Cork’n Cleaver Restaurant
221 E Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825
Cork’n Cleaver Restaurant Menu
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Address :
221 E Washington Center Rd
Fort Wayne, IN, 46825 - Phone (260) 484-7772
- Website https://www.corkncleaveronline.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jennifer M.
Cork n Cleaver has a solid history of fine food. The service is spot on. Very attentive and friendly. It seems as if all of the staff from host to bus boys work efficiently together to serve the customer. The food: the salad bar offers impressive variety. The Caviar is a fun addition. The pretzel bread is a little salty. The mustard dip is great. I got the veggie stir fry which is not on the menu. The stir fry was a lot of salty rice covered in soy sauce with salty veggies: mushrooms, peppers and broccoli. I ate some but I took the rest home so I can mix it with steamed rice to even out the flavor. The mud pie made the entire dinner worth the wait! Cork n Cleaver is a solid choice but next time I celebrate a special occasion I am going to Bakers Street.
(4)Jess C.
Excellent food and service! The salad was fully stocked and well taken care of. The filet was cooked perfectly. Love the coffee crust. We also got the blue cheese and bacon twice baked potato! Yum! And the pretzel bread that came to the table was warm and amazing!
(5)Greg D.
Deducting a star from my last review. Still a big fan of the restaurant, but not real excited about a few of the little changes. My wife and I have always been big fans of the dark bread that they used to serve. This has changed to a pretzel bread - still good, but not much different than the pretzel bread that I've had for appetizers in other lesser restaurants. Also - I've been ordering the twice baked potato for probably 15 years - always one of my favorite things on the menu, but not a fan of the new blue cheese and bacon recipe, wish they would have stuck with the old recipe, or at least offer it as an alternate for folks that are not blue cheese fans. Still great entrees and great service, but miss a couple of the old recipes.
(4)Daniel M.
Should first mention that the bar area deserves a four star rating, the main dining area gets a three - barely. Yes, the salad bar is pretty cool. Lots of unusual stuff on there, including caviar and pickled fish. Definitely worth checking out. My dining experience here was not good. It was a Saturday night so I expected it to be fairly busy and a short wait was anticipated. I did not, however, expect to be seated in a tiny are that contained my table of four, some plants and a deafening party at a table of twenty. We were provided with one cleaver menu to share and then told there were no other menus. I tried to question the server about the menu but couldn't hear a word she said, I gave up on conversation through the whole meal as I genuinely couldn't hear anything - apart from the yelling and screeching from the hard partying table of course. I asked to move to a booth further down, where I could see a couple of large booths empty, but was told no tables where available (twenty minutes later two people were seated at one of the six seater booths). The mini beef wellingtons were both scaldingly hot and overdone. It seems as if they were cooked earlier and then microwaved. That's the only way I can attribute the heat and texture. The Baked Goat Cheese in marinara was far more marinara than goat cheese, and a fairly bland marinara at that. The olive tapenade need some works, it should be much finer than roughly chopped olives and capers, the texture should spread on the bread not balance precariously. Couple this with long wait times and misunderstood requests (it was rather loud, I think I mentioned) a good time was not had. Our entree tunas were overcooked, as was the steak, and the crab-cakes may as well be bought from the freezer section of a grocery store. The shoving and elbowing at the salad bar was also very unpleasant, a two sided design would work much better. Also no check in from the manager, a small thing really, but it should happen. However, several months ago when I took my wife for a date night in the bar it was completely different. A quiet atmosphere that encouraged conversation, attentive and knowledgeable wait staff and unrushed yet swift service. The seared wasabi tuna was great, the calamari pretty good and the drinks well done. We ordered an extra seared tuna instead of entrees, so didn't experience the full service. Truly I'd say Two for the dining area and Four for the bar
(3)Megan W.
Excellent food, service and drinks. This establishment never fails. The salmon black 'n' bleu is a must. The salad bar is fresh with a huge variety. Creme brûlée martini - yes please. They seem to have recently changed their crab cakes and I'm not as happy with the new ones, but the remoulade is still great nonetheless. A must try!
(5)Curtis H.
Every dish was out of the park. They have an awesome salad bar which is almost in Brazilian BBQ territory. Great appetizers and super martinis -- try the creme brulee martini.
(5)Meredith K.
Great place for Friday/Saturday date night in Fort Wayne. We had a table in the bar right by the fire place. Pleasantly surprised it was not too noisy considering we were by the bar and a television. Our waitress was great and gave us recommendations on wine and beer and even dessert, never steering us wrong. I definitely think you get your money's worth here. Entrees include an AWESOME salad bar and bread. My highlight: the MENU!! The menu is etched into a butcher knife, very nice touch. We left feeling full and already plan to go back another time. Atmosphere: The decor is rustic/chic/touch of southwest. Dim lighting and fireplaces make the atmosphere more romantic and less kid friendly. Parking: Unfortunately stinks and there is limited parking at the restaurant. They do offer additional parking in a lot behind the restaurant, just a bit more of a walk. Suggestion: Make reservation! This place seems to fill up pretty quick on the weekends.
(4)Steven C.
Since I've never eaten here, my work friends put it on the "must visit" list. I'll get to the point. Great salad bar, solid service and a nicely prepared filet. I can see why it's a local fav.
(4)Andrew K.
One of the nicest and most consistently good restaurants in Fort Wayne. Very creative specials, delicious steaks (try the coffee crusted steaks...they're amazing!)...great wines and beers, plus some craft liquor options. Go nuts...you won't be disappointed. Try the salad bar!
(5)Patrick H.
One of the beat restaurants in town. Great salad bar and cocktail lounge. Romantic but also suitable for business meals. Mud pie!
(5)Brittany W.
We sat at the bar and really enjoyed ourself. The bartender was amazing. The salad bar had a ton of fun options that I have never seen before and was all you can eat. They also has this great pretzel bread with a honey mustard sauce. I couldn't put it down. The filet and the ribeye eye both very tasty. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)David W.
Staff is the best in town. Salad bar is amazing. Food is uncomparable. Must try for anyone who lives here, is visiting, is passing through or hears about it and travels here just for the experience. Just wonderful.
(5)Alison A.
I have been to Cork and Cleaver many times. This weekend I went for a staff Christmas party. The decor is very cool. I am not sure how to describe it except maybe a New Mexico/rustic feel. The food and service are generally very good. They have a huge salad bar with everything under the sun. I am not a salad bar person, but this is the best one I have ever experienced. They always serve delicious fresh molasses bread. For lunch, I chose the yellowfin tuna it was delicious but slightly overcooked. Because we are with a large party and all of our food came at the same time I will not be overly critical of the food preparation at this time. They did a great job with being efficient with our large group. The drinks were incredibly strong on this occasion, almost too strong. I am basing my review on this and past experiences.
(4)Kristy T.
A Tuesday night at 730 and this place was packed. We thought we were underdressed but it was really a comfortable feel for jeans (and I had on flip-flops.) Our server Jodee was so nice. Their menu is simple and a cleaver! What fun! Salad bar was amazing, with four choices of greens plus all the toppings, including my favorite, feta and my husbands favorite, blue cheese crumbles. And to top it off, fresh fruit salad and caviar. I didn't try it but what an opportunity for my adventurous kids, who both tasted it. The kids menu was more elaborate than the norm. My kids had a grilled shrimp with rice and steamed broccoli platter and the all time favorite, (good sized portion) prime rib with au jus and more fresh fruit. The sour dough bread was so so but the brown bread was delicious. My husband and I were able to share without extra charge the 16 oz rib eye steak, with steamed broccoli. They even split the plate for us. My only complaint, is that the steak was just good. Cooked exactly to order but nothing extraordinary. We had vanilla bean ice cream and creme brulee for dessert. Both were very good. My house Pinot was generously poured and everything was very reasonably priced.
(5)Shane G.
In town for a quick trip and a friend told me to try this place. We walked in, grabbed a few drinks at the bar (which were made to perfection) to pass the wait time. Our table was ready very quickly. In short, the drinks were great and the meal was amazing. I would highly recommend the Coffee Crusted Filet. It was probably one of the best steaks I've ever had. Our server, Martha, was a complete joy and treated us really great.
(4)Maryann K.
Without a doubt the best restaurant in Fort Wayne!!! Amazing salad bar.. To die for steaks.. Absolutely the best service I have ever had at a restaurant!!! Highly recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)Wendy D.
My ribeye steak was unbelievably good!! And the salad bar is no joke. My only complaint is that I didn't know to make reservations so I had to eat in the bar where the tables were meant to hold drinks, not many plates of food!!
(5)Dean O.
Overpriced and not worth the hype. Friend ordered fish and had to send back because it was weird tasting. I may give it another try but my meal was mediocre. Is this as good as it gets with Fort Wayne cuisine? Nope.
(2)William H.
Ate here after a local hotel desk clerk recommended it. Had the Tuna steak, it was seasoned and cooked perfectly! Great flavor and very fresh. The salad bar was excellent as well. Only complaint could be I ordered an espresso to go with my creme brûlée for desert, and was told after their coffee machine was out of order, but otherwise it was the best meal I've had in a while. Prices seemed very reasonable for the quality of food and service. Would definitely recommend
(5)Jo W.
I was a bit disappointed with this place. Service was very stuffy and a little unfriendly. Waitresses spend more time parroting memorized scripts and were not very personable. Salad bar was ok, not a patch on Tucanos Brazilian. I've had better tasting food at cheaper restaurants. The chicken was better than the steak. The tuna starter was ok. For a more upmarket restaurant in Fort Wayne I guess it has its niche, try it for a special occasion if you like, but I won't be going back.
(2)Zachary L.
This restaurant is one of our favorite in Fort Wayne. The salad bar is amazing, great steaks, and their seafood selection is also outstanding. The dress code is more formal during dinner, but at lunch it's more laid back. Service has always been spot on as well as the food. The teriyaki steak is my favorite, the bake potatoe goes well with it. Always a nice treat!
(5)John Z.
Excellent food. Great staff. Always feel welcome when I arrive. Josh is a very customer oriented Manager. Would definitely recommend this restaurant. The bar is very friendly. Brady and Emily make it very comfortable for patron The food is always good. Salad bar is awesome.
(5)Quinn G.
Best place in Fort Wayne...Jenna..Jessica are the best wait staff around...Great food...drinks...and cheesecake
(5)Delila L.
Salad bar is exceptional!! Everything is very fresh and tasty. My five stars are for the salad bar.
(5)Dale B.
The absolute best salad bar in Fort Wayne!! Great place for special occasions!! The service and food are always excellent!! The atmosphere is interesting....just don't get seated in a cramped location. You can NOT go wrong here!!!!
(5)Jill P.
I have eaten here several times over the years and every time, I swear I'm not going back. It's considered a premier steakhouse by most, but I've never had a good tasting meal here. I'm all for searing the outside of the steak, but when it tastes like something I just scraped off of a dirty grill, you've taken it too far. When I've ordered steak cooked medium, it has been charred black on the outside and dry inside. Today, I opted for the prime rib, medium rare. It was cold, flavorless, and had a powdery texture. My kids got the Cork burgers, but I think actual cork would have been more moist. My son likes his burgers well done which is the way they cook theirs. But this burger was burnt tasting and crunchy on the outside and super dry on the inside. The bun was just as dry. It was all I could do the keep from choking when I took a bite. French fries were not an option as a side, but potato chips were an option. Why?... The salad bar has a pretty decent selection, but I didn't find any of the side salads to be all that great tasting. The meals are $20 and up and there's not a great selection. On the bright side, the service is great and it has a very nice ambiance. But I've had way better meals for a whole lot less money. Horrible food for the price...
(2)Gs1 S.
Great place. Hate to see people's reviews that like this place, but only give it 4 stars. Either you like it or you don't. You won't be disappointed in this place.
(5)Ben B.
Textbook 4 stars restaurant. It's not a wow but always there for a consistent solid dimming experience. The average entree price is about $22. I mention this because of the two $$ rating...it's not quite $$$, but in my opinion closet to $$$ than a $$. It is good value for your money. I certainly enjoy the specials when I visit.
(4)Howard M.
This place was a trip. It offered completed dated food and decor but offered it so unapologetically and confidently and without a trace of irony that it simply has to be admired. You order off a heavy Japanese cleaver that the menu is etched into. The lighting is dim and what light there is reflects off the metal making it almost impossible to read. Etching your menu into heavy (expensive) steel is, in itself, an act of confidence. It's also a sign that the menu isn't changed that often. This one was last changed, I'd guess, sometime around the time of my first date, say 1986. Lots of Southwest and Teriyaki. Are you jonzing for a Teriyaki Filet Mignon? They offer it. Really. They do. Also, if you've not had Hawaiian chicken in a while, they have it. My wife and oldest daughter had the New York Center Cut which was cooked perfectly. Their sauces very nice. Youngest daughter had the ribs which she said was a bit spicy for ribs described as sweet but otherwise AOK. I ordered the pork chops which were a bit dry but otherwise AOK. Our potatoes were cooked perfectly. If you go here, you go for the steak. For apps, we had blackened shrimp which were blackened...and spiced too much. Then little Beef Wellingtons. Skip these. They were less than bit sized bits of beef wrapped in an undercooked dough. The decor was first designed (or last designed) in the 1970s, I'm sure the place rocked the haute culture when first opened. It has nice leather club chairs and heavy dark paneling and exposed dark brick in the multiple fire places. It was the type of places you see men take their wives on their anniversary in 1970s sit-coms. I'm sure Bob took Emily there at least once a season. Yet, someone flinched. In the 1980s, when the southwest craze hit restaurants, the management bought some Mexican kitsch and tossed it around the place. But it was done in such an awkward way that it borders on disdain. The staff was young and professional. Service was excellent. These folks are well-trained. We were there with a party of 11 and it was handled wonderfully. Everyone was served within a few minutes. I'd normally give this place 3 or 4 stars but it's not in a time-warp by mistake. Management and staff care about what's going on here. It's stuck in the 70s ways has to be deliberate. It's a big middle finger to modernity and whimsically changing restaurant fashion. It's saying "you people go ahead and change, we're good the way we are." And, to be honest, they are.
(5)Mary M.
Celebrated my husband's birthday at Cork and Cleaver. He enjoyed a fabulous fillet and my salmon was delicious. Our waitress was professional, personable, and timed our meal perfectly. It had been years since we last visited Cork and Cleaver but we will return again soon.
(5)Elaine N.
Definitely a five star restaurant! This little place has fabulous food. My family and I went for dinner and made reservations and got right in. Atmosphere: the decor is outdated, but unique and it is dim in the restaurant. Food: The salad bar was fresh and delicious. I had the hawaiian chicken and let me tell you, it was probably the best chicken I've had at a restaurant. My sister had a center cut steak an she said it was juicy and cooked perfect. For dessert I recommend the mud pie! I would say make reservations even if it's a Monday or Tuesday. The restaurant isn't too big and they are always busy!
