My friend took me to this tiny little restaurant bar in downtown Waxhaw. Parking is a bit of an issue; there are some close parking lots nearby. The restaurant is tiny with only a few tables inside. There is also a bar and an outdoor patio. The walls are loaded with bread and wine to purchase. We ended up buying several to take home and try. The food was mostly between $15 and $30. They have daily specials; I ordered one: a pastrami sub, which was crazy and delicious. The service was very friendly but leisurely. Very enjoyable, stop by for a drink and a bite. read more

CORK & ALE - Pastrami Sub - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

I've never had a bad meal here and the beer and wine selection are quite spectacular.

Once again excellent food and service, Reed took very good care of us. We had she crab soup, French dip, and chocolate cake (gotta have dessert)! read more

CORK & ALE - South African Red - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

Great place. The wines are good and they give a decent pour. The menu isn't huge so I've tried most of the dishes and I've never been disappointed. We visit regularly and it's become a lot more popular in recent years! read more

I told my husband I would bring him dinner after my errands. I found this place through Yelp and saw they had a vegan chicken sandwich, and thought, perfect! I called to place my order, and told the menu on Yelp was not updated. I went online and looked at their menu. I ordered the vegan chicken sandwich and a salmon salad. Upon the first bite, my husband's facial expression changed, I asked what was wrong, he looked puzzled, and I said, what, it tastes like meat? He replied, yes. I assured him it was a vegan "chicken" sandwich and his face relaxed. My husband ate the rest of his "chicken" sandwich with ease and a happiness. The restaurant is small, but they had multiple seating options. read more

Cork & Ale is a good spot in downtown Waxhaw! Extensive beer/wine menu and pretty good food that is reasonably priced. My college friend and I had dinner here tonight, we ordered the charcuterie burger, the caramelized onion flatbread and the bretzel to share. The charcuterie burger was my favorite, such a unique menu item with complementary flavors, would definitely order again. The flatbread was also really good, I just didn't like that the tomatoes were cooked/a little soggy - I'm a texture person so I just picked them off. The bretzel itself was yummy but the parmesan artichoke dip it came with was nothing to write home about. Our server was friendly and quick, helpful without being overbearing. I took stars off for was the atmosphere. While the inside was decorated beautifully for Christmas, we were sat right next to a table of two women who were incredibly loud. Kind of hard to catch up with an old friend when the table 5 feet away from you (no, seriously, 5 feet away!) is hootin and hollerin! Being that the restaurant itself is relatively small, I would be cautious about what occasion you come here for. Despite good food and drinks, maybe not the best spot for a first date or catching up or anything intimate. However if you're coming in with a large group where 1x1 conversation is no priority, I would absolutely recommend. All in all, Cork & Ale is a gem in downtown Waxhaw! Just bear occasion in mind when you're planning to come here and you'll be set to enjoy a nice meal read more

See all

Reed be da bomb. we're coming back. cowabunga. try to South African red it's gorgeous with the lights on the tree on the outdoor patio he sure to ask for Reed that's a name not a menu item read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the food and atmosphere![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Courtyard or inside. It never disappoints.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] One of my favorite places! read more

Great food...great service! This is the spot in Waxhaw, NC. Right in the heart of this quant downtown. Beautiful patio and outdoor area with live music several nights a week. The entire staff always makes you feel comfortable, and the food is top notch! They have a huge selection of wine, beer, and ciders to choose from. Have a sip while you are here or grab a bootle to take home. It's your choice! read more

CORK & ALE - Wine, charcuterie, and a prime rib sandwich - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

See all

The Wednesday wine tastings are an added bonus!! Tyler has tons of energy and really knows his stuff. The service is always quick and when you add live entertainment, it's the perfect spot for food and wine!! Can't wait to go there again. read more

Cork and Ale hosted a bridal shower for one of my best friends. The restaurant is so cozy and cute. The food was brought out buffet style and was SO good. The French toast totally knocked my socks off. The staff working our party kept everything coming and our plates and glasses were never empty. Thank you Cork and Ale for a great time! read more

