Today's brunch was OK, good/OK even, but not as great as I had hoped. Got the fried green tomato eggs Benedict. I was really excited about this veg option, so perhaps that's why I wasn't as impressed with the food as I hoped to be. The FGTs were kind of flavorless. It needed salt, which did bring out a bit more flavor in the tomato crust, but the tomato itself might as well have not been there at all. So, without that, it was just a poached egg and English muffin. The hollandaise was not a rich/thick as I like, but the egg was cooked beautifully. The home fries were ok as well, but there's something about them (can't quite put my finger on it) that kept them from being amazing. Maybe it's that they were very soft and not at all crispy/crunchy and I missed that texture you want from home fries? My friend enjoyed her meal, especially the bloody Mary's!! Lol
(3)
Jackson G.
Mother's Day Brunch 2015 - disappointing..... Food quality/taste slipping badly. While the service is still quality, the food was disappointing and while I may not have read the advertisements, thought this was their regular Jazz Brunch weekend, so was expecting that and it was not to be. My wife had the fried green tomato benedict and the fried green tomatoes were surely not made fresh, rather looked like frozen or certainly from a box and tasted similarly. The normally great home fries were off putting as well with a strange taste. We have had them before and loved them, but the batch we had was not eaten by 4 of the 5 of us. I had the Irish Trucker (corned beef/home fries in a bowl with your choice of egg on top) breakfast. Ordered my eggs over easy so you get that nice runny yolk to blend in while eating... Eggs arrived over hard and looked that way upon arrival. The corned beef hash was very dry and the poor taste of the home fries mixed in, also dry, was not palatable. I did get replacement eggs that were over easy, but had already suffered through half the bowl and while they helped, it was too little too late. My daughter ordered a fruit bowl side and it consisted of 80% Granny Smith apple that was browning, along with a very few raspberries and two strawberries. Pretty sad fruit bowl. Unfortunately, this is the second meal in a row that was disappointing, so not sure what has changed in the kitchen over the past couple of months, but they need to get the food quality back quickly or I'll not be returning there anytime soon.
(2)
Ali B.
I have been yesterday with my boy-friend and it was an amazing experience. Polite waiters, very cozy and beautiful environment with different assortment of wines and delicious food. We will go there again! And to mention they have live music on saturdays!!!!
(5)
Ric H.
Good food, good atmosphere, Excellent service!!!! I would definitely recommend you try it if in the area!!
(4)
Melissa F.
The service is great here but the food is just so-so. For the price I was expecting better food but the wine is great and the servers are very knowledgable.
(3)
Fat T.
A true GEM, espcially in Eldersburg. This is probably the nicest restaurant in the area. Also, a huge value for the qulaity of the food you get. You could relocat this to Clarksville and it could go toe to toe with Cafe Blanc. The food is very good. This is really not a good review since I can't remember what I got but I know it has been good. Sometimes at Happy Hour it gets really packed and you have to wait for a table.
(5)
Tim S.
Quick Take: The County Cork Wine Pub has been on my list of restaurants to visit for several months now. I had heard a lot of good things about the place from my friends and so while I was really looking forward to the visit and my expectations were high I was prepared for a little bit of a let-down. (You know how friends can sometimes oversell something.) Well I finally had the chance to visit on Saturday evening, May 21st with a few of those friends who were so enthusiastic. All I can say is "Wow!" The folks at "The Cork" totally exceeded every expectation I came in with - from the cocktails to the food, from the wine list to the service to the ambiance. Seriously, this place at these prices is not to be missed. Note that this is a $$ restaurant but the bang for the buck here is tremendous. The biggest hurdle to their success is going to be getting past the preconceived notion that something this nice is located in a strip mall in Eldersburg. (You'd expect to find it in an old, upscale row house in Fells Point or Georgetown.) But let's face it, they'd be a lot more expensive if they were located elsewhere. So consider this, for now at least, a "best kept secret". I don't often take the time to write many reviews online and when I do I'm stingy with 5-star ratings, but this place really made an impression on me. I hope you give it a try and share your experiences as well! Positives: The food, the drinks, the service, the portion sizes, the value. Negatives: Nothing that I can think of. If I named something I'd just be nit-picking. Drinks: Jim and Jeff were the bartenders the night I was there and you can only describe them as "classic". Well-crafted drinks, made quickly and correctly by guys that are only too happy to have a conversation with you while they work. The bar is very well-stocked, BTW. While I'll usually opt to have a glass of wine with my meal we chose not to on this night. They have a more than adequate wine list and offer a reasonably priced "1st Tuesday" wine/food pairing menu. And every Tuesday is half-price bottles when you purchase food. Sweet! Food: Don't let the words "Wine Pub" scare you. This is totally gourmet fare. The items we tried were sophisticated and complex featuring premium ingredients with an upscale presentation. We made our meal out of appetizers and all of it was "to-die-for". (Mussels in an ale and blue cheese cream sauce, the roasted baby beets, the rosemary fries, and a cheese plate. Next time it's gonna be the Seared Ahi Tacos and the Rocket Salad.) One of the truly awesome things about The Cork are their specials. The chef (who also writes the blog) creates regular specials that are only available for a limited time. And if the others are half as good as the roasted baby beets then this place could seriously become a habit. If you get a chance to try this one before it's over, make sure you and your dinner partner decide who gets the last beet. And the other person should get to lick the plate - believe me, you'll want to. And we're talkin' beets, people! Service: OK, here's the weird thing about this place. The staff was not just friendly and attentive; they actually seemed to be happy. The bartenders, the waitress (Sally, maybe? I can't remember now), the hostess. These were people who really seemed to enjoy doing what they were doing and that somehow puts the whole restaurant in a good mood. Our drink and food orders were taken promptly we never felt rushed even though the place was packed. Our water glasses were always full. Our check was correct. Not sure what the policy is regarding "splitting the bill" but I'd say just ask up front and I bet they'll work with you if they can. Of course, all the major cc's are accepted and I even saw a traveler's check while I was there. Setup: Attractively lit and laid out with a long L-shaped bar and lots of wood. TV's above the bar showing different content. All sports as I recall with the audio muted which is OK by me. There is live entertainment on the weekends starting at 9pm. Sat. was two guys with guitars who did a good job of keeping the place hopping until well after midnight. The volume level was such that I had very little trouble holding a normal conversation. Seating options include booths, pub tables, and bar seating.There is also patio seating but it faces the parking lot. Restrooms are single occupancy. I saw a short wait for the Ladies' Room Saturday night after 10pm but there was never a line for the Men's room. The Men's Room was clean and attractively decorated. I have to assume the Ladies' Room is as well. Summary: What else can I say? I'll be back for sure and I wish them every success. If you're in the Eldersburg area do give this place a try. If you're not, plan a day trip and do some antiquing in Ellicott City or some hiking at the Liberty Reservoir or something and take advantage of the opportunity. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Shirley B.
Unfortunately they need to enlarge or be more accurate in their estimate of a wait time. I arrived there at 6pm on a Friday evening without a reservation, put my name on the wait list and was told that it would be a 20-25 minute wait until my party of three was seated. An hour later we were still waiting. We left and went for pizza.
This place is a hidden gem, part of me didn't want the word to get out, but who am I to deny the public great, affordable food?! Cozy setting for almost any occasion. Great for intimate bday gatherings, happy hours, or leisure weekend lunch/dinner. Wonderful selection of wine, ranging from rare finds to popular favorites. On Tuesdays, wine bottles are half price and Wednesdays, free apps! Get excited. Don't miss the Crab Brie fondu appetizer... excellent for Crabtree cheese lovers. WARNING foodgasm may happen after the first bite! (Saver the moment!!) Service is efficient and staff is friendly. Hungry for more? Check out my blog!
(4)
Marie M.
New menu item, steak gyro, is delicious!!
(4)
John T.
Possibly the best restaurant in the Eldersburg area. But I would like to begin with the only bad thing about The Cork. Its size, it's on the small side to be kind. But the different table heights keep you from feeling like you are elbow to elbow with the person next to you. But, you will notice how small it is on crowded nights. Now for the good. The food is excellent. The specialize in seafood, and locally sourced meats. I have not had a single bad thing there. The meats are always cooked to perfection just like you ordered it. The service is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of wine, but they also carry some great craft beer selections. While their draughts are limited they have some great bottles to make up for it. And if you don't want a craft beer or fine wine they always have Natty Boh on tap. Great place, highly recommended.