(5)Andrew D.
Loved the atmosphere, but can't figure out why the salad bar is considered "awesome". It's a regular salad bar. Having said that, the food was great. Steak was delicious and sides were great. Crab cake app was ok with more filler than I am used to. Service was good and prices were moderate for a steak and seafood menu. Loved the actual menu (it's a clever with the menu on it). Point being, bad spot to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend to break up!!!!!
(3)Haley S.
I really liked the salad bar, drinks were good too. It was packed but still okay service. I was disappointed that I ordered my steak medium well and it was medium rare. They threw it back on the grill but everyone was done eating by the time I got it back. Once it was cooked more, it was delicious. Quite expensive but overall, it was good, I would go back and recommend to friends.
(4)don m.
Depending on when you ask, my favorite, or 2nd favorite in town. From the "unique category", there are jelly beans AND caviar on the salad bar. Menu is innovative and steak heavy. Great wine list. Impeccable service. CAN NOT GO WRONG. Price to value is very reasonable.
(4)Bob H.
Takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dim light but just the way it is. I don't believe that they're hiding a thing! Attire: You can walk in here wearing jeans or a jacket and tie. I've been here several times in the past few decades but I just want to do the review based on current visit. The 2 of us went for JUST the salad bar. (My fave is actually the lunch menu through the week - awesome burger!! - can't get during dinner or weekends) Why the salad bar you ask? Lots of near neg comments regarding the salad bar here on yelp. Well my Pops loves CAVIAR, where else are you going to get caviar on a salad bar?? And frankly, I can make a meal of the AWESOME broccoli salad and the [where the hell did they get these absolutely perfectly ripened huge ass freakin?!] strawberries. We chose to dine in the bar where it is actually brighter. Our waitress was wonderful, seeing that our drinks were never too short, nor the house made (wonderful) warm bread risk running out. I recommend the molasses over the white. Poo poo if you wish nay sayers - for our requirements on the evening - and he deemed it a special occasion - it perfectly fits the bill - and the price is just right. So for the 2 of us for a memorable evening of leisurely dining: w/ linen table cloths, top tier excellent service, and a way above average salad bar (and a ton of caviar) for a total less than $40. You can't replicate that for the price anywhere else.
(5)Julie L.
In Fort Wayne for business and decided to try this restaurant. Tried crab cakes for the first time. Liked, but after having them at other restaurants since, realized that these had a great deal of filler in them. Salad bar was just ok, didn't really see what all the hype was about. It was good, but not worth a second trip up. Had shrimp for dinner which was very good. House wine was definitely a better value. More in the glass, tasted better and was less expensive than the others. Service was great. Server was very informative and attentive. I'd definitely go back when in the area.
(4)Corey F.
Quality place to eat and my 2nd favorite in Fort Wayne. I like to eat in the lounge for a little more atmoshpere.
(5)Kelli S.
The filet was so tender I could cut it with a fork. Probably the best steak I have ever had and very reasonably priced. The salad bar is amazing. We ordered the scallops for an appetizer- the portions were a little small and flavors just ok. As a heads up you really need reservations but if you get there on a Saturday right at 4 sometimes you can grab one of the few bar tables.
(4)Rachel S.
I've only been here for lunch. The salad bar is crazy impressive. The clam chowder on Friday is filling and yummers. The beed and noodle soup on Mondays is tender and not overly salty. They use the prime rib for the beef. Soup and salad are bottomless. I love the brown bread. I usually sit in the bar...bar tenders are so nice and fun. It's like a sub-culture of patrons at lunch in the dark bar. Dining room decor is interesting and dated. Salad bar fillers are super attentive and constantly stocking and cleaning. At lunch the parking lot is over flowing because no one car pools, but meets up here. There's over flow past the bushes if need be. One day I'll make it for dinner, just need to meet some people in this town to go.
(5)Anthony S.
The good 'ole Crotch & Beaver... A standby that is getting tired. Ambiance is noisy and tacky. In 10 years or so it will be cool like retro mid century modern, Now its like 80's K-Mart. Salad bar is legendary but really not that great. They must get a good deal on mayo. No beer on tap, WTF? If you want dynamite quality go to Baker Street.
(3)Ann H.
Passing thru town on the way home from a business trip and saw the ratings from Yelp so we stopped. We arrived to find the place was packed but only had to wait a short time for a seat in the bar. Service was quick and friendly. My husband had the Reuben and I ordered the beef and cheddar sandwich. Both were very good. Plenty of food, good service and a clean place add up to a definite "we would stop again".
(4)Debbie T.
This place is as close to "Californian" food as I can get! "Californian" food, meaning fresh veggies--indeed much fresher than any place I've tried in Fort Wayne. The salad wasn't just made out of iceberg, but other types of lettuces and leafy greens...yay! Come here if you want a good salad. All the other things on the menu are pretty tasty too! Cork'n Cleaver looks really small on the outside, but it's quite large and homey inside. Tables are somewhat sectioned off so it's very private and great for larger groups. People are also very friendly so have no shame when sitting alone at the bar =]
(4)Jay Rand B.
We come to Ft Wayne about once a month and we were looking for a new place to go. I looked at some reviews and this place was suggested. I wasn't expecting a whole lot from a "steak place" as my wife and I are pesco-vegan in nature. After being promptly seated (without a reservation) we were informed of the special appetizers and entrees for the night. The menu is printed on a meat cleaver so that is certainly an interesting touch. We ordered the smoked salmon appetizer which was delicious. For the entrees, my wife ordered a fish entree as did I. They were both flaky and perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the vegetable stuffing. The baked potato was perfectly done as well. Did I mention the salad bar? I'm not normally a fan of salad bars but this one is worth the trip. Many fine choices for adding to your spinach/lettuce base: artichoke hearts, caviar, raisins, etc. After dinner, we decided to really push our luck and order coffee and desert. Usually, a restaurant will fall short on one aspect of the meal and I was fully expecting that to happen. However, the coffee was good to great and the creme brûlée was top notch. I don't give 5 stars to restaurants (because where do you go from there?) but this one deserves a 4.5 in my book.
(4)Mickey P.
Its like stepping back in time. Good food.
(5)Elli V.
Excellent salad bar with lots of choices and interesting toppings like black caviar (but i wish that it would be better quality). The fillet is delicious and so were the crab legs.
(4)chico b.
After reading a few reviews I decided to head over to Cork and Cleaver. This place was easy to find from where I was staying, nice decor and freindly employees but the food whack!!! Here's what I had.... -Coffee crusted filet -Twiced baked potato -Broccoli -Stella(Beer) The Wine list I try not to be a wine snob but all the wine on their list were over priced. I think they had a Cakebread Chardonnay for $60 per bottle? Cakebread's Chardonnay isn't worth $60 maybe $15 to $25 is more like it- been to their cellar before, tasted their wine - unimpressed. The Food First of all the steak was the best thing on theplate. I liked the steak but after about the third bite I got the ITUS...My legs started to get weak and a brotha was feeling tired and lazy like I could take a nap. So I know the steak was good based on that effect and overall it was nice and tender and a little vamp(blood) just like I like it. The twice baked potato was twice as gross. My young son could have made a better potato, seriously. I won't even get into how nasty it was - just don't order it. Basically it just tasted like a twice baked. The broccoli was too salty and don't try the broccoli chowder unless you want something that looks like it came out a baby diaper. For real....their Broc chowder looked like a thick paste, prob could have eaten that Broc Chowder with a fork it was so thick - absolutely disgusting. The waitress noticed I didn't finish the Broc-Chow before I got the main course and at the end of the meal she brought me a free Mud Pie dessert. I thought that was a nice gesture towards putting a lid on a 2 star review so it wasn't all bad.
(2)Shane C.
Went for lunch, the buffet was impressive. Had their lunch special that was a cajun prime rib sandwich, did not taste very cajun, just ok. Wifes food was very undercooked and she could not eat it, but everyone loved the mud pie dessert.
(3)Samantha L.
This place has a pretty great reputation, I must say. The cream of the crop. One of the top-notch places to eat in Fort Wayne, it is commonly said. I've been here once, and I was not disappointed. 'Award-winning salad bar' - as a friend told me once. The Filet Mignon is fantastic, and the Beef Wellington appetizer special that I had made me believe in fairy tales all over again. I would recommend this appetizer highly to anyone.
(4)Robert B.
A generous former neighbor bought me a sizable gift certificate to this place before I moved from New England a while back... She obviously looked it up online and thought it would be a nice gift. She was very generous, but I think she'd be very disappointed if she knew her money went to such a miserable restaurant. Here's what happened: The first problem is partially my fault.. I called up to make a reservation about two hours before arriving on a Saturday night, and was basically told by the hostess that one wouldn't be necessary. Against sound judgement, I took her advice and showed up without one. When I arrived, all the tables were full, leaving only bar seats. Bar seats normally wouldn't be a huge problem, but the table we were seated at rocked back and forth, the chairs were uncomfortable, and equally flimsy. My seat was right in front of a glass divider and all night I had to hear waitresses loudly stacking plates from the other side... not a great experience (why not just put the plates somewhere out back?). The decor doesn't look like it's been updated in 25 years. Moving on: The menus are printed on these ridiculous, heavy, faux-butcher's knives that are polished and reflect the light from above... Very tacky and quite hard to read (and I'm in my 20's). I don't go out to eat so I can be hit over the head with gimmicks, I go out to eat so I can enjoy my meal. For an appetizer, we ordered the mini beef wellingtons per the recommendation of our server. The fillet was cooked well enough, but the pastry surrounding them was doughy and undercooked. The mushroom sauce was over-salted and not very flavorful. I'll put the salad bar in the same category as the ridiculous knife menu: It's a tacky gimmick. It's 2012, people!!! I really don't want to stand in line for some lettuce and canned salad dressing... This isn't TGI Friday's. Just put a couple nice, well-crafted salads on the menu and let me have at it. Oh, and our waitress made a big deal that there's caviar at the salad bar... Gimme a break! It's crap quality and, again, a complete gimmick. I'm not suggesting they should serve good-quality caviar, because that would be ridiculous... Just... if you're going to serve food, why not just serve the best quality you can provide at the price point. Now for the steak: I ordered the "southwestern ribeye" or whatever... As steaks go, it was alright... Not the best I've had, but for $28, I'm not expecting the world either. The real problem was this "southwestern" topping. Salty, goopy and really, not that flavorful. Any real steakhouse respects the meat, cooks it well and leaves it alone. I scooped the remainder of the topping off. Unfortunately, this place is everything I've come to expect from Fort Wayne, Indiana: Mediocre, and tacky. Maybe the owner(s) should be a little less concerned about gimmicks and more concerned about giving me a plate of good food. Go to a similarly-priced steakhouse in New York, Boston or Chicago and you'll see nothing like this Cork 'N Cleaver. Why should Fort Wayne be any different?!? Why don't the locals demand more!?!?!
(1)Fred P.
Ate here for lunch today. Enjoyed every aspect of the restaurant. I ordered the Sliced Prime & Cheddar and the scalloped potatoes. We were all pleased with our meals, service, and price. Didn't have room for dessert. Will definitely be coming back.
(4)Phil M.
This is most likely the best Fort Wayne has to offer. The food is wonderful and the service is really good as well. I ended up taking a star away because of the décor. It's very dark in this place with very little natural light. It's also very old and tired, I'm guessing this was the top of the line back in the day but they are in need of a remodel. I travel to Fort Wayne for work so I'm always here during the week and never on the weekend. That being said they are ALWAYS busy and there is ALWAYS a wait and the bar is ALWAYS full. I think everyone in the city knows this is the place to go for great food. I highly suggest you make a reservation unless you want to wait. I've seen a lot of people comment on the salad bar so I want to put in my two cents. It's a pretty good salad bar, it's not huge and there are not a lot of items on it but they are all of the finest quality. It really serves its purpose and I love some of the odd items they have added. I could see just ordering the salad bar for lunch and being very happy. On my most recent trip here I ordered the prime rib and it was melt in your mouth good. I highly suggest it along with the baked potato which was very well prepared. I really wanted to get dessert but I was way to full to push through.
(4)B T.
I've gone to Cork and Cleaver every now and then for several years. I have to give it two stars after receiving undercooked, farmed salmon. I have had better salmon here in the past. I sent it back, and it came back with the explanation that they had put it in the oven, and it should be fully cooked now. Well, it was cooked through the second time around, but my baked potato tasted like it had been put back in the oven a second time too. No apologies, no offer of a discount, just that it "should be fully cooked now." Sorry, but for the money, and the hassle of receiving my dinner after the rest of my party had finished their meals is not impressive. C&C is a local "go-to" restaurant, but I think they can do better.
(2)George F.
I was in Fort Wayne visiting my Dad and we went out to Cork'n Cleaver...the decor is designed to look like Santa Fe meets the tropics...the menu was presented on a meat cleaver which is pretty unique but a little difficult to share one menuif you are more then 4 people.. we ordered the Escargot and Crab cakes for apps...both were really salty and the crab cakes were average at best...the salad bar was great! Fresh veggies and tons of toppings including Jelly Belly Jelly Beans! As far as entrees go....I had the Filet with cabernet sauce...the Filet was great but the sauce was aweful...watery and flavorless...my Dad had the Tilapia special and he said it was well cooked and seasoned...we also ordered the mashed sweet potatoes as a side and they were really stringy and way too sweet! All and all, our experiance was decent...not sure if I would return but my Dad surely will!
(3)Catherine W.
Nice place for a casual, sit-down lunch. All you can eat salad buffet and soup.
(3)Laura S.
Good food, excellent and clean salad bar. Reservations are suggested; especially on weekends. The menu selection isn't huge, but covers most common choices.
(5)Carrie B.
As a foodie from Seattle, I had low expectations for the Cork'n Cleaver, based on the name and location (a strip mall). The menu-on-a-cleaver is gimmicky, for sure, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the food and service, with the former as laid-back in presentation and delicious in flavor, and the latter as gracious and attentive. Our server even went out of her way to comp us a meal that had taken 15 minutes longer than the other orders (of her own initiative, we did not request it).
(5)Chelsea H.
Yummy! My husband and I were in town visiting family and they took us to the Cork'n Cleaver, what a treat! The salad bar was great (especially as far as Midwestern standards go) but the steak was fantastic! I got the coffee/pepper rub at my father-in-law's request and I was very happy with my decision. I'm not a coffee fan but somehow that flavoring just worked with my fillet. Oh and the service was super fantastic, we loved the atmosphere and the place was just really cute. Two thumbs up!
(5)Sonia C.
