Very cute, cozy decor inside. Average noise level. Street parking. Happy hour deals. I came for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised that their happy hour prices were good and they offered both wine and food deals. The server was friendly and prompt and was happy to offer wine suggestions (since I couldn't pronounce half the options :D ). I took a peek at their non-happy hour prices and they seemed a little high in general but on-par for Pearl Street. I'll certainly go back, but likely only for happy hour.
(4)
McLain C.
Terrific neighborhood restaurant. Excellent charcuterie plate, a really nice bibb, endive, and beet salad, and everyone enjoyed their entrees, chicken with lentils, which looked to be juicy but with a crispy skin, a formidable pork chop in a lovely jus, and my sole, which was outstanding, with grapefruit and fennel creating a delicate platform for the perfectly cooked fish. I'll be back and recommend it.
(4)
Erica G.
Love the intimate atmosphere and Germanic feel inside, a very cozy spot for dinner. The flat iron steak and chocolate lava cake were outstanding!
I'd probably give it 2.5 stars. It's very cute and cozy inside. Their service was a bit lacking. When we came here it was pretty slow, and so was the service. Water not refilled for quite some time. Food was just okay. Nothing stood out in my opinion. Ribs weren't great and came out cold. Fried chicken was decent. They absolutely won't split checks. They claim it's because of their Aloha computer system but I know that system and it does allow for it. Strange they wouldn't take the small extra effort to make the total experience effortless for a large group willing to spend quite a bit of money.
(2)
Kelly B.
PLEASE RE-OPEN!!! We this place. The owner, Lisa has decorated really well and has mad cooking skills. Justin, who runs the bar is beyond great. His customer service is so top notch it's hard to go anywhere else!!! I guess they are doing a remodel right now. I can't imagine it being any better but I think they're making their kitchen larger...it's located in the middle and super cool and fun to watch the chefs do their magic. If you are looking for a cozy, romantic, spectacular foodie place - this is it!!! MUAH! Kelly and Chris
(5)
Jeff S.
The Village Cork is a fun wine bar. It's quiet, dimly lit and it's easy to find. The staff is always very friendly and helpful, and seem to know instinctively if you want to interact or want to be left alone with whomever you are with. The food is made right in the open behind the bar, so if you're sitting there you'll get treated to watching some culinary creativity. And the food is good. I've always stuck to tapas, but you can get bigger dishes as well. The wines are of course the main draw, and while overall it's a bit more expensive than a standard bar, it's not unreasonable, and you can find great wines for the price you're looking for. This is one of my favorite spots, I've never had a bad experience here and don't have anything negative critiques. Cheers! P.S. try the brie
(5)
Christopher B.
It's great to find a quaint, corner wine place when you are looking to unwind and have a nice atmosphere (without TV's!!). The moment I walked in I felt like this was exactly the type of place I was looking for. There are a number of tables in the front or you could sit at the bar or in the back. The walls all were decorated with cork, which also functions to insulate against cold and noise. That definitely added something to the feel of this place. I was greeted immediately and the service was very good from that point forward. I felt for a second like I was LA looking at the wine prices. I know that the types of wine I ordered were excellent so I suppose they were justified. I also had the cheese plate, which had a nice variety of cheeses and perfect for the night. I had arrived there a bit earlier but by 7:30-8PM it had completely filled up. I liked that the noise level was a bit elevated because I hate when places like this get too quiet. Everyone in the place seemed to be having a great time as I overheard some good conversations and laughter! This is the perfect place to meet out friends or go on a date... I would definitely recommend it!
(4)
Amber M.
Yay, I'm a fan! I came in for the fundraiser this past Thursday for Project Angel Heart. We didn't have a reservation but were promptly seated at a cozy table in the back. We ordered a great bottle of a Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the wine list, which I appreciated. She also recommended a white blend and another white (that I honestly can't remember) which we tried glasses of (both were excellent). We tried a couple of small plates- a cheese board, an avocado stuffed with ceviche, and the crepe. All three were great, but small- these were great tasters, but I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're really hungry. You'll spend a hefty amount and likely leave a bit hungry. That's the only reason I withheld a star- I think for the prices, the portions could be a little more generous. Otherwise, amazing ambiance and staff! I will definitely be back and check out their website for specials! I love that they give a discount on Mondays if you bring in items to be donated for dogs to a local animal shelter.
(4)
Kim S.
The Village Cork has been at the top of our list for over 10 years! Our first visit since Lisa & the team re-opened after the beautiful remodel was exceptional! Wonderful dinner, perfect ambiance & service and fantastic wine selection as always. I had the curry chicken with lentils which was amazing and my husband enjoyed the cauliflower steak. My must have for all these years is the Brie with roasted garlic. No visit to The Cork is complete without it. Great catching up with Lisa as well!
(5)
M S.
The food is devine and the staff is very friendly. Food takes a long time to come out, but it's so worth it. GET THE HANGER STEAK!!!!!!! It's the best thing ever!
(5)
Connor R.
Well my girlfriend and I stopped for a Thursdate and it was very nice. We both got a glass of red and split two appetizers. The three cheese plate was great and the Brie was even better. Red wine paired nice I would recommend it all other than the corner window table because it is right over a vent. All in all would come back for the seasonal menu again.
(5)
Lynda M.
Nice atmosphere. Very snobby owner. I am a young attractive female and I often go to eat by myself. The owner must of been intimidated by my presence because she came to everyone around me and asked how they were and how their food was but she ignored me. I was there visiting a friend who was bartending, and maybe she felt like I was stepping on her turf or something. It was very weird. What an interesting dynamic she has created for her restaurant. You will notice that she only has young men working for her and no young women. I saw the owner at whole foods once and her husband open the car door for her - I understand that this is a nice gesture but I'm sure woman like that would demand it. Food was mediocre at best.
(1)
Christian S.
I made a reservation here for ten people and called a couple times to confirm. It wasn't until I got there to check in that they told me we couldn't split checks. How can you not spilt checks? This was a Meetup group so I was meeting some girls to knit that I didn't even know so splitting a check was kind of awkward. The server asked, "can't one person put it on her card and everyone pay her back?" Uh, yeah sure I have a few hindered extra dollars to cover ten girls eating dinner and drinking wine. Oh wait, that's absurd. After much discussion she did finally let us spilt the check and the world still continued to turn without interruption or problems. On some other notes, the food was odd and sub par The lighting was REALLY dim. I mean really dim. Like I couldn't see the faces of the girls at the end of the table. So on that note, this is a great place if you're not terribly attractive and want to hook up with girls who are drunk on wine. Just get em some wine and since they can't see too well you're in like Flynn! Just don't expect the server to spilt the tabs.
(3)
Ellen F.
One of the most delicious and romantic dinner dates I've ever been on. Fantastic and knowledgable staff & great atmosphere! Ill definitely be back!!
(5)
Frances G.
Cozy is the superlative I would go with when describing this small Platte Park locale, especially during an evening of single digit temperatures. The warm hues in the decor, the exposed brick walls, and the sheer size of the tiny, but adorable restaurant and wine bar is conducive for any winter time occasion. You're immediately enveloped by comfort, which instantly puts you in the mood for a bold glass of wine; thus making me think they know exactly what they're doing to lure people in.
(4)
H R.
This is always going to be a go-to for me when it comes to going out and getting a wonderful selection of wines to choose from and very well-thought out dishes for either snacking or dinner. The service has always been impeccable, and their new chef has served up some great dishes - even a salad we weren't planning on trying ended up blowing our minds! It's quaint, unpretentious, consistent, and always a pleasure. Great job, Village Cork!
(5)
Morgan V.
I walk down old south pearl street from the light rail station once of twice a week to go to physical therapy and I always pass The Village Cork and have been wanting to try it out. It was shut down for a while for a renovation. I didn't see the place before hand but it is so cute and cozy inside. There is a huge wall that is covered in wine corks, which is so rad. The tables were kinda close together, but that seems to be the norm nowadays. We went on the Friday before Valentines day. We made a reservation and we were promptly seated when we arrived. Our server was pretty cool, we aren't wine fans and he knew all the hard liquors that they had on hand. We ordered Vodka sodas. They were definitely on the weak side, but then again I always make my drinks stout. We ordered our food right away getting the scallops appetizer, hanger steak entree and the stuffed sole entree. The scallops came out pretty fast as they should and they were absolutely bomb dot com. The risotto and beet puree it came on was a perfect pairing to the scallops and was almost better than they were. The hanger steak and all of its sides is highly recommended. The steak was cooked perfectly and was as tender as it could be. My fish was lacking. The concept was good but the fish wasn't very flavorful. It was served on a bed of veggies with orange segments, which was a weird combination. Overall I was impressed with the service and most of the food. I would recommend it to friends and I would recommend it to all you loverly yelpers.
(4)
Mila G.
We came here on a double date and really enjoyed it. It was oddly busy for a Tuesday, but we ended up finding seats after a little while. The place is small, and really has two seating areas separated by the bar. Try the almonds, they were amazing! We will need to figure out how to make them at home. Good selection of wine, and it wasn't overly snobby so even the most casual wine drinker had fun.
(4)
Steve S.
I've been driving by this place for years trying to figure out if it was worth a visit. It's tucked up in a non-discrete brick building with nothing more than a window sign and a small patio. But from the lack of showiness opens up a sizable restaurant inside with a great selection of wines (obviously) and food. It's worth a visit! The service was excellent as they could tell a date was going on. Bring the bottle of wine and leave us alone. We did not partake in the food, but from what I could tell in the open kitchen was that good things were going on. I'll definitely be back for the food very soon. A nice surprise that was concealed by my ignorance for so many years. Perhaps you have the same feeling or you just want to have a good red vino and stumble to your home? Either way, try this place.
(4)
Colette R.
I normally use yelp to give a shout out to new restaurants or great experiences but I feel compelled to write about a pretty terrible experience this past Friday here. A group of friends and I were there to celebrate a special occasion and Justin at Village Cork was extremely rude and pompous. He let us know a few times that we only had 30 minutes left to sit at our table and made it feel as if we were in the way. I understand reservations but you can learn to do it tactfully. He also let my friend, a regular, know that we were C minus customers even though we were polite and tip well. We were able to ignore his rudeness and move on with our evening but I will not return there there as long as he's there and since he's related to the owner, it will probably be a while.
(2)
Samantha E.
This is a lovely little wine bar in the South Pearl neighborhood! I met a friend here for happy hour and we really enjoyed. I arrived early, and the waiter was very understanding and nice to me while I was waiting. Their 4:30-5:30 happy hour is half off wine, which is a great deal! They have a very nice selection of wines, and can give helpful suggestions if you have any questions. I tried a verdicchio white wine that was great, and my friend's pinot noir was delicious. The food we tried was great; servings are small, but the garlic Brie is fabulous, as was the green bean special. And be sure to ask for the almonds. They're addictive. It's very pretty inside and the patio is nice as well. There's a bit of traffic noise, but they've done their best to make it cozy. I'd give them five stars, but it's on the pricey side. It would be nice if they had a few more small plate options under $10 for nibbling on.
(4)
Stephanie P.
#618 I am seriously in love with this place. I've been here at least a dozen times in the past ten months and I still can't get enough. Their baked brie is to die for, with plenty of roasted garlic and apple slices to go with. I'm also a huge fan of their salmon. It's simple, elegant, and cooked perfectly each time. Their french onion soup falls a little flat for me, but it is still better than any other that I've had in Denver. Oh, and I can't forget about the chocolate cake! So creamy and delicious with every bite. Of course their main attraction is the wine. I've sampled most of the reds and have officially decided that the Malbec is for me. If you're not particularly adept at ordering wine, the servers are thorough and know exactly what they're talking about. None of my friends have been disappointed with their recommendations to date! Honestly, I love my friends that much more because they're willing to indulge with me at The Village Cork. Plus, FYI, great first date location.
(5)
Shane D.