(5)
Keeva W.
We could not even get seated even though there were 2 empty booths and nobody else waiting. We stood around for 15 mins, the 2 booths were still empty and nobody new had come into the place. We left and went somewhere else. How disappointing. Wish there was a negative rating because the hostess earned this place a big ZERO!
(1)
John B.
I had a hard time deciding to give 2 or 3 stars - while I like the Cork, there are some areas that definitely need improvement. The good things: causal, comfortable dining with an upscale tinge. This is something E-burg was definitely lacking. And several items are outstanding - the flatbread pizza is out of this world, and my wife swears by the Spanish mussels. And the beer and wine lists have a lot of good options. But other items are bland at best - a while back got a hummus appetizer that was completely bland, no flavor at all. They also are constantly rotate the menu, so when wen they do hit the mark on a dish it doesn't always stay around for long. And it is a little pricey for the Burg. But for all that it's about the only place in town I look forward to going to.
(3)
Abigail O.
popcorn ice cream.
(5)
John W.
Not much going on in Eldersburg? hey we have a Starbucks now.There is a small hope for dining in Eldersburg. Finally stopped in at CCWP. Found a simple decor, Dark woods and light atmosphere. Seating was quick, served almost as we sat down. Alright it wasn't busy at the time, but people were piling in. Do not know the history behind the Chef, so here goes. Had a starter "Steak Sautee" Not very good, There was a bitterness to it, And the sauce kind of tasted like it can out of a can. Hope I am wrong about that. The wife had the Shrimp and watermelon salad, She loved it. I had the Cork Crab Cakes, Which I never order because I make a great crab cake so why bother. But I was hoping these would be different. And they were very good. The prices are So reasonable that if you are disappointed , you won't feel like you were raked over the coals. I hope this place stays around for awhile, But that is up to the Chef.
(3)
Nancy T.
I've eaten here about 5 times. The service was horrific twice. The food was mediocre at best once, nasty once, decent once and once I only had wine. I've had appetizers brought after the meal once and waited for 30 minutes to get my check. Today the mimosa was warm. The waiter smelled like a cigarette and they introduced heat to my food. I will probably be back for a glass of wine with my friends.
(2)
Angie B.
My girlfriends and I had a wonderful evening enjoying the amazing happy hour deals at The County Cork. We chose the half price bottle deal and $5 appetizers. The ambience was lovely on a winter night. The bartender was highly attentive and knowledgable. There was a fun collection of appetizers and all were beautifully plated. Don't miss out on this spot for a great place to chat with friends. The wine was delicious and well priced.
(5)
Phil B.
The restaurant is sitting in a strip mall with a few tables outside if the weather is nice. It was late afternoon on a Sunday and while the decor if this quaint eatery was nice, clearly there was no professional management on hand. We were not promptly greater at the door, tables from previous guests were not bussed and we and a couple outside were the only diners The menu for a brunch is great with offerings for both lunch and dinner fare, and the descriptions and twists on everyday food was impressive, but no way that staff could ever pull it off. my burger was extremely overlooked for medium rare and my wife's Caesar was lettuce and bought-in dressing. The polenta croutons lacked all seasoning and not cooked enough to demand the crunch one expects. I assume this place will thrive as a great local watering hole but never as the restaurant draw their business model projects. If you far away it's not worth the trip.
Great food and drinks, I enjoyed the entire meal and the staff was very friendly and knowledgable and made some good recommendations that I probably would've overlooked.
(4)
Chef N D.
They had Booker Bourbon....good date spot. Took a friend here and she enjoyed the wine and the live music. Nice decor. I could go back. Service was good.
(3)
Tatyana M.
First visit and quite impressed. Ambiance is nice looking, cozy and comfortable. Food is yummy and trying to be creative. No, it's not NY or Philly level of modern cuisine, but at least it's delicious and not boring chain restaurants type of food. And this is such a rare find around this area. But what we really were impressed with is their cheese board which contained some interesting cheeses. The service if wasn't professionally polished but at least was nice, friendly and attentive. The value was unbelievably great. The most reasonable prices we've met anywhere. Very solid 4 ** place and we'll keep it in mind and definitely will be back.
(4)
Tom W.
Nice place, solid food, good beer and wine selection. I had the Tuna Tacos, they were good not great. My wife had the Twisted Turkey sandwich and she liked it.
(4)
Mike G.
A high class gem in Eldersburg. A small charming atmosphere great for couples. Menu items were very high class, and everything was made fresh to order. The croutons were were home made! Highly recommend for a date night to a group setting. Be ready to pay some extra $$$ for your meal, but you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Janet C.
We have been here a few times and it is one of the best restaurants in Eldersburg. This review is for our most recent visit on Valentine's Day. For Valentine's Day, they had reservations only for a 4 course pre-fix meals for $50 per person that did not include wine. My husband and I ordered different items (except dessert) to try a variety of dishes. We did order a great bottle of wine to go with our meal, County Cork has a nice selection to choose from. 1st course: lobster bisque - awesome ; salad - above average 2nd course: lamb chops - awesome; seafood rockefeller - okay 3rd course: filet with potatoes - above average; chicken ragout - below average and dry (I actually felt really bad that my dish was so much better than my husband's) 4th course: sliver of red velvet cheesecake - good but really, it was the tiniest sliver of cake I have ever seen? Both of our slivers together would still not make a half piece of cake you would normally get at a restaurant. My real issue of the night was that I had actually ordered the fish as my main entree and not the filet. The waiter insisted I ordered the filet and I ended up accepting the entree since it was definitely a rushed experience and it was my second choice of entrees offered. As we were seated we were told we had a limited amount of time due to being Valentine's day. Overall, it was a great meal but a bit on the pricey side for what we received and we felt rushed to finish our meal in our allotted time. The fact that County Cork Wine Pub is one of the best and definitely one of the more intimate restaurants in Eldersburg, it is not surprising that the restaurant was booked and some of it's normal quality may have been sacrificed to accomodate the large number of patrons.
(4)
Maggie M.
Just some friendly advice for the servers from a retired chef from Boston: when you ask a customer if they need a box for their very unfinished meal and they reply ," no, it's just that the duck has a strong game flavor and appears undercooked..I just can't eat it".....do NOT tell them they could have asked for it to be cooked more or explain that sometimes the duck comes that way. Instead , inform the manager who then should offer another meal or to take the meal off the bill. The chef, who works hard to prepare satisfying meals, also wants to know...I assume? When you then ask if anyone wants dessert and dessert is ordered by 3 of our 4 guests, you have yet a Second opportunity to provide the ' hungry ' guest with a sweet ending 'on the house' That would keep people coming back. We, on the other hand, will not.
(1)
Lauren S.
You should come here, check in on Yelp, enjoy a free glass of wine, and order the Greek pizza. Why? Because it's good. Really good. I'd eat here everyday if I lived closer.
(4)
Chris B.
Great experience. Had Fish and Frites. Fish was dressed with a malt vinegar reduction and was delicious! Wife had crab cakes; also done really well. Great wine and food selection, also great range, with vegetarianly suitable options. My wife and I agreed that we would totally come back again (and for more than just sustenance).
(5)
Chad E.
What a great gem. The food and drinks are great. The waiter Brian is awesome very friendly and knowledgeable. We have had the beer battered fish with garlic and rosemary fries & the ahi tacos & the crab cakes & several different flavor martini's which was all outstanding. The crab and Bree appetizer was melt in your mouth good. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. We have become weekly regulars and have only lived in Carroll county three weeks moving from out of state.
(5)
George H.
We ate here last light, after recently moving to Eldersburg. I must say, I am very surprised by the glowing reviews. Of the 4 entrees, an appetizer, and 3 salads that we ordered, nothing was memorable or 5 star worthy. Everything is drenched in sodium-filled sauces. The appetizer, crunchy deviled eggs, was so salty that it was inedible, luckily this was removed from the bill. The plate presentation was superb, but the execution of each dish was very poor. If this is a 5 star restaurant, you need to get out more. We will try it again, since it was a busy Saturday night. If our 2nd experience is better, I will be sure to update my review :)
(2)
Emily L.