Went to CnC for my husband's birthday dinner, late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away without a reservation, and the walk to our table took me back to the 1980s...A SALAD BAR? Really? Not just a salad bar, but a salad bar with MARSHMALLOWS and Craisins on it? I moved here from the east coast and am used to grocery store salad bars with fresher and more appetizing options. Anyhow, let's get past the salad. The grilled artichoke appetizer was great. Dipping sauces didn't make any sense. I think someone got excited about clearing out the condiment bottles in the fridge. At the server's suggestion, I got the mixed veggie stir fry. It was the only "good" vegetarian option. The veggies looked as if they'd come from a "from freezer to microwave" packet. The sauce was HEAVY and tasted like it also came from a bottle in the back of the freezer. I put my fork down after two bite fulls...The timing was impeccable. Just at that moment I spotted a LADY BUG in my husband's kimchi (he ordered Tuna Sashimi with a side of kimchi). The server came over, as did the manager. They were professional and removed the entree from the bill. The other part of the review is that the tuna was tasteless (he tried this before digging into the kimchi).
(1)Cocos B.
It is easily the best place in Ft Wayne to eat...and being that Ft Wayne is fairly small, that make it even better. I love the food here...and it can be somewhat pricey sometimes. That doesn't keep me from going though, as I feel for the most part it's worth it. The drinks were good and the food even better. I have had the steak and chilean sea bass...both were very good dishes. The salad bar and side dishes are also very good. The service was great even though once when I went it was VERY busy. But I have gone alone and sat at the bar to eat and felt right at home....
(4)William L.
Best restaurant in Fort Wayne! It's pricey, so we only go there for special occasions. The salad bar is awesome. My favorite is the black and blue salmon. The steaks are very good as well.
(5)Cal T.
Not bashing other folks opinions or rating habits, but I think it is peculiar that Tony C. gave four stars when he states that he was "not impressed" with the food. I went with a group of work associates on a business trip here for dinner. In all truth, this is one of the better games in town. The greater part of Fort Wayne proved to be a culinary challenge of sorts when it came to finding good food. Being from California didn't help lower my expectations. Perhaps I was hungry from being forced to eat sandwiches all week, or maybe I was seduced by the dimmed lights, but I found the overall experience to be top notch. 1. The waiter was outstanding. Now, granted we were a group of about 10 folks so I would imagine there was some tip anticipation going on. However, I'm usually good at seeing through gleeful kiss-ups who took up waitering for extra cash. There was so much food ordered, and so many particulars, it was (as it it often can be in large groups) a minor miracle that ordering errors and food delay did not occur. Enough said? 2. General Consensus on the food: Back to mid-sized groups: When the general consensus is "that was great" when each party paid their own way and had no motivation to pay unnecessary homage , is a great testament to the presentation and delivery for this dinner 3. Atmosphere. The vulgarity of the name didn't do the internals of the restaurant justice. Inside, the lights are dimmed, I enjoy this when I'm eating steak because to me it is the ultimate meal and deserves tranquility. There are some elegant furnishings and wine racks in view. The menu, which is engraved on a clever, actually goes over okay since it is crafted in a visually appealing way. Our table was in a corner section with limited view from other guests and we felt like we were special and since our dinner would be nearly $600, I guess we were special. 4. My Dish: I ordered Filet Mignon. Mine was closer to seared than charred and the flavor was out of this world. The chef was able to preserve much of the fleshy flavor all tucked inside the filet by choosing a great aged cut and exposing it to extreme heat very briefly so there were charred spices on the outside and intense buttery flavors on the inside. Like a christmas present, colorful on the outside, wonderful on the inside. 5. If you're in Fort Wayne IND and want a good dining experience, I think you'll enjoy this restaurant
(4)Sam S.
Arrived 15 minutes early for a reservation, the Hostess said that the bar was full and that we would have to wait, but then gave a seat in the bar to the next couple that came in. When we did get seated, our waitress only had us in that section, so she was never around. Food was okay, but not good enough to subject myself to the terrible service. AND WE HAD A RESERVATION.
(2)Matthew K.
This is hands-down the best place to eat in Fort Wayne. The price for the quality of food and service is impossible to beat. There are maybe one or two slightly higher-end places in Fort Wayne, but the prices they charge are not worth the difference, especially if you are into getting a good Midwestern meat-and-potatoes meal without a bunch of gourmet garnishes. Their steaks are almost on par with Ruth's Chris or Morton's, but the price is a third less. The salad bar is a unique feature for this level of restaurant, and usually I am not a fan of any bar or buffet, but this one is well-kept and offers a good variety of greens and garnishes. The mud pie is a must, my favorite dessert in the world, or tied for the first with the mud pie at Gibsons. When I travel, this is the type of place I want to find - quality food in a local setting.
(5)Patty N.
I have been here for private family dinners, and for business dinners. I was here for a business dinner last evening. The service is always very professional and helpful. The servers are on top of refills, and are good to recommend something from the menu or the specials. The salad bar has just about everything you could want. Last night the special was a rib-eye and it was just about one of the best rib-eyes I ever had. I wish this was always on the menu! Now for the con: They are always, always booked. It is hard to get a reservation here. They refuse to expand (can't imagine why). The tables are so close together, that it is hard to manuever to your seat and to the salad bar. The servers have a terrible time trying to carry plates of food to the tables. So, if you want good, really good food and don't mind being terribly cramped - enjoy. Oh - and good luck getting a parking space!
(4)Louis O.
Probably a nice place for Fort Wayne, but I thought the food was very average.
(2)Margaret V.
I had wanted to eat here for quite awhile! My husband and I stopped before a concert at the Coliseum. Given it was the Saturday before Mothers Day and prom weekend, there wasn't many spots available, but we were able to get two seats at the bar. I love their menus! They are on little plastic cleavers! Their dinner menu primarily consists of steaks, fish and a few chicken dishes. My husband ordered the New York Strip steak. He had the option of a side dish of rice, baked potato, or broccoli with hollandaise. He got the baked potato. He said it was done perfectly. I ordered the stuffed chicken breast. It was stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomato and basil, and was served with a lemon sauce. The chicken was tender and juicy, but very bland. We both had the option of soup or the salad bar. We both settled on the salad bar. I had read good things about the salad bar and had high hopes, but thought it was ok. Some of the vegetables really didn't look fresh. They were proud of the fact there was caviar as part of the salad bar, which may be fine, but when it is next to a bowl of Jelly Bellies... I just can't take it seriously. The service was amazing! Brady and Jessica, the bartenders were so much fun to talk to! The prices for food were the going rate. Drinks were very reasonable. I highly recommend!
(4)Giovanna G.
Can't go wrong with the steak. Baked potatoes are very good too. They don't starve you here, it's the place where you feel your belly full and even if your wallet it's lighter you are ok with it. Upscale but not pretentious.
(4)Bruce W.
Came in from Boston, wanted Midwestern beef.... Got exactly what I hoped for.... Good food, great service, well poured drinks... A solid value and pleasant surprise!!
(4)Brian S.
I stopped here after a long day working and it was a welcome treat. My entree was great and the salad bar was one of the best I've had in a while. Most places seem to proactively prevent any updating or creativity at the salad bar but not here. Such a great selection. Caviar on the salad bar? Yes Please!!
(4)Munch B.
As a frequent visitor to Fort Wayne, I look forward to hitting the Cork at least once every trip. Since I'm always there by myself, I take a seat at the bar (assuming I can get one, this place is mobbed EVERY time I visit, even on a Monday night), where I find the service to be extremely friendly, polished and professional. They actually will remember your name and your "usual" drink if you've been there a couple times. I have yet to venture outside the realm of their perfectly cooked steaks, but the nightly seafood specials often sound intriguing. Over the course of about a dozen meals over the past 2-3 years, every plate presented to me has been consistently excellent. It's not cheap by any stretch (one entree with moderate drinking will set you back somewhere in the upper $40s, with a generous and well-deserved gratuity) but the entree prices are somewhat offset by the massive pours of house wine, which are perfectly acceptable if you're not some sort of wine snob. If you're on a tight budget/expense account, the epic salad bar could make a meal by itself. If you're staying at the Marriott and don't feel like getting behind the wheel, the Cork is where it's at. It is by far the best American food you can walk to from your hotel room, and I've tried them all.
(4)John H.
Came here for the first time about a month ago and it was impressive and very unique. The menu is on a meat cleaver, and its more or less a high-scale steakhouse with a fantastic salad bar and good service. I wish there was one of these in California!!
(5)John G.
I have been to many business dinners at Cork'n Cleaver. The service is consistently top-notch, and the food is always wonderful. Cork is always busy and full, so be sure to book a reservation in advance. My favorite entree is the coffee-crusted filet - nowhere near as "coffee-flavored" as you would think, and the end result is delicious. Beware, if you order the Mud Pie for dessert, it is huge - easily enough for 4.
(5)Bruce R.
I spent two weeks staying in the Marriott. During that period I ate here on five separate occasions. The menu is limited but offered several great choices. Every meal I had was right on the money, either meeting or exceeding my expectations. Daily app and entree specials with prompt and friendly service. Try the prime rib; it is far better than that offered across the street
(4)Megan G.
We enjoyed our dinner here. We came without reservations, early (5:30 ish) on a Friday night and were given a table in the bar area. We liked sitting in the bar area since it was cozy and quiet. Low lights also give you the feeling of more privacy. Wait staff was very attentive, accomodating, and made it a point not to rush us. Salad bar was very good, and I would happily come back just for that. Salads in Fort Wayne seem to be a little vegtable challenged, so it was great to be able to load my salad up with actual veggies and not cheese and dressing. We had the cheesey mushrooms for an ap, and they were very tasty, warm and gooey. Just what we wanted after coming in from the cold. I had the sirloin baseball cut with the baked potato which I really enjoyed, but had plenty of left overs. It is going into some eggs for breakfast this morning. The hubby had the tilapia which he thought was a little bland, but well cooked. He loved the rice. We'd def come back here again some time.
(4)Howard M.
This place was a trip. It offered completed dated food and decor but offered it so unapologetically and confidently and without a trace of irony that it simply has to be admired. You order off a heavy Japanese cleaver that the menu is etched into. The lighting is dim and what light there is reflects off the metal making it almost impossible to read. Etching your menu into heavy (expensive) steel is, in itself, an act of confidence. It's also a sign that the menu isn't changed that often. This one was last changed, I'd guess, sometime around the time of my first date, say 1986. Lots of Southwest and Teriyaki. Are you jonzing for a Teriyaki Filet Mignon? They offer it. Really. They do. Also, if you've not had Hawaiian chicken in a while, they have it. My wife and oldest daughter had the New York Center Cut which was cooked perfectly. Their sauces very nice. Youngest daughter had the ribs which she said was a bit spicy for ribs described as sweet but otherwise AOK. I ordered the pork chops which were a bit dry but otherwise AOK. Our potatoes were cooked perfectly. If you go here, you go for the steak. For apps, we had blackened shrimp which were blackened...and spiced too much. Then little Beef Wellingtons. Skip these. They were less than bit sized bits of beef wrapped in an undercooked dough. The decor was first designed (or last designed) in the 1970s, I'm sure the place rocked the haute culture when first opened. It has nice leather club chairs and heavy dark paneling and exposed dark brick in the multiple fire places. It was the type of places you see men take their wives on their anniversary in 1970s sit-coms. I'm sure Bob took Emily there at least once a season. Yet, someone flinched. In the 1980s, when the southwest craze hit restaurants, the management bought some Mexican kitsch and tossed it around the place. But it was done in such an awkward way that it borders on disdain. The staff was young and professional. Service was excellent. These folks are well-trained. We were there with a party of 11 and it was handled wonderfully. Everyone was served within a few minutes. I'd normally give this place 3 or 4 stars but it's not in a time-warp by mistake. Management and staff care about what's going on here. It's stuck in the 70s ways has to be deliberate. It's a big middle finger to modernity and whimsically changing restaurant fashion. It's saying "you people go ahead and change, we're good the way we are." And, to be honest, they are.
(5)Mary M.
Celebrated my husband's birthday at Cork and Cleaver. He enjoyed a fabulous fillet and my salmon was delicious. Our waitress was professional, personable, and timed our meal perfectly. It had been years since we last visited Cork and Cleaver but we will return again soon.
(5)Dean O.
Overpriced and not worth the hype. Friend ordered fish and had to send back because it was weird tasting. I may give it another try but my meal was mediocre. Is this as good as it gets with Fort Wayne cuisine? Nope.
(2)William H.
Ate here after a local hotel desk clerk recommended it. Had the Tuna steak, it was seasoned and cooked perfectly! Great flavor and very fresh. The salad bar was excellent as well. Only complaint could be I ordered an espresso to go with my creme brûlée for desert, and was told after their coffee machine was out of order, but otherwise it was the best meal I've had in a while. Prices seemed very reasonable for the quality of food and service. Would definitely recommend
(5)Jill P.
I have eaten here several times over the years and every time, I swear I'm not going back. It's considered a premier steakhouse by most, but I've never had a good tasting meal here. I'm all for searing the outside of the steak, but when it tastes like something I just scraped off of a dirty grill, you've taken it too far. When I've ordered steak cooked medium, it has been charred black on the outside and dry inside. Today, I opted for the prime rib, medium rare. It was cold, flavorless, and had a powdery texture. My kids got the Cork burgers, but I think actual cork would have been more moist. My son likes his burgers well done which is the way they cook theirs. But this burger was burnt tasting and crunchy on the outside and super dry on the inside. The bun was just as dry. It was all I could do the keep from choking when I took a bite. French fries were not an option as a side, but potato chips were an option. Why?... The salad bar has a pretty decent selection, but I didn't find any of the side salads to be all that great tasting. The meals are $20 and up and there's not a great selection. On the bright side, the service is great and it has a very nice ambiance. But I've had way better meals for a whole lot less money. Horrible food for the price...
(2)Gs1 S.
Great place. Hate to see people's reviews that like this place, but only give it 4 stars. Either you like it or you don't. You won't be disappointed in this place.
(5)Ann H.
Passing thru town on the way home from a business trip and saw the ratings from Yelp so we stopped. We arrived to find the place was packed but only had to wait a short time for a seat in the bar. Service was quick and friendly. My husband had the Reuben and I ordered the beef and cheddar sandwich. Both were very good. Plenty of food, good service and a clean place add up to a definite "we would stop again".
(4)Anthony S.
The good 'ole Crotch & Beaver... A standby that is getting tired. Ambiance is noisy and tacky. In 10 years or so it will be cool like retro mid century modern, Now its like 80's K-Mart. Salad bar is legendary but really not that great. They must get a good deal on mayo. No beer on tap, WTF? If you want dynamite quality go to Baker Street.