We were here for the second time on Feb 13, 2013 and I am just getting around to writing a review. We really felt like the food and the wine list here are wonderful. The presentation of the food was imaginative without being too showy and the blending of flavors was just lovely and artful. Wines suggested for each food item seemed very appropriate and the two choices suggests to us were spot on. The ambiance is also very well done as it blends romantic with a friendly, neighborhood feel. The only reason I give this restaurant four stars instead of five stars is that it seemed a little overpriced. While the quality of the food was really high, the pricing was just a little too high relative to the quality. It was very "French restaurant" in that respect. The next time we return, and we will return, we will be a little more selective with our food choices and focus only on entree and wine to keep the cost more reasonable. Thank you to the Village Cork for providing such a nice dining option in the South Gaylord district.
(4)
Karen T.
When my friend and I walked in at 7:45 the hostess rudely asked if we had a reservation (we didn't), sighed and then showed us to a nearby empty table. Then she walked away as I asked where the bathroom was. Our server brought us both a glass of wine even though my friend was the only one who ordered it. He was very irritated with us when I explained the misunderstanding. Maybe it was an off night but the rude attitude of these two employees is enough to make me not want to try again.
(1)
Samantha L.
I loved this intimate wine bar and bistro. A girlfriend and I were looking for a spot for a low key dinner that still allowed us to feel like we'd "made of night of it." We were recommended Village Cork and were very pleased with our decision. The wall of wine corks and decorations, as well as the extensive wine list and menu, helped make our dinner great. Though the tables are a bit jam packed, you really don't hear a ton of noise due to the more mature patrons. The staff is helpful and attentive and -- more importantly -- the food is delicious. My teeth had just been whitened, and I had to keep asking if there were any dark liquids on my food. My waiter didn't even seem appalled by my bizarre and high maintenance request. We ended up with the garlic brie starter and the chicken and a special pasta entree. All was divine and fresh. I highly recommend.
(4)
James B.
inconsistent. First time I dined here I was impressed; not the latest time= very lackluster. Menus were depleted and what they had was blah. Overpriced for the quality and lack of implementation. Seems like a spot that was once edgy and hit the mark and tried to rest on its laurels.
(3)
Russ L.
Maybe it was a bad night, but none of our plates were good, and the wine recommended by the server was terrible. People seem to really like this place, but when one is paying almost 200 a dinner for 4 people, I wouldn't risk it again.
(3)
Jen W.
Lobster pot, lobster pot, lobster pot pie! A coworker had asked me if I had ever been to the VC as she was checking out their menu and saw that they had it on their menu. Knowing my affinity for lobster I was immediately sucked in and we made a res for that very same evening. We even called ahead to make sure it was on the menu - that was how dedicated we were. So imagine my disappointment when I dug into the pie and barely found more than a few lobster morsels - at $28 I should have been able to stab chunks with my fork not hunt for a few measly at best pieces. The flavor of the pie definitely had lobster essence but the largest piece I found was the size of a dime. The potatoes where large cubes and could have been smaller as well. My coworker ordered the same and had better luck with a few meatier pieces but was sorely disappointed as well. When the waiter came back to check on our meals I told the truth and in turn was told in a dismissive tone "I assure you there are 4 ounces of lobster in there" - well they must have been in puree form because this East Coast chick knows her lobster and I'm telling you it was not in there. The waiter had been really nice up to that point so i felt like it took it very personally for some reason. After that his service was perfunctory. Pros: - cute, cozy spot - great, relaxing music - decent wine selection $8-$15 per glass price range - local, seasonal ingredients - complimentary olive tapanade and bread plate - delicious East Coast style clams in a delicious broth - nice apps selection Cons: - hard to find parking on a Friday night but not unexpected for the neighborhood - high tables a bit awkward especially if you are a shortie! - slow service - ok if you go in knowing this - definitely a laid back approach - a bill you cannot read - handwritten scratch and old timey typing. We had to take their word for it as the kids needed to be picked up from the babysitter and we lost track of time.
(3)
Emily J.
I live in this neighborhood and was really excited to find that there was a wine bar so close to my place! I like The Village Cork but it wasn't really up to my expectations. The wine list is full of unique wines, which is great and the atmosphere is really nice, great for a date and for just getting together with friends. The food is good, yet the menu is extremely limited and very pricey. I am willing to pay very good money for great food but The Village Cork's dishes just didn't quite make the grade for me. the services was good as well, nothing over the top but everyone was courteous and well educated on their wines. I would like to go back to The Village Cork for happy hour and give it a second chance, and hopefully add a few stars to this review. I think the best word to describe my experience here was underwhelming. But, as I live so close I feel obligated to give it another try!
(3)
Wesley M.
Such a neat atmosphere and a great place to lounge. The food was pretty pricey, but great service from our waitress (and experienced), and it was quite tasty.
(5)
Linds J.
The Village Cork is a lovely little restaurant that is just off the hustle and bustle of South Pearl Street. This is a place that I want to keep coming back to because it's comfortable, homey, and maintains elegance without pretension. It's a little pricey, but I appreciate that their menu evolves seasonally and that they prioritize organic and local. I like when I see a menu written on a chalkboard, even if it's smaller, because I know they chefs are getting creative with the seasonal flavors, and that the food will speak for itself, rather than chefs having to work twice as hard to make dull, out of season food taste good. We snagged a cozy seat at the bar, which gave us full view of a rather petite kitchen. Kudos for the volume of food that just two chefs were churning out this small-space. Sitting at the bar is the best seat in the house for this reason - Top Chef...LIVE! The service was easy-going, but we were never forgotten. Their wine list is unique and quite extensive. The food was excellent, but I was hoping the portions would have been just a little bit bigger. We shared complimentary rosemary toasted almonds (nice touch while you wait), a sauteed brussel sprouts dish, a warm sweet and garlicky brie dish, a petite salad, and a cheese board. It can be a pricey stop for just a few drinks and apps. There weren't any happy hour specials on food, and HH is over by 5:30p, which by today's workaholic schedules, is ambitious for most people to walk out the door by 5p. Even if you're sharing, you'll probably see more value in selecting the full plates instead of the small plates.
(4)
Blake S.
Went here for restaurant week and it was fantastic. First, the atmosphere is very nice for a date. It's small but not uncomfortable and the lighting is not too dark. We had an excellent server. He gave us good, honest recommendations when ordering and adjusted the wine pairing that came with the menu so we were trying more varied wines, which still paired nicely with the food. Now the food, it was very good. I had a tasty celery soup and my wife had the warm spinach salad. For our entrees my wife's trout almondine was very nice but my coq au vin was the star. It was juicy and flavorful. The portion was a good size but I was craving more when I was done. To end the meal we shared a flourless chocolate tort paired with a port. They went well together and were not too sweet which suited me just fine. All in all a great experience and a good start to restaurant week.
(5)
Talia H.
Pre-Restaurant week we decided to check out The Village Cork. I had heard good things and was excited to try it out. We arrived at 7 and were seated promptly. The waiter was FABULOUS! He built wine flights for us that were AMAZING! He was incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and wine. He also didn't give us the usual half answers on favorite dishes. The menu changes daily and the chef... oh the chef. We didn't even have the head chef... we had his assistant... who was PHENOMENAL. He didn't even have a full kitchen. Was cooking on what looked like camp stoves. And my G-d! It was amazing. He did the most incredible things with his limited supplies. The duck prosciutto was amazing. But, by far, the duck and white truffle pate was insane!! We could have eaten it all night. The waiter told us it would make our socks roll up and down... it did. My socks came off a danced a little jig. I am running out of adjectives. It was amazing. For the main course, we had the chicken, veal meatballs, crab enchiladas, and roasted vegetable mac and cheese. They were all incredible. The Mac was thick pieces of pasta. Very unusual and I think homemade. Delish! All in all, it was an incredible dining experience. This isn't a place to come when you have to get home, leave your watch in the car. Take your time, experience your food and wine. It is a stunning experience. Delicious from soup to nuts. I have plans to go back and just sit at the bar, drink wine, and eat that pate. If you appreciate food or are a foodie, you have to visit. End, Fin, Omega, Nuts. Period.
(5)
Tyler S.
I don't know why there is two listings for this place, but to ensure I am reviewing the correct one, I will reiterate what was said previous. We stopped in for happy hour yesterday to quench our thirst before moseying down Pearl Street for dinner. Upon walking in, my first impression of the restaurant is that it is a very quaint and cozy establishment. I had an impression that the front part of the restaurant was there only tables, however, the place is quite deep and sits more tables in the back. We sat at the bar and were greeted from the first step in the door. Our bartender / server was very knowledgeable and steered us into the perfect direction of some delicious wine choices! We started out by having a glass of the Infinite Monkey Theorem malbec, which was an awesome decision! I have heard a lot of buzz with this newer local winery and have been dying to try out there talked up libations. We finished our glass of malbec and agreed that we had a little bit of time for a second glass. Wanting to extend my palate and experience some more delicious wines, I decided to try something different. The bartender recommended an old world zinfandel which wasn't on their menu yet (it was a newer wine they received and are pouring). This second choice was also out of this world! Big, jammy, fruit forward - one of the better zinfandels I have sampled! We didn't eat dinner at this establishment, however, based on their wine choices, I wouldn't doubt that the food would be as equally as amazing! The service was excellent and very attentive, always ensuring that our water glasses were full. I cannot wait to come back and sample their fare even further on our next food adventure!
(5)
Andee H.
I did love the wine and I think for the happy hour price it's a great place to hang. The food is a bit too snobby for me. (I mean it's pricey and it makes me feel I should be the size of an elf.) We shared a cheese plate and my friend had the pate plate. I would return for happy hour, but not for dinner. It's just not my kind of place. I will say the service was attentive, the place itself was charming, but the bill gave my wallet quite a scream and I didn't even pay.
(3)
Leah M.
The main reason that I go to wine bars is for the atmosphere. Village Cork has a relaxing, eclectic atmosphere and a nice wine list to boot. I went to Village Cork for after dinner treats last weekend. The server was immediately attentive and gave us great wine suggestions. My sister, who was in town from San Francisco, was impressed by the wine list. It is very hard to impress Californians. After our wine came, we ordered peach zucchini bread with lemon curd and gelato. Such a unique, not-too-sweet dessert! We loved every bite, although there was so much that we couldn't finish it. Since it is just around the corner, I have a feeling that I'll be back to Village Cork as often as possible!
(4)
Theresa L.
We love The Village Cork. We always get good food and good service. They also typically have wines we've never tried before which is fun since my husband and I play at the "pretend-wine-snobs" game. If you're a cheese person, try the brie. It is both tasty and artery clogging at the SAME time!
(5)
Nicole H.
I havent eaten here, but love the atmosphere sitting at the bar, watching the cooks, and drinking wine. I have been pleasantly surprised by the changing wine list and the knowledge of the staff about the wine.
(5)
Sam M.
I LOVE this place! Went last night with a friend who recently moved to the area and fell in love with this seasonal hot spot. It was the perfect fall evening to share our baked brie with apples and warm, chewy baguette...accompanied by delicious Pinot Noir. Yummm :) The rain spitting against the windows, the soft candle glow and twinkly lights overhead.. The sweet sounds of Deano and Frank singin' in our ears. It was lovely! Thank you for making this place so awesome! 1/2 price glasses of wine during HH and their seasonal menu is delicious! Will return!
(4)
Chip C.
I am surprised I have not reviewed before. Been there about 10 times. Hard to advise on the menu because it changes seasonally - which is wonderful. Generally everything is super fresh, very farm-to-market type fare. Decent but limited wine list which is very reasonably priced (although cellared temperature would be a sweet bonus). The wait staff are quite typically very knowledgeable, very nice people and attentive. Some of the tables are a tad small and close together, but it is a cozy neighborhood place. That's part of the charm. If you can, try to get a seat at the bar because the food preparation is behind the bar (not hidden in the back). Wonderful entertainment and good conversation. Lisa the owner is usually there and visits the tables. Nice touch. Will continue to be one of my regular places.