This is a really cute, cozy little place tucked into a bland strip mall where you'd never notice it until you were looking. We came here for a friend's show and were pleased with the atmosphere, food and drink options. Their chilled Caesar salad was good, but mostly ribs (my least favorite part) and I looked longingly at the greener one my mom had ordered, gently charred and topped with incredible polenta croutons. Unfortunately, grilled is not an option for their side salads. Our entree, shrimp and grits, was also quite good, but so soupy the grits got lost in all the liquid -- it was more of a gumbo consistency. The flavor was excellent, though. I was more disappointed in their Dijon beef tips special, for which I had high hopes: the meat was not very good quality (a lot of fat) and came out rather tough. Even a tangy mustard sauce couldn't fix it. The mashed potatoes that accompanied them were silky and creamy. They have a great selection of wines in all different price ranges. Cocktails are less impressive -- one girl at our table ordered a Froot Loops martini that was garnished with, you guessed it, sugary cereal. It tasted about as good as it sounded! The server we had was friendly and attentive even with a crowded room and the chaos of live music. The only slight misstep was that when I asked for a glass of their Wine of the Month (a free Yelp check-in offer -- woo-hoo!) he said they were all out of it. That was fine; I just asked him to substitute something else. He was a little reluctant, but eventually worked it out, and in fact the bar was so busy they poured me two glasses by mistake! I'm sure it wasn't his fault, but it bugs me when places give you grief about trying to use the coupons they invented themselves. Overall, it was a mixed bag, but if we were in the area again, I think I would give them another try.
(3)
Jo Y.
Hands down the best restaurant in Eldersburg. Higher prices but worth every penny. Love the Chef's unique dishes. Don't expect the same ole menu items here. The dining experience is just as good as the food. The wife and I come here often and have never left disappointed. Clearly the "The Gem of Eldersburg".
(5)
Kelly H.
I had been here for dinner but not for brunch so decided to try it. Great decision!! The eldersburg scramble is very good - the French toast looked amazing!! Highly recommend since there aren't too many nice brunch places in the area.
(5)
Wallace F.
Service is excellent. Food is good, but not great. I had the Lamb Ribs and the Crab Brie appetizer. It was ok. Would I go back again? Probably not. I came all the way from Timonium, on the recommendation of a friend, but don't think I would go out of my way to repeat the experience.
(4)
Aisha L.
My sister and I decided to check this place out, since we were in the neighborhood. It's location is very unassuming and unexpected for what you will find once you enter. It's located in a strip mall between a mattress store and radio shack, but their atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. They had extensive knowledge about wine, and an excellent selection also. I ordered braised short rib, and they were absolutely amazing. They were very tender, and extremely flavorful. I also had a spinach salad there that I still have dreams about. I wish I could remember the name of the salad, but it had walnuts and cranberries with a dressing that was homemade. It was great. This is our new place to be. Love it!
(5)
Tiffany G.
Double wow! I am moving to this area and saw this place when I was buying a mattress. They have a customer for life. Not only excellent wine selection but the food is amazing and the price is even better. The quality is outstanding and the service too! Only four stars because it was my first time there so will need to go again. Also, it was a little too warm in the place. I HIGHLY recommend this place!!
(4)
Donald E.
My wife and I love this place! We live in Owings Mills but make the drive to the Country Cork Pub The food is fresh and the service is pleasant I love the atmosphere, it's warm and inviting. The wine and the the Long Island ice teas!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Karen S.
Six of us had a fantastic wine tasting and small plate experience. Rachel, the wine rep, gave us the background on the wine producers. The wait staff were generous in their pours and lots of fun when we begged for more. The complementary small plates were perfect matches to the wines and very inventive. We had the table for six in the back which is a perfect place to a lid the noise of the main restaurant. We loved the evening. Thanks Cork!!!!!
(5)
Chris R.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and seasonal. Service is pleasant and willing to make recommendations. Spirits are aplenty. The atmosphere, warm and inviting. Big fan of the Brunch and Bloody Mary bar! Kudos to the owners for being part of the action!!
(5)
Amanda I.
As Fat T. said, this is a GEM in Eldersburg. I live in Westminster and heard about this from a patient. Then, got a coupon in the mail and decided to try it. We made reservations for a Friday night (they're needed unless you want to wait). We got there at 8 and waited until about 8:15 to be seated. It was really crowded! I was annoyed to have to wait even with a reservation, but it was worth it (glad we waited) . You can't get this kind of food anywhere else in Eldersburg, or Westminster. Service seemed like they were missing a few servers, all the servers were running around the owner was waiting tables also. It was OK service, pretty good, a little slower, probably because understaffed for how busy they were. It was loud, but not unbearable. Lots of people standing around at the bar also drinking. We started with the Ahi Tuna app- it was so good! Loved the blackened on one side and sesame crusted on the other. I got the scallops over mushroom risotto with green beans and blood orange sauce. The scallops were cooked beautifully. The risotto was perfect. And my only complaint is I wish I had more green beans! The green beans were so excellent and would have liked a few more. The cream sauce was a little dull and didn't add much to the dish besides a pretty color, but the dish all in all was fantastic, the sauce wasn't even needed. My boyfriend got the pizza, which was a grilled flatbread and amazing. We got the flourless chocolate cake for dessert and it was decadent and rich, just as expected. The wine pairings with food was helpful. I got the sparkling wine which was served in a glass with the rest of the bottle (mini) on the side. So about two glasses of wine for $7. Excellent price. My boyfriend would have liked more selection of craft beers, like on the website they said they had. But its a wine pub, I wouldn't have expected much different. We will definitely be returning, with a reservation.
(4)
Shannon W.
The food was so fresh and fantastic. Definitely glad we stopped by. I had a special that was wonderful and my mom absolutely loved her shrimp salad.
(5)
Deanna M.
Wow. Horrible service. Food was okay. Trying too hard to be a pub/ wine bar/ gastro pub. Pick one and Focus on good food AND good service and people will come. Promise. Will not go back. Will not recommend to friends and family. In this economy, going out to eat is a treat and to get such bad service makes this place not worth it. It was mothers day and this place was not busy enough to warrant such bad service.
Better food than most places in Carroll County. Reminds me of city life! Great Drinks!
(4)
Lisa B.
We drove all the way from Silver Spring based on Yelp ratings to check out this well-deserved Best of Carroll County 2013 restaurant. Superior service, attentive but not intrusive and quick with accommodations: we requested a basket of bread when the only bread on the menu was flatbread, so the waitress brought us warm baguette slices with a dish of butter. Delicious grilled ahi tuna topped Caesar salad with polenta croutons (who knew?) and a HUGE, tender and juicy leg of lamb steak with lemony chickpea puree, topped with cooked fennel (never had it cooked before, but it works) and tomato slivers. Top quality ingredients creatively prepared. We wrapped it up with an Italian style creme brulee minus the brulee, topped with little peach chunks in delicate sauce. Well worth the ride for a great find. Check it out!
(4)
Andrew P.
Big fan of The Cork. Frequently updated menu, but the tuna app seems to always stay on the menu and is very good. Good flatbreads, shrimp and grits and burger. The seating can be limited, but have always been happy no matter where we sat - bar, high boys, booth. Decent beer selection as well. One of our favorites in the area.
(4)
Amy Z.
Went for wine flight only, can't speak to food. Place was super busy and had live music.
(4)
Bill B.
The best Valentine dinner we have ever had. After 22 years of disappointments, this was a definite bright spot. We could not have been more pleased.
(5)
John M.
Love the food. Had the seafood rockefeller and chicken ragout. For dessert, molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
(5)
Standards H.
We visited The County Cork Wine Pub mid afternoon during the week so it wasn't busy at all. The server and bartender were both very attentive. The hummus was fresh and tasty. We both ordered the black and blue beef tips which were very flavorful, satisfying, and had a bit of a spicy kick. We both had a dark and stormy to drink. I thought it was a bit sweet for my taste but my husband thought it was great. I opted for a glass of wine instead and the server informed me that it would only be $4 more to get a bottle since it was half price bottles on Tuesdays! Woo Hoo! Overall, a great first experience and a pleasant surprise given the location. We will add this to our list of regular places to visit.
(4)
Rach M.
Love this restaurant! Must visit on Sundays for their brunch. Their bloody Mary's are fantastic plus you can't beat all you drink for $10. I highly recommend their twisted turkey sandwich, and their garlic fries are the best I've ever eaten. A must for all!
(5)
Jay M.
