The most under recognized happy hour in the state, hands down.\n\nI've been to Cork for a full dinner and wine, and it was one of the best meals I've eaten. The food was delicious, beautiful and the wine was amazing. The only reason I hadn't been back, well, I'm a college student. My wallet cannot afford such splurges on a regular basis.\n\nHowever, happy hour is the place to be. A friend and I stopped by on a Friday afternoon to see what we could find to nibble on and sip. Almost all of their happy hour menu items are $8 (some are $5), and they are full size plates. Their champagne cocktails are $3, while their other cocktails and glasses of wine are $4.\n\nLibations:\nRed Stag Bourbon Manhattan: I have a weak spot for bourbon, I don't know why, but I really enjoy its complexity. Their version of the Manhattan was pretty good, maybe a little sweet for me though. I prefer mine to have a little bit of a bite, and enjoy the flavor of the bourbon.\n\nGrapefruit Basil Martini and the Pomegranate Blueberry Martini were also both pretty good. Though they would have been better with a cool garnish of a basil leaf and pomegranate seeds, respectively. \n\nThe Floral: This champagne cocktail had a splash of St. Germaine Elderflower. Very refreshing and a little bit sweet. It was a great flavor combination.\n\nThe Modern Classic: This is another champagne cocktail but with blood orange bitters. Being a man who enjoys bourbon and bitters, I was curious to try a champagne and bitters. This was awesome. The bitters gave it a little bit of a bite, but the blood orange flavor was brought out with the champagne. A very good drink.\n\nSnacks:\nDaily Charcuterie Plate ($8): I imagine this changes daily, or weekly, but wow, what a plate for only $8! This plate had a few slices of thinly sliced meat, a great house-made pesto, a sausage and mustard, and even some luxardo cherries. It was a perfectly sized plate for two people to share and nibble on while talking and enjoying a drink. I would have easily paid $15 for what I got.\n\nDuck Fat French Fries ($5): These were to die for. Rich and amazing, topped with Gruyere cheese and sea salt. There was a whole grain mustard aioli to dip. I could have eaten those all day. \