Cork DC

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As an aspiring wine connoisseur (or maybe just a fancy name for a lush), I had to try out the wine bar, Cork. Located at 1720 14th Street between streets, R and S, Cork is a perfect spot for after work, pre-theater or a celebration with the girls. It fits perfectly within the U street corridor, as it’s a nice trendy addition.

The décor of exposed brick gives an industrial feel, which makes Cork seem like an experience; you’re taking a wine adventure, vineyard not included. The wine bar is not intimidating, the bartenders are friendly and the menu already states which wines pairs well with their entrees. The servers and staff graciously ask questions so they can best serve the wine novice or a wine enthusiast.

The restaurant’s wine menu focuses on wines from France and Italy, and it’s meant to expose people to new things. With such an extensive list of wines, one should check the blackboard listings of the four categories of wine served by flights, which is a sampling of three two-ounce tastes of sparkling wines, chenin blancs, cabernet francs and grenaches.

The food at Cork is just as selective yet delicious as their wine, with cold and warm entrees that are meant to be shared while slipping a glass of Colutta Pinot Grigio Del Colli Orientali or Albert Mann, Pinot Blanc with the Rosemary Chicken Liver Brushetta, topped with a shallot marmalade and a herb salad. The average calamari is upgraded with lemon pepper seasoning and a blend of rock shrimp, that pairs well with the caper remoulade.


Cork gets crowded, for the best experience come straight after work at 5 or late evening to try their Lizzy's Goat Cheese Cake and a dessert wine.

On your plate: Start with Cork’s House-Marinated Olives and their House-Roasted Marinated Peppers. For the adventurous eater, try the Rosemary Chicken Liver Bruschetta and the Sautéed Wild Mushrooms with madeira and marjoram.

In your wine glass: Cork’s wine lists host’s 40 wines by the glass, and around 130 by the bottle.


Cork is located at 1720 14th Street, NW just south of the U Street Corridor.

Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Wednesday: 5:00 p.m.-Midnight (kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m.)

Thursday-Saturday: 5:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. (kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m.)

Sunday: 5:00 p.m.-Midnight (kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m.)

Closed Monday