Where to begin? A reviewer earlier mentioned that there "isn't much going on in Eldersburg" and she is definitely correct... but the "Cork" is definitely changing that. Why go to Baltimore or DC when this TREMENDOUS establishment exists? Truth be told - i've gone twice in two weeks now - praying that my first visit wasn't a fluke. And thankfully - it wasn't. The Service: Great...Friendly and willing to go that extra mile to ensure you have everything you might need. Bartender, wait staff, and management all really seem to ACTUALLY CARE. The food: Wow. Try their crab and (i think) brie dip? Was excellent. Ordered their steak dinner - and cooked perfectly. Want to know the real shocker on the menu though? It's their shrimp and grits 'thing' ... Wish i could remember their name for it ... At any rate - i am definitely NOT a fan of grits, but am of shrimp. Somehow they put the two together - and it was almost like magic. Harry Potter might be jealous! The drinks: Yum, yum, and more yum. For a wine bar i think they've priced their drinks very reasonably. My favorite thusfar? Capasaldo Moscato? It's a slightly fizzy, sweet riesling. Gotta try it! The Price: For Eldersburg? Definitely high. But worth every penny. With drinks and a meal for 2 - I'd expect to spend $100 or so depending on how many wines you'd like to try. The only setback: If you don't have reservations - you're going to be waiting on a busy night. Not a million tables - its a nice quaint little place - so expect to wait a little bit, people arent jumping out of their seats to leave quickly! All in all - a really great place with a really pleasant atmosphere. Try it out!
(5)
Amy S.
While the service was good, both times I've been there I thought the food was pricey and below average. They do have a great wine selection (hence the Cork in the name) but other than that, I'd probably not visit for the food.
(2)
Charlie M.
I am definitely a fan of this place, but be warned, you don't enough crackers/vegetables with the hummus, and the toast at brunch is a joke (one tiny piece of bread cut into halves). Sometimes the live music can be a little cheesy, but all in all the menu is good, the prices are fair, the staff is friendly, and it's definitely a breath of fresh air in Eldersburg.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I went to County Cork with a bunch of women from work on a girl's night out. I have to say everything was pretty darn good. No specific complaints I just don't give 5 stars unless I really get my socks knocked off. It took awhile for our whole party to arrive and the waitress was very patient with us. She had to go over the wines of the month several times as each person would arrive...you'd think at some point they'd print a menu of that? Guess it's more fun to make the wait staff memorize it and relay it repeatedly. Once everyone finally arrived and we got our drinks we started with the crab and brie fondue for an appetizer. VERY delicious. The little bowl it was served in was piping hot, it was definitely made fresh! For dinner most of us got the burger which was very good. A beef burger with all the toppings on a pretzel roll. Served with garlic and rosemary shoestring fries (one of my favorites) and some aioli which I didn't use at all b/c it just looked like a small cup of mayonnaise from the jar. One person in our group got the veggie pizza and she loved it and another person got the corned beef sandwich. That was a huge portion and she took at least half of it home if not more. Overall it was great, definitely a perfect ladies night out, let's gossip over some wine kind of place!
(4)
Paul B.
We've been in a few times and have been impressed with the food and service each visit. The Friday night entertainment is always enjoyable.
(4)
Steph P.
I go to the Cork at least once a week, it is a local gem that can't be missed! Happy Hour is great there, with $3 glasses of the month - perfect after a long day of work. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and the food is AMAZING!!! I almost always try one of the specials they have and am never disappointed. The two Faced Tuna Appetizer is one of the best of its kind anywhere - I have been know to order multiple orders in one sitting. The first tuesday of every month is also a wine tasting where you get food & wine pairings - not to be missed!!!
(5)
Jack H.
My "go-to" restaurant when I want great food and service. Jim and Jeff (bartenders) are amazing. Once you sit at the bar area once, you will feel like friends. I have not had an average meal yet. Every dish has something unique enough to say wow. Entertainment on the weekends is just right. Not too loud, but enough to keep it lively. The customers are a pretty good mix, but without the "questionable" type. It is a very welcoming place that I love going to. Greta value and a must try.
(5)
Michele W.
Wine pairings on the menu. I would recommend reservations. There is an Open Table link on their website. The place is very small and quaint. The bar and restaurant are in one space. Bar tables are a bit tight. The service station and the kitchen entrance are in the same hallway as the rest rooms. The music is way too loud. It's difficult to have an audible conversation. We were promptly greeted by a hostess and seated at one of the bar tables(we had reservations/I should have requested a booth). The menu is limited but clearly focused on fresh, well prepared, high quality food. The appetizers came out fairly quickly and directly followed by the salads. The salads were crisp and fresh tossed with I would speculate house made dressings. The choptank oysters were fresh and briney. The rosemary garlic frites were very tasty but more of a fork than finger food due to they are short shoestrings. However, after finishing our salads there was a lull. It was 20-25 minutes before we received our entrees. And once we finished our entrees another wait for the check. But, it is a very small restaurant/bar and it was prime time Friday night. The highlight of the experience was the food! Everything was delicious. I had the South west Shrimp Risotto. Large juicy shrimp and creamy risotto with a good amount of heat(spicy). The scallop risotto was equally good with an orange reduction that had some tang but not sweet. The asparagus that accompanied it was fresh and crisp. Each entree was presented beautifully, spiced to perfection, and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I would change is to visit at an off time, another night, or for lunch when they may be less busy. The service was attentive without being intrusive. The food is so good that I will have to go back!
(4)
sherri s.
I just dined here last night for the first time. This place is definitely a hidden gem. The food was fresh and high quality. Wednesday nights they give a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of 2 adult entrees. We had the crab and brie fondue, which was amazing and couldn't taste any fresher. We split the Black and Bleu Beef Tips and the Crabcakes. Both dishes were fantastic. The crab cakes had a spicy kick to them and while the sauce seemed heavy, they tasted light. The serving sizes were huge. The veggies tasted fantastic and the mixed potatoes were the best I've ever had. I would go back and order the exact same entrees again in a heartbeat. For dessert, we had popcorn ice cream. This was amazing. Real popcorn in vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel sauce. They make it in-house and it's the only way I want to waste calories on ice cream now.
(4)
lisa h.
Ugh. This place is way way way overrated. We had the crab and brie dip ap; no brie there. And very little crab. I had the fish tacos and my husband had the chicken remulade. Both were totally underwhelming. And to add insult to injury, prices were on par with DC. 90 bucks later for two (one ap, two entrees and 4 drinks) it was the most expensive lousy meal we've had a in while. Skip it.
(2)
Patty P.
What a jewel in Eldersburg. Great food, unique food combinations and good bartenders. I haven't had a meal, dish or drink that I didn't like. I was reluctant to try a few unusual combinations, but was very surprised by the dish. The chef is truly creative. The service is good. You may have a wait on a weekend night because the place is on the small size.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Katie S.
Today's brunch was OK, good/OK even, but not as great as I had hoped. Got the fried green tomato eggs Benedict. I was really excited about this veg option, so perhaps that's why I wasn't as impressed with the food as I hoped to be. The FGTs were kind of flavorless. It needed salt, which did bring out a bit more flavor in the tomato crust, but the tomato itself might as well have not been there at all. So, without that, it was just a poached egg and English muffin. The hollandaise was not a rich/thick as I like, but the egg was cooked beautifully. The home fries were ok as well, but there's something about them (can't quite put my finger on it) that kept them from being amazing. Maybe it's that they were very soft and not at all crispy/crunchy and I missed that texture you want from home fries? My friend enjoyed her meal, especially the bloody Mary's!! Lol
(3)Jackson G.
Mother's Day Brunch 2015 - disappointing..... Food quality/taste slipping badly. While the service is still quality, the food was disappointing and while I may not have read the advertisements, thought this was their regular Jazz Brunch weekend, so was expecting that and it was not to be. My wife had the fried green tomato benedict and the fried green tomatoes were surely not made fresh, rather looked like frozen or certainly from a box and tasted similarly. The normally great home fries were off putting as well with a strange taste. We have had them before and loved them, but the batch we had was not eaten by 4 of the 5 of us. I had the Irish Trucker (corned beef/home fries in a bowl with your choice of egg on top) breakfast. Ordered my eggs over easy so you get that nice runny yolk to blend in while eating... Eggs arrived over hard and looked that way upon arrival. The corned beef hash was very dry and the poor taste of the home fries mixed in, also dry, was not palatable. I did get replacement eggs that were over easy, but had already suffered through half the bowl and while they helped, it was too little too late. My daughter ordered a fruit bowl side and it consisted of 80% Granny Smith apple that was browning, along with a very few raspberries and two strawberries. Pretty sad fruit bowl. Unfortunately, this is the second meal in a row that was disappointing, so not sure what has changed in the kitchen over the past couple of months, but they need to get the food quality back quickly or I'll not be returning there anytime soon.