See all

Love this place! Great food and a menu that offers regular changes for the better. Their special are notable and beer and wine pairing is worth a try. read more

Girls night out. Wonderful glass of wine and salmon. They have a nice outdoor area with picnic tables and three fire pits. read more

CORK & ALE - a glass of wine and a menu on a wooden table - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

We almost immediately felt as though we were intruding rather than dining. Should have turned around and left. We had a reservation, but our table apparently wasn't ready. That's understandable, but a host/hostess could have told us rather than just leaving us standing at the front of the restaurant. One seated, it was at least 15 minutes before we had to flag down a server that kept walking past our table. We asked if we could order. Her response, " I guess so". Our water was never refilled. We wanted to order additional wine, but were never asked. We asked for silverware at least 3 times, but never received it. The flatbread was soggy. Complete failure on all levels. One star because I can't go lower. read more

Charming wine bistro! The meatball sub was delish! Great service & ambiance and within walking distance of ice cream, live music, shopping and breweries. read more

My first time in with K for an early Saturday dinner. It was quite busy around 5p when we arrived and were fortunate to get the last table. I had to drive around the block twice to find a place to park. This is a nix mix between beer and wine bar. Quite an extensive selection of both. Good representation of many local craft brew and some west coast breweries as well. They have a menu with mostly salads, paninis and flat breads through they do have some entrees available for after 6p. K had the grilled chicken and I had the grilled salmon. It was a good and we chose not to have any adult beverages for the meal. The service was quite good and a very casual atmosphere. Parking is quite a challenge. read more

In the Covid-19 era, dining out takes on a new meaning as we search for places that offer quality meals that can be picked up and taken home. Cork & Ale came through for us in this regard as we were looking for a special meal to celebrate our 25th anniversary ---- at home. We ordered both the Salmon Honey Mustard and the pasta special for the day which was Chicken and Wild Mushroom. Both were absolutely delicious and I will be craving that honey mushroom sauce on the salmon for days to come. At least I know where I need to go to appease that craving! The staff went the extra mile to make our special day even more special. We will definitely be returning. read more

CORK & ALE - Meals to go during the Covid-19 crisis. - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

The best holiday get-together this year was lunch at Cork and Ale. The crab was amazing but our server, Reid, made the day exceptional. He is so knowledgeable about wine and made suggestions that were perfect. We bought several bottles of wine based on his recommendations. Plus, these three old women developed a bit of a crush. Can't wait to go back! read more

Great little bar in Waxhaw, Saturday night they have a live band which played great music. Good range of beverages. Hard to find a spot as so busy so we just hung out at the bar. Pretty hopping place. Low key with a food truck outside. Great local place to get a drink. Really interesting decor too. Feel good place. read more

CORK & ALE - First time here! - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

Three weeks ago we found ourselves in Waxhaw at the recommendation of a patron at Kefi vineyards. He suggested the Cork & Ale so we decided to check it out. His suggestion was spot on. The food is delicious and prices are very reasonable. The ambiance also has a good vibe to it as well. We were seated outside and our server was Reid. Heck of a nice guy. That day happened to be his first day there, though we would not have guessed. His courtesy, attentiveness and friendly demeanour would make you think he had worked there for years. We decided to come back to Waxhaw again , this time with friends, to see what else is in that town. As we walked by Cork & Ale we noticed that Reid was working again, so we decided to stop in and order food and drinks. Once again the food was delicious and the drinks were good. Of course Reid was the same likeable guy from the previous visit. The point of this review is that service matters and because of Reid's professionalism and good humour this business has return customers + two new customers. read more

Have been to Cork and Ale before, and wanted to try their Wine Wednesday. We were disappointed this time. We had She Crab soup, burrata salad and a shrimp cocktail. It was just ok. Waiter was not knowledgeable about the wines. He went and asked someone about a wine and we purchased a bottle. The wine was fine, we were surprised Cork and Ale charge a corkage fee for their own wines. We know corkage fees are added when you bring in your own wine, but not when you purchase the wine from the restaurant. read more