(4)
Tricia W.
Went here with some friends in town and it was perfect. The perfect place for catching up, very intimate with cute mismatched china and flatware. Well edited wine list and seasonal menu. The three of us split 2 entrees and the roasted garlic, brie and apple appetizer which was perfect for us. The server was great but we really just wanted to be left alone, the water was never empty though. I will definitely be back. Small and fills up quick so I would recommend a reservation. It is a little pricey so be warned.
(5)
Sue C.
So much to like about this place: the wonderful food, the great wine and the fabulous service all in an atmosphere that is classy and comfortable. If you're not sure what you want - just ask the chef what his current favorite is - that worked very well for us! This place is on our favorites list now.
LOVE!!!! $5/glass open bottles of wine past 10pm, amazing food (a lot of which is grown by the staff and their family) and they are big supporters of animal shelters through their Vin Cru Dog wine donations. Try the Honey Pot white wine- its sweet but not overwhelming. Chicken breast is more like 1/2 a chicken and cooked beyond perfection. You'll never leave disappointed in the chicken. Yummy complimentary rosemary garlic almonds. Duck breast is so succulent. We live around the corner but would drive miles and miles to eat here. Their pasta specials are awesome, homemade pasta.
(5)
Bethany J.
I enjoy the Village Cork. Decent wine choices but I wish they had a few more options under $10 a glass. The dessert menu is small but the options are all quite delicious! Service is good. Only complaint on my last visit was that after 10pm our waitress was working behind the bar in addition to taking care of her tables. Made things take a little longer than they should have.
(3)
Katie O.
I was part of a group of women who met at the Village Cork last week. We called ahead with a reservation (16 or so). Upon arrival, we requested separate checks and were informed that was not possible and that only one card would be accepted at the end. However, we were welcome to walk across the street in the 6 degree weather to use the atm. I should have followed my gut at that point and suggested we relocate to Hanson's. According the server/owner "the finest restaurants in town have this policy." I find it really hard to believe a restaurant, no matter how sophisticated, wouldn't want to accommodate a party that large. Not to mention, how easy it would have been to inform us of that stipulation when we made the reservation. When we FINALLY received our check, after being ignored for about 20 minutes as we were most of the evening, the bill didn't quite add up. We spent the next hour trying to figure out (without the help of the server/owner) how we were $150 short. Turns out she was way off. I was most annoyed that she included a 20% gratuity to the total including the TAX amount ($65). I tip 20% with the caveat that I receive good service, timely attention, and don't have to waste an hour of my time disputing the total. Most crap service ever. I will never go back.
Very good food and extremely knowledgable server. The pate was better than any I've had in Denver.
(4)
Holly G.
The food at this little cozy wine bar is pretty tasty but the wine list in lacking. Totally a bummer considering this is a "wine bar" and they should have an extensive and unique wine list, right? You'd think. Plus, I think the food is quite overpriced and the service is a little slow.
(3)
Adrienne D.
This is a great place to go for a date night or a girls night out. The wine is amazing and food is to die for. To have the best experience call ahead and make sure Justin is working. His knowledge of the wine and food will make your experience even more memorable.
(4)
Steve A.
Each time we visit the Village Cork, we leave not knowing what we enjoyed the most about the place; the food, the staff, the quality, the detail to excellence ... or something else. Had New Year's eve dinner and had a late seating at 9:45 pm. While staff was probably waiting for midnight and heading to their own parties, you could never tell. They were as professional and accommodating as always. This is our 5th dinner at Village Cork and each time we are thorougly impressed. Weather it's sitting at the bar for a glass of wine and appetizer, to having a full fledged dinner, each time it's fantastic. Staff is knoweldgeable. The kitchen staff is right there in front of you cooking your meal and readily available to speak to you about each dish. The owners are there too with a smile and are appreciatve of our business. The food comes in nice portions and is never 'overwhelming'. My girlfriend is vegetarian and they always have ample offerings for her. Again, the staff is great and really takes the time to allow you to enjoy your visit. We will continue visiting The Village Cork and recommend you try it also
(5)
Neal E.
I had a good experience here-- the place was packed and we showed up sans reservation. Nevertheless, we were immediately seated at the bar and received excellent service/advice on a wine recommendation and menu guidance. My date was a vegetarian and though the menu was fairly small, our server was quick to suggest that the chef would gladly customize and/or build something to fit her tastes. The short of it: our food was excellent, our service was superb, and we had a great time at The Village Cork. I would gladly recommend it to my closest friends.
(4)
Sean P.
So went this restaurant during 5280 week and as it is only a few blocks from my house walked (however as other reviews have stated parking during Thursday nights through saturday is a pain to park here in general terms). My girl and I had this cozy little restaurant on our to go to list for a while so had fairly high expectations. We ahd reservations on a Tuesday night and can see that they are a must as this place is very small but still busy but was sat right away. The tables are tall (but being six foot ten I enjoyed them but definitely could cause other problems). I ordered the minestrone and the Beef short tender while my girl ordered the salad with housemade papardelle. The minestrone was ok (no Pagliacci's) but still good and the salad was good a little bland but ok. However the short steak was perfect with the yukon potatoes. There is one problem going during 5280 week and that is they don'tserve all their items and could tell a few regulars weren't too happy they couldn't order off the regular menu. The wine selection, as this location was a wine bar before swiching to full restaurant, is a little limited but still found a good wine. The ambiance of this place is perfect for a romantic date or double date. The service is slow, almost european slow where you will have to ask for the check but will not be rushed. To sum up is a great place for date night a little pricey if get wine bottle which will puch you no doubt above $100. As place is small make a reservation and as the parking can suck get there a little early as might have to walk a block or two. The service is good but it will be more european style in which at the end of your meal you will not be rushed so make sure to let your waiter know if need to get somewhere quick. I wouldn't say this place is a visit more than once a few months but it is good and definitely worth a try when the full menu is offered after 5280 week.
(4)
Dave T.
WOW I don't think I have had such bad service in my life, so bad I joined YEP to let everybody know. My friend suggested that we go there for HH and it is a nice looking little wine bar that had good HH wine prices and cheese. But the waitress was not competent on her wines or cheeses. Later on the chef came over and had to tell us. (Which I am greatfull for) Every time we needed to ORDER some more wine or cheese we had to FLAG DOWN our waitress, and when we asked for another glass of water she said "I'll be with you in a moment as she is looking at us". So we tried every person at the table asking for service but it took our fourth person before we got any warmth out of the waitress. Oddly enough the owner cam over and was a little nicer, but had a chip on her shoulder as well. For as small as the restaurant is, she should be greeting everybody and thanking them for their business. Long story short we spent 150.00 on wine and cheese, then ventured over to Sketch Wine bar on 1st and Lincoln across from the Hornet. All I have to say is great FRIENDLY and Personable bartenders Ben and Vickie took us in with open arms. I can highly recommend stopping by and enjoying the modern but quaint place.
(1)
Mitchell A.
Nice atmosphere, somewhat eclectic selection of wine by the glass. Reasonable pricing. Good selection of tapas, albeit a bit on the pricey side. We had the cheese platter - interesting choices of cheese, small amount, but it was a great day so everything tasted great!. Service was attentive. If you want a nice place to meet, sip some wine and relax - this is perfect
(3)
Arnold W.
My pal and I really enjoyed this spot. Good wine selection, good food. Nice people. Return Visit Aug 2010: Even better! Great food. Good wines. Good prices.
Over the past eight years, I've saved every cork from every bottle of wine opened in my home - I throw them in a narrow drawer in the kitchen. Well, that drawer is close to full at this point. Suffice it to say I LOVE WINE! I don't know much about it, however, and when it comes to ordering it, I get nervous and conservative - only ordering Cab's or Pino's. Village Cork is a wine bar minus the attitude. The quaint room doesn't have a poorly placed table in it - each one is rock star seating. Our server was laid back, knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. What more could you ask for? He made some great wine suggestions to go with our cheese plate, and made sure to check in on a regular basis without being pushy. It's been a while since I've been in - looks like I have a destination for this weekend!
(5)
Frankie C.
Go ahead, break your bank with a 3-piece cheese, 4-walnuts, 5-slices of apple 3x5 cheese plate. Ridiculously overpriced. The service? I'm not even going to bother mentioning. It's cute. It's cozy. It's in a good location.
(2)
Karen M.
The Village Cork is warm, cozy and quiet - a perfect place for an intimate glass of wine with a special someone or, as in my case, a nice environment to have a long conversation and catch up with an old friend. Our server, Melissa, was really knowledgeable and helpful. We both had a flight of reds - Melissa helped us with our choices. But this is too pricey of a place for me to visit more than once a year. The cheese platter we ordered was so skimpy! Really no reason I can think of for such small portions of cheeses. So that was really disappointing. But, if I ever have a date again, this would be one place I would bring her to for a lovely glass of wine!
(3)
Dave G.
A great date place for sure. Delicious small plates using local, seasonal food and a small but very carefully selected wine list. When I first went here with my girlfriend, she said, "If I were to open up my own restaurant, I would want it to be exactly like this." Only negative is it it's potentially a little over-priced, otherwise I would probably go here all the time.
(4)
Sarah L.
Do NOT expect to get to good service, in fact, expect to be looked down on in a snobbish way if you go here. We had a terrible experience with sub-par food and terrible service. Do not waste your time!
(1)
Melissa K.
Went here for 5280 week and loved the atmosphere. Super cute decor! I loved that they had a wine tasting menu to go along with the 5280 menu for only $20 more.
(4)
Nicole P.
We had the most ridiculous experience at The Village Cork last night. When our bill arrived, it was impossible to decipher. When we finally got the server to re-write it so that items were on the same line (and same page) as their cost (This is not too much to ask!), the total was wrong. I'm not talking about a few dollars here. Her total was almost $150 OVER what it actually added up to be. It's no wonder we were confused! It took us an hour to figure out the bill situation, and I left wondering whether the server was a moron or truly trying to screw us over. I could go on about the poor service but will leave it at this: I will never go back and certainly would not recommend this place to my friends.
(1)
Jill S.
Really cute wine bar with a wonderful staff. Went here on a date and would definitely come back. Warm, welcoming and just romantic enough.
(4)
Erin J.
Perfect place for a few glasses of vino and a cheese plate! Great selection that won't break the bank and some wonderful small plates to nosh on while you chat away. Great place for a date, for drinks with your girlfriends and a little relaxation.
(4)
Kathleen M.
This restaurant used to be a quaint little pub. No longer. They are v ery unfriendly to their customers. You feel as if they are doing you a favor- "allowing" you to be there. I would not recommend anyone subject themselves to this sort of service. Mediocre wine list, very limited menu, and you smell like garlic when you leave. DON'T BOTHER- too many GOOD places in Denver.
(1)
Tina C.
The Village Cork was really busy on a Friday night. Since my friend didn't make reservations we were able to grab the last available cute little table outside which was fine with me because the weather was beautiful. However, the table was really small so when we ordered dinner we had to try to consolidate all of the dishes. The food and the wine were really good even though I thought the food was a little pricey for the portion size. Next time I will remember to call ahead to get a table inside which looks nice and cozy.
(3)
Anne A.
I love, love, love wine, so any place that serves wine is already a winner in my book. The ambience was incredible! So romantic, peaceful, warm and welcoming. This bar was much larger than I'd expected. I especially enjoyed all the details they put into the decorating, from the doors made of wooden wine crates to the mismatched antique plates. Our server was okay, no complaints, just average. The wine was great and on sale. Although they were out of the first wine we'd requested. The cheese plate was just an embarassing display of three tiney chunks of hard-as-a-rock cheese. I attempted to cut the tiney rock they called cheese and it flew on the floor it was so hard. It was more like an apple and nut plate, which made me sad because I wanted cheese!