(2)Ali B.
I have been yesterday with my boy-friend and it was an amazing experience. Polite waiters, very cozy and beautiful environment with different assortment of wines and delicious food. We will go there again! And to mention they have live music on saturdays!!!!
(5)Ric H.
Good food, good atmosphere, Excellent service!!!! I would definitely recommend you try it if in the area!!
(4)Melissa F.
The service is great here but the food is just so-so. For the price I was expecting better food but the wine is great and the servers are very knowledgable.
(3)Fat T.
A true GEM, espcially in Eldersburg. This is probably the nicest restaurant in the area. Also, a huge value for the qulaity of the food you get. You could relocat this to Clarksville and it could go toe to toe with Cafe Blanc. The food is very good. This is really not a good review since I can't remember what I got but I know it has been good. Sometimes at Happy Hour it gets really packed and you have to wait for a table.
(5)Tim S.
Quick Take: The County Cork Wine Pub has been on my list of restaurants to visit for several months now. I had heard a lot of good things about the place from my friends and so while I was really looking forward to the visit and my expectations were high I was prepared for a little bit of a let-down. (You know how friends can sometimes oversell something.) Well I finally had the chance to visit on Saturday evening, May 21st with a few of those friends who were so enthusiastic. All I can say is "Wow!" The folks at "The Cork" totally exceeded every expectation I came in with - from the cocktails to the food, from the wine list to the service to the ambiance. Seriously, this place at these prices is not to be missed. Note that this is a $$ restaurant but the bang for the buck here is tremendous. The biggest hurdle to their success is going to be getting past the preconceived notion that something this nice is located in a strip mall in Eldersburg. (You'd expect to find it in an old, upscale row house in Fells Point or Georgetown.) But let's face it, they'd be a lot more expensive if they were located elsewhere. So consider this, for now at least, a "best kept secret". I don't often take the time to write many reviews online and when I do I'm stingy with 5-star ratings, but this place really made an impression on me. I hope you give it a try and share your experiences as well! Positives: The food, the drinks, the service, the portion sizes, the value. Negatives: Nothing that I can think of. If I named something I'd just be nit-picking. Drinks: Jim and Jeff were the bartenders the night I was there and you can only describe them as "classic". Well-crafted drinks, made quickly and correctly by guys that are only too happy to have a conversation with you while they work. The bar is very well-stocked, BTW. While I'll usually opt to have a glass of wine with my meal we chose not to on this night. They have a more than adequate wine list and offer a reasonably priced "1st Tuesday" wine/food pairing menu. And every Tuesday is half-price bottles when you purchase food. Sweet! Food: Don't let the words "Wine Pub" scare you. This is totally gourmet fare. The items we tried were sophisticated and complex featuring premium ingredients with an upscale presentation. We made our meal out of appetizers and all of it was "to-die-for". (Mussels in an ale and blue cheese cream sauce, the roasted baby beets, the rosemary fries, and a cheese plate. Next time it's gonna be the Seared Ahi Tacos and the Rocket Salad.) One of the truly awesome things about The Cork are their specials. The chef (who also writes the blog) creates regular specials that are only available for a limited time. And if the others are half as good as the roasted baby beets then this place could seriously become a habit. If you get a chance to try this one before it's over, make sure you and your dinner partner decide who gets the last beet. And the other person should get to lick the plate - believe me, you'll want to. And we're talkin' beets, people! Service: OK, here's the weird thing about this place. The staff was not just friendly and attentive; they actually seemed to be happy. The bartenders, the waitress (Sally, maybe? I can't remember now), the hostess. These were people who really seemed to enjoy doing what they were doing and that somehow puts the whole restaurant in a good mood. Our drink and food orders were taken promptly we never felt rushed even though the place was packed. Our water glasses were always full. Our check was correct. Not sure what the policy is regarding "splitting the bill" but I'd say just ask up front and I bet they'll work with you if they can. Of course, all the major cc's are accepted and I even saw a traveler's check while I was there. Setup: Attractively lit and laid out with a long L-shaped bar and lots of wood. TV's above the bar showing different content. All sports as I recall with the audio muted which is OK by me. There is live entertainment on the weekends starting at 9pm. Sat. was two guys with guitars who did a good job of keeping the place hopping until well after midnight. The volume level was such that I had very little trouble holding a normal conversation. Seating options include booths, pub tables, and bar seating.There is also patio seating but it faces the parking lot. Restrooms are single occupancy. I saw a short wait for the Ladies' Room Saturday night after 10pm but there was never a line for the Men's room. The Men's Room was clean and attractively decorated. I have to assume the Ladies' Room is as well. Summary: What else can I say? I'll be back for sure and I wish them every success. If you're in the Eldersburg area do give this place a try. If you're not, plan a day trip and do some antiquing in Ellicott City or some hiking at the Liberty Reservoir or something and take advantage of the opportunity. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Shirley B.
Unfortunately they need to enlarge or be more accurate in their estimate of a wait time. I arrived there at 6pm on a Friday evening without a reservation, put my name on the wait list and was told that it would be a 20-25 minute wait until my party of three was seated. An hour later we were still waiting. We left and went for pizza.
(1)Matt C.
Just moved nearby and have already eaten here many times. The food is consistently great (always order the burrata to start), the service is exceptional, and prices are very reasonable. The servers are very knowledgable. Ask for food and drink pairing advice! Fiancé and I will be back many more times to come.
(5)Candice D.
This place is a hidden gem, part of me didn't want the word to get out, but who am I to deny the public great, affordable food?! Cozy setting for almost any occasion. Great for intimate bday gatherings, happy hours, or leisure weekend lunch/dinner. Wonderful selection of wine, ranging from rare finds to popular favorites. On Tuesdays, wine bottles are half price and Wednesdays, free apps! Get excited. Don't miss the Crab Brie fondu appetizer... excellent for Crabtree cheese lovers. WARNING foodgasm may happen after the first bite! (Saver the moment!!) Service is efficient and staff is friendly. Hungry for more? Check out my blog!
(4)Marie M.
New menu item, steak gyro, is delicious!!
(4)John T.
Possibly the best restaurant in the Eldersburg area. But I would like to begin with the only bad thing about The Cork. Its size, it's on the small side to be kind. But the different table heights keep you from feeling like you are elbow to elbow with the person next to you. But, you will notice how small it is on crowded nights. Now for the good. The food is excellent. The specialize in seafood, and locally sourced meats. I have not had a single bad thing there. The meats are always cooked to perfection just like you ordered it. The service is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of wine, but they also carry some great craft beer selections. While their draughts are limited they have some great bottles to make up for it. And if you don't want a craft beer or fine wine they always have Natty Boh on tap. Great place, highly recommended.
(5)Keeva W.
We could not even get seated even though there were 2 empty booths and nobody else waiting. We stood around for 15 mins, the 2 booths were still empty and nobody new had come into the place. We left and went somewhere else. How disappointing. Wish there was a negative rating because the hostess earned this place a big ZERO!
(1)John B.
I had a hard time deciding to give 2 or 3 stars - while I like the Cork, there are some areas that definitely need improvement. The good things: causal, comfortable dining with an upscale tinge. This is something E-burg was definitely lacking. And several items are outstanding - the flatbread pizza is out of this world, and my wife swears by the Spanish mussels. And the beer and wine lists have a lot of good options. But other items are bland at best - a while back got a hummus appetizer that was completely bland, no flavor at all. They also are constantly rotate the menu, so when wen they do hit the mark on a dish it doesn't always stay around for long. And it is a little pricey for the Burg. But for all that it's about the only place in town I look forward to going to.
(3)Abigail O.
popcorn ice cream.
(5)John W.
Not much going on in Eldersburg? hey we have a Starbucks now.There is a small hope for dining in Eldersburg. Finally stopped in at CCWP. Found a simple decor, Dark woods and light atmosphere. Seating was quick, served almost as we sat down. Alright it wasn't busy at the time, but people were piling in. Do not know the history behind the Chef, so here goes. Had a starter "Steak Sautee" Not very good, There was a bitterness to it, And the sauce kind of tasted like it can out of a can. Hope I am wrong about that. The wife had the Shrimp and watermelon salad, She loved it. I had the Cork Crab Cakes, Which I never order because I make a great crab cake so why bother. But I was hoping these would be different. And they were very good. The prices are So reasonable that if you are disappointed , you won't feel like you were raked over the coals. I hope this place stays around for awhile, But that is up to the Chef.
