I worked at the Cincinnati location in high school. What a great nostalgic reunion!!! My favorite was the salad bar, which used to be my job to keep stocked. It was absolutely pristine and filled to the top with every ingredient. They even still have creamed herring . My steak was thick and perfectly cooked absolutely delicious. This isn't Ponderosa. The bread and butter are terrific and mud pie for dessert brought it all back. The servers couldn't have been more welcoming, engaging, or kind. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Look at that salad bar - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

I understand that when you are known for the selection of wines and hard drinks, that menu can be much longer than the food, but I rarely find a place that the food lives up to high standards. When you add the high prices, I just glad I didn't have to pay since this was a corporate meal the evening before a board meeting. While the salad bar has many choices including I think caviar, it just like others of this type of restaurant. Of course have jelly belly type jelly beans is an interesting idea. My lobster bisque was at best average without chunks of lobster meat that I get at Weber's in Ann Arbor. Menu has to be limited since they have it on a meat cleaver (too cute but very heavy idea). Others enjoyed their choices. Our group was in one of the dining rooms and not the private room. A little noisy. The parking lot is really too small when I is busy and only has 4 handicap parking spaces. I hope we save money next year and go to some place else. read more

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I definitely recommend making reservations in advance to eat here. Cork N' Cleaver is a busy restaurant. They are busy for a reason, because their food is wonderful. The prices were very fair for the quality. Most restaurants of this caliber to charge more. My wife and I both got the filet and they were both cooked perfectly. The sides were also great and flavorful. We both got the salad bar and certainly recommend it. It's a very high quality salad bar. We got the lemon cake for dessert and that was also a wonderful decision. Cork N' Cleaver is a fancy restaurant that is perfect for any date night or celebration. Easy 5 stars. read more

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Holy moly. It's worth the stop for the fabulous salad bar alone! We were full by the time our Santa Fe shrimp and rice arrived so that's going home with me. Tasted one shrimp and it was perfect. And the bread and cinnamon butter--this could have been dessert worthy it was so fantastic. Delish food, nice service, lovely atmosphere! read more

One of wife's favs, stopped in for dinner during the week. Usually a good experience but a bit rough this time. Had mushrooms for appetizer, wife had prime rib and I had almond crusted walleye. First off, wife's drink sent back with instructions to help. Then, steak came, no steak knife. Had to go and get one. Walleye was not very good. Vegetables overcooked and fish was flavorless. Sent it back. Enjoyed the salad bar. Waitress was disappointing. Two tables in station but hard to find her and fake Barbie smile was insincere. Manager did stop by about the walleye and removed charge from check, which was appreciated. Total check was $89 with walleye removed. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Almond Crusted Walleye. Took one bite and tried to find unburnt veggies. - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Cork n Cleaver never disappoints when it comes to a steak excellently cooked. The lobster bisque is not too sweet and so creamy. The Expresso martini is the best in Fort Wayne. It is made with real expresso and doesn't have the weird sweet taste when made without real coffee. Maddy is our favorite bartender and remembers how we like our drinks even if it has been awhile since our last visit. We are never disappointed here with our service, food, or drinks. By far our favorite steakhouse in Fort Wayne! read more

This is my go-to restaurant for a special occasion! The food quality and service are always good! You get what you pay for, literally at this place. The salad bar is the best one I have ever had in my life. Would always return for another fancy dinner! read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

A great place to eat Prices are high but the quality of the food is worth it Great salad bar. Can't wait to go there again read more

Cork N' Clever is the place in Fort Wayne for a good steak. During my most recent visit, I found parking in the main lot challenging as always, yet the bar at 7 pm on a Summer Saturday was surprisingly not busy. Maybe everyone was away at the lakes or choosing to sit at tables in the restaurant. Both bartenders behind the bar were fun to chat with and so positive while making drinks. Cork N' Clever has an extensive wine list, but I opted for a French 75. If you haven't been here before, you'll probably be surprised when they hand you the menu - it's engraved on a heavy clever. Another unique and fun aspect of this restaurant is the salad bar. There are cold bowl plates for your salad along with items to add like caviar and jelly beans. I'm still not sure where to put the jelly beans on my salad, so I wish there was a separate small bowl you could put your jelly beans in. For dinner I had a 7 oz. filet and Brussel sprouts. They were probably some of the tiniest Brussel sprouts I've seen, but the favor was good. The steak was cooked perfectly, but the presentation of the entree was a little lacking. I took leftovers to go and was given a Styrofoam box. I know this is pretty normal in the Midwest, but it's not the most environmentally friendly. read more