(3)
Mariko Y.
Can be summed in one word, "quaint". Seems to be a perfect place for girls night out for those girls who don't want to don sequins and sip something that has an umbrella. The staff is pretty knowledgeable and allows the people to enjoy and converse without being intrusive. The kitchen is non-existent and everything is prepared in the little space right between the two-sided bar. The wine list changes every couple of months and at this moment they have a rose wine for the benefit of breast cancer research.
(4)
J C.
The VC has changed immensely over the past couple of years! I came here when it first opened & was half the size (and 1/16 of the menu) that it is now. The place has completely revitalized with the addition of Chef Samir. What once was a wine & cheese bar is now a full-fledged dining establishment that can keep up with any top restaurant in Denver....the difference being that Samir's kitchen consists of 2 butane burners, a small convection oven, and one sous chef...that's it! The menu changes regularly based upon what is fresh, local & delicious at any given time. I was resold on the Cork the first time I tasted the delicious, yet simple, zucchini crudo. The chef prides himself on visiting famers' markets several times a week as well as working with local purveyors for meats, cheeses, and other gorgeous ingredients. While it may seem a bit pricey, every item on the menu is made from scratch and with passion, & you can be assured that you are eating some of the best product available. I often sit at the bar so that I can watch the chefs work, and I am always greeted warmly by the staff. In fact, the guys know my wine taste so well that I don't even know what I drink..lol...Jeff & Charlie do and always take great care of me. Charming place!
(5)
Aimee M.
Went here for girl talk and wine last Monday night. We had an AWESOME bartender/waiter who recommended just the right wines for my flight. I just told him I like dry reds that are big and he came up with just the right selections. I think his name was Charlie? Anywho, me and my friend just sat there and talked for hours while drinking wine of course! He was friendly and attentive but never intrusive and the atmosphere was quaint and comfortable. We had a great time, but never got around to ordering food-that's why I'm giving 4 stars...gotta try the food too.
(4)
Lauren D.
This wine bar is very cozy. It's comfortable and homey. It is however pricey on the wines (and that is all they serve for alcohol). I was pretty bummed out to find that you cannot get a flight of wine on a Friday or Saturday night, as that is one of my favorite things to do at wine bars. We did have great service though, always had wine if we wanted it and even full water glasses. Ok cheese selection but the pieces you get for the money are tiny! We might come back again if in the area, but Denver has a ton of great other wine bars that are far more economical.
(3)
Katie T.
My name is Katie, and I love wine. I also love grabbing a glass of wine after a long day at work with a dear friend. I adore Village Cork. I love the wine selection, yummy food (Onion Soup!), and the atmosphere. Located near Wash Park and on the famous Pearl Street, it is a hit. Make sure to wear a watch, because you will lose the time because you are enjoying yourself. Recommend it to wine snobs and everyone who enjoys a drink with a friend or two.
(5)
michele b.
What an adorable place! Hubby and i wandered in after some house-shopping on a random Wed. night. We were seated in the window (it was too chilly to sit outside on their cute patio) and got some spot-on wine recommendations from our server. He really knew the menu and the wine list, had very helpful descriptions for the wines, and made great pairing suggestions. The caprese was excellent, and hubby really liked the carpaccio. I ordered the veggie trio, which had amazing quiche, a good souffle, and something else yummy and cheesy (my only complaint would be that more veggies, less cheese, would've been good). Dessert was also quite good and paired well with our wine. The atmosphere was very warm and cozy and romantic ... we can't wait to go back after we move into our new house down the street!
(4)
Stacey H.
Went here for my birthday and loved the cozy atmosphere. Our server was knowledgeable and funny and didn't rush us through dinner. The scallops were amazing - probably the best I've had. My husband doesn't do wine and found the beer selection seriously lacking but this place doesn't pride itself on beer...
(4)
Brad S.
Great wine flight. Charlie really knows his wines..
(5)
Tom M.
Not a great experience - nice decor, but disappointing wine selection and very over-priced food menu. The antipasto platter was a bit meager and hardly worth the $21. The lobster dish was cold (and not meant to be). The waitstaff was quite good - if they could elevate their offerings and improve the value, it could be great. Until then, I'd look elsewhere - Denver has plenty better to offer.
(1)
Elizabeth C.
Tried this place the first time by happenstance...it just looked nice from driving by it...went in and found out we hit happy hour...half off glasses of wine! Score! Tried the vegetarian combo and spaghetti squash flan....yum! The leek soufle was especially to die for! Tried the apple crisp for dessert and was not disappointed! Brought a coworker in from out of town and again, supurb! We enjoyed wine and the brie, apple, and roasted garlic as well as another cheese plate. Only complaint was the cheese plate did not come with enough bread/crackers so we had cheese and almonds galore but nothing else to pair with...and, of course, they give a delicious tapenade to start off the meal! A bit pricey, especially when you don't hit happy hour, but stick to the small plates or splitting entrees and it is well worth it! Such a cozy cute place! Lots of farm fresh ingredients as well.
It's a rare day indeed when a place can get me to use the word adorable, but this place is ADORABLE! I never wanted to leave. This place has date night written all over it. It may be a bit pricy (go for happy hr - can't beat $5 wine), and the menu is small, but all of this is completely overshadowed by the fabulousness of this place, perfect background music, friendly bartender, and the olives-anywhere that gives you olives as your free happy hr snack is pretty alright with me.
(4)
Kristn K.
The Village Cork reminds me of wine bars you can find in France. It has a little outdoor patio, laid back ambiance, really good wine, great service, conscientious servers, and is a great place to go with someone where you just want to talk. It also is easy to find and central if you have friends who live North while you happen to live South. I've been there several times, and its always a great evening. They aren't open very late during the week (10 I think) but last time I was there they stayed open until the group was ready to leave...no pressure or hurry. Its just really cool. But don't go there yourself or tell anyone about it.
(5)
Ray L.
Great food. I would give this quaint very nice restaurant 4 stars but I am giving it 5 to offset the 3 star review because the 'food is snobby' review what does that mean? - did the pate say something degrading to you?! It's great food, nicely prepared and a good value considering what some other restaurants in Denver would try to charge for the same dishes such as the pate, brie with apples, duck confit, corn meal coated trout. If anything the service and staff were friendly and makes you feel comfortable and welcomed even though they were serving high end grub. Even with more simple ingredients like chicken and skirt steak they do a very nice job with the preparation. Since it is an open kitchen it was a treat to see some talented young chefs enjoying what they were doing and us diners were the ones benefiting fron their efforts. Many entrees were priced in the teens. Nice presentation on every plate and everyone in our party was sharing their dish so we could sample everything. Everyone on our table travels for work and sample a lot of restaurants in different cities and we all agreed this place was very good. and a nice find. Tip when you are looking for it make sure you are on SOUTH Pearl. The same address on Pearl has what looks like a halfway house by that number!l
(5)
Kara P.
This is a cozy little corner spot where everyone is super friendly and doesn't make you feel "less than" when you admit you don't know much about wine. Plus the food is super yummy. Unpretentious and warm, I'll be back!
(4)
Susan D.
Wonderful setting, and love the feel inside this cozy place.
(5)
Sandi D.
We stumbled upon The Village Cork after grazing at Izakaya Den. After a very light meal of small plates at the Sushi Den's sister restaurant, we decided to take a walk down Pearl St. in-search of an after dinner drink. Small and easy to miss if not on foot, is the tiny wine bar who's emulating a Parisian Cafe. Adorable inside; simply decorated, with a less is more atmosphere. A minimalistic bar serves as the brain of the operation, and is the focus of the cafe. Everything comes from the bar area, your servers, your food, and your drink. While they do have a full bar, and serve a bit of food: wine, beer and coffee seem to be their forte'. The nice surprise of the evening, other then sampling some yummy wines that I wouldn't normally try, was the tab. Turns out that us night owls are rewarded with $5 glasses of wine should we be flexible and adventurous and drink from an open bottle. Instead of corking the bottles from that day, The Village Cork discounts those wines in order to get rid of them--like those 1/2 price bagels at 3pm. LOVE THAT !!
(4)
Mitch J.
Went to Village Cork last night, hoping to try the $11 flights of wine.. This doesn't apply to Fri/Sat.. The atmosphere was very nice, and the wines we tried were great. But it was expensive. Made a great place for date night.
(3)
Molly C.
So cozy and comfy! Be prepared that the menu is strictly pre-dinner or post-dinner. The wine list is long, the apps are yummy and the service is pleasant. I truly was impressed with all the details they thought of when decorating. We had the prawns with lemon risotto, which were great (and I'm not usually a prawn fan). Our server was Adam who greeted us with a warm welcome and friendly service!
(4)
Jay N.
Mediocre and over-priced. I did have some amazing chicken soup though!
(2)
Tom S.
Not economical but very gracious and not at all pretentious. I've felt special every time I've come here. The wine list is simple and respectable but nothing like the mega cellar you would see at a place like the Barolo Grill. I think this place is more about the experience than the exposure to primo wines anyway.
(4)
L J.
Although the atmosphere was cozy, I felt the server was very rude & made us feels as if we weren't welcome. Therefore, I won't be back. I would recommend checking out some other wine bars where the people are a bit more warm & welcoming!
(2)
Bec W.
My all-time favorite wine bar. I've been going to the Cork since it opened. I'm married now, but it used to be my favorite "first-date" place. I HIGHLY recommend a glass of red paired with their chocolate cake...delish!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kristin O.
Very cute, cozy decor inside. Average noise level. Street parking. Happy hour deals. I came for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised that their happy hour prices were good and they offered both wine and food deals. The server was friendly and prompt and was happy to offer wine suggestions (since I couldn't pronounce half the options :D ). I took a peek at their non-happy hour prices and they seemed a little high in general but on-par for Pearl Street. I'll certainly go back, but likely only for happy hour.
(4)McLain C.
Terrific neighborhood restaurant. Excellent charcuterie plate, a really nice bibb, endive, and beet salad, and everyone enjoyed their entrees, chicken with lentils, which looked to be juicy but with a crispy skin, a formidable pork chop in a lovely jus, and my sole, which was outstanding, with grapefruit and fennel creating a delicate platform for the perfectly cooked fish. I'll be back and recommend it.
(4)Erica G.
Love the intimate atmosphere and Germanic feel inside, a very cozy spot for dinner. The flat iron steak and chocolate lava cake were outstanding!
(4)Briana B.
We have enjoyed many a memorable meal at the Village Cork, with delicious, local, fresh ingredients and simple, honest preparations. Savory meals with fresh herbs and vegetables, palisade peaches, and pungent herbs haunt my memories of this place. Sadly, every visit since their recent remodel has been lacking. Perhaps they became overly ambitious with the size of their restaurant, but it seems every time we have been here in the last year, the service is worn thin and the kitchen is suffering. Even when they aren't full (such as at 7:30 on a Friday...worrisome already), the kitchen seems slow to catch up, the servers hustling between tables but always still behind. Our melted Brie appetizer (usually a hit) seems to have shrunk in size. A small and sad hunk of Brie takes the place of what used to be a generous wedge. The apples that used to come with the appetizer now sadly gone, leaving the plate naked. Upon inquiring after the apples, I was told they didn't have any... This during the peak of apple season? So much for fresh and seasonal. The watermelon brûlée, while tasty, was very small for the price... A less than 1" wedge of a (personal sized) watermelon, with a small arugula salad atop, for $11. Pretty incredible markup there. Generally, we will enjoy the food, but the quality, service, and vibe of this restaurant are suffering. Management would be wise to lower the price and increase the portion to accommodate the family friendly, laid-back neighborhood.
(3)Jessie E.