(3)Nancy T.
I've eaten here about 5 times. The service was horrific twice. The food was mediocre at best once, nasty once, decent once and once I only had wine. I've had appetizers brought after the meal once and waited for 30 minutes to get my check. Today the mimosa was warm. The waiter smelled like a cigarette and they introduced heat to my food. I will probably be back for a glass of wine with my friends.
(2)Angie B.
My girlfriends and I had a wonderful evening enjoying the amazing happy hour deals at The County Cork. We chose the half price bottle deal and $5 appetizers. The ambience was lovely on a winter night. The bartender was highly attentive and knowledgable. There was a fun collection of appetizers and all were beautifully plated. Don't miss out on this spot for a great place to chat with friends. The wine was delicious and well priced.
(5)Phil B.
The restaurant is sitting in a strip mall with a few tables outside if the weather is nice. It was late afternoon on a Sunday and while the decor if this quaint eatery was nice, clearly there was no professional management on hand. We were not promptly greater at the door, tables from previous guests were not bussed and we and a couple outside were the only diners The menu for a brunch is great with offerings for both lunch and dinner fare, and the descriptions and twists on everyday food was impressive, but no way that staff could ever pull it off. my burger was extremely overlooked for medium rare and my wife's Caesar was lettuce and bought-in dressing. The polenta croutons lacked all seasoning and not cooked enough to demand the crunch one expects. I assume this place will thrive as a great local watering hole but never as the restaurant draw their business model projects. If you far away it's not worth the trip.
(3)Chris W.
Foodtastic as always! Took some friends to expose them to this charming and scrumptious jewel. Place was packed but Service and especially food quality were superb regardless. We all forayed into the restaurant week fixed price 3-course menu...at $29.95 per person it was the best foodie value I've relished in a long while. The appetizers were quite generous in portion size. My wife had the roasted broccoli which she devoured like a gremlin and I slurped down their bowl of mussels sopping up all the delectable broth with toast points. Our friend had the cauliflower appetizer which was literally gone before I could get a fork into battle. Alas, the entrees were spectacular. The Filet was perfectly seasoned, great sear/ crust and cooked to a wonderful medium rare. It was topped with a sliced almond olive-oil tomato YUM...no other way to describe it...you gotta try it. My wife had the pasta de jour...moto buono. Home made fettuccine with chicken, kale, mushrooms, truffle and shaved Parmesan cheese...another bowl of food porn. And if that wasn't enough we had both their creme brûlée and homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream for dessert....both prepared to perfection and a fitting and comforting end to an absolutely enchanting meal....did I mention it was $29.95? Can you say HELL YES! The county cork wine pub continues to hit culinary 550ft center field home runs every meal, every day....a culinary giant in a quaint strip mall suit!
(5)Nikki K.
Great specials throughout the week. I was very sad that I missed the Bloody Mary bar and mimosas but I will definitely be back to try that out in the near future. Our waiter was very knowledgable of the menu and effortlessly led us to ordering a flight of wine, a signature martini, the braised bacon, and two-faced tuna to begin. For the main course we enjoyed the wahoo special and tuna tacos. To finish the meal we ordered creme brûlée and the house made soft serve ice cream. Everything was delicious and very fairly priced. I love that the menu has lots of options for meal sizes and the tapas plates are great for tasting a little bit of everything! Highly recommended, if I lived closer I would visit all the time!!
(4)Heather B.
Great food and drinks, I enjoyed the entire meal and the staff was very friendly and knowledgable and made some good recommendations that I probably would've overlooked.
(4)Chef N D.
They had Booker Bourbon....good date spot. Took a friend here and she enjoyed the wine and the live music. Nice decor. I could go back. Service was good.
(3)Tatyana M.
First visit and quite impressed. Ambiance is nice looking, cozy and comfortable. Food is yummy and trying to be creative. No, it's not NY or Philly level of modern cuisine, but at least it's delicious and not boring chain restaurants type of food. And this is such a rare find around this area. But what we really were impressed with is their cheese board which contained some interesting cheeses. The service if wasn't professionally polished but at least was nice, friendly and attentive. The value was unbelievably great. The most reasonable prices we've met anywhere. Very solid 4 ** place and we'll keep it in mind and definitely will be back.
(4)Tom W.
Nice place, solid food, good beer and wine selection. I had the Tuna Tacos, they were good not great. My wife had the Twisted Turkey sandwich and she liked it.
(4)Mike G.
A high class gem in Eldersburg. A small charming atmosphere great for couples. Menu items were very high class, and everything was made fresh to order. The croutons were were home made! Highly recommend for a date night to a group setting. Be ready to pay some extra $$$ for your meal, but you will not be disappointed.
(5)Janet C.
We have been here a few times and it is one of the best restaurants in Eldersburg. This review is for our most recent visit on Valentine's Day. For Valentine's Day, they had reservations only for a 4 course pre-fix meals for $50 per person that did not include wine. My husband and I ordered different items (except dessert) to try a variety of dishes. We did order a great bottle of wine to go with our meal, County Cork has a nice selection to choose from. 1st course: lobster bisque - awesome ; salad - above average 2nd course: lamb chops - awesome; seafood rockefeller - okay 3rd course: filet with potatoes - above average; chicken ragout - below average and dry (I actually felt really bad that my dish was so much better than my husband's) 4th course: sliver of red velvet cheesecake - good but really, it was the tiniest sliver of cake I have ever seen? Both of our slivers together would still not make a half piece of cake you would normally get at a restaurant. My real issue of the night was that I had actually ordered the fish as my main entree and not the filet. The waiter insisted I ordered the filet and I ended up accepting the entree since it was definitely a rushed experience and it was my second choice of entrees offered. As we were seated we were told we had a limited amount of time due to being Valentine's day. Overall, it was a great meal but a bit on the pricey side for what we received and we felt rushed to finish our meal in our allotted time. The fact that County Cork Wine Pub is one of the best and definitely one of the more intimate restaurants in Eldersburg, it is not surprising that the restaurant was booked and some of it's normal quality may have been sacrificed to accomodate the large number of patrons.
(4)Maggie M.
Just some friendly advice for the servers from a retired chef from Boston: when you ask a customer if they need a box for their very unfinished meal and they reply ," no, it's just that the duck has a strong game flavor and appears undercooked..I just can't eat it".....do NOT tell them they could have asked for it to be cooked more or explain that sometimes the duck comes that way. Instead , inform the manager who then should offer another meal or to take the meal off the bill. The chef, who works hard to prepare satisfying meals, also wants to know...I assume? When you then ask if anyone wants dessert and dessert is ordered by 3 of our 4 guests, you have yet a Second opportunity to provide the ' hungry ' guest with a sweet ending 'on the house' That would keep people coming back. We, on the other hand, will not.
(1)Lauren S.
You should come here, check in on Yelp, enjoy a free glass of wine, and order the Greek pizza. Why? Because it's good. Really good. I'd eat here everyday if I lived closer.
(4)Chris B.
Great experience. Had Fish and Frites. Fish was dressed with a malt vinegar reduction and was delicious! Wife had crab cakes; also done really well. Great wine and food selection, also great range, with vegetarianly suitable options. My wife and I agreed that we would totally come back again (and for more than just sustenance).
(5)Chad E.
What a great gem. The food and drinks are great. The waiter Brian is awesome very friendly and knowledgeable. We have had the beer battered fish with garlic and rosemary fries & the ahi tacos & the crab cakes & several different flavor martini's which was all outstanding. The crab and Bree appetizer was melt in your mouth good. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. We have become weekly regulars and have only lived in Carroll county three weeks moving from out of state.
(5)George H.
We ate here last light, after recently moving to Eldersburg. I must say, I am very surprised by the glowing reviews. Of the 4 entrees, an appetizer, and 3 salads that we ordered, nothing was memorable or 5 star worthy. Everything is drenched in sodium-filled sauces. The appetizer, crunchy deviled eggs, was so salty that it was inedible, luckily this was removed from the bill. The plate presentation was superb, but the execution of each dish was very poor. If this is a 5 star restaurant, you need to get out more. We will try it again, since it was a busy Saturday night. If our 2nd experience is better, I will be sure to update my review :)
(2)Emily L.