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Pretty interesting restaurant, the aesthetic is a bit all over the place but the menu is clear cut surf and turf and they lean into their notable salad bar. First of all the salad bar is pretty legit, everything looked very fresh and they had a wide array of salad and salad adjacent goodies (jelly beans is a new one to me lol). I made a caesar and it was delicious, loved the dressing and the romaine. The not so good. The almond crusted walleye was too dry, definitely over cooked or sat under a lamp too long. It's served with tartar sauce but even that couldn't revive it. The salmon was really well prepared and they ask you if your prefer it more done than their standard medium. I also really enjoyed the black and blue flavor. The sea bass was phenomenal, perfectly cooked. It was buttery but flakey and the bread crumb crust was light and delicious. The standout entree of the evening for our group. The pork chop tasted really good as well. It was cooked well and served with a nice sauce. I was a bit under whelmed by the sides here, the asparagus lacked seasoning and so did the brussel sprouts. A spoonful of butter would've gone a long way for these. For the price I expect better. Some of the food was great and some, mainly the sides, were very basic with no seasoning. Kind of perplexing. Our server was friendly enough and very knowledgeable about the menu. read more

Brick walls with arches, open kitchen, fantastic salad bar! Service comes along the level of the pricing. My friend had the walleye he said this about it, it's got all kinds of textures and flavors with potatoes, brussel sprouts, and peppers. It's wonderful! We ordered off menu and got crab cakes dinner. I don't think I've ever had a baked crab cake before. It was a very interesting flavor. Definitely fresh crab and very good. Both dinners came with a salad bar and we added a $20 unlimited salad bar. It was more than we could eat for sure. The salad bar was everything I love about a salad bar. So fresh. We will definitely be back. read more

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Good, not great... First time at Cork n' Clever, which is supposed to be considered a "Fort Wayne Original"... While, it was okay, it certainly wasn't worth $185. The restaurant is dated and had an 80s throwback vibe (80s elevator music literally playing in the background), but was clean and well kept. The service was good and prompt. As for the food, nothing to write home about... The crab cakes were okay, but nowhere close to the crab cakes at Ruth's Chris (and definitely not worth $18 for two puny crab cakes). The best part was the salad bar, which was awesome... It was very fresh and had many options. Our steaks were cooked very good to order (medium rare), but they were not seasoned well, if at all. We've never had to salt a steak at a steakhouse, but our steaks were bland and required it - Pretty disappointed with that. By and large, Cork n' Cleaver was alright... Not as good as Don Hall's Gas House and the food is grossly overpriced. read more

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Great steak place! Have eaten here multiple times. The salad bar is always a must. I get the filet mignon every time, it is so tender and delicious. Husband has had the other steaks and enjoys them. Servers are very knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Food: the fillet was amazing. I got the fillet with blue cheese butter. My husband got the New York. The steaks came with soup or salad bar. The salad bar had caviar. The caviar was a fine treat. The menu is more alcohol heavy. The entire food menu is actually on a cleaver. The dessert we got was the mud pie, it was HUGE! Service: the waitress was really kind and informed We liked that the waitress offered to take back our steak if we were unsatisfied with level it was cooked. This unlocked a new level of expectation that showed a level of respect and class to this fine establishment. Ambiance: it was very calm and quiet. The dress attire seemed mixed as some people came casual and others for fancy date night. There was not any loud music more of a murmur of soft music in the background. It was very clean. Overall we would come again! read more

Still outstanding!! Excellent service! Warm and welcoming facility. Best salad bar in Fort Wayne! Bar service is consistently satisfying!! Any entree you get will be designed, presented and cooked to perfection! read more

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Cork N' Cleaver is a nice option for dinner, however not a place I would go out of my way for. It was my first time there. It's been reccomended a lot and came with raving reviews, and I found it just mediocre. Our waitress wasn't the best- she seemed new and nervous, however, she took our plates that had bread on it- twice! I do appreiciate that almost every entree comes with soup or the salad bar, and the salad bar is one of the best parts of this resturaunt. It is very family friendly, so kids were running around the restaurant the whole night. Next time, we will definitely ask for the bar area. I ordered a prime rib- the cook was perfect but it lacked flavor or seasoning. My fiance got the coffee crusted ribeye, and that was great. Maybe it was just an off night- but I wasn't impressed read more

I ordered the coffee crusted ribeye. It was a bit salty for me. However, my husband ordered a fillet and he was more than satisfied! And I like it they have a salad bar option that goes with their dinners. read more

I've heard about this place from my fiancé and others. They're not kidding about the menu being served on a cleaver. That's gnarly. First time here! Enjoyed the bacon wrapped artichoke hearts, coffee pepper crusted ribeye w/ blue cheese butter and teriyaki filet mignon w/ garlic butter. Also...if you have room in yo belly, order the mud pie. It really is a nice treat to share for 2-4 people. Our waitress Amy was so kind and candid. Highly recommend bringing people out of town here or treat yoself. Life is too short, enjoy! Overall, the ambiance is cozy yet romantic. We sat next to the fireplace which was a nice touch. Background music is soothing too. read more