I'd probably give it 2.5 stars. It's very cute and cozy inside. Their service was a bit lacking. When we came here it was pretty slow, and so was the service. Water not refilled for quite some time. Food was just okay. Nothing stood out in my opinion. Ribs weren't great and came out cold. Fried chicken was decent. They absolutely won't split checks. They claim it's because of their Aloha computer system but I know that system and it does allow for it. Strange they wouldn't take the small extra effort to make the total experience effortless for a large group willing to spend quite a bit of money.
(2)Kelly B.
PLEASE RE-OPEN!!! We this place. The owner, Lisa has decorated really well and has mad cooking skills. Justin, who runs the bar is beyond great. His customer service is so top notch it's hard to go anywhere else!!! I guess they are doing a remodel right now. I can't imagine it being any better but I think they're making their kitchen larger...it's located in the middle and super cool and fun to watch the chefs do their magic. If you are looking for a cozy, romantic, spectacular foodie place - this is it!!! MUAH! Kelly and Chris
(5)Jeff S.
The Village Cork is a fun wine bar. It's quiet, dimly lit and it's easy to find. The staff is always very friendly and helpful, and seem to know instinctively if you want to interact or want to be left alone with whomever you are with. The food is made right in the open behind the bar, so if you're sitting there you'll get treated to watching some culinary creativity. And the food is good. I've always stuck to tapas, but you can get bigger dishes as well. The wines are of course the main draw, and while overall it's a bit more expensive than a standard bar, it's not unreasonable, and you can find great wines for the price you're looking for. This is one of my favorite spots, I've never had a bad experience here and don't have anything negative critiques. Cheers! P.S. try the brie
(5)Christopher B.
It's great to find a quaint, corner wine place when you are looking to unwind and have a nice atmosphere (without TV's!!). The moment I walked in I felt like this was exactly the type of place I was looking for. There are a number of tables in the front or you could sit at the bar or in the back. The walls all were decorated with cork, which also functions to insulate against cold and noise. That definitely added something to the feel of this place. I was greeted immediately and the service was very good from that point forward. I felt for a second like I was LA looking at the wine prices. I know that the types of wine I ordered were excellent so I suppose they were justified. I also had the cheese plate, which had a nice variety of cheeses and perfect for the night. I had arrived there a bit earlier but by 7:30-8PM it had completely filled up. I liked that the noise level was a bit elevated because I hate when places like this get too quiet. Everyone in the place seemed to be having a great time as I overheard some good conversations and laughter! This is the perfect place to meet out friends or go on a date... I would definitely recommend it!
(4)Amber M.
Yay, I'm a fan! I came in for the fundraiser this past Thursday for Project Angel Heart. We didn't have a reservation but were promptly seated at a cozy table in the back. We ordered a great bottle of a Napa Sauvignon Blanc. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the wine list, which I appreciated. She also recommended a white blend and another white (that I honestly can't remember) which we tried glasses of (both were excellent). We tried a couple of small plates- a cheese board, an avocado stuffed with ceviche, and the crepe. All three were great, but small- these were great tasters, but I wouldn't recommend coming here if you're really hungry. You'll spend a hefty amount and likely leave a bit hungry. That's the only reason I withheld a star- I think for the prices, the portions could be a little more generous. Otherwise, amazing ambiance and staff! I will definitely be back and check out their website for specials! I love that they give a discount on Mondays if you bring in items to be donated for dogs to a local animal shelter.
(4)Kim S.
The Village Cork has been at the top of our list for over 10 years! Our first visit since Lisa & the team re-opened after the beautiful remodel was exceptional! Wonderful dinner, perfect ambiance & service and fantastic wine selection as always. I had the curry chicken with lentils which was amazing and my husband enjoyed the cauliflower steak. My must have for all these years is the Brie with roasted garlic. No visit to The Cork is complete without it. Great catching up with Lisa as well!
(5)M S.
The food is devine and the staff is very friendly. Food takes a long time to come out, but it's so worth it. GET THE HANGER STEAK!!!!!!! It's the best thing ever!
(5)Connor R.
Well my girlfriend and I stopped for a Thursdate and it was very nice. We both got a glass of red and split two appetizers. The three cheese plate was great and the Brie was even better. Red wine paired nice I would recommend it all other than the corner window table because it is right over a vent. All in all would come back for the seasonal menu again.
(5)Lynda M.
Nice atmosphere. Very snobby owner. I am a young attractive female and I often go to eat by myself. The owner must of been intimidated by my presence because she came to everyone around me and asked how they were and how their food was but she ignored me. I was there visiting a friend who was bartending, and maybe she felt like I was stepping on her turf or something. It was very weird. What an interesting dynamic she has created for her restaurant. You will notice that she only has young men working for her and no young women. I saw the owner at whole foods once and her husband open the car door for her - I understand that this is a nice gesture but I'm sure woman like that would demand it. Food was mediocre at best.
(1)Christian S.
I made a reservation here for ten people and called a couple times to confirm. It wasn't until I got there to check in that they told me we couldn't split checks. How can you not spilt checks? This was a Meetup group so I was meeting some girls to knit that I didn't even know so splitting a check was kind of awkward. The server asked, "can't one person put it on her card and everyone pay her back?" Uh, yeah sure I have a few hindered extra dollars to cover ten girls eating dinner and drinking wine. Oh wait, that's absurd. After much discussion she did finally let us spilt the check and the world still continued to turn without interruption or problems. On some other notes, the food was odd and sub par The lighting was REALLY dim. I mean really dim. Like I couldn't see the faces of the girls at the end of the table. So on that note, this is a great place if you're not terribly attractive and want to hook up with girls who are drunk on wine. Just get em some wine and since they can't see too well you're in like Flynn! Just don't expect the server to spilt the tabs.
(3)Ellen F.
One of the most delicious and romantic dinner dates I've ever been on. Fantastic and knowledgable staff & great atmosphere! Ill definitely be back!!
(5)Frances G.
Cozy is the superlative I would go with when describing this small Platte Park locale, especially during an evening of single digit temperatures. The warm hues in the decor, the exposed brick walls, and the sheer size of the tiny, but adorable restaurant and wine bar is conducive for any winter time occasion. You're immediately enveloped by comfort, which instantly puts you in the mood for a bold glass of wine; thus making me think they know exactly what they're doing to lure people in.
(4)H R.
This is always going to be a go-to for me when it comes to going out and getting a wonderful selection of wines to choose from and very well-thought out dishes for either snacking or dinner. The service has always been impeccable, and their new chef has served up some great dishes - even a salad we weren't planning on trying ended up blowing our minds! It's quaint, unpretentious, consistent, and always a pleasure. Great job, Village Cork!
(5)Morgan V.
I walk down old south pearl street from the light rail station once of twice a week to go to physical therapy and I always pass The Village Cork and have been wanting to try it out. It was shut down for a while for a renovation. I didn't see the place before hand but it is so cute and cozy inside. There is a huge wall that is covered in wine corks, which is so rad. The tables were kinda close together, but that seems to be the norm nowadays. We went on the Friday before Valentines day. We made a reservation and we were promptly seated when we arrived. Our server was pretty cool, we aren't wine fans and he knew all the hard liquors that they had on hand. We ordered Vodka sodas. They were definitely on the weak side, but then again I always make my drinks stout. We ordered our food right away getting the scallops appetizer, hanger steak entree and the stuffed sole entree. The scallops came out pretty fast as they should and they were absolutely bomb dot com. The risotto and beet puree it came on was a perfect pairing to the scallops and was almost better than they were. The hanger steak and all of its sides is highly recommended. The steak was cooked perfectly and was as tender as it could be. My fish was lacking. The concept was good but the fish wasn't very flavorful. It was served on a bed of veggies with orange segments, which was a weird combination. Overall I was impressed with the service and most of the food. I would recommend it to friends and I would recommend it to all you loverly yelpers.
(4)Mila G.
We came here on a double date and really enjoyed it. It was oddly busy for a Tuesday, but we ended up finding seats after a little while. The place is small, and really has two seating areas separated by the bar. Try the almonds, they were amazing! We will need to figure out how to make them at home. Good selection of wine, and it wasn't overly snobby so even the most casual wine drinker had fun.
(4)Steve S.
I've been driving by this place for years trying to figure out if it was worth a visit. It's tucked up in a non-discrete brick building with nothing more than a window sign and a small patio. But from the lack of showiness opens up a sizable restaurant inside with a great selection of wines (obviously) and food. It's worth a visit! The service was excellent as they could tell a date was going on. Bring the bottle of wine and leave us alone. We did not partake in the food, but from what I could tell in the open kitchen was that good things were going on. I'll definitely be back for the food very soon. A nice surprise that was concealed by my ignorance for so many years. Perhaps you have the same feeling or you just want to have a good red vino and stumble to your home? Either way, try this place.
(4)Colette R.
I normally use yelp to give a shout out to new restaurants or great experiences but I feel compelled to write about a pretty terrible experience this past Friday here. A group of friends and I were there to celebrate a special occasion and Justin at Village Cork was extremely rude and pompous. He let us know a few times that we only had 30 minutes left to sit at our table and made it feel as if we were in the way. I understand reservations but you can learn to do it tactfully. He also let my friend, a regular, know that we were C minus customers even though we were polite and tip well. We were able to ignore his rudeness and move on with our evening but I will not return there there as long as he's there and since he's related to the owner, it will probably be a while.
(2)Samantha E.
This is a lovely little wine bar in the South Pearl neighborhood! I met a friend here for happy hour and we really enjoyed. I arrived early, and the waiter was very understanding and nice to me while I was waiting. Their 4:30-5:30 happy hour is half off wine, which is a great deal! They have a very nice selection of wines, and can give helpful suggestions if you have any questions. I tried a verdicchio white wine that was great, and my friend's pinot noir was delicious. The food we tried was great; servings are small, but the garlic Brie is fabulous, as was the green bean special. And be sure to ask for the almonds. They're addictive. It's very pretty inside and the patio is nice as well. There's a bit of traffic noise, but they've done their best to make it cozy. I'd give them five stars, but it's on the pricey side. It would be nice if they had a few more small plate options under $10 for nibbling on.
(4)Stephanie P.
#618 I am seriously in love with this place. I've been here at least a dozen times in the past ten months and I still can't get enough. Their baked brie is to die for, with plenty of roasted garlic and apple slices to go with. I'm also a huge fan of their salmon. It's simple, elegant, and cooked perfectly each time. Their french onion soup falls a little flat for me, but it is still better than any other that I've had in Denver. Oh, and I can't forget about the chocolate cake! So creamy and delicious with every bite. Of course their main attraction is the wine. I've sampled most of the reds and have officially decided that the Malbec is for me. If you're not particularly adept at ordering wine, the servers are thorough and know exactly what they're talking about. None of my friends have been disappointed with their recommendations to date! Honestly, I love my friends that much more because they're willing to indulge with me at The Village Cork. Plus, FYI, great first date location.
(5)Shane D.
We were here for the second time on Feb 13, 2013 and I am just getting around to writing a review. We really felt like the food and the wine list here are wonderful. The presentation of the food was imaginative without being too showy and the blending of flavors was just lovely and artful. Wines suggested for each food item seemed very appropriate and the two choices suggests to us were spot on. The ambiance is also very well done as it blends romantic with a friendly, neighborhood feel. The only reason I give this restaurant four stars instead of five stars is that it seemed a little overpriced. While the quality of the food was really high, the pricing was just a little too high relative to the quality. It was very "French restaurant" in that respect. The next time we return, and we will return, we will be a little more selective with our food choices and focus only on entree and wine to keep the cost more reasonable. Thank you to the Village Cork for providing such a nice dining option in the South Gaylord district.
(4)Karen T.
When my friend and I walked in at 7:45 the hostess rudely asked if we had a reservation (we didn't), sighed and then showed us to a nearby empty table. Then she walked away as I asked where the bathroom was. Our server brought us both a glass of wine even though my friend was the only one who ordered it. He was very irritated with us when I explained the misunderstanding. Maybe it was an off night but the rude attitude of these two employees is enough to make me not want to try again.