This is a really cute, cozy little place tucked into a bland strip mall where you'd never notice it until you were looking. We came here for a friend's show and were pleased with the atmosphere, food and drink options. Their chilled Caesar salad was good, but mostly ribs (my least favorite part) and I looked longingly at the greener one my mom had ordered, gently charred and topped with incredible polenta croutons. Unfortunately, grilled is not an option for their side salads. Our entree, shrimp and grits, was also quite good, but so soupy the grits got lost in all the liquid -- it was more of a gumbo consistency. The flavor was excellent, though. I was more disappointed in their Dijon beef tips special, for which I had high hopes: the meat was not very good quality (a lot of fat) and came out rather tough. Even a tangy mustard sauce couldn't fix it. The mashed potatoes that accompanied them were silky and creamy. They have a great selection of wines in all different price ranges. Cocktails are less impressive -- one girl at our table ordered a Froot Loops martini that was garnished with, you guessed it, sugary cereal. It tasted about as good as it sounded! The server we had was friendly and attentive even with a crowded room and the chaos of live music. The only slight misstep was that when I asked for a glass of their Wine of the Month (a free Yelp check-in offer -- woo-hoo!) he said they were all out of it. That was fine; I just asked him to substitute something else. He was a little reluctant, but eventually worked it out, and in fact the bar was so busy they poured me two glasses by mistake! I'm sure it wasn't his fault, but it bugs me when places give you grief about trying to use the coupons they invented themselves. Overall, it was a mixed bag, but if we were in the area again, I think I would give them another try.
(3)Jo Y.
Hands down the best restaurant in Eldersburg. Higher prices but worth every penny. Love the Chef's unique dishes. Don't expect the same ole menu items here. The dining experience is just as good as the food. The wife and I come here often and have never left disappointed. Clearly the "The Gem of Eldersburg".
(5)Kelly H.
I had been here for dinner but not for brunch so decided to try it. Great decision!! The eldersburg scramble is very good - the French toast looked amazing!! Highly recommend since there aren't too many nice brunch places in the area.
(5)Wallace F.
Service is excellent. Food is good, but not great. I had the Lamb Ribs and the Crab Brie appetizer. It was ok. Would I go back again? Probably not. I came all the way from Timonium, on the recommendation of a friend, but don't think I would go out of my way to repeat the experience.
(4)Aisha L.
My sister and I decided to check this place out, since we were in the neighborhood. It's location is very unassuming and unexpected for what you will find once you enter. It's located in a strip mall between a mattress store and radio shack, but their atmosphere is very cozy and inviting. They had extensive knowledge about wine, and an excellent selection also. I ordered braised short rib, and they were absolutely amazing. They were very tender, and extremely flavorful. I also had a spinach salad there that I still have dreams about. I wish I could remember the name of the salad, but it had walnuts and cranberries with a dressing that was homemade. It was great. This is our new place to be. Love it!
(5)Tiffany G.
Double wow! I am moving to this area and saw this place when I was buying a mattress. They have a customer for life. Not only excellent wine selection but the food is amazing and the price is even better. The quality is outstanding and the service too! Only four stars because it was my first time there so will need to go again. Also, it was a little too warm in the place. I HIGHLY recommend this place!!
(4)Donald E.
My wife and I love this place! We live in Owings Mills but make the drive to the Country Cork Pub The food is fresh and the service is pleasant I love the atmosphere, it's warm and inviting. The wine and the the Long Island ice teas!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Karen S.
Six of us had a fantastic wine tasting and small plate experience. Rachel, the wine rep, gave us the background on the wine producers. The wait staff were generous in their pours and lots of fun when we begged for more. The complementary small plates were perfect matches to the wines and very inventive. We had the table for six in the back which is a perfect place to a lid the noise of the main restaurant. We loved the evening. Thanks Cork!!!!!
(5)Chris R.
Love this place! Food is always fresh and seasonal. Service is pleasant and willing to make recommendations. Spirits are aplenty. The atmosphere, warm and inviting. Big fan of the Brunch and Bloody Mary bar! Kudos to the owners for being part of the action!!
(5)Amanda I.
As Fat T. said, this is a GEM in Eldersburg. I live in Westminster and heard about this from a patient. Then, got a coupon in the mail and decided to try it. We made reservations for a Friday night (they're needed unless you want to wait). We got there at 8 and waited until about 8:15 to be seated. It was really crowded! I was annoyed to have to wait even with a reservation, but it was worth it (glad we waited) . You can't get this kind of food anywhere else in Eldersburg, or Westminster. Service seemed like they were missing a few servers, all the servers were running around the owner was waiting tables also. It was OK service, pretty good, a little slower, probably because understaffed for how busy they were. It was loud, but not unbearable. Lots of people standing around at the bar also drinking. We started with the Ahi Tuna app- it was so good! Loved the blackened on one side and sesame crusted on the other. I got the scallops over mushroom risotto with green beans and blood orange sauce. The scallops were cooked beautifully. The risotto was perfect. And my only complaint is I wish I had more green beans! The green beans were so excellent and would have liked a few more. The cream sauce was a little dull and didn't add much to the dish besides a pretty color, but the dish all in all was fantastic, the sauce wasn't even needed. My boyfriend got the pizza, which was a grilled flatbread and amazing. We got the flourless chocolate cake for dessert and it was decadent and rich, just as expected. The wine pairings with food was helpful. I got the sparkling wine which was served in a glass with the rest of the bottle (mini) on the side. So about two glasses of wine for $7. Excellent price. My boyfriend would have liked more selection of craft beers, like on the website they said they had. But its a wine pub, I wouldn't have expected much different. We will definitely be returning, with a reservation.
(4)Shannon W.
The food was so fresh and fantastic. Definitely glad we stopped by. I had a special that was wonderful and my mom absolutely loved her shrimp salad.
(5)Deanna M.
Wow. Horrible service. Food was okay. Trying too hard to be a pub/ wine bar/ gastro pub. Pick one and Focus on good food AND good service and people will come. Promise. Will not go back. Will not recommend to friends and family. In this economy, going out to eat is a treat and to get such bad service makes this place not worth it. It was mothers day and this place was not busy enough to warrant such bad service.
(1)John M.
I have been to this restaurant five times and tried a different dish each time. This place is off the hook the staff is great. You will not be disappointed. My last visit I had the coffee crusted tenderloin matched with a nice Cab. Their specials are always perfect. I highly recommend this place. Brought some friends here during restaurant week should of made a reservation this place has really caught on, my fault. The staff was great we only had to wait 15 minutes not bad at all considering the flow of people coming into the place. We have had the same waiter for almost all of our visits that says a lot to me when there is not a huge turnover of employees. The servers name escapes me and I am sorry for that, he is right on que friendly knowledgeable and very accommodating. They have changed the menu a bit; I was looking for the coffee crusted tenderloin. So I am one to try various dishes so for the first time ever in a restaurant I tried their shrimp and grits. The shrimp was cooked perfect I hate when places over cook the shrimp in sauces this was not the case. Now the grits were creamy with a nice velvet buttery finish the only part of the dish I did not prefer was the sausage utilized for the dish. I prefer a local sausage Roma, it holds very nice in sauces and when sautéed with that nice char it is just incredible. In all everything was nice from the appetizers, oh did I mention they have a great selection of beer and wine. If you have not tried this place you do not know what you a missing. If there were six stars I would definitely give it six stars.
(5)Karen W.
Better food than most places in Carroll County. Reminds me of city life! Great Drinks!
(4)Lisa B.
We drove all the way from Silver Spring based on Yelp ratings to check out this well-deserved Best of Carroll County 2013 restaurant. Superior service, attentive but not intrusive and quick with accommodations: we requested a basket of bread when the only bread on the menu was flatbread, so the waitress brought us warm baguette slices with a dish of butter. Delicious grilled ahi tuna topped Caesar salad with polenta croutons (who knew?) and a HUGE, tender and juicy leg of lamb steak with lemony chickpea puree, topped with cooked fennel (never had it cooked before, but it works) and tomato slivers. Top quality ingredients creatively prepared. We wrapped it up with an Italian style creme brulee minus the brulee, topped with little peach chunks in delicate sauce. Well worth the ride for a great find. Check it out!
