howard Roscoe Clark III
Took my wife on a date. A murder mystery dinner show. The facilities exceed my expectations going in. The seating arrangements and the food was the only part, I wasn't completely impressed with . They kept your attention while keeping you engaged. I encourage you to find a clue during the show. Becoming a small part of the show. I will definitely return to one of these dinner shows again. The show made up for the dinner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Charlie Allen
Great food and service but very limited beer selection. B light and Corona. Yuck.
An Evening of Delight at the Cork Room: A Gastronomic Gem amidst TranquilityOur arrival at the Cork Room was like stepping into a peaceful haven. The quiet hum of the lake, the charming cabins nestled amongst the trees, and the gentle breeze set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Even before entering the restaurant, the atmosphere was captivating. Unique shops and friendly animals like ponies and peacocks added to the whimsical charm.Inside the Cork Room, the owner's passion for art was immediately evident. Walls adorned with celebrity memorabilia and movie costumes transported us to a world of entertainment. But the true stars of the show were the hospitality and the food.Chef Timothy's culinary artistry shone through in every bite. The pimento cheese, a creamy delight, set the bar high. My wife, with her gluten allergies, was pleasantly surprised by the accommodating menu options. Her choice, was shrimp and grits and to her delight was fantastic. As for me, the cowboy ribeye was a revelation - perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The decadent three-layer chocolate trifle was the perfect ending to this incredible meal.Beyond the food, the staff left an equally lasting impression. Chef Timothy's infectious passion for cooking was evident as we chatted, making us eager to return for another culinary adventure. Our waitress, Michelle, was a gem - attentive, friendly, and effortlessly ensured a seamless dining experience.This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. The 80s night, buzzing with energy and laughter, added another layer of fun to the evening.This place, with its unique blend of tranquility, art, and culinary excellence, truly deserves its high praise.Looking for a getaway that combines peace, nature, delicious food, and warm hospitality? The Cork Room is your one-stop shop! Come experience it for yourself - you won't be disappointed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp and Grits
An Evening of Delight at the Cork Room: A Gastronomic Gem amidst Tranquility Our arrival at the Cork Room was like stepping into a peaceful haven. The quiet hum of the lake, the charming cabins nestled amongst the trees, and the gentle breeze set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Even before entering the restaurant, the atmosphere was captivating. Unique shops and friendly animals like ponies and peacocks added to the whimsical charm. Inside the Cork Room, the owner's passion for art was immediately evident. Walls adorned with celebrity memorabilia and movie costumes transported us to a world of entertainment. But the true stars of the show were the hospitality and the food. Chef Timothy's culinary artistry shone through in every bite. The pimento cheese, a creamy delight, set the bar high. My wife, with her gluten allergies, was pleasantly surprised by the accommodating menu options. Her choice, was shrimp and grits and to her delight was fantastic. As for me, the cowboy ribeye was a revelation - perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. The decadent three-layer chocolate trifle was the perfect ending to this incredible meal. Beyond the food, the staff left an equally lasting impression. Chef Timothy's infectious passion for cooking was evident as we chatted, making us eager to return for another culinary adventure. Our waitress, Michelle, was a gem - attentive, friendly, and effortlessly ensured a seamless dining experience. This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. The 80s night, buzzing with energy and laughter, added another layer of fun to the evening. This place, with its unique blend of tranquility, art, and culinary excellence, truly deserves its high praise. Looking for a getaway that combines peace, nature, delicious food, and warm hospitality? The Cork Room is your one-stop shop! Come experience it for yourself - you won't be disappointed.