(3)Delila L.
Salad bar is exceptional!! Everything is very fresh and tasty. My five stars are for the salad bar.
(5)Dale B.
The absolute best salad bar in Fort Wayne!! Great place for special occasions!! The service and food are always excellent!! The atmosphere is interesting....just don't get seated in a cramped location. You can NOT go wrong here!!!!
(5)Ben B.
Textbook 4 stars restaurant. It's not a wow but always there for a consistent solid dimming experience. The average entree price is about $22. I mention this because of the two $$ rating...it's not quite $$$, but in my opinion closet to $$$ than a $$. It is good value for your money. I certainly enjoy the specials when I visit.
(4)Andrew D.
Loved the atmosphere, but can't figure out why the salad bar is considered "awesome". It's a regular salad bar. Having said that, the food was great. Steak was delicious and sides were great. Crab cake app was ok with more filler than I am used to. Service was good and prices were moderate for a steak and seafood menu. Loved the actual menu (it's a clever with the menu on it). Point being, bad spot to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend to break up!!!!!
(3)Haley S.
I really liked the salad bar, drinks were good too. It was packed but still okay service. I was disappointed that I ordered my steak medium well and it was medium rare. They threw it back on the grill but everyone was done eating by the time I got it back. Once it was cooked more, it was delicious. Quite expensive but overall, it was good, I would go back and recommend to friends.
(4)don m.
Depending on when you ask, my favorite, or 2nd favorite in town. From the "unique category", there are jelly beans AND caviar on the salad bar. Menu is innovative and steak heavy. Great wine list. Impeccable service. CAN NOT GO WRONG. Price to value is very reasonable.
(4)Elaine N.
Definitely a five star restaurant! This little place has fabulous food. My family and I went for dinner and made reservations and got right in. Atmosphere: the decor is outdated, but unique and it is dim in the restaurant. Food: The salad bar was fresh and delicious. I had the hawaiian chicken and let me tell you, it was probably the best chicken I've had at a restaurant. My sister had a center cut steak an she said it was juicy and cooked perfect. For dessert I recommend the mud pie! I would say make reservations even if it's a Monday or Tuesday. The restaurant isn't too big and they are always busy!
(5)Bob H.
Takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dim light but just the way it is. I don't believe that they're hiding a thing! Attire: You can walk in here wearing jeans or a jacket and tie. I've been here several times in the past few decades but I just want to do the review based on current visit. The 2 of us went for JUST the salad bar. (My fave is actually the lunch menu through the week - awesome burger!! - can't get during dinner or weekends) Why the salad bar you ask? Lots of near neg comments regarding the salad bar here on yelp. Well my Pops loves CAVIAR, where else are you going to get caviar on a salad bar?? And frankly, I can make a meal of the AWESOME broccoli salad and the [where the hell did they get these absolutely perfectly ripened huge ass freakin?!] strawberries. We chose to dine in the bar where it is actually brighter. Our waitress was wonderful, seeing that our drinks were never too short, nor the house made (wonderful) warm bread risk running out. I recommend the molasses over the white. Poo poo if you wish nay sayers - for our requirements on the evening - and he deemed it a special occasion - it perfectly fits the bill - and the price is just right. So for the 2 of us for a memorable evening of leisurely dining: w/ linen table cloths, top tier excellent service, and a way above average salad bar (and a ton of caviar) for a total less than $40. You can't replicate that for the price anywhere else.
(5)Julie L.
In Fort Wayne for business and decided to try this restaurant. Tried crab cakes for the first time. Liked, but after having them at other restaurants since, realized that these had a great deal of filler in them. Salad bar was just ok, didn't really see what all the hype was about. It was good, but not worth a second trip up. Had shrimp for dinner which was very good. House wine was definitely a better value. More in the glass, tasted better and was less expensive than the others. Service was great. Server was very informative and attentive. I'd definitely go back when in the area.
(4)Rachel S.
I've only been here for lunch. The salad bar is crazy impressive. The clam chowder on Friday is filling and yummers. The beed and noodle soup on Mondays is tender and not overly salty. They use the prime rib for the beef. Soup and salad are bottomless. I love the brown bread. I usually sit in the bar...bar tenders are so nice and fun. It's like a sub-culture of patrons at lunch in the dark bar. Dining room decor is interesting and dated. Salad bar fillers are super attentive and constantly stocking and cleaning. At lunch the parking lot is over flowing because no one car pools, but meets up here. There's over flow past the bushes if need be. One day I'll make it for dinner, just need to meet some people in this town to go.
(5)Maryann K.
Without a doubt the best restaurant in Fort Wayne!!! Amazing salad bar.. To die for steaks.. Absolutely the best service I have ever had at a restaurant!!! Highly recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)Wendy D.
My ribeye steak was unbelievably good!! And the salad bar is no joke. My only complaint is that I didn't know to make reservations so I had to eat in the bar where the tables were meant to hold drinks, not many plates of food!!
(5)Debbie T.
This place is as close to "Californian" food as I can get! "Californian" food, meaning fresh veggies--indeed much fresher than any place I've tried in Fort Wayne. The salad wasn't just made out of iceberg, but other types of lettuces and leafy greens...yay! Come here if you want a good salad. All the other things on the menu are pretty tasty too! Cork'n Cleaver looks really small on the outside, but it's quite large and homey inside. Tables are somewhat sectioned off so it's very private and great for larger groups. People are also very friendly so have no shame when sitting alone at the bar =]
(4)Chelsea H.
Yummy! My husband and I were in town visiting family and they took us to the Cork'n Cleaver, what a treat! The salad bar was great (especially as far as Midwestern standards go) but the steak was fantastic! I got the coffee/pepper rub at my father-in-law's request and I was very happy with my decision. I'm not a coffee fan but somehow that flavoring just worked with my fillet. Oh and the service was super fantastic, we loved the atmosphere and the place was just really cute. Two thumbs up!
(5)Jay Rand B.
We come to Ft Wayne about once a month and we were looking for a new place to go. I looked at some reviews and this place was suggested. I wasn't expecting a whole lot from a "steak place" as my wife and I are pesco-vegan in nature. After being promptly seated (without a reservation) we were informed of the special appetizers and entrees for the night. The menu is printed on a meat cleaver so that is certainly an interesting touch. We ordered the smoked salmon appetizer which was delicious. For the entrees, my wife ordered a fish entree as did I. They were both flaky and perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the vegetable stuffing. The baked potato was perfectly done as well. Did I mention the salad bar? I'm not normally a fan of salad bars but this one is worth the trip. Many fine choices for adding to your spinach/lettuce base: artichoke hearts, caviar, raisins, etc. After dinner, we decided to really push our luck and order coffee and desert. Usually, a restaurant will fall short on one aspect of the meal and I was fully expecting that to happen. However, the coffee was good to great and the creme brûlée was top notch. I don't give 5 stars to restaurants (because where do you go from there?) but this one deserves a 4.5 in my book.
(4)Mickey P.
Its like stepping back in time. Good food.
(5)Elli V.
Excellent salad bar with lots of choices and interesting toppings like black caviar (but i wish that it would be better quality). The fillet is delicious and so were the crab legs.
(4)Carrie B.
As a foodie from Seattle, I had low expectations for the Cork'n Cleaver, based on the name and location (a strip mall). The menu-on-a-cleaver is gimmicky, for sure, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the food and service, with the former as laid-back in presentation and delicious in flavor, and the latter as gracious and attentive. Our server even went out of her way to comp us a meal that had taken 15 minutes longer than the other orders (of her own initiative, we did not request it).
(5)chico b.
After reading a few reviews I decided to head over to Cork and Cleaver. This place was easy to find from where I was staying, nice decor and freindly employees but the food whack!!! Here's what I had.... -Coffee crusted filet -Twiced baked potato -Broccoli -Stella(Beer) The Wine list I try not to be a wine snob but all the wine on their list were over priced. I think they had a Cakebread Chardonnay for $60 per bottle? Cakebread's Chardonnay isn't worth $60 maybe $15 to $25 is more like it- been to their cellar before, tasted their wine - unimpressed. The Food First of all the steak was the best thing on theplate. I liked the steak but after about the third bite I got the ITUS...My legs started to get weak and a brotha was feeling tired and lazy like I could take a nap. So I know the steak was good based on that effect and overall it was nice and tender and a little vamp(blood) just like I like it. The twice baked potato was twice as gross. My young son could have made a better potato, seriously. I won't even get into how nasty it was - just don't order it. Basically it just tasted like a twice baked. The broccoli was too salty and don't try the broccoli chowder unless you want something that looks like it came out a baby diaper. For real....their Broc chowder looked like a thick paste, prob could have eaten that Broc Chowder with a fork it was so thick - absolutely disgusting. The waitress noticed I didn't finish the Broc-Chow before I got the main course and at the end of the meal she brought me a free Mud Pie dessert. I thought that was a nice gesture towards putting a lid on a 2 star review so it wasn't all bad.
(2)Shane C.
Went for lunch, the buffet was impressive. Had their lunch special that was a cajun prime rib sandwich, did not taste very cajun, just ok. Wifes food was very undercooked and she could not eat it, but everyone loved the mud pie dessert.
(3)Corey F.
Quality place to eat and my 2nd favorite in Fort Wayne. I like to eat in the lounge for a little more atmoshpere.
(5)Kelli S.
The filet was so tender I could cut it with a fork. Probably the best steak I have ever had and very reasonably priced. The salad bar is amazing. We ordered the scallops for an appetizer- the portions were a little small and flavors just ok. As a heads up you really need reservations but if you get there on a Saturday right at 4 sometimes you can grab one of the few bar tables.
(4)Samantha L.
This place has a pretty great reputation, I must say. The cream of the crop. One of the top-notch places to eat in Fort Wayne, it is commonly said. I've been here once, and I was not disappointed. 'Award-winning salad bar' - as a friend told me once. The Filet Mignon is fantastic, and the Beef Wellington appetizer special that I had made me believe in fairy tales all over again. I would recommend this appetizer highly to anyone.
(4)Robert B.
A generous former neighbor bought me a sizable gift certificate to this place before I moved from New England a while back... She obviously looked it up online and thought it would be a nice gift. She was very generous, but I think she'd be very disappointed if she knew her money went to such a miserable restaurant. Here's what happened: The first problem is partially my fault.. I called up to make a reservation about two hours before arriving on a Saturday night, and was basically told by the hostess that one wouldn't be necessary. Against sound judgement, I took her advice and showed up without one. When I arrived, all the tables were full, leaving only bar seats. Bar seats normally wouldn't be a huge problem, but the table we were seated at rocked back and forth, the chairs were uncomfortable, and equally flimsy. My seat was right in front of a glass divider and all night I had to hear waitresses loudly stacking plates from the other side... not a great experience (why not just put the plates somewhere out back?). The decor doesn't look like it's been updated in 25 years. Moving on: The menus are printed on these ridiculous, heavy, faux-butcher's knives that are polished and reflect the light from above... Very tacky and quite hard to read (and I'm in my 20's). I don't go out to eat so I can be hit over the head with gimmicks, I go out to eat so I can enjoy my meal. For an appetizer, we ordered the mini beef wellingtons per the recommendation of our server. The fillet was cooked well enough, but the pastry surrounding them was doughy and undercooked. The mushroom sauce was over-salted and not very flavorful. I'll put the salad bar in the same category as the ridiculous knife menu: It's a tacky gimmick. It's 2012, people!!! I really don't want to stand in line for some lettuce and canned salad dressing... This isn't TGI Friday's. Just put a couple nice, well-crafted salads on the menu and let me have at it. Oh, and our waitress made a big deal that there's caviar at the salad bar... Gimme a break! It's crap quality and, again, a complete gimmick. I'm not suggesting they should serve good-quality caviar, because that would be ridiculous... Just... if you're going to serve food, why not just serve the best quality you can provide at the price point. Now for the steak: I ordered the "southwestern ribeye" or whatever... As steaks go, it was alright... Not the best I've had, but for $28, I'm not expecting the world either. The real problem was this "southwestern" topping. Salty, goopy and really, not that flavorful. Any real steakhouse respects the meat, cooks it well and leaves it alone. I scooped the remainder of the topping off. Unfortunately, this place is everything I've come to expect from Fort Wayne, Indiana: Mediocre, and tacky. Maybe the owner(s) should be a little less concerned about gimmicks and more concerned about giving me a plate of good food. Go to a similarly-priced steakhouse in New York, Boston or Chicago and you'll see nothing like this Cork 'N Cleaver. Why should Fort Wayne be any different?!? Why don't the locals demand more!?!?!
(1)Fred P.
Ate here for lunch today. Enjoyed every aspect of the restaurant. I ordered the Sliced Prime & Cheddar and the scalloped potatoes. We were all pleased with our meals, service, and price. Didn't have room for dessert. Will definitely be coming back.
(4)Munch B.
As a frequent visitor to Fort Wayne, I look forward to hitting the Cork at least once every trip. Since I'm always there by myself, I take a seat at the bar (assuming I can get one, this place is mobbed EVERY time I visit, even on a Monday night), where I find the service to be extremely friendly, polished and professional. They actually will remember your name and your "usual" drink if you've been there a couple times. I have yet to venture outside the realm of their perfectly cooked steaks, but the nightly seafood specials often sound intriguing. Over the course of about a dozen meals over the past 2-3 years, every plate presented to me has been consistently excellent. It's not cheap by any stretch (one entree with moderate drinking will set you back somewhere in the upper $40s, with a generous and well-deserved gratuity) but the entree prices are somewhat offset by the massive pours of house wine, which are perfectly acceptable if you're not some sort of wine snob. If you're on a tight budget/expense account, the epic salad bar could make a meal by itself. If you're staying at the Marriott and don't feel like getting behind the wheel, the Cork is where it's at. It is by far the best American food you can walk to from your hotel room, and I've tried them all.
(4)John H.
Came here for the first time about a month ago and it was impressive and very unique. The menu is on a meat cleaver, and its more or less a high-scale steakhouse with a fantastic salad bar and good service. I wish there was one of these in California!!
(5)John G.
I have been to many business dinners at Cork'n Cleaver. The service is consistently top-notch, and the food is always wonderful. Cork is always busy and full, so be sure to book a reservation in advance. My favorite entree is the coffee-crusted filet - nowhere near as "coffee-flavored" as you would think, and the end result is delicious. Beware, if you order the Mud Pie for dessert, it is huge - easily enough for 4.
(5)Bruce R.
I spent two weeks staying in the Marriott. During that period I ate here on five separate occasions. The menu is limited but offered several great choices. Every meal I had was right on the money, either meeting or exceeding my expectations. Daily app and entree specials with prompt and friendly service. Try the prime rib; it is far better than that offered across the street
(4)Megan G.