(4)Andrew P.
Big fan of The Cork. Frequently updated menu, but the tuna app seems to always stay on the menu and is very good. Good flatbreads, shrimp and grits and burger. The seating can be limited, but have always been happy no matter where we sat - bar, high boys, booth. Decent beer selection as well. One of our favorites in the area.
(4)Amy Z.
Went for wine flight only, can't speak to food. Place was super busy and had live music.
(4)Bill B.
The best Valentine dinner we have ever had. After 22 years of disappointments, this was a definite bright spot. We could not have been more pleased.
(5)John M.
Love the food. Had the seafood rockefeller and chicken ragout. For dessert, molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream.
(5)Standards H.
We visited The County Cork Wine Pub mid afternoon during the week so it wasn't busy at all. The server and bartender were both very attentive. The hummus was fresh and tasty. We both ordered the black and blue beef tips which were very flavorful, satisfying, and had a bit of a spicy kick. We both had a dark and stormy to drink. I thought it was a bit sweet for my taste but my husband thought it was great. I opted for a glass of wine instead and the server informed me that it would only be $4 more to get a bottle since it was half price bottles on Tuesdays! Woo Hoo! Overall, a great first experience and a pleasant surprise given the location. We will add this to our list of regular places to visit.
(4)Rach M.
Love this restaurant! Must visit on Sundays for their brunch. Their bloody Mary's are fantastic plus you can't beat all you drink for $10. I highly recommend their twisted turkey sandwich, and their garlic fries are the best I've ever eaten. A must for all!
(5)Jay M.
Where to begin? A reviewer earlier mentioned that there "isn't much going on in Eldersburg" and she is definitely correct... but the "Cork" is definitely changing that. Why go to Baltimore or DC when this TREMENDOUS establishment exists? Truth be told - i've gone twice in two weeks now - praying that my first visit wasn't a fluke. And thankfully - it wasn't. The Service: Great...Friendly and willing to go that extra mile to ensure you have everything you might need. Bartender, wait staff, and management all really seem to ACTUALLY CARE. The food: Wow. Try their crab and (i think) brie dip? Was excellent. Ordered their steak dinner - and cooked perfectly. Want to know the real shocker on the menu though? It's their shrimp and grits 'thing' ... Wish i could remember their name for it ... At any rate - i am definitely NOT a fan of grits, but am of shrimp. Somehow they put the two together - and it was almost like magic. Harry Potter might be jealous! The drinks: Yum, yum, and more yum. For a wine bar i think they've priced their drinks very reasonably. My favorite thusfar? Capasaldo Moscato? It's a slightly fizzy, sweet riesling. Gotta try it! The Price: For Eldersburg? Definitely high. But worth every penny. With drinks and a meal for 2 - I'd expect to spend $100 or so depending on how many wines you'd like to try. The only setback: If you don't have reservations - you're going to be waiting on a busy night. Not a million tables - its a nice quaint little place - so expect to wait a little bit, people arent jumping out of their seats to leave quickly! All in all - a really great place with a really pleasant atmosphere. Try it out!
(5)Amy S.
While the service was good, both times I've been there I thought the food was pricey and below average. They do have a great wine selection (hence the Cork in the name) but other than that, I'd probably not visit for the food.
(2)Charlie M.
I am definitely a fan of this place, but be warned, you don't enough crackers/vegetables with the hummus, and the toast at brunch is a joke (one tiny piece of bread cut into halves). Sometimes the live music can be a little cheesy, but all in all the menu is good, the prices are fair, the staff is friendly, and it's definitely a breath of fresh air in Eldersburg.
(4)Jennifer S.
I went to County Cork with a bunch of women from work on a girl's night out. I have to say everything was pretty darn good. No specific complaints I just don't give 5 stars unless I really get my socks knocked off. It took awhile for our whole party to arrive and the waitress was very patient with us. She had to go over the wines of the month several times as each person would arrive...you'd think at some point they'd print a menu of that? Guess it's more fun to make the wait staff memorize it and relay it repeatedly. Once everyone finally arrived and we got our drinks we started with the crab and brie fondue for an appetizer. VERY delicious. The little bowl it was served in was piping hot, it was definitely made fresh! For dinner most of us got the burger which was very good. A beef burger with all the toppings on a pretzel roll. Served with garlic and rosemary shoestring fries (one of my favorites) and some aioli which I didn't use at all b/c it just looked like a small cup of mayonnaise from the jar. One person in our group got the veggie pizza and she loved it and another person got the corned beef sandwich. That was a huge portion and she took at least half of it home if not more. Overall it was great, definitely a perfect ladies night out, let's gossip over some wine kind of place!
(4)Paul B.
We've been in a few times and have been impressed with the food and service each visit. The Friday night entertainment is always enjoyable.
(4)Steph P.
I go to the Cork at least once a week, it is a local gem that can't be missed! Happy Hour is great there, with $3 glasses of the month - perfect after a long day of work. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and the food is AMAZING!!! I almost always try one of the specials they have and am never disappointed. The two Faced Tuna Appetizer is one of the best of its kind anywhere - I have been know to order multiple orders in one sitting. The first tuesday of every month is also a wine tasting where you get food & wine pairings - not to be missed!!!
(5)Jack H.
My "go-to" restaurant when I want great food and service. Jim and Jeff (bartenders) are amazing. Once you sit at the bar area once, you will feel like friends. I have not had an average meal yet. Every dish has something unique enough to say wow. Entertainment on the weekends is just right. Not too loud, but enough to keep it lively. The customers are a pretty good mix, but without the "questionable" type. It is a very welcoming place that I love going to. Greta value and a must try.
(5)Michele W.
Wine pairings on the menu. I would recommend reservations. There is an Open Table link on their website. The place is very small and quaint. The bar and restaurant are in one space. Bar tables are a bit tight. The service station and the kitchen entrance are in the same hallway as the rest rooms. The music is way too loud. It's difficult to have an audible conversation. We were promptly greeted by a hostess and seated at one of the bar tables(we had reservations/I should have requested a booth). The menu is limited but clearly focused on fresh, well prepared, high quality food. The appetizers came out fairly quickly and directly followed by the salads. The salads were crisp and fresh tossed with I would speculate house made dressings. The choptank oysters were fresh and briney. The rosemary garlic frites were very tasty but more of a fork than finger food due to they are short shoestrings. However, after finishing our salads there was a lull. It was 20-25 minutes before we received our entrees. And once we finished our entrees another wait for the check. But, it is a very small restaurant/bar and it was prime time Friday night. The highlight of the experience was the food! Everything was delicious. I had the South west Shrimp Risotto. Large juicy shrimp and creamy risotto with a good amount of heat(spicy). The scallop risotto was equally good with an orange reduction that had some tang but not sweet. The asparagus that accompanied it was fresh and crisp. Each entree was presented beautifully, spiced to perfection, and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I would change is to visit at an off time, another night, or for lunch when they may be less busy. The service was attentive without being intrusive. The food is so good that I will have to go back!
(4)sherri s.
I just dined here last night for the first time. This place is definitely a hidden gem. The food was fresh and high quality. Wednesday nights they give a complimentary appetizer with the purchase of 2 adult entrees. We had the crab and brie fondue, which was amazing and couldn't taste any fresher. We split the Black and Bleu Beef Tips and the Crabcakes. Both dishes were fantastic. The crab cakes had a spicy kick to them and while the sauce seemed heavy, they tasted light. The serving sizes were huge. The veggies tasted fantastic and the mixed potatoes were the best I've ever had. I would go back and order the exact same entrees again in a heartbeat. For dessert, we had popcorn ice cream. This was amazing. Real popcorn in vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel sauce. They make it in-house and it's the only way I want to waste calories on ice cream now.
(4)lisa h.
Ugh. This place is way way way overrated. We had the crab and brie dip ap; no brie there. And very little crab. I had the fish tacos and my husband had the chicken remulade. Both were totally underwhelming. And to add insult to injury, prices were on par with DC. 90 bucks later for two (one ap, two entrees and 4 drinks) it was the most expensive lousy meal we've had a in while. Skip it.
(2)Patty P.
What a jewel in Eldersburg. Great food, unique food combinations and good bartenders. I haven't had a meal, dish or drink that I didn't like. I was reluctant to try a few unusual combinations, but was very surprised by the dish. The chef is truly creative. The service is good. You may have a wait on a weekend night because the place is on the small size.
(5)