(1)Samantha L.
I loved this intimate wine bar and bistro. A girlfriend and I were looking for a spot for a low key dinner that still allowed us to feel like we'd "made of night of it." We were recommended Village Cork and were very pleased with our decision. The wall of wine corks and decorations, as well as the extensive wine list and menu, helped make our dinner great. Though the tables are a bit jam packed, you really don't hear a ton of noise due to the more mature patrons. The staff is helpful and attentive and -- more importantly -- the food is delicious. My teeth had just been whitened, and I had to keep asking if there were any dark liquids on my food. My waiter didn't even seem appalled by my bizarre and high maintenance request. We ended up with the garlic brie starter and the chicken and a special pasta entree. All was divine and fresh. I highly recommend.
(4)James B.
inconsistent. First time I dined here I was impressed; not the latest time= very lackluster. Menus were depleted and what they had was blah. Overpriced for the quality and lack of implementation. Seems like a spot that was once edgy and hit the mark and tried to rest on its laurels.
(3)Russ L.
Maybe it was a bad night, but none of our plates were good, and the wine recommended by the server was terrible. People seem to really like this place, but when one is paying almost 200 a dinner for 4 people, I wouldn't risk it again.
(3)Jen W.
Lobster pot, lobster pot, lobster pot pie! A coworker had asked me if I had ever been to the VC as she was checking out their menu and saw that they had it on their menu. Knowing my affinity for lobster I was immediately sucked in and we made a res for that very same evening. We even called ahead to make sure it was on the menu - that was how dedicated we were. So imagine my disappointment when I dug into the pie and barely found more than a few lobster morsels - at $28 I should have been able to stab chunks with my fork not hunt for a few measly at best pieces. The flavor of the pie definitely had lobster essence but the largest piece I found was the size of a dime. The potatoes where large cubes and could have been smaller as well. My coworker ordered the same and had better luck with a few meatier pieces but was sorely disappointed as well. When the waiter came back to check on our meals I told the truth and in turn was told in a dismissive tone "I assure you there are 4 ounces of lobster in there" - well they must have been in puree form because this East Coast chick knows her lobster and I'm telling you it was not in there. The waiter had been really nice up to that point so i felt like it took it very personally for some reason. After that his service was perfunctory. Pros: - cute, cozy spot - great, relaxing music - decent wine selection $8-$15 per glass price range - local, seasonal ingredients - complimentary olive tapanade and bread plate - delicious East Coast style clams in a delicious broth - nice apps selection Cons: - hard to find parking on a Friday night but not unexpected for the neighborhood - high tables a bit awkward especially if you are a shortie! - slow service - ok if you go in knowing this - definitely a laid back approach - a bill you cannot read - handwritten scratch and old timey typing. We had to take their word for it as the kids needed to be picked up from the babysitter and we lost track of time.
(3)Emily J.
I live in this neighborhood and was really excited to find that there was a wine bar so close to my place! I like The Village Cork but it wasn't really up to my expectations. The wine list is full of unique wines, which is great and the atmosphere is really nice, great for a date and for just getting together with friends. The food is good, yet the menu is extremely limited and very pricey. I am willing to pay very good money for great food but The Village Cork's dishes just didn't quite make the grade for me. the services was good as well, nothing over the top but everyone was courteous and well educated on their wines. I would like to go back to The Village Cork for happy hour and give it a second chance, and hopefully add a few stars to this review. I think the best word to describe my experience here was underwhelming. But, as I live so close I feel obligated to give it another try!
(3)Wesley M.
Such a neat atmosphere and a great place to lounge. The food was pretty pricey, but great service from our waitress (and experienced), and it was quite tasty.
(5)Linds J.
The Village Cork is a lovely little restaurant that is just off the hustle and bustle of South Pearl Street. This is a place that I want to keep coming back to because it's comfortable, homey, and maintains elegance without pretension. It's a little pricey, but I appreciate that their menu evolves seasonally and that they prioritize organic and local. I like when I see a menu written on a chalkboard, even if it's smaller, because I know they chefs are getting creative with the seasonal flavors, and that the food will speak for itself, rather than chefs having to work twice as hard to make dull, out of season food taste good. We snagged a cozy seat at the bar, which gave us full view of a rather petite kitchen. Kudos for the volume of food that just two chefs were churning out this small-space. Sitting at the bar is the best seat in the house for this reason - Top Chef...LIVE! The service was easy-going, but we were never forgotten. Their wine list is unique and quite extensive. The food was excellent, but I was hoping the portions would have been just a little bit bigger. We shared complimentary rosemary toasted almonds (nice touch while you wait), a sauteed brussel sprouts dish, a warm sweet and garlicky brie dish, a petite salad, and a cheese board. It can be a pricey stop for just a few drinks and apps. There weren't any happy hour specials on food, and HH is over by 5:30p, which by today's workaholic schedules, is ambitious for most people to walk out the door by 5p. Even if you're sharing, you'll probably see more value in selecting the full plates instead of the small plates.
(4)Blake S.
Went here for restaurant week and it was fantastic. First, the atmosphere is very nice for a date. It's small but not uncomfortable and the lighting is not too dark. We had an excellent server. He gave us good, honest recommendations when ordering and adjusted the wine pairing that came with the menu so we were trying more varied wines, which still paired nicely with the food. Now the food, it was very good. I had a tasty celery soup and my wife had the warm spinach salad. For our entrees my wife's trout almondine was very nice but my coq au vin was the star. It was juicy and flavorful. The portion was a good size but I was craving more when I was done. To end the meal we shared a flourless chocolate tort paired with a port. They went well together and were not too sweet which suited me just fine. All in all a great experience and a good start to restaurant week.
(5)Talia H.
Pre-Restaurant week we decided to check out The Village Cork. I had heard good things and was excited to try it out. We arrived at 7 and were seated promptly. The waiter was FABULOUS! He built wine flights for us that were AMAZING! He was incredibly knowledgeable about both the food and wine. He also didn't give us the usual half answers on favorite dishes. The menu changes daily and the chef... oh the chef. We didn't even have the head chef... we had his assistant... who was PHENOMENAL. He didn't even have a full kitchen. Was cooking on what looked like camp stoves. And my G-d! It was amazing. He did the most incredible things with his limited supplies. The duck prosciutto was amazing. But, by far, the duck and white truffle pate was insane!! We could have eaten it all night. The waiter told us it would make our socks roll up and down... it did. My socks came off a danced a little jig. I am running out of adjectives. It was amazing. For the main course, we had the chicken, veal meatballs, crab enchiladas, and roasted vegetable mac and cheese. They were all incredible. The Mac was thick pieces of pasta. Very unusual and I think homemade. Delish! All in all, it was an incredible dining experience. This isn't a place to come when you have to get home, leave your watch in the car. Take your time, experience your food and wine. It is a stunning experience. Delicious from soup to nuts. I have plans to go back and just sit at the bar, drink wine, and eat that pate. If you appreciate food or are a foodie, you have to visit. End, Fin, Omega, Nuts. Period.
(5)Tyler S.
I don't know why there is two listings for this place, but to ensure I am reviewing the correct one, I will reiterate what was said previous. We stopped in for happy hour yesterday to quench our thirst before moseying down Pearl Street for dinner. Upon walking in, my first impression of the restaurant is that it is a very quaint and cozy establishment. I had an impression that the front part of the restaurant was there only tables, however, the place is quite deep and sits more tables in the back. We sat at the bar and were greeted from the first step in the door. Our bartender / server was very knowledgeable and steered us into the perfect direction of some delicious wine choices! We started out by having a glass of the Infinite Monkey Theorem malbec, which was an awesome decision! I have heard a lot of buzz with this newer local winery and have been dying to try out there talked up libations. We finished our glass of malbec and agreed that we had a little bit of time for a second glass. Wanting to extend my palate and experience some more delicious wines, I decided to try something different. The bartender recommended an old world zinfandel which wasn't on their menu yet (it was a newer wine they received and are pouring). This second choice was also out of this world! Big, jammy, fruit forward - one of the better zinfandels I have sampled! We didn't eat dinner at this establishment, however, based on their wine choices, I wouldn't doubt that the food would be as equally as amazing! The service was excellent and very attentive, always ensuring that our water glasses were full. I cannot wait to come back and sample their fare even further on our next food adventure!
(5)Andee H.
I did love the wine and I think for the happy hour price it's a great place to hang. The food is a bit too snobby for me. (I mean it's pricey and it makes me feel I should be the size of an elf.) We shared a cheese plate and my friend had the pate plate. I would return for happy hour, but not for dinner. It's just not my kind of place. I will say the service was attentive, the place itself was charming, but the bill gave my wallet quite a scream and I didn't even pay.
(3)Leah M.
The main reason that I go to wine bars is for the atmosphere. Village Cork has a relaxing, eclectic atmosphere and a nice wine list to boot. I went to Village Cork for after dinner treats last weekend. The server was immediately attentive and gave us great wine suggestions. My sister, who was in town from San Francisco, was impressed by the wine list. It is very hard to impress Californians. After our wine came, we ordered peach zucchini bread with lemon curd and gelato. Such a unique, not-too-sweet dessert! We loved every bite, although there was so much that we couldn't finish it. Since it is just around the corner, I have a feeling that I'll be back to Village Cork as often as possible!
(4)Theresa L.
We love The Village Cork. We always get good food and good service. They also typically have wines we've never tried before which is fun since my husband and I play at the "pretend-wine-snobs" game. If you're a cheese person, try the brie. It is both tasty and artery clogging at the SAME time!
(5)Nicole H.
I havent eaten here, but love the atmosphere sitting at the bar, watching the cooks, and drinking wine. I have been pleasantly surprised by the changing wine list and the knowledge of the staff about the wine.
(5)Sam M.
I LOVE this place! Went last night with a friend who recently moved to the area and fell in love with this seasonal hot spot. It was the perfect fall evening to share our baked brie with apples and warm, chewy baguette...accompanied by delicious Pinot Noir. Yummm :) The rain spitting against the windows, the soft candle glow and twinkly lights overhead.. The sweet sounds of Deano and Frank singin' in our ears. It was lovely! Thank you for making this place so awesome! 1/2 price glasses of wine during HH and their seasonal menu is delicious! Will return!
(4)Chip C.
I am surprised I have not reviewed before. Been there about 10 times. Hard to advise on the menu because it changes seasonally - which is wonderful. Generally everything is super fresh, very farm-to-market type fare. Decent but limited wine list which is very reasonably priced (although cellared temperature would be a sweet bonus). The wait staff are quite typically very knowledgeable, very nice people and attentive. Some of the tables are a tad small and close together, but it is a cozy neighborhood place. That's part of the charm. If you can, try to get a seat at the bar because the food preparation is behind the bar (not hidden in the back). Wonderful entertainment and good conversation. Lisa the owner is usually there and visits the tables. Nice touch. Will continue to be one of my regular places.
(4)Tricia W.
Went here with some friends in town and it was perfect. The perfect place for catching up, very intimate with cute mismatched china and flatware. Well edited wine list and seasonal menu. The three of us split 2 entrees and the roasted garlic, brie and apple appetizer which was perfect for us. The server was great but we really just wanted to be left alone, the water was never empty though. I will definitely be back. Small and fills up quick so I would recommend a reservation. It is a little pricey so be warned.
(5)Sue C.
So much to like about this place: the wonderful food, the great wine and the fabulous service all in an atmosphere that is classy and comfortable. If you're not sure what you want - just ask the chef what his current favorite is - that worked very well for us! This place is on our favorites list now.
(4)David M.