We enjoyed our dinner here. We came without reservations, early (5:30 ish) on a Friday night and were given a table in the bar area. We liked sitting in the bar area since it was cozy and quiet. Low lights also give you the feeling of more privacy. Wait staff was very attentive, accomodating, and made it a point not to rush us. Salad bar was very good, and I would happily come back just for that. Salads in Fort Wayne seem to be a little vegtable challenged, so it was great to be able to load my salad up with actual veggies and not cheese and dressing. We had the cheesey mushrooms for an ap, and they were very tasty, warm and gooey. Just what we wanted after coming in from the cold. I had the sirloin baseball cut with the baked potato which I really enjoyed, but had plenty of left overs. It is going into some eggs for breakfast this morning. The hubby had the tilapia which he thought was a little bland, but well cooked. He loved the rice. We'd def come back here again some time.
(4)Phil M.
This is most likely the best Fort Wayne has to offer. The food is wonderful and the service is really good as well. I ended up taking a star away because of the décor. It's very dark in this place with very little natural light. It's also very old and tired, I'm guessing this was the top of the line back in the day but they are in need of a remodel. I travel to Fort Wayne for work so I'm always here during the week and never on the weekend. That being said they are ALWAYS busy and there is ALWAYS a wait and the bar is ALWAYS full. I think everyone in the city knows this is the place to go for great food. I highly suggest you make a reservation unless you want to wait. I've seen a lot of people comment on the salad bar so I want to put in my two cents. It's a pretty good salad bar, it's not huge and there are not a lot of items on it but they are all of the finest quality. It really serves its purpose and I love some of the odd items they have added. I could see just ordering the salad bar for lunch and being very happy. On my most recent trip here I ordered the prime rib and it was melt in your mouth good. I highly suggest it along with the baked potato which was very well prepared. I really wanted to get dessert but I was way to full to push through.
(4)B T.
I've gone to Cork and Cleaver every now and then for several years. I have to give it two stars after receiving undercooked, farmed salmon. I have had better salmon here in the past. I sent it back, and it came back with the explanation that they had put it in the oven, and it should be fully cooked now. Well, it was cooked through the second time around, but my baked potato tasted like it had been put back in the oven a second time too. No apologies, no offer of a discount, just that it "should be fully cooked now." Sorry, but for the money, and the hassle of receiving my dinner after the rest of my party had finished their meals is not impressive. C&C is a local "go-to" restaurant, but I think they can do better.
(2)George F.
I was in Fort Wayne visiting my Dad and we went out to Cork'n Cleaver...the decor is designed to look like Santa Fe meets the tropics...the menu was presented on a meat cleaver which is pretty unique but a little difficult to share one menuif you are more then 4 people.. we ordered the Escargot and Crab cakes for apps...both were really salty and the crab cakes were average at best...the salad bar was great! Fresh veggies and tons of toppings including Jelly Belly Jelly Beans! As far as entrees go....I had the Filet with cabernet sauce...the Filet was great but the sauce was aweful...watery and flavorless...my Dad had the Tilapia special and he said it was well cooked and seasoned...we also ordered the mashed sweet potatoes as a side and they were really stringy and way too sweet! All and all, our experiance was decent...not sure if I would return but my Dad surely will!
(3)Catherine W.
Nice place for a casual, sit-down lunch. All you can eat salad buffet and soup.
(3)Laura S.
Good food, excellent and clean salad bar. Reservations are suggested; especially on weekends. The menu selection isn't huge, but covers most common choices.
(5)Cal T.
Not bashing other folks opinions or rating habits, but I think it is peculiar that Tony C. gave four stars when he states that he was "not impressed" with the food. I went with a group of work associates on a business trip here for dinner. In all truth, this is one of the better games in town. The greater part of Fort Wayne proved to be a culinary challenge of sorts when it came to finding good food. Being from California didn't help lower my expectations. Perhaps I was hungry from being forced to eat sandwiches all week, or maybe I was seduced by the dimmed lights, but I found the overall experience to be top notch. 1. The waiter was outstanding. Now, granted we were a group of about 10 folks so I would imagine there was some tip anticipation going on. However, I'm usually good at seeing through gleeful kiss-ups who took up waitering for extra cash. There was so much food ordered, and so many particulars, it was (as it it often can be in large groups) a minor miracle that ordering errors and food delay did not occur. Enough said? 2. General Consensus on the food: Back to mid-sized groups: When the general consensus is "that was great" when each party paid their own way and had no motivation to pay unnecessary homage , is a great testament to the presentation and delivery for this dinner 3. Atmosphere. The vulgarity of the name didn't do the internals of the restaurant justice. Inside, the lights are dimmed, I enjoy this when I'm eating steak because to me it is the ultimate meal and deserves tranquility. There are some elegant furnishings and wine racks in view. The menu, which is engraved on a clever, actually goes over okay since it is crafted in a visually appealing way. Our table was in a corner section with limited view from other guests and we felt like we were special and since our dinner would be nearly $600, I guess we were special. 4. My Dish: I ordered Filet Mignon. Mine was closer to seared than charred and the flavor was out of this world. The chef was able to preserve much of the fleshy flavor all tucked inside the filet by choosing a great aged cut and exposing it to extreme heat very briefly so there were charred spices on the outside and intense buttery flavors on the inside. Like a christmas present, colorful on the outside, wonderful on the inside. 5. If you're in Fort Wayne IND and want a good dining experience, I think you'll enjoy this restaurant
(4)Sam S.
Arrived 15 minutes early for a reservation, the Hostess said that the bar was full and that we would have to wait, but then gave a seat in the bar to the next couple that came in. When we did get seated, our waitress only had us in that section, so she was never around. Food was okay, but not good enough to subject myself to the terrible service. AND WE HAD A RESERVATION.
(2)Matthew K.
This is hands-down the best place to eat in Fort Wayne. The price for the quality of food and service is impossible to beat. There are maybe one or two slightly higher-end places in Fort Wayne, but the prices they charge are not worth the difference, especially if you are into getting a good Midwestern meat-and-potatoes meal without a bunch of gourmet garnishes. Their steaks are almost on par with Ruth's Chris or Morton's, but the price is a third less. The salad bar is a unique feature for this level of restaurant, and usually I am not a fan of any bar or buffet, but this one is well-kept and offers a good variety of greens and garnishes. The mud pie is a must, my favorite dessert in the world, or tied for the first with the mud pie at Gibsons. When I travel, this is the type of place I want to find - quality food in a local setting.
(5)Sonia C.
Went to CnC for my husband's birthday dinner, late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away without a reservation, and the walk to our table took me back to the 1980s...A SALAD BAR? Really? Not just a salad bar, but a salad bar with MARSHMALLOWS and Craisins on it? I moved here from the east coast and am used to grocery store salad bars with fresher and more appetizing options. Anyhow, let's get past the salad. The grilled artichoke appetizer was great. Dipping sauces didn't make any sense. I think someone got excited about clearing out the condiment bottles in the fridge. At the server's suggestion, I got the mixed veggie stir fry. It was the only "good" vegetarian option. The veggies looked as if they'd come from a "from freezer to microwave" packet. The sauce was HEAVY and tasted like it also came from a bottle in the back of the freezer. I put my fork down after two bite fulls...The timing was impeccable. Just at that moment I spotted a LADY BUG in my husband's kimchi (he ordered Tuna Sashimi with a side of kimchi). The server came over, as did the manager. They were professional and removed the entree from the bill. The other part of the review is that the tuna was tasteless (he tried this before digging into the kimchi).
(1)Cocos B.
It is easily the best place in Ft Wayne to eat...and being that Ft Wayne is fairly small, that make it even better. I love the food here...and it can be somewhat pricey sometimes. That doesn't keep me from going though, as I feel for the most part it's worth it. The drinks were good and the food even better. I have had the steak and chilean sea bass...both were very good dishes. The salad bar and side dishes are also very good. The service was great even though once when I went it was VERY busy. But I have gone alone and sat at the bar to eat and felt right at home....
(4)William L.
Best restaurant in Fort Wayne! It's pricey, so we only go there for special occasions. The salad bar is awesome. My favorite is the black and blue salmon. The steaks are very good as well.
(5)Patty N.
I have been here for private family dinners, and for business dinners. I was here for a business dinner last evening. The service is always very professional and helpful. The servers are on top of refills, and are good to recommend something from the menu or the specials. The salad bar has just about everything you could want. Last night the special was a rib-eye and it was just about one of the best rib-eyes I ever had. I wish this was always on the menu! Now for the con: They are always, always booked. It is hard to get a reservation here. They refuse to expand (can't imagine why). The tables are so close together, that it is hard to manuever to your seat and to the salad bar. The servers have a terrible time trying to carry plates of food to the tables. So, if you want good, really good food and don't mind being terribly cramped - enjoy. Oh - and good luck getting a parking space!
(4)Louis O.
Probably a nice place for Fort Wayne, but I thought the food was very average.
(2)Quinn G.
Best place in Fort Wayne...Jenna..Jessica are the best wait staff around...Great food...drinks...and cheesecake
(5)Jess C.
Excellent food and service! The salad was fully stocked and well taken care of. The filet was cooked perfectly. Love the coffee crust. We also got the blue cheese and bacon twice baked potato! Yum! And the pretzel bread that came to the table was warm and amazing!
(5)Greg D.
Deducting a star from my last review. Still a big fan of the restaurant, but not real excited about a few of the little changes. My wife and I have always been big fans of the dark bread that they used to serve. This has changed to a pretzel bread - still good, but not much different than the pretzel bread that I've had for appetizers in other lesser restaurants. Also - I've been ordering the twice baked potato for probably 15 years - always one of my favorite things on the menu, but not a fan of the new blue cheese and bacon recipe, wish they would have stuck with the old recipe, or at least offer it as an alternate for folks that are not blue cheese fans. Still great entrees and great service, but miss a couple of the old recipes.
(4)Jennifer M.
Cork n Cleaver has a solid history of fine food. The service is spot on. Very attentive and friendly. It seems as if all of the staff from host to bus boys work efficiently together to serve the customer. The food: the salad bar offers impressive variety. The Caviar is a fun addition. The pretzel bread is a little salty. The mustard dip is great. I got the veggie stir fry which is not on the menu. The stir fry was a lot of salty rice covered in soy sauce with salty veggies: mushrooms, peppers and broccoli. I ate some but I took the rest home so I can mix it with steamed rice to even out the flavor. The mud pie made the entire dinner worth the wait! Cork n Cleaver is a solid choice but next time I celebrate a special occasion I am going to Bakers Street.
(4)Margaret V.
I had wanted to eat here for quite awhile! My husband and I stopped before a concert at the Coliseum. Given it was the Saturday before Mothers Day and prom weekend, there wasn't many spots available, but we were able to get two seats at the bar. I love their menus! They are on little plastic cleavers! Their dinner menu primarily consists of steaks, fish and a few chicken dishes. My husband ordered the New York Strip steak. He had the option of a side dish of rice, baked potato, or broccoli with hollandaise. He got the baked potato. He said it was done perfectly. I ordered the stuffed chicken breast. It was stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomato and basil, and was served with a lemon sauce. The chicken was tender and juicy, but very bland. We both had the option of soup or the salad bar. We both settled on the salad bar. I had read good things about the salad bar and had high hopes, but thought it was ok. Some of the vegetables really didn't look fresh. They were proud of the fact there was caviar as part of the salad bar, which may be fine, but when it is next to a bowl of Jelly Bellies... I just can't take it seriously. The service was amazing! Brady and Jessica, the bartenders were so much fun to talk to! The prices for food were the going rate. Drinks were very reasonable. I highly recommend!
(4)Giovanna G.
Can't go wrong with the steak. Baked potatoes are very good too. They don't starve you here, it's the place where you feel your belly full and even if your wallet it's lighter you are ok with it. Upscale but not pretentious.
(4)Bruce W.
Came in from Boston, wanted Midwestern beef.... Got exactly what I hoped for.... Good food, great service, well poured drinks... A solid value and pleasant surprise!!
(4)Brian S.
I stopped here after a long day working and it was a welcome treat. My entree was great and the salad bar was one of the best I've had in a while. Most places seem to proactively prevent any updating or creativity at the salad bar but not here. Such a great selection. Caviar on the salad bar? Yes Please!!
(4)Jo W.
I was a bit disappointed with this place. Service was very stuffy and a little unfriendly. Waitresses spend more time parroting memorized scripts and were not very personable. Salad bar was ok, not a patch on Tucanos Brazilian. I've had better tasting food at cheaper restaurants. The chicken was better than the steak. The tuna starter was ok. For a more upmarket restaurant in Fort Wayne I guess it has its niche, try it for a special occasion if you like, but I won't be going back.
(2)Zachary L.
This restaurant is one of our favorite in Fort Wayne. The salad bar is amazing, great steaks, and their seafood selection is also outstanding. The dress code is more formal during dinner, but at lunch it's more laid back. Service has always been spot on as well as the food. The teriyaki steak is my favorite, the bake potatoe goes well with it. Always a nice treat!
(5)John Z.
Excellent food. Great staff. Always feel welcome when I arrive. Josh is a very customer oriented Manager. Would definitely recommend this restaurant. The bar is very friendly. Brady and Emily make it very comfortable for patron The food is always good. Salad bar is awesome.
(5)Daniel M.
Should first mention that the bar area deserves a four star rating, the main dining area gets a three - barely. Yes, the salad bar is pretty cool. Lots of unusual stuff on there, including caviar and pickled fish. Definitely worth checking out. My dining experience here was not good. It was a Saturday night so I expected it to be fairly busy and a short wait was anticipated. I did not, however, expect to be seated in a tiny are that contained my table of four, some plants and a deafening party at a table of twenty. We were provided with one cleaver menu to share and then told there were no other menus. I tried to question the server about the menu but couldn't hear a word she said, I gave up on conversation through the whole meal as I genuinely couldn't hear anything - apart from the yelling and screeching from the hard partying table of course. I asked to move to a booth further down, where I could see a couple of large booths empty, but was told no tables where available (twenty minutes later two people were seated at one of the six seater booths). The mini beef wellingtons were both scaldingly hot and overdone. It seems as if they were cooked earlier and then microwaved. That's the only way I can attribute the heat and texture. The Baked Goat Cheese in marinara was far more marinara than goat cheese, and a fairly bland marinara at that. The olive tapenade need some works, it should be much finer than roughly chopped olives and capers, the texture should spread on the bread not balance precariously. Couple this with long wait times and misunderstood requests (it was rather loud, I think I mentioned) a good time was not had. Our entree tunas were overcooked, as was the steak, and the crab-cakes may as well be bought from the freezer section of a grocery store. The shoving and elbowing at the salad bar was also very unpleasant, a two sided design would work much better. Also no check in from the manager, a small thing really, but it should happen. However, several months ago when I took my wife for a date night in the bar it was completely different. A quiet atmosphere that encouraged conversation, attentive and knowledgeable wait staff and unrushed yet swift service. The seared wasabi tuna was great, the calamari pretty good and the drinks well done. We ordered an extra seared tuna instead of entrees, so didn't experience the full service. Truly I'd say Two for the dining area and Four for the bar
(3)Megan W.