Wow we loved the food, the wine, and the show afterward. This is a hidden gem. We also did a tasting in the little store beside the restaurant. I enjoyed the cream liqueur the best.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My daughter and I went for Sunday afternoon lunch. First, they are NOT open til 6 as their page says. We entered the Cork Room and were ignored by 2 different waitresses for about 10 minutes. Finally a young lady comes to us saying they are closing at 3 and if we ordered something "quick" she guessed she could seat us. It took an additional 10 minutes to place a drink order. The waitress was rude and obviously by the look on her face wanted us to leave. We ordered the club sandwich and fried tomatoes. The fried tomatoes were good. The sandwich had more lettuce and bread than meat. No cheese or mayo. The bread had a horrible burnt smell. The fries were not cooked completely. Another waitress came over and refilled our drinks. She apologized for the website being misleading. Said they were under new ownership and it hasn't been updated in months. It's a beautiful place with a lot of potential, but they need better staff and a chef that actually can cook.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes
Sadly all four plates they tabled had issues.Starting with it taking just over 45 minutes to get the food after ordering yes other customers had come in well after we did and we're served prior.Dish #1 requested a burger "Medium rare" it was BLACK not even edible and sent back.Dish #2 requested a burger "Medium rare" this was also BLACK in my opinion not edible my wife however chose to keep it.Dish #3 Club sandwich bread not toasted and the amount of ingredients was simply laughable basically had a bread sandwich. The sweet potato fries were very good though.Dish #4 sandwich with undercooked fries.Waitress was ..... well let's just say ABSENT had to flag her down for things and had to go to her at the counter and seek the bill..Not going to be return customers, that's for sure.Kevin
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 1
Casual restaurant. Drinks were great. Best Moscow mule I have had in a long time. Dinner was good. Mahi Mahi fresh. Loved the she crab soup. Nice atmosphere. Waitress was knowledgeable and friendly. Enjoyed the visit on the porch from the barn cats.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, She
Unusual find. Much more than a restaurant and bar. The owner has collected truly wonderful original art and photographs from famous celebrities. Worth the visit. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
We went when first opened and were impressed. Somewhat on pricey side but food and atmosphere were great. Probably been there 9-10 times. Last 4-5 times have gotten progressively worse. Service is slow, even when not crowded. Portion sizes are very small and prices way high. Food quality has gone down and dipping sauce for sweet potato fries was discontinued. We have noticed less customers and we can see the reasons. It's a shame because they started out so well.
The place is very nice in a quiet hole off of Hwy 87! It is beautiful and I love the are inside. The staff is wonderful. Michele was attentive and more than pleasant! She has a jazzy hair cut!! I love it! I would have given this ALL 5s but my fried pickles were more like soggy cucumbers, but in their defense they were cooking for a large party and I came in right after so they maybe just didnt leave them in the fryer long enough. I will be back and I am inviting my family to come as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
We ate at The Cork Room restaurant a year ago and it was fantastic. Went back tonight and it was highly disappointing. The Burnt Ends app was so tough it was hard to eat. All 3 steaks were cooked incorrectly. Two prime ribs were overcooked. Returned one that came back close to being right but not as it should be. A ribeye was ordered rare and first came out medium, then when returned came back blue. Second time it was returned was closer to rare but still not right. So 3 tries and still could not cook it right!On a positive note, our waitress was fantastic and did her best to help to correct the ineptitude of the cooking staff. The decor is fun and the grounds, cottages and spirits are great! Just wish the restaurant's cooks knew how to cook to make this a truly memorable experience!Will stay again at the cottages and enjoy the spirits and wine but not so sure we'llbe eating at The Cork Room as part of our stay.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The setting is lovely, but DON'T plan on a nice dinner there! We booked a table for dinner our last night of vacation. The menu sounded good. The drinks were nice - a good mocktail, but from there it went downhill. I ordered Caesar salad and my husband Filet Mignon. The salad arrived with all the Romaine lettuce edges brown, obviously old. No anchovies, no croutons - which make a Caesar salad (in fairness the menu didn't list anchovies but it's a standard), miniscule Parmesan. Our server said they were out of croutons! WHAT??? The filet was dry with no seasoning on top - menu said topped with rosemary sage butter. Server said the health dept. wouldn't let them use melted butter. WHAT???? We ask to have bread since there were issues, and she said yes. Then came back and said the kitchen wouldn't let her serve us bread. Server was excellent and was able to get us a discount on the meal, but said there were kitchen issues. Obviously!! Mangement never appeared, and sounds like they don't exist. Grounds are nice but need some TLC. Mulch is scattered across the drives and out of the flower beds, fountains not working, etc. This has the potential to be a really nice place, but there is no management visible and no attention to detail. It is not an inexpensive restaurant, so unless you want to be disappointed don't plan on a meal here.
A must see and taste if you are in the Cape Fear
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We so enjoyed hearing Trish DiLello Sunday afternoon. What a soulful, beautiful voice she has!! ❤️ Check her out on Sunday afternoons! Nice, relaxing atmosphere in The Cork Room!We also loved our delicious apps and “specialty” drinks brought to us by Skylar, our server!Totally enjoyable experience!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Green Tomatoes, Wings
Took my wife on a date. A murder mystery dinner show. The facilities exceed my expectations going in. The seating arrangements and the food was the only part, I wasn't completely impressed with . They kept your attention while keeping you engaged. I encourage you to find a clue during the show. Becoming a small part of the show. I will definitely return to one of these dinner shows again. The show made up for the dinner
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Great food and service but very limited beer selection. B light and Corona. Yuck.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5