The best thing about this place was the somewhat overpriced duck and truffle paté ($12) served up with a couple of glasses of one of their red wines that was described as containing a blend of nebbiolo, dolcetto, and 2 other varieties of traditionally Italian grown grapes I now can't remember (at $10/glass). Good, but when you added the little blue cheese plate I got, the less than 2 hours of drinkin' and nibblin' came to over $50 (OK, OK, I guess I did also have a glass of Australian sauvignon blanc to start things off). In the end, I called it dinner, left my friends, and went home satisfied. I'm givin' this place 3.5 stars and rounding down because one of the servers was a tad ungracious--(is that a word?). But I'd try it again. So if you haven't been there, it's worth a shot. Hmmmmm, ya know, in looking back on it, it was kind of like this review: Nothing special but A or B-OK.
(3)Lacy L.
LOVE!!!! $5/glass open bottles of wine past 10pm, amazing food (a lot of which is grown by the staff and their family) and they are big supporters of animal shelters through their Vin Cru Dog wine donations. Try the Honey Pot white wine- its sweet but not overwhelming. Chicken breast is more like 1/2 a chicken and cooked beyond perfection. You'll never leave disappointed in the chicken. Yummy complimentary rosemary garlic almonds. Duck breast is so succulent. We live around the corner but would drive miles and miles to eat here. Their pasta specials are awesome, homemade pasta.
(5)Bethany J.
I enjoy the Village Cork. Decent wine choices but I wish they had a few more options under $10 a glass. The dessert menu is small but the options are all quite delicious! Service is good. Only complaint on my last visit was that after 10pm our waitress was working behind the bar in addition to taking care of her tables. Made things take a little longer than they should have.
(3)Katie O.
I was part of a group of women who met at the Village Cork last week. We called ahead with a reservation (16 or so). Upon arrival, we requested separate checks and were informed that was not possible and that only one card would be accepted at the end. However, we were welcome to walk across the street in the 6 degree weather to use the atm. I should have followed my gut at that point and suggested we relocate to Hanson's. According the server/owner "the finest restaurants in town have this policy." I find it really hard to believe a restaurant, no matter how sophisticated, wouldn't want to accommodate a party that large. Not to mention, how easy it would have been to inform us of that stipulation when we made the reservation. When we FINALLY received our check, after being ignored for about 20 minutes as we were most of the evening, the bill didn't quite add up. We spent the next hour trying to figure out (without the help of the server/owner) how we were $150 short. Turns out she was way off. I was most annoyed that she included a 20% gratuity to the total including the TAX amount ($65). I tip 20% with the caveat that I receive good service, timely attention, and don't have to waste an hour of my time disputing the total. Most crap service ever. I will never go back.
(1)Milton C.
This is a third trip with friends in a year to accommodate a fan, each consecutive visit more disappointing than the previous. Wait staff is always aggressive and terribly condescending, with overt attempts to steer customers towards the most expensive items on the menu, not considering that lighter or vegetarian oriented Fare might be what is sought, not cheating the tip percentage........ On the first visit, there was at least quality cooking to recommend it, this trip produced a wretched avocado with ceviche that tasted more like canned seafood salad with seafood spice, almost nauseating. It caused, how shall we say, distress the next day. The other dishes, a chicken dish served over a purée risotto was attractive, but took 55 minutes to arrive and was lukewarm. Most appalling was watching the waitress clean a spilled plant by setting the dustpan directly on the same bar where she set food and drinks directly before and after, absolutely no attempt to wipe it down after. No wonder one of the dishes produces food poisoning. Lots of wait staff attitude, rapidly declining product, it's astonishing if it stays open except for those who go thinking that pretension can mask ineptitude. Mediocre, short wine list.
(1)Rob M.
Very good food and extremely knowledgable server. The pate was better than any I've had in Denver.
(4)Holly G.
The food at this little cozy wine bar is pretty tasty but the wine list in lacking. Totally a bummer considering this is a "wine bar" and they should have an extensive and unique wine list, right? You'd think. Plus, I think the food is quite overpriced and the service is a little slow.
(3)Adrienne D.
This is a great place to go for a date night or a girls night out. The wine is amazing and food is to die for. To have the best experience call ahead and make sure Justin is working. His knowledge of the wine and food will make your experience even more memorable.
(4)Steve A.
Each time we visit the Village Cork, we leave not knowing what we enjoyed the most about the place; the food, the staff, the quality, the detail to excellence ... or something else. Had New Year's eve dinner and had a late seating at 9:45 pm. While staff was probably waiting for midnight and heading to their own parties, you could never tell. They were as professional and accommodating as always. This is our 5th dinner at Village Cork and each time we are thorougly impressed. Weather it's sitting at the bar for a glass of wine and appetizer, to having a full fledged dinner, each time it's fantastic. Staff is knoweldgeable. The kitchen staff is right there in front of you cooking your meal and readily available to speak to you about each dish. The owners are there too with a smile and are appreciatve of our business. The food comes in nice portions and is never 'overwhelming'. My girlfriend is vegetarian and they always have ample offerings for her. Again, the staff is great and really takes the time to allow you to enjoy your visit. We will continue visiting The Village Cork and recommend you try it also
(5)Neal E.
I had a good experience here-- the place was packed and we showed up sans reservation. Nevertheless, we were immediately seated at the bar and received excellent service/advice on a wine recommendation and menu guidance. My date was a vegetarian and though the menu was fairly small, our server was quick to suggest that the chef would gladly customize and/or build something to fit her tastes. The short of it: our food was excellent, our service was superb, and we had a great time at The Village Cork. I would gladly recommend it to my closest friends.
(4)Sean P.
So went this restaurant during 5280 week and as it is only a few blocks from my house walked (however as other reviews have stated parking during Thursday nights through saturday is a pain to park here in general terms). My girl and I had this cozy little restaurant on our to go to list for a while so had fairly high expectations. We ahd reservations on a Tuesday night and can see that they are a must as this place is very small but still busy but was sat right away. The tables are tall (but being six foot ten I enjoyed them but definitely could cause other problems). I ordered the minestrone and the Beef short tender while my girl ordered the salad with housemade papardelle. The minestrone was ok (no Pagliacci's) but still good and the salad was good a little bland but ok. However the short steak was perfect with the yukon potatoes. There is one problem going during 5280 week and that is they don'tserve all their items and could tell a few regulars weren't too happy they couldn't order off the regular menu. The wine selection, as this location was a wine bar before swiching to full restaurant, is a little limited but still found a good wine. The ambiance of this place is perfect for a romantic date or double date. The service is slow, almost european slow where you will have to ask for the check but will not be rushed. To sum up is a great place for date night a little pricey if get wine bottle which will puch you no doubt above $100. As place is small make a reservation and as the parking can suck get there a little early as might have to walk a block or two. The service is good but it will be more european style in which at the end of your meal you will not be rushed so make sure to let your waiter know if need to get somewhere quick. I wouldn't say this place is a visit more than once a few months but it is good and definitely worth a try when the full menu is offered after 5280 week.
(4)Dave T.
WOW I don't think I have had such bad service in my life, so bad I joined YEP to let everybody know. My friend suggested that we go there for HH and it is a nice looking little wine bar that had good HH wine prices and cheese. But the waitress was not competent on her wines or cheeses. Later on the chef came over and had to tell us. (Which I am greatfull for) Every time we needed to ORDER some more wine or cheese we had to FLAG DOWN our waitress, and when we asked for another glass of water she said "I'll be with you in a moment as she is looking at us". So we tried every person at the table asking for service but it took our fourth person before we got any warmth out of the waitress. Oddly enough the owner cam over and was a little nicer, but had a chip on her shoulder as well. For as small as the restaurant is, she should be greeting everybody and thanking them for their business. Long story short we spent 150.00 on wine and cheese, then ventured over to Sketch Wine bar on 1st and Lincoln across from the Hornet. All I have to say is great FRIENDLY and Personable bartenders Ben and Vickie took us in with open arms. I can highly recommend stopping by and enjoying the modern but quaint place.
(1)Mitchell A.
Nice atmosphere, somewhat eclectic selection of wine by the glass. Reasonable pricing. Good selection of tapas, albeit a bit on the pricey side. We had the cheese platter - interesting choices of cheese, small amount, but it was a great day so everything tasted great!. Service was attentive. If you want a nice place to meet, sip some wine and relax - this is perfect
(3)Arnold W.
My pal and I really enjoyed this spot. Good wine selection, good food. Nice people. Return Visit Aug 2010: Even better! Great food. Good wines. Good prices.
(4)Anne S.
Village Cork has a very suitable location on the corner of Louisiana & Pearl. The atmosphere inside is very cozy and the restrooms are well-maintained and clean. As the sun set, the waitress opened windows and lit candles on everyone's table. It was a very relaxing summer evening indoors and a perfect Friday night location to decompress. My friend and I both wanted to check this little place out and we had a great waitress who wasn't overbearing, but also didn't ignore us either. When we had questions about the menu (which is written on a chalk board above the bar) she patiently explained each menu item to us and made good recommendations. She also recommended a good wine and emphasized which dishes would accompany it best. I would give her 5 stars for service. The paté was absolutely mouth-watering and the salad du jour was fantastic! For the quantity, however, I think a few things were over-priced. The paté was served on a wooden, stamped wine box plank which I found to be very clever. On the side, were gherkins, stone ground mustard, and ONE dried apricot. I realize minimalism has always conveyed a sort of class (I guess), but for the price, hook us up with a little more dried fruit. I can't split that with a friend, and if I do, it feels like we're a couple of hobos arguing over a morsel. As I walked out, I noted to my friend something that made me beam with excitement, "No television!" None that I noticed anyways. I am so disgusted by other wine bars in town that have a 60" flat screen with college football gleaming over the restaurant. Village Cork is for conversationalists. Thank goodness. All in all, we had a wonderful experience and the staff was very friendly and helpful. I will be back, but I have to save my money first. It isn't cheap!
(4)Suzy S.
Over the past eight years, I've saved every cork from every bottle of wine opened in my home - I throw them in a narrow drawer in the kitchen. Well, that drawer is close to full at this point. Suffice it to say I LOVE WINE! I don't know much about it, however, and when it comes to ordering it, I get nervous and conservative - only ordering Cab's or Pino's. Village Cork is a wine bar minus the attitude. The quaint room doesn't have a poorly placed table in it - each one is rock star seating. Our server was laid back, knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient. What more could you ask for? He made some great wine suggestions to go with our cheese plate, and made sure to check in on a regular basis without being pushy. It's been a while since I've been in - looks like I have a destination for this weekend!
(5)Frankie C.
Go ahead, break your bank with a 3-piece cheese, 4-walnuts, 5-slices of apple 3x5 cheese plate. Ridiculously overpriced. The service? I'm not even going to bother mentioning. It's cute. It's cozy. It's in a good location.
(2)Karen M.
The Village Cork is warm, cozy and quiet - a perfect place for an intimate glass of wine with a special someone or, as in my case, a nice environment to have a long conversation and catch up with an old friend. Our server, Melissa, was really knowledgeable and helpful. We both had a flight of reds - Melissa helped us with our choices. But this is too pricey of a place for me to visit more than once a year. The cheese platter we ordered was so skimpy! Really no reason I can think of for such small portions of cheeses. So that was really disappointing. But, if I ever have a date again, this would be one place I would bring her to for a lovely glass of wine!
(3)Dave G.
A great date place for sure. Delicious small plates using local, seasonal food and a small but very carefully selected wine list. When I first went here with my girlfriend, she said, "If I were to open up my own restaurant, I would want it to be exactly like this." Only negative is it it's potentially a little over-priced, otherwise I would probably go here all the time.
(4)Sarah L.
Do NOT expect to get to good service, in fact, expect to be looked down on in a snobbish way if you go here. We had a terrible experience with sub-par food and terrible service. Do not waste your time!
(1)Melissa K.
Went here for 5280 week and loved the atmosphere. Super cute decor! I loved that they had a wine tasting menu to go along with the 5280 menu for only $20 more.
(4)Nicole P.