Excellent food, service and drinks. This establishment never fails. The salmon black 'n' bleu is a must. The salad bar is fresh with a huge variety. Creme brûlée martini - yes please. They seem to have recently changed their crab cakes and I'm not as happy with the new ones, but the remoulade is still great nonetheless. A must try!
(5)Curtis H.
Every dish was out of the park. They have an awesome salad bar which is almost in Brazilian BBQ territory. Great appetizers and super martinis -- try the creme brulee martini.
(5)Meredith K.
Great place for Friday/Saturday date night in Fort Wayne. We had a table in the bar right by the fire place. Pleasantly surprised it was not too noisy considering we were by the bar and a television. Our waitress was great and gave us recommendations on wine and beer and even dessert, never steering us wrong. I definitely think you get your money's worth here. Entrees include an AWESOME salad bar and bread. My highlight: the MENU!! The menu is etched into a butcher knife, very nice touch. We left feeling full and already plan to go back another time. Atmosphere: The decor is rustic/chic/touch of southwest. Dim lighting and fireplaces make the atmosphere more romantic and less kid friendly. Parking: Unfortunately stinks and there is limited parking at the restaurant. They do offer additional parking in a lot behind the restaurant, just a bit more of a walk. Suggestion: Make reservation! This place seems to fill up pretty quick on the weekends.
(4)Steven C.
Since I've never eaten here, my work friends put it on the "must visit" list. I'll get to the point. Great salad bar, solid service and a nicely prepared filet. I can see why it's a local fav.
(4)Andrew K.
One of the nicest and most consistently good restaurants in Fort Wayne. Very creative specials, delicious steaks (try the coffee crusted steaks...they're amazing!)...great wines and beers, plus some craft liquor options. Go nuts...you won't be disappointed. Try the salad bar!
(5)Patrick H.
One of the beat restaurants in town. Great salad bar and cocktail lounge. Romantic but also suitable for business meals. Mud pie!
(5)Brittany W.
We sat at the bar and really enjoyed ourself. The bartender was amazing. The salad bar had a ton of fun options that I have never seen before and was all you can eat. They also has this great pretzel bread with a honey mustard sauce. I couldn't put it down. The filet and the ribeye eye both very tasty. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)David W.
Staff is the best in town. Salad bar is amazing. Food is uncomparable. Must try for anyone who lives here, is visiting, is passing through or hears about it and travels here just for the experience. Just wonderful.
(5)Alison A.
I have been to Cork and Cleaver many times. This weekend I went for a staff Christmas party. The decor is very cool. I am not sure how to describe it except maybe a New Mexico/rustic feel. The food and service are generally very good. They have a huge salad bar with everything under the sun. I am not a salad bar person, but this is the best one I have ever experienced. They always serve delicious fresh molasses bread. For lunch, I chose the yellowfin tuna it was delicious but slightly overcooked. Because we are with a large party and all of our food came at the same time I will not be overly critical of the food preparation at this time. They did a great job with being efficient with our large group. The drinks were incredibly strong on this occasion, almost too strong. I am basing my review on this and past experiences.
(4)Kristy T.
A Tuesday night at 730 and this place was packed. We thought we were underdressed but it was really a comfortable feel for jeans (and I had on flip-flops.) Our server Jodee was so nice. Their menu is simple and a cleaver! What fun! Salad bar was amazing, with four choices of greens plus all the toppings, including my favorite, feta and my husbands favorite, blue cheese crumbles. And to top it off, fresh fruit salad and caviar. I didn't try it but what an opportunity for my adventurous kids, who both tasted it. The kids menu was more elaborate than the norm. My kids had a grilled shrimp with rice and steamed broccoli platter and the all time favorite, (good sized portion) prime rib with au jus and more fresh fruit. The sour dough bread was so so but the brown bread was delicious. My husband and I were able to share without extra charge the 16 oz rib eye steak, with steamed broccoli. They even split the plate for us. My only complaint, is that the steak was just good. Cooked exactly to order but nothing extraordinary. We had vanilla bean ice cream and creme brulee for dessert. Both were very good. My house Pinot was generously poured and everything was very reasonably priced.
(5)Shane G.
In town for a quick trip and a friend told me to try this place. We walked in, grabbed a few drinks at the bar (which were made to perfection) to pass the wait time. Our table was ready very quickly. In short, the drinks were great and the meal was amazing. I would highly recommend the Coffee Crusted Filet. It was probably one of the best steaks I've ever had. Our server, Martha, was a complete joy and treated us really great.
(4)Quinn G.
Best place in Fort Wayne...Jenna..Jessica are the best wait staff around...Great food...drinks...and cheesecake
(5)Delila L.
Salad bar is exceptional!! Everything is very fresh and tasty. My five stars are for the salad bar.
(5)Dale B.
The absolute best salad bar in Fort Wayne!! Great place for special occasions!! The service and food are always excellent!! The atmosphere is interesting....just don't get seated in a cramped location. You can NOT go wrong here!!!!
(5)Curtis H.
Every dish was out of the park. They have an awesome salad bar which is almost in Brazilian BBQ territory. Great appetizers and super martinis -- try the creme brulee martini.
(5)Meredith K.
Great place for Friday/Saturday date night in Fort Wayne. We had a table in the bar right by the fire place. Pleasantly surprised it was not too noisy considering we were by the bar and a television. Our waitress was great and gave us recommendations on wine and beer and even dessert, never steering us wrong. I definitely think you get your money's worth here. Entrees include an AWESOME salad bar and bread. My highlight: the MENU!! The menu is etched into a butcher knife, very nice touch. We left feeling full and already plan to go back another time. Atmosphere: The decor is rustic/chic/touch of southwest. Dim lighting and fireplaces make the atmosphere more romantic and less kid friendly. Parking: Unfortunately stinks and there is limited parking at the restaurant. They do offer additional parking in a lot behind the restaurant, just a bit more of a walk. Suggestion: Make reservation! This place seems to fill up pretty quick on the weekends.
(4)Steven C.
Since I've never eaten here, my work friends put it on the "must visit" list. I'll get to the point. Great salad bar, solid service and a nicely prepared filet. I can see why it's a local fav.
(4)Andrew K.
One of the nicest and most consistently good restaurants in Fort Wayne. Very creative specials, delicious steaks (try the coffee crusted steaks...they're amazing!)...great wines and beers, plus some craft liquor options. Go nuts...you won't be disappointed. Try the salad bar!
(5)Patrick H.
One of the beat restaurants in town. Great salad bar and cocktail lounge. Romantic but also suitable for business meals. Mud pie!
(5)Brittany W.
We sat at the bar and really enjoyed ourself. The bartender was amazing. The salad bar had a ton of fun options that I have never seen before and was all you can eat. They also has this great pretzel bread with a honey mustard sauce. I couldn't put it down. The filet and the ribeye eye both very tasty. We would definitely eat here again.
(4)David W.
Staff is the best in town. Salad bar is amazing. Food is uncomparable. Must try for anyone who lives here, is visiting, is passing through or hears about it and travels here just for the experience. Just wonderful.
(5)William H.
Ate here after a local hotel desk clerk recommended it. Had the Tuna steak, it was seasoned and cooked perfectly! Great flavor and very fresh. The salad bar was excellent as well. Only complaint could be I ordered an espresso to go with my creme brûlée for desert, and was told after their coffee machine was out of order, but otherwise it was the best meal I've had in a while. Prices seemed very reasonable for the quality of food and service. Would definitely recommend
(5)Bruce W.
Came in from Boston, wanted Midwestern beef.... Got exactly what I hoped for.... Good food, great service, well poured drinks... A solid value and pleasant surprise!!
(4)Brian S.
I stopped here after a long day working and it was a welcome treat. My entree was great and the salad bar was one of the best I've had in a while. Most places seem to proactively prevent any updating or creativity at the salad bar but not here. Such a great selection. Caviar on the salad bar? Yes Please!!
(4)Jo W.
I was a bit disappointed with this place. Service was very stuffy and a little unfriendly. Waitresses spend more time parroting memorized scripts and were not very personable. Salad bar was ok, not a patch on Tucanos Brazilian. I've had better tasting food at cheaper restaurants. The chicken was better than the steak. The tuna starter was ok. For a more upmarket restaurant in Fort Wayne I guess it has its niche, try it for a special occasion if you like, but I won't be going back.
(2)Jess C.
Excellent food and service! The salad was fully stocked and well taken care of. The filet was cooked perfectly. Love the coffee crust. We also got the blue cheese and bacon twice baked potato! Yum! And the pretzel bread that came to the table was warm and amazing!
(5)Greg D.
Deducting a star from my last review. Still a big fan of the restaurant, but not real excited about a few of the little changes. My wife and I have always been big fans of the dark bread that they used to serve. This has changed to a pretzel bread - still good, but not much different than the pretzel bread that I've had for appetizers in other lesser restaurants. Also - I've been ordering the twice baked potato for probably 15 years - always one of my favorite things on the menu, but not a fan of the new blue cheese and bacon recipe, wish they would have stuck with the old recipe, or at least offer it as an alternate for folks that are not blue cheese fans. Still great entrees and great service, but miss a couple of the old recipes.
(4)Jennifer M.
Cork n Cleaver has a solid history of fine food. The service is spot on. Very attentive and friendly. It seems as if all of the staff from host to bus boys work efficiently together to serve the customer. The food: the salad bar offers impressive variety. The Caviar is a fun addition. The pretzel bread is a little salty. The mustard dip is great. I got the veggie stir fry which is not on the menu. The stir fry was a lot of salty rice covered in soy sauce with salty veggies: mushrooms, peppers and broccoli. I ate some but I took the rest home so I can mix it with steamed rice to even out the flavor. The mud pie made the entire dinner worth the wait! Cork n Cleaver is a solid choice but next time I celebrate a special occasion I am going to Bakers Street.
(4)Margaret V.
I had wanted to eat here for quite awhile! My husband and I stopped before a concert at the Coliseum. Given it was the Saturday before Mothers Day and prom weekend, there wasn't many spots available, but we were able to get two seats at the bar. I love their menus! They are on little plastic cleavers! Their dinner menu primarily consists of steaks, fish and a few chicken dishes. My husband ordered the New York Strip steak. He had the option of a side dish of rice, baked potato, or broccoli with hollandaise. He got the baked potato. He said it was done perfectly. I ordered the stuffed chicken breast. It was stuffed with goat cheese, sun dried tomato and basil, and was served with a lemon sauce. The chicken was tender and juicy, but very bland. We both had the option of soup or the salad bar. We both settled on the salad bar. I had read good things about the salad bar and had high hopes, but thought it was ok. Some of the vegetables really didn't look fresh. They were proud of the fact there was caviar as part of the salad bar, which may be fine, but when it is next to a bowl of Jelly Bellies... I just can't take it seriously. The service was amazing! Brady and Jessica, the bartenders were so much fun to talk to! The prices for food were the going rate. Drinks were very reasonable. I highly recommend!
(4)Giovanna G.
Can't go wrong with the steak. Baked potatoes are very good too. They don't starve you here, it's the place where you feel your belly full and even if your wallet it's lighter you are ok with it. Upscale but not pretentious.
(4)Zachary L.
This restaurant is one of our favorite in Fort Wayne. The salad bar is amazing, great steaks, and their seafood selection is also outstanding. The dress code is more formal during dinner, but at lunch it's more laid back. Service has always been spot on as well as the food. The teriyaki steak is my favorite, the bake potatoe goes well with it. Always a nice treat!
(5)John Z.
Excellent food. Great staff. Always feel welcome when I arrive. Josh is a very customer oriented Manager. Would definitely recommend this restaurant. The bar is very friendly. Brady and Emily make it very comfortable for patron The food is always good. Salad bar is awesome.
(5)Daniel M.
Should first mention that the bar area deserves a four star rating, the main dining area gets a three - barely. Yes, the salad bar is pretty cool. Lots of unusual stuff on there, including caviar and pickled fish. Definitely worth checking out. My dining experience here was not good. It was a Saturday night so I expected it to be fairly busy and a short wait was anticipated. I did not, however, expect to be seated in a tiny are that contained my table of four, some plants and a deafening party at a table of twenty. We were provided with one cleaver menu to share and then told there were no other menus. I tried to question the server about the menu but couldn't hear a word she said, I gave up on conversation through the whole meal as I genuinely couldn't hear anything - apart from the yelling and screeching from the hard partying table of course. I asked to move to a booth further down, where I could see a couple of large booths empty, but was told no tables where available (twenty minutes later two people were seated at one of the six seater booths). The mini beef wellingtons were both scaldingly hot and overdone. It seems as if they were cooked earlier and then microwaved. That's the only way I can attribute the heat and texture. The Baked Goat Cheese in marinara was far more marinara than goat cheese, and a fairly bland marinara at that. The olive tapenade need some works, it should be much finer than roughly chopped olives and capers, the texture should spread on the bread not balance precariously. Couple this with long wait times and misunderstood requests (it was rather loud, I think I mentioned) a good time was not had. Our entree tunas were overcooked, as was the steak, and the crab-cakes may as well be bought from the freezer section of a grocery store. The shoving and elbowing at the salad bar was also very unpleasant, a two sided design would work much better. Also no check in from the manager, a small thing really, but it should happen. However, several months ago when I took my wife for a date night in the bar it was completely different. A quiet atmosphere that encouraged conversation, attentive and knowledgeable wait staff and unrushed yet swift service. The seared wasabi tuna was great, the calamari pretty good and the drinks well done. We ordered an extra seared tuna instead of entrees, so didn't experience the full service. Truly I'd say Two for the dining area and Four for the bar
(3)Megan W.
Excellent food, service and drinks. This establishment never fails. The salmon black 'n' bleu is a must. The salad bar is fresh with a huge variety. Creme brûlée martini - yes please. They seem to have recently changed their crab cakes and I'm not as happy with the new ones, but the remoulade is still great nonetheless. A must try!
(5)Alison A.
I have been to Cork and Cleaver many times. This weekend I went for a staff Christmas party. The decor is very cool. I am not sure how to describe it except maybe a New Mexico/rustic feel. The food and service are generally very good. They have a huge salad bar with everything under the sun. I am not a salad bar person, but this is the best one I have ever experienced. They always serve delicious fresh molasses bread. For lunch, I chose the yellowfin tuna it was delicious but slightly overcooked. Because we are with a large party and all of our food came at the same time I will not be overly critical of the food preparation at this time. They did a great job with being efficient with our large group. The drinks were incredibly strong on this occasion, almost too strong. I am basing my review on this and past experiences.