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Had an exceptional dinner here recently while in town for a funeral. Our table was a group of 10, and Katie was our server. She was definitely on top of her game! We started with a couple of bottles of Malbec, along with a shrimp platter (various marinades, around 20-25 shrimp). So tasty! When it came to entrees, most of the table chose steaks of various sorts (filet, ribeye, etc), and there were some amazing options. I chose the Black & Bleu salmon. I was a little concerned it would be "too saucy" but it wasn't. The bleu cheese was grilled atop the salmon fillet, and the flavor was more like a marinade than a sauce. It was truly amazing, and maybe one of my favorite salmon dishes I've ever had. The salad bar was great - several types of lettuces to choose from, along with what seemed like an unlimited range of toppings. The restaurant was very full, and I know the family I was with had made reservations a week or so in advance, so keep that in mind. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - The menu is printed on a metal/wood meat cleaver. So unique! - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

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This restaurant has been around quite a while and it hasn't missed a beat. The food is very good. The service is sublime salad bar is delicious. Try it you like it. read more

Had another company event at Cork and Cleaver, and as usual the food the service and the ambience was outstanding. Pam and Suni took great care of my team and were outstanding and provided a lot of entertainment as well as Great Service. As usual, the meals were outstanding, and the desserts were simply divine. You cannot go wrong choosing this place for a night out with your significant other or a team event. read more

Excellent food and the salad bar is the best! good bread too! Steaks are awesome! Service is very good and staff very accommodating

Salad bar is delicious. One of my favorite in Fort Wayne. So many different options and toppings. The house made ranch is delicious. If you like caviar, it's on there too. The blackened shrimp is tasty. Can add salad bar to any entree for only like 5 dollars, totally worth it. I would pass on the cream of broccoli soup, it's not very good. Service was attentive. Environment in the bar is nice. read more

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Wow!! What an incredible experience that we had with Smith Brothers tonight!! Dad and I enjoyed our time together tonight!

We had a reservation last night here for two at 545. We arrived early, but were invited to wait in the bar. The bar tender was super friendly, and we got our drinks (dirty martini and gumball head) very quickly. When our table was ready, we were escorted back by the cordial young lady at the hostess stand. Sandy was our server. She was the epitome of professionalism and what an outstanding server looks like. She was friendly, suggested up sales (but not in a pushy way), and never let our water glasses go empty. The menu is still served on a large cleaver. The lighting is very dim. Which is romantic, but also makes reading anything a bit of a challenge if you're in your forties like us! My husband ordered stuffed mushrooms,, the 7oz filet with garlic butter and broccoli, and choose salad bar instead of soup. He also ordered an espresso martini. I had the black and blue salmon with Brussel sprouts and salad bar. I also ordered a special summer drink. I think it was the rose mule or something. Was delicious! The salad bar items all looked freshly stocked. A wonderful array of salad, toppings, caviar, and jelly beans! The mushrooms were just ok. The sauce was a bit thin, and the mushrooms themselves were very small. The brown bread with the sweet butter was addicting. My husband's steak was cooked perfectly medium rare. He said it was the best steak he'd had in months! My black and bleu salmon wasn't really blackened. It looked a bit unappetizing, but the flavors were great! The Brussel sprouts were sweet and spicy. We didn't get any dessert, but I heard a few different options and the chocolate cake sounded divine. Overall, BEST service and food we've had in the Fort in a long time! Highly recommend for a special occasion or just a casual meal! read more

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We stop here and was not disappointed we all ordered steaks and they were cooked perfectly

Found what I was looking for. The clerk was super friendly. I could usually find product in grocery stores. They had told me it was a seasonal product, so I went to Cork n cleaver. read more

Lunch menu had Yellowfin ahi tuna so two in our party of six ordered it. Ordered rare it came overcooked and pardon me but that was not ahi tuna! Ahi tuna is sushi grade or at least it should be! It was mushy, stringy and tasteless. What a disappointment. $18 really?? My group will be finding a new lunch spot after many years. Sad. read more

Great food, great service, very nice atmosphere and you're going to pay for it but worth it. The steaks were perfect the crab was sweet, our waitress was attentive. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Alaskan king crab - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Our food was delicious and ambiance was outstanding. Our waitress Grace was the best we have had in quite some time. She was very happy,very friendly and very knowledgeable about food, drinks. We were celebrating our Anniversary and we pick the right place to celebrate it. Lance Harman read more

The wife and I were in town for a show and stopped on a whim. Glad we did! The menu is a cute surprise and worth the visit alone, but the steak is the star of course. Accentuated by the staff and night manager. He and his team were Uber welcoming and accommodating We will be back! read more

BEST Salad bar! I mean the best ever. Fancy restaurant. Staff is always friendly. Restaurant is clean.