We had the most ridiculous experience at The Village Cork last night. When our bill arrived, it was impossible to decipher. When we finally got the server to re-write it so that items were on the same line (and same page) as their cost (This is not too much to ask!), the total was wrong. I'm not talking about a few dollars here. Her total was almost $150 OVER what it actually added up to be. It's no wonder we were confused! It took us an hour to figure out the bill situation, and I left wondering whether the server was a moron or truly trying to screw us over. I could go on about the poor service but will leave it at this: I will never go back and certainly would not recommend this place to my friends.
(1)Jill S.
Really cute wine bar with a wonderful staff. Went here on a date and would definitely come back. Warm, welcoming and just romantic enough.
(4)Erin J.
Perfect place for a few glasses of vino and a cheese plate! Great selection that won't break the bank and some wonderful small plates to nosh on while you chat away. Great place for a date, for drinks with your girlfriends and a little relaxation.
(4)Kathleen M.
This restaurant used to be a quaint little pub. No longer. They are v ery unfriendly to their customers. You feel as if they are doing you a favor- "allowing" you to be there. I would not recommend anyone subject themselves to this sort of service. Mediocre wine list, very limited menu, and you smell like garlic when you leave. DON'T BOTHER- too many GOOD places in Denver.
(1)Tina C.
The Village Cork was really busy on a Friday night. Since my friend didn't make reservations we were able to grab the last available cute little table outside which was fine with me because the weather was beautiful. However, the table was really small so when we ordered dinner we had to try to consolidate all of the dishes. The food and the wine were really good even though I thought the food was a little pricey for the portion size. Next time I will remember to call ahead to get a table inside which looks nice and cozy.
(3)Anne A.
I love, love, love wine, so any place that serves wine is already a winner in my book. The ambience was incredible! So romantic, peaceful, warm and welcoming. This bar was much larger than I'd expected. I especially enjoyed all the details they put into the decorating, from the doors made of wooden wine crates to the mismatched antique plates. Our server was okay, no complaints, just average. The wine was great and on sale. Although they were out of the first wine we'd requested. The cheese plate was just an embarassing display of three tiney chunks of hard-as-a-rock cheese. I attempted to cut the tiney rock they called cheese and it flew on the floor it was so hard. It was more like an apple and nut plate, which made me sad because I wanted cheese!
(3)Mariko Y.
Can be summed in one word, "quaint". Seems to be a perfect place for girls night out for those girls who don't want to don sequins and sip something that has an umbrella. The staff is pretty knowledgeable and allows the people to enjoy and converse without being intrusive. The kitchen is non-existent and everything is prepared in the little space right between the two-sided bar. The wine list changes every couple of months and at this moment they have a rose wine for the benefit of breast cancer research.
(4)J C.
The VC has changed immensely over the past couple of years! I came here when it first opened & was half the size (and 1/16 of the menu) that it is now. The place has completely revitalized with the addition of Chef Samir. What once was a wine & cheese bar is now a full-fledged dining establishment that can keep up with any top restaurant in Denver....the difference being that Samir's kitchen consists of 2 butane burners, a small convection oven, and one sous chef...that's it! The menu changes regularly based upon what is fresh, local & delicious at any given time. I was resold on the Cork the first time I tasted the delicious, yet simple, zucchini crudo. The chef prides himself on visiting famers' markets several times a week as well as working with local purveyors for meats, cheeses, and other gorgeous ingredients. While it may seem a bit pricey, every item on the menu is made from scratch and with passion, & you can be assured that you are eating some of the best product available. I often sit at the bar so that I can watch the chefs work, and I am always greeted warmly by the staff. In fact, the guys know my wine taste so well that I don't even know what I drink..lol...Jeff & Charlie do and always take great care of me. Charming place!
(5)Aimee M.
Went here for girl talk and wine last Monday night. We had an AWESOME bartender/waiter who recommended just the right wines for my flight. I just told him I like dry reds that are big and he came up with just the right selections. I think his name was Charlie? Anywho, me and my friend just sat there and talked for hours while drinking wine of course! He was friendly and attentive but never intrusive and the atmosphere was quaint and comfortable. We had a great time, but never got around to ordering food-that's why I'm giving 4 stars...gotta try the food too.
(4)Lauren D.
This wine bar is very cozy. It's comfortable and homey. It is however pricey on the wines (and that is all they serve for alcohol). I was pretty bummed out to find that you cannot get a flight of wine on a Friday or Saturday night, as that is one of my favorite things to do at wine bars. We did have great service though, always had wine if we wanted it and even full water glasses. Ok cheese selection but the pieces you get for the money are tiny! We might come back again if in the area, but Denver has a ton of great other wine bars that are far more economical.
(3)Katie T.
My name is Katie, and I love wine. I also love grabbing a glass of wine after a long day at work with a dear friend. I adore Village Cork. I love the wine selection, yummy food (Onion Soup!), and the atmosphere. Located near Wash Park and on the famous Pearl Street, it is a hit. Make sure to wear a watch, because you will lose the time because you are enjoying yourself. Recommend it to wine snobs and everyone who enjoys a drink with a friend or two.
(5)michele b.
What an adorable place! Hubby and i wandered in after some house-shopping on a random Wed. night. We were seated in the window (it was too chilly to sit outside on their cute patio) and got some spot-on wine recommendations from our server. He really knew the menu and the wine list, had very helpful descriptions for the wines, and made great pairing suggestions. The caprese was excellent, and hubby really liked the carpaccio. I ordered the veggie trio, which had amazing quiche, a good souffle, and something else yummy and cheesy (my only complaint would be that more veggies, less cheese, would've been good). Dessert was also quite good and paired well with our wine. The atmosphere was very warm and cozy and romantic ... we can't wait to go back after we move into our new house down the street!
(4)Stacey H.
Went here for my birthday and loved the cozy atmosphere. Our server was knowledgeable and funny and didn't rush us through dinner. The scallops were amazing - probably the best I've had. My husband doesn't do wine and found the beer selection seriously lacking but this place doesn't pride itself on beer...
(4)Brad S.
Great wine flight. Charlie really knows his wines..
(5)Tom M.
Not a great experience - nice decor, but disappointing wine selection and very over-priced food menu. The antipasto platter was a bit meager and hardly worth the $21. The lobster dish was cold (and not meant to be). The waitstaff was quite good - if they could elevate their offerings and improve the value, it could be great. Until then, I'd look elsewhere - Denver has plenty better to offer.
(1)Elizabeth C.
Tried this place the first time by happenstance...it just looked nice from driving by it...went in and found out we hit happy hour...half off glasses of wine! Score! Tried the vegetarian combo and spaghetti squash flan....yum! The leek soufle was especially to die for! Tried the apple crisp for dessert and was not disappointed! Brought a coworker in from out of town and again, supurb! We enjoyed wine and the brie, apple, and roasted garlic as well as another cheese plate. Only complaint was the cheese plate did not come with enough bread/crackers so we had cheese and almonds galore but nothing else to pair with...and, of course, they give a delicious tapenade to start off the meal! A bit pricey, especially when you don't hit happy hour, but stick to the small plates or splitting entrees and it is well worth it! Such a cozy cute place! Lots of farm fresh ingredients as well.
(5)Tim N.
This place may not be perfect, but I was definitely pleased and impressed. I had an asparagus appetizer that tasted delicious. The atmosphere in the place is somewhat quaint that tries to have a French feel to it, though it still feels authentic and non-pretentious. The wine I had recommended was some of the best I've ever had before (Pinot Noir). I definitely recommend this place for a date, or any other occasion. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is the entrée meal I ordered - roast chicken I believe - was not the best..
(4)k m.
It's a rare day indeed when a place can get me to use the word adorable, but this place is ADORABLE! I never wanted to leave. This place has date night written all over it. It may be a bit pricy (go for happy hr - can't beat $5 wine), and the menu is small, but all of this is completely overshadowed by the fabulousness of this place, perfect background music, friendly bartender, and the olives-anywhere that gives you olives as your free happy hr snack is pretty alright with me.
(4)Kristn K.
The Village Cork reminds me of wine bars you can find in France. It has a little outdoor patio, laid back ambiance, really good wine, great service, conscientious servers, and is a great place to go with someone where you just want to talk. It also is easy to find and central if you have friends who live North while you happen to live South. I've been there several times, and its always a great evening. They aren't open very late during the week (10 I think) but last time I was there they stayed open until the group was ready to leave...no pressure or hurry. Its just really cool. But don't go there yourself or tell anyone about it.
(5)Ray L.
Great food. I would give this quaint very nice restaurant 4 stars but I am giving it 5 to offset the 3 star review because the 'food is snobby' review what does that mean? - did the pate say something degrading to you?! It's great food, nicely prepared and a good value considering what some other restaurants in Denver would try to charge for the same dishes such as the pate, brie with apples, duck confit, corn meal coated trout. If anything the service and staff were friendly and makes you feel comfortable and welcomed even though they were serving high end grub. Even with more simple ingredients like chicken and skirt steak they do a very nice job with the preparation. Since it is an open kitchen it was a treat to see some talented young chefs enjoying what they were doing and us diners were the ones benefiting fron their efforts. Many entrees were priced in the teens. Nice presentation on every plate and everyone in our party was sharing their dish so we could sample everything. Everyone on our table travels for work and sample a lot of restaurants in different cities and we all agreed this place was very good. and a nice find. Tip when you are looking for it make sure you are on SOUTH Pearl. The same address on Pearl has what looks like a halfway house by that number!l
(5)Kara P.
This is a cozy little corner spot where everyone is super friendly and doesn't make you feel "less than" when you admit you don't know much about wine. Plus the food is super yummy. Unpretentious and warm, I'll be back!
(4)Susan D.
Wonderful setting, and love the feel inside this cozy place.
(5)Sandi D.
We stumbled upon The Village Cork after grazing at Izakaya Den. After a very light meal of small plates at the Sushi Den's sister restaurant, we decided to take a walk down Pearl St. in-search of an after dinner drink. Small and easy to miss if not on foot, is the tiny wine bar who's emulating a Parisian Cafe. Adorable inside; simply decorated, with a less is more atmosphere. A minimalistic bar serves as the brain of the operation, and is the focus of the cafe. Everything comes from the bar area, your servers, your food, and your drink. While they do have a full bar, and serve a bit of food: wine, beer and coffee seem to be their forte'. The nice surprise of the evening, other then sampling some yummy wines that I wouldn't normally try, was the tab. Turns out that us night owls are rewarded with $5 glasses of wine should we be flexible and adventurous and drink from an open bottle. Instead of corking the bottles from that day, The Village Cork discounts those wines in order to get rid of them--like those 1/2 price bagels at 3pm. LOVE THAT !!
(4)Mitch J.
Went to Village Cork last night, hoping to try the $11 flights of wine.. This doesn't apply to Fri/Sat.. The atmosphere was very nice, and the wines we tried were great. But it was expensive. Made a great place for date night.
(3)Molly C.
So cozy and comfy! Be prepared that the menu is strictly pre-dinner or post-dinner. The wine list is long, the apps are yummy and the service is pleasant. I truly was impressed with all the details they thought of when decorating. We had the prawns with lemon risotto, which were great (and I'm not usually a prawn fan). Our server was Adam who greeted us with a warm welcome and friendly service!
(4)Jay N.
Mediocre and over-priced. I did have some amazing chicken soup though!
(2)Tom S.
Not economical but very gracious and not at all pretentious. I've felt special every time I've come here. The wine list is simple and respectable but nothing like the mega cellar you would see at a place like the Barolo Grill. I think this place is more about the experience than the exposure to primo wines anyway.
(4)L J.
Although the atmosphere was cozy, I felt the server was very rude & made us feels as if we weren't welcome. Therefore, I won't be back. I would recommend checking out some other wine bars where the people are a bit more warm & welcoming!
(2)Bec W.
My all-time favorite wine bar. I've been going to the Cork since it opened. I'm married now, but it used to be my favorite "first-date" place. I HIGHLY recommend a glass of red paired with their chocolate cake...delish!
(4)