(4)Kristy T.
A Tuesday night at 730 and this place was packed. We thought we were underdressed but it was really a comfortable feel for jeans (and I had on flip-flops.) Our server Jodee was so nice. Their menu is simple and a cleaver! What fun! Salad bar was amazing, with four choices of greens plus all the toppings, including my favorite, feta and my husbands favorite, blue cheese crumbles. And to top it off, fresh fruit salad and caviar. I didn't try it but what an opportunity for my adventurous kids, who both tasted it. The kids menu was more elaborate than the norm. My kids had a grilled shrimp with rice and steamed broccoli platter and the all time favorite, (good sized portion) prime rib with au jus and more fresh fruit. The sour dough bread was so so but the brown bread was delicious. My husband and I were able to share without extra charge the 16 oz rib eye steak, with steamed broccoli. They even split the plate for us. My only complaint, is that the steak was just good. Cooked exactly to order but nothing extraordinary. We had vanilla bean ice cream and creme brulee for dessert. Both were very good. My house Pinot was generously poured and everything was very reasonably priced.
(5)Shane G.
In town for a quick trip and a friend told me to try this place. We walked in, grabbed a few drinks at the bar (which were made to perfection) to pass the wait time. Our table was ready very quickly. In short, the drinks were great and the meal was amazing. I would highly recommend the Coffee Crusted Filet. It was probably one of the best steaks I've ever had. Our server, Martha, was a complete joy and treated us really great.
(4)Maryann K.
Without a doubt the best restaurant in Fort Wayne!!! Amazing salad bar.. To die for steaks.. Absolutely the best service I have ever had at a restaurant!!! Highly recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)Wendy D.
My ribeye steak was unbelievably good!! And the salad bar is no joke. My only complaint is that I didn't know to make reservations so I had to eat in the bar where the tables were meant to hold drinks, not many plates of food!!
(5)Dean O.
Overpriced and not worth the hype. Friend ordered fish and had to send back because it was weird tasting. I may give it another try but my meal was mediocre. Is this as good as it gets with Fort Wayne cuisine? Nope.
(2)George F.
I was in Fort Wayne visiting my Dad and we went out to Cork'n Cleaver...the decor is designed to look like Santa Fe meets the tropics...the menu was presented on a meat cleaver which is pretty unique but a little difficult to share one menuif you are more then 4 people.. we ordered the Escargot and Crab cakes for apps...both were really salty and the crab cakes were average at best...the salad bar was great! Fresh veggies and tons of toppings including Jelly Belly Jelly Beans! As far as entrees go....I had the Filet with cabernet sauce...the Filet was great but the sauce was aweful...watery and flavorless...my Dad had the Tilapia special and he said it was well cooked and seasoned...we also ordered the mashed sweet potatoes as a side and they were really stringy and way too sweet! All and all, our experiance was decent...not sure if I would return but my Dad surely will!
(3)Catherine W.
Nice place for a casual, sit-down lunch. All you can eat salad buffet and soup.
(3)Laura S.
Good food, excellent and clean salad bar. Reservations are suggested; especially on weekends. The menu selection isn't huge, but covers most common choices.
(5)Chelsea H.
Yummy! My husband and I were in town visiting family and they took us to the Cork'n Cleaver, what a treat! The salad bar was great (especially as far as Midwestern standards go) but the steak was fantastic! I got the coffee/pepper rub at my father-in-law's request and I was very happy with my decision. I'm not a coffee fan but somehow that flavoring just worked with my fillet. Oh and the service was super fantastic, we loved the atmosphere and the place was just really cute. Two thumbs up!
(5)Cal T.
Not bashing other folks opinions or rating habits, but I think it is peculiar that Tony C. gave four stars when he states that he was "not impressed" with the food. I went with a group of work associates on a business trip here for dinner. In all truth, this is one of the better games in town. The greater part of Fort Wayne proved to be a culinary challenge of sorts when it came to finding good food. Being from California didn't help lower my expectations. Perhaps I was hungry from being forced to eat sandwiches all week, or maybe I was seduced by the dimmed lights, but I found the overall experience to be top notch. 1. The waiter was outstanding. Now, granted we were a group of about 10 folks so I would imagine there was some tip anticipation going on. However, I'm usually good at seeing through gleeful kiss-ups who took up waitering for extra cash. There was so much food ordered, and so many particulars, it was (as it it often can be in large groups) a minor miracle that ordering errors and food delay did not occur. Enough said? 2. General Consensus on the food: Back to mid-sized groups: When the general consensus is "that was great" when each party paid their own way and had no motivation to pay unnecessary homage , is a great testament to the presentation and delivery for this dinner 3. Atmosphere. The vulgarity of the name didn't do the internals of the restaurant justice. Inside, the lights are dimmed, I enjoy this when I'm eating steak because to me it is the ultimate meal and deserves tranquility. There are some elegant furnishings and wine racks in view. The menu, which is engraved on a clever, actually goes over okay since it is crafted in a visually appealing way. Our table was in a corner section with limited view from other guests and we felt like we were special and since our dinner would be nearly $600, I guess we were special. 4. My Dish: I ordered Filet Mignon. Mine was closer to seared than charred and the flavor was out of this world. The chef was able to preserve much of the fleshy flavor all tucked inside the filet by choosing a great aged cut and exposing it to extreme heat very briefly so there were charred spices on the outside and intense buttery flavors on the inside. Like a christmas present, colorful on the outside, wonderful on the inside. 5. If you're in Fort Wayne IND and want a good dining experience, I think you'll enjoy this restaurant
(4)Sam S.
Arrived 15 minutes early for a reservation, the Hostess said that the bar was full and that we would have to wait, but then gave a seat in the bar to the next couple that came in. When we did get seated, our waitress only had us in that section, so she was never around. Food was okay, but not good enough to subject myself to the terrible service. AND WE HAD A RESERVATION.
(2)Matthew K.
This is hands-down the best place to eat in Fort Wayne. The price for the quality of food and service is impossible to beat. There are maybe one or two slightly higher-end places in Fort Wayne, but the prices they charge are not worth the difference, especially if you are into getting a good Midwestern meat-and-potatoes meal without a bunch of gourmet garnishes. Their steaks are almost on par with Ruth's Chris or Morton's, but the price is a third less. The salad bar is a unique feature for this level of restaurant, and usually I am not a fan of any bar or buffet, but this one is well-kept and offers a good variety of greens and garnishes. The mud pie is a must, my favorite dessert in the world, or tied for the first with the mud pie at Gibsons. When I travel, this is the type of place I want to find - quality food in a local setting.
(5)Sonia C.
Went to CnC for my husband's birthday dinner, late on a Saturday night. We were seated right away without a reservation, and the walk to our table took me back to the 1980s...A SALAD BAR? Really? Not just a salad bar, but a salad bar with MARSHMALLOWS and Craisins on it? I moved here from the east coast and am used to grocery store salad bars with fresher and more appetizing options. Anyhow, let's get past the salad. The grilled artichoke appetizer was great. Dipping sauces didn't make any sense. I think someone got excited about clearing out the condiment bottles in the fridge. At the server's suggestion, I got the mixed veggie stir fry. It was the only "good" vegetarian option. The veggies looked as if they'd come from a "from freezer to microwave" packet. The sauce was HEAVY and tasted like it also came from a bottle in the back of the freezer. I put my fork down after two bite fulls...The timing was impeccable. Just at that moment I spotted a LADY BUG in my husband's kimchi (he ordered Tuna Sashimi with a side of kimchi). The server came over, as did the manager. They were professional and removed the entree from the bill. The other part of the review is that the tuna was tasteless (he tried this before digging into the kimchi).
(1)Cocos B.
It is easily the best place in Ft Wayne to eat...and being that Ft Wayne is fairly small, that make it even better. I love the food here...and it can be somewhat pricey sometimes. That doesn't keep me from going though, as I feel for the most part it's worth it. The drinks were good and the food even better. I have had the steak and chilean sea bass...both were very good dishes. The salad bar and side dishes are also very good. The service was great even though once when I went it was VERY busy. But I have gone alone and sat at the bar to eat and felt right at home....
(4)William L.
Best restaurant in Fort Wayne! It's pricey, so we only go there for special occasions. The salad bar is awesome. My favorite is the black and blue salmon. The steaks are very good as well.
(5)Anthony S.
The good 'ole Crotch & Beaver... A standby that is getting tired. Ambiance is noisy and tacky. In 10 years or so it will be cool like retro mid century modern, Now its like 80's K-Mart. Salad bar is legendary but really not that great. They must get a good deal on mayo. No beer on tap, WTF? If you want dynamite quality go to Baker Street.
(3)Ann H.
Passing thru town on the way home from a business trip and saw the ratings from Yelp so we stopped. We arrived to find the place was packed but only had to wait a short time for a seat in the bar. Service was quick and friendly. My husband had the Reuben and I ordered the beef and cheddar sandwich. Both were very good. Plenty of food, good service and a clean place add up to a definite "we would stop again".
(4)Debbie T.
This place is as close to "Californian" food as I can get! "Californian" food, meaning fresh veggies--indeed much fresher than any place I've tried in Fort Wayne. The salad wasn't just made out of iceberg, but other types of lettuces and leafy greens...yay! Come here if you want a good salad. All the other things on the menu are pretty tasty too! Cork'n Cleaver looks really small on the outside, but it's quite large and homey inside. Tables are somewhat sectioned off so it's very private and great for larger groups. People are also very friendly so have no shame when sitting alone at the bar =]
(4)Jay Rand B.
We come to Ft Wayne about once a month and we were looking for a new place to go. I looked at some reviews and this place was suggested. I wasn't expecting a whole lot from a "steak place" as my wife and I are pesco-vegan in nature. After being promptly seated (without a reservation) we were informed of the special appetizers and entrees for the night. The menu is printed on a meat cleaver so that is certainly an interesting touch. We ordered the smoked salmon appetizer which was delicious. For the entrees, my wife ordered a fish entree as did I. They were both flaky and perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the vegetable stuffing. The baked potato was perfectly done as well. Did I mention the salad bar? I'm not normally a fan of salad bars but this one is worth the trip. Many fine choices for adding to your spinach/lettuce base: artichoke hearts, caviar, raisins, etc. After dinner, we decided to really push our luck and order coffee and desert. Usually, a restaurant will fall short on one aspect of the meal and I was fully expecting that to happen. However, the coffee was good to great and the creme brûlée was top notch. I don't give 5 stars to restaurants (because where do you go from there?) but this one deserves a 4.5 in my book.
(4)Mickey P.
Its like stepping back in time. Good food.
(5)Elli V.
Excellent salad bar with lots of choices and interesting toppings like black caviar (but i wish that it would be better quality). The fillet is delicious and so were the crab legs.
(4)Jill P.
I have eaten here several times over the years and every time, I swear I'm not going back. It's considered a premier steakhouse by most, but I've never had a good tasting meal here. I'm all for searing the outside of the steak, but when it tastes like something I just scraped off of a dirty grill, you've taken it too far. When I've ordered steak cooked medium, it has been charred black on the outside and dry inside. Today, I opted for the prime rib, medium rare. It was cold, flavorless, and had a powdery texture. My kids got the Cork burgers, but I think actual cork would have been more moist. My son likes his burgers well done which is the way they cook theirs. But this burger was burnt tasting and crunchy on the outside and super dry on the inside. The bun was just as dry. It was all I could do the keep from choking when I took a bite. French fries were not an option as a side, but potato chips were an option. Why?... The salad bar has a pretty decent selection, but I didn't find any of the side salads to be all that great tasting. The meals are $20 and up and there's not a great selection. On the bright side, the service is great and it has a very nice ambiance. But I've had way better meals for a whole lot less money. Horrible food for the price...
(2)Gs1 S.
Great place. Hate to see people's reviews that like this place, but only give it 4 stars. Either you like it or you don't. You won't be disappointed in this place.
(5)Ben B.
Textbook 4 stars restaurant. It's not a wow but always there for a consistent solid dimming experience. The average entree price is about $22. I mention this because of the two $$ rating...it's not quite $$$, but in my opinion closet to $$$ than a $$. It is good value for your money. I certainly enjoy the specials when I visit.
(4)Andrew D.
Loved the atmosphere, but can't figure out why the salad bar is considered "awesome". It's a regular salad bar. Having said that, the food was great. Steak was delicious and sides were great. Crab cake app was ok with more filler than I am used to. Service was good and prices were moderate for a steak and seafood menu. Loved the actual menu (it's a clever with the menu on it). Point being, bad spot to bring a boyfriend or girlfriend to break up!!!!!
(3)Haley S.
I really liked the salad bar, drinks were good too. It was packed but still okay service. I was disappointed that I ordered my steak medium well and it was medium rare. They threw it back on the grill but everyone was done eating by the time I got it back. Once it was cooked more, it was delicious. Quite expensive but overall, it was good, I would go back and recommend to friends.
(4)don m.
Depending on when you ask, my favorite, or 2nd favorite in town. From the "unique category", there are jelly beans AND caviar on the salad bar. Menu is innovative and steak heavy. Great wine list. Impeccable service. CAN NOT GO WRONG. Price to value is very reasonable.
(4)Howard M.
This place was a trip. It offered completed dated food and decor but offered it so unapologetically and confidently and without a trace of irony that it simply has to be admired. You order off a heavy Japanese cleaver that the menu is etched into. The lighting is dim and what light there is reflects off the metal making it almost impossible to read. Etching your menu into heavy (expensive) steel is, in itself, an act of confidence. It's also a sign that the menu isn't changed that often. This one was last changed, I'd guess, sometime around the time of my first date, say 1986. Lots of Southwest and Teriyaki. Are you jonzing for a Teriyaki Filet Mignon? They offer it. Really. They do. Also, if you've not had Hawaiian chicken in a while, they have it. My wife and oldest daughter had the New York Center Cut which was cooked perfectly. Their sauces very nice. Youngest daughter had the ribs which she said was a bit spicy for ribs described as sweet but otherwise AOK. I ordered the pork chops which were a bit dry but otherwise AOK. Our potatoes were cooked perfectly. If you go here, you go for the steak. For apps, we had blackened shrimp which were blackened...and spiced too much. Then little Beef Wellingtons. Skip these. They were less than bit sized bits of beef wrapped in an undercooked dough. The decor was first designed (or last designed) in the 1970s, I'm sure the place rocked the haute culture when first opened. It has nice leather club chairs and heavy dark paneling and exposed dark brick in the multiple fire places. It was the type of places you see men take their wives on their anniversary in 1970s sit-coms. I'm sure Bob took Emily there at least once a season. Yet, someone flinched. In the 1980s, when the southwest craze hit restaurants, the management bought some Mexican kitsch and tossed it around the place. But it was done in such an awkward way that it borders on disdain. The staff was young and professional. Service was excellent. These folks are well-trained. We were there with a party of 11 and it was handled wonderfully. Everyone was served within a few minutes. I'd normally give this place 3 or 4 stars but it's not in a time-warp by mistake. Management and staff care about what's going on here. It's stuck in the 70s ways has to be deliberate. It's a big middle finger to modernity and whimsically changing restaurant fashion. It's saying "you people go ahead and change, we're good the way we are." And, to be honest, they are.