First time going to this place Ambiance was cool it's a small place but it doesn't feel small. The food was great I order the prosciutto chicken it was so good price is just right. Service was great. Definitely a great place for GNO or Date Night will definitely go back read more

Everything we had was fresh and delicious! Pretzel, Chicken Bacon Cheddar panini and BLT panini! And don't leave without the "life changing chocolate cake"! Will definitely return! read more

A true diamond! Ladies & I come here every week for a nice little girls wine night. ALL the staff (but shout's out to Tyler & Stephanie!!) are amazing and the wine selection is "WOW" (beer & wines galore) and the FOOD....holy cow it's just awesome! I think over the past 6 months we've tried everything on the menu & the specials; it's always divine, such a surprise for this tiny little GEM of a spot in pretty little downtown Waxhaw! I recommend calling for a reservation, as the seating is limited. Also, we like weeknights as it tends to be a little easier to get in. I love this place SO much I almost hate sharing about it as it's so perfect I want to keep it a secret! But that's just not fair to the staff & owners who have created a fabulous environment & classy establishment! Thanks y'all! read more

Great wine bar! Very friendly owner, Bernard, who has great recommendations and friendly, excellent service! Ask for Lindsey to take care of you! She's sweet and fun! Great prices for excellent wines read more

CORK & ALE - Coste di Moro Montepulciano red wine - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

Yes. My wife and I biked here and enjoyed the outdoor seating. Such great food and service. On our list for date night.

Very cozy, great staff and the food is good. I love sitting by the window watching the town. read more

CORK & ALE - White wine is just fine! - Wine Bars Near Me - Waxhaw, North Carolina

Cork and Ale is the best spot in the town of Waxhaw to meet new friends and have awesome food and drink. Special nights include wine Wednesday, special dinners and wind pairings and live music! Highly recommended! read more

Great service, food, and ambiance. Lots of bottle wines to choose from. However, there selections of beer is not good. Being local to so many breweries that offer excellent beer just be on their priority list. Not every one drinks good wine. Even though it's a wine catered establishment. Just to consider.... read more

An A-OK wine and beer bar with a food menu. The story is that in the southeast during prohibition, when alcoholic beverages were forbidden, there were many ways to get around this prohibition. People made wine, beer and hard liquor in their homes, alcohol was smuggled into the USA and the issue became how to access alcohol. In some areas of the South, people could acquire alcohol when they bought groceries, asking the cashier to include a "black chicken" on their bill. Alcohol, in a plain bottle and bag would be made part of the grocery purchased. The Waxhaw Black Chicken is a very small and cozy restaurant/wine bar with an extensive selection of bottled wine and craft beer sold at retail rather than restaurant mark-up prices. They offer at 10% discount on wine cases and at this writing some of the beer is discounted 30%. Wife and I went for our evening meal. The interior is two rooms, the front room is like a store, with shelving holding wine and beer bottles. Three small tables plus a larger 12 person table is in the center. The back, or second room is a bar with a couple of TVs and a little more seating facing the bar. We waited to be seated until the wait person turned to us and told us to seat where we like. The big table was the only space. The menu was in three parts. A listing of wines by the glass, a listing of draft beers and a list of available food. Best to check out the food menu on the web: http://blackchickenwinecellar.com/menu.html Sandwiches/panini (hot and cold), snacks like olives and dips, light meals like flat breads and sliders. We did the pork sliders ($12.50) which were excellent, and the caramelized onion flat bread ($13.50), which my wife liked better than I did. The red wines we tried were great ($8 each). Come early to get a seat and remember that this is not necessarily a dinner place. It is light fare and beverages. read more

Had the meatzaa pizza. Was cold and tasteless. The service was pretty bad as well. Not going to rant but there are many other great places that are in Waxhaw which are far better. read more

Food is great, staff is friendly! Love the quaint atmosphere. The wine selection is fantastic.

I've been coming here since it was the Black Chicken and food service and hospitality is outstanding. Staff is great and very helpful in helping choosing wine and beer. No jukebox as someone mentioned but they do have live music a couple of times a week. Fun place read more