Have eaten here a few times now and wanted to give them the praise they deserve.... Specifically talking about the coffee crusted ribeye which I had every time I visited. Not only is the ribeye cooked to perfection everyone so far, but the tenderness and flavor are outstanding! As for the service, 100% on point. There when you need them but with plenty of private time in between...not overbearing. read more

The service was amazing and our waitress knew the menu like the back of her hand. We asked a lot of questions as we were first timers. Wagyu sirloin steaks were our choice and they didn't disappoint. Cooked the way we like it to perfection. Medium rare. I don't think they have Wagyu all the time as it was a special. It came with well cooked and seasoned fingerling potatoes. Definitely order the crab dip (I think it also was a special)!!! The mud pie for desert definitely feeds 2 people. Getting this meal in a big city like Chicago or else where would be double the price! Salad bar was perfect - so CLEAN! I say go for it next time you pass through Fort Wayne, IN..... read more

Fort Wayne staple! This place has been around forever-I remember my parents going when I was a kid. I don't really think they've changed their menu either but they don't have to because it's so yummy. Love their grilled shrimp and cheese mushrooms for appetizers and then I have to order a steak every time I'm here. But also save room for dessert because that mudslide!! I'm hungry now just thinking of it. It's ALWAYS busy, even if eating dinner at 4:30/5 so make sure to make a reservation. Cozy interior and friendly staff. Now I want mushrooms... read more

Found this place on accident and couldn't be happier. Epic salad bar, I had the pork chop and it was tender, juicy and flavorful. The Brussels sprouts were also delicious. The couple next to us said the apple crisp was delicious but I was so full I'll have to try next time! If the meal wasn't enough to seal the deal, the service we received from Erica was top notch! She made the experience, would give this place six stars because of her. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

The service was top flight when we had dinner for my birthday. The food was excellent. I highly recommend the wonderful salad bar and salmon. My grandson enjoyed the ribeye steak with coffee crust. The highlight of the dinner was the Mud Pie dessert. Ashley went above and beyond serving our group. I highly recommend the Cork N' Cleaver for your special occasions. read more

Cork N' Cleaver - Mud Pie dessert enjoyed by the whole table of five. - Steakhouses Near Me - Fort Wayne, Indiana

Came here for dinner last night and had a great experience. The ambiance is intimate and comfortable. It reminds me of a country club in the early '90s. Very clean and well maintained for sure. The food was really good! My coffee crusted ribeye steak was cooked properly and was very tender with no rancid notes at all - the meat tasted very fresh. I also got the bacon wrapped artichoke hearts - delicious! People always kept telling me about how great the salad bar was but I don't really get the hype. To me, it was a salad bar. It did have some extras that I wouldn't normally see like jelly beans and caviar, but otherwise I'd say it's a standard deluxe salad bar. I will admit that the veggies were all nice and crisp and well stocked. My only food complaint is that the entrees were quite salty - almost too salty. They have a large assortment of very nice wines and a decent whiskey list if you are into that sort of thing. Their beer list is ok but definitely not their focus. I was disappointed in the cocktail menu - pretty basic Stoli and Bacardi type drinks. My Pomejito was very tasty but was the only interesting sounding cocktail on the list to me. I tried my husband's espresso martini and it was fabulous! I think it was better than Club Soda's version. The service was great! Nicole was super attentive but not in our face. She made great recommendations when we couldn't decide and she was very respectful and careful to ensure I would not have an allergic reaction to anything at our table when I let her know of my almond allergy. I can tell that they take that sort of thing very seriously and I appreciate it not only for myself but for anyone else that would be dining in. All in all, I had a lovely time. It is a bit on the expensive side, but a nice treat to enjoy for special occasions! read more

One of my favorite restaurants when visiting Fort Wayne. This restaurant has been around for a long time. But it is always great food. The atmosphere still remains the same as it was many years ago. It is a more traditional, old restaurant feel. But we love that. My daughter and I both had prime rib, medium rare. Baked potatoes, and of course the salad bar. We also had the appetizer with artichokes. Appetizer was a little bit underwhelming. While it tasted good, the pieces were so very small. I don't know if I could even call them bite-size. But they had good flavor. The salad bar was awesome as always. That's one of the reasons I love to go to this restaurant. They even have caviar on their salad bar. Or prime rib came out a perfect medium rare, even though it was 730 by the time we got there. Great flavor! The waitress was very friendly. All in all it was a great experience as always. read more

We've been about five times over the last two years. Old school feel and once touted as the best steakhouse in town, is still very good! Know for its salad bar - which is fantastic - food is very good and ambiance is warm and cozy. Service is good! read more