(5)Mary M.
Celebrated my husband's birthday at Cork and Cleaver. He enjoyed a fabulous fillet and my salmon was delicious. Our waitress was professional, personable, and timed our meal perfectly. It had been years since we last visited Cork and Cleaver but we will return again soon.
(5)Elaine N.
Definitely a five star restaurant! This little place has fabulous food. My family and I went for dinner and made reservations and got right in. Atmosphere: the decor is outdated, but unique and it is dim in the restaurant. Food: The salad bar was fresh and delicious. I had the hawaiian chicken and let me tell you, it was probably the best chicken I've had at a restaurant. My sister had a center cut steak an she said it was juicy and cooked perfect. For dessert I recommend the mud pie! I would say make reservations even if it's a Monday or Tuesday. The restaurant isn't too big and they are always busy!
(5)Bob H.
Takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the dim light but just the way it is. I don't believe that they're hiding a thing! Attire: You can walk in here wearing jeans or a jacket and tie. I've been here several times in the past few decades but I just want to do the review based on current visit. The 2 of us went for JUST the salad bar. (My fave is actually the lunch menu through the week - awesome burger!! - can't get during dinner or weekends) Why the salad bar you ask? Lots of near neg comments regarding the salad bar here on yelp. Well my Pops loves CAVIAR, where else are you going to get caviar on a salad bar?? And frankly, I can make a meal of the AWESOME broccoli salad and the [where the hell did they get these absolutely perfectly ripened huge ass freakin?!] strawberries. We chose to dine in the bar where it is actually brighter. Our waitress was wonderful, seeing that our drinks were never too short, nor the house made (wonderful) warm bread risk running out. I recommend the molasses over the white. Poo poo if you wish nay sayers - for our requirements on the evening - and he deemed it a special occasion - it perfectly fits the bill - and the price is just right. So for the 2 of us for a memorable evening of leisurely dining: w/ linen table cloths, top tier excellent service, and a way above average salad bar (and a ton of caviar) for a total less than $40. You can't replicate that for the price anywhere else.
(5)Julie L.
In Fort Wayne for business and decided to try this restaurant. Tried crab cakes for the first time. Liked, but after having them at other restaurants since, realized that these had a great deal of filler in them. Salad bar was just ok, didn't really see what all the hype was about. It was good, but not worth a second trip up. Had shrimp for dinner which was very good. House wine was definitely a better value. More in the glass, tasted better and was less expensive than the others. Service was great. Server was very informative and attentive. I'd definitely go back when in the area.
(4)Rachel S.
I've only been here for lunch. The salad bar is crazy impressive. The clam chowder on Friday is filling and yummers. The beed and noodle soup on Mondays is tender and not overly salty. They use the prime rib for the beef. Soup and salad are bottomless. I love the brown bread. I usually sit in the bar...bar tenders are so nice and fun. It's like a sub-culture of patrons at lunch in the dark bar. Dining room decor is interesting and dated. Salad bar fillers are super attentive and constantly stocking and cleaning. At lunch the parking lot is over flowing because no one car pools, but meets up here. There's over flow past the bushes if need be. One day I'll make it for dinner, just need to meet some people in this town to go.
(5)Carrie B.
As a foodie from Seattle, I had low expectations for the Cork'n Cleaver, based on the name and location (a strip mall). The menu-on-a-cleaver is gimmicky, for sure, but I was very pleasantly surprised by the food and service, with the former as laid-back in presentation and delicious in flavor, and the latter as gracious and attentive. Our server even went out of her way to comp us a meal that had taken 15 minutes longer than the other orders (of her own initiative, we did not request it).
(5)chico b.
After reading a few reviews I decided to head over to Cork and Cleaver. This place was easy to find from where I was staying, nice decor and freindly employees but the food whack!!! Here's what I had.... -Coffee crusted filet -Twiced baked potato -Broccoli -Stella(Beer) The Wine list I try not to be a wine snob but all the wine on their list were over priced. I think they had a Cakebread Chardonnay for $60 per bottle? Cakebread's Chardonnay isn't worth $60 maybe $15 to $25 is more like it- been to their cellar before, tasted their wine - unimpressed. The Food First of all the steak was the best thing on theplate. I liked the steak but after about the third bite I got the ITUS...My legs started to get weak and a brotha was feeling tired and lazy like I could take a nap. So I know the steak was good based on that effect and overall it was nice and tender and a little vamp(blood) just like I like it. The twice baked potato was twice as gross. My young son could have made a better potato, seriously. I won't even get into how nasty it was - just don't order it. Basically it just tasted like a twice baked. The broccoli was too salty and don't try the broccoli chowder unless you want something that looks like it came out a baby diaper. For real....their Broc chowder looked like a thick paste, prob could have eaten that Broc Chowder with a fork it was so thick - absolutely disgusting. The waitress noticed I didn't finish the Broc-Chow before I got the main course and at the end of the meal she brought me a free Mud Pie dessert. I thought that was a nice gesture towards putting a lid on a 2 star review so it wasn't all bad.
(2)Shane C.
Went for lunch, the buffet was impressive. Had their lunch special that was a cajun prime rib sandwich, did not taste very cajun, just ok. Wifes food was very undercooked and she could not eat it, but everyone loved the mud pie dessert.
(3)Corey F.
Quality place to eat and my 2nd favorite in Fort Wayne. I like to eat in the lounge for a little more atmoshpere.
(5)Kelli S.
The filet was so tender I could cut it with a fork. Probably the best steak I have ever had and very reasonably priced. The salad bar is amazing. We ordered the scallops for an appetizer- the portions were a little small and flavors just ok. As a heads up you really need reservations but if you get there on a Saturday right at 4 sometimes you can grab one of the few bar tables.
(4)Samantha L.
This place has a pretty great reputation, I must say. The cream of the crop. One of the top-notch places to eat in Fort Wayne, it is commonly said. I've been here once, and I was not disappointed. 'Award-winning salad bar' - as a friend told me once. The Filet Mignon is fantastic, and the Beef Wellington appetizer special that I had made me believe in fairy tales all over again. I would recommend this appetizer highly to anyone.
(4)Robert B.
A generous former neighbor bought me a sizable gift certificate to this place before I moved from New England a while back... She obviously looked it up online and thought it would be a nice gift. She was very generous, but I think she'd be very disappointed if she knew her money went to such a miserable restaurant. Here's what happened: The first problem is partially my fault.. I called up to make a reservation about two hours before arriving on a Saturday night, and was basically told by the hostess that one wouldn't be necessary. Against sound judgement, I took her advice and showed up without one. When I arrived, all the tables were full, leaving only bar seats. Bar seats normally wouldn't be a huge problem, but the table we were seated at rocked back and forth, the chairs were uncomfortable, and equally flimsy. My seat was right in front of a glass divider and all night I had to hear waitresses loudly stacking plates from the other side... not a great experience (why not just put the plates somewhere out back?). The decor doesn't look like it's been updated in 25 years. Moving on: The menus are printed on these ridiculous, heavy, faux-butcher's knives that are polished and reflect the light from above... Very tacky and quite hard to read (and I'm in my 20's). I don't go out to eat so I can be hit over the head with gimmicks, I go out to eat so I can enjoy my meal. For an appetizer, we ordered the mini beef wellingtons per the recommendation of our server. The fillet was cooked well enough, but the pastry surrounding them was doughy and undercooked. The mushroom sauce was over-salted and not very flavorful. I'll put the salad bar in the same category as the ridiculous knife menu: It's a tacky gimmick. It's 2012, people!!! I really don't want to stand in line for some lettuce and canned salad dressing... This isn't TGI Friday's. Just put a couple nice, well-crafted salads on the menu and let me have at it. Oh, and our waitress made a big deal that there's caviar at the salad bar... Gimme a break! It's crap quality and, again, a complete gimmick. I'm not suggesting they should serve good-quality caviar, because that would be ridiculous... Just... if you're going to serve food, why not just serve the best quality you can provide at the price point. Now for the steak: I ordered the "southwestern ribeye" or whatever... As steaks go, it was alright... Not the best I've had, but for $28, I'm not expecting the world either. The real problem was this "southwestern" topping. Salty, goopy and really, not that flavorful. Any real steakhouse respects the meat, cooks it well and leaves it alone. I scooped the remainder of the topping off. Unfortunately, this place is everything I've come to expect from Fort Wayne, Indiana: Mediocre, and tacky. Maybe the owner(s) should be a little less concerned about gimmicks and more concerned about giving me a plate of good food. Go to a similarly-priced steakhouse in New York, Boston or Chicago and you'll see nothing like this Cork 'N Cleaver. Why should Fort Wayne be any different?!? Why don't the locals demand more!?!?!
(1)Fred P.
Ate here for lunch today. Enjoyed every aspect of the restaurant. I ordered the Sliced Prime & Cheddar and the scalloped potatoes. We were all pleased with our meals, service, and price. Didn't have room for dessert. Will definitely be coming back.
(4)Munch B.
As a frequent visitor to Fort Wayne, I look forward to hitting the Cork at least once every trip. Since I'm always there by myself, I take a seat at the bar (assuming I can get one, this place is mobbed EVERY time I visit, even on a Monday night), where I find the service to be extremely friendly, polished and professional. They actually will remember your name and your "usual" drink if you've been there a couple times. I have yet to venture outside the realm of their perfectly cooked steaks, but the nightly seafood specials often sound intriguing. Over the course of about a dozen meals over the past 2-3 years, every plate presented to me has been consistently excellent. It's not cheap by any stretch (one entree with moderate drinking will set you back somewhere in the upper $40s, with a generous and well-deserved gratuity) but the entree prices are somewhat offset by the massive pours of house wine, which are perfectly acceptable if you're not some sort of wine snob. If you're on a tight budget/expense account, the epic salad bar could make a meal by itself. If you're staying at the Marriott and don't feel like getting behind the wheel, the Cork is where it's at. It is by far the best American food you can walk to from your hotel room, and I've tried them all.
(4)John H.
Came here for the first time about a month ago and it was impressive and very unique. The menu is on a meat cleaver, and its more or less a high-scale steakhouse with a fantastic salad bar and good service. I wish there was one of these in California!!
(5)John G.
I have been to many business dinners at Cork'n Cleaver. The service is consistently top-notch, and the food is always wonderful. Cork is always busy and full, so be sure to book a reservation in advance. My favorite entree is the coffee-crusted filet - nowhere near as "coffee-flavored" as you would think, and the end result is delicious. Beware, if you order the Mud Pie for dessert, it is huge - easily enough for 4.
(5)Bruce R.
I spent two weeks staying in the Marriott. During that period I ate here on five separate occasions. The menu is limited but offered several great choices. Every meal I had was right on the money, either meeting or exceeding my expectations. Daily app and entree specials with prompt and friendly service. Try the prime rib; it is far better than that offered across the street
(4)Megan G.
We enjoyed our dinner here. We came without reservations, early (5:30 ish) on a Friday night and were given a table in the bar area. We liked sitting in the bar area since it was cozy and quiet. Low lights also give you the feeling of more privacy. Wait staff was very attentive, accomodating, and made it a point not to rush us. Salad bar was very good, and I would happily come back just for that. Salads in Fort Wayne seem to be a little vegtable challenged, so it was great to be able to load my salad up with actual veggies and not cheese and dressing. We had the cheesey mushrooms for an ap, and they were very tasty, warm and gooey. Just what we wanted after coming in from the cold. I had the sirloin baseball cut with the baked potato which I really enjoyed, but had plenty of left overs. It is going into some eggs for breakfast this morning. The hubby had the tilapia which he thought was a little bland, but well cooked. He loved the rice. We'd def come back here again some time.
(4)Phil M.
This is most likely the best Fort Wayne has to offer. The food is wonderful and the service is really good as well. I ended up taking a star away because of the décor. It's very dark in this place with very little natural light. It's also very old and tired, I'm guessing this was the top of the line back in the day but they are in need of a remodel. I travel to Fort Wayne for work so I'm always here during the week and never on the weekend. That being said they are ALWAYS busy and there is ALWAYS a wait and the bar is ALWAYS full. I think everyone in the city knows this is the place to go for great food. I highly suggest you make a reservation unless you want to wait. I've seen a lot of people comment on the salad bar so I want to put in my two cents. It's a pretty good salad bar, it's not huge and there are not a lot of items on it but they are all of the finest quality. It really serves its purpose and I love some of the odd items they have added. I could see just ordering the salad bar for lunch and being very happy. On my most recent trip here I ordered the prime rib and it was melt in your mouth good. I highly suggest it along with the baked potato which was very well prepared. I really wanted to get dessert but I was way to full to push through.
(4)B T.
I've gone to Cork and Cleaver every now and then for several years. I have to give it two stars after receiving undercooked, farmed salmon. I have had better salmon here in the past. I sent it back, and it came back with the explanation that they had put it in the oven, and it should be fully cooked now. Well, it was cooked through the second time around, but my baked potato tasted like it had been put back in the oven a second time too. No apologies, no offer of a discount, just that it "should be fully cooked now." Sorry, but for the money, and the hassle of receiving my dinner after the rest of my party had finished their meals is not impressive. C&C is a local "go-to" restaurant, but I think they can do better.
(2)Patty N.
I have been here for private family dinners, and for business dinners. I was here for a business dinner last evening. The service is always very professional and helpful. The servers are on top of refills, and are good to recommend something from the menu or the specials. The salad bar has just about everything you could want. Last night the special was a rib-eye and it was just about one of the best rib-eyes I ever had. I wish this was always on the menu! Now for the con: They are always, always booked. It is hard to get a reservation here. They refuse to expand (can't imagine why). The tables are so close together, that it is hard to manuever to your seat and to the salad bar. The servers have a terrible time trying to carry plates of food to the tables. So, if you want good, really good food and don't mind being terribly cramped - enjoy. Oh - and good luck getting a parking space!
(4)Louis O.
Probably a nice place for Fort Wayne, but I thought the food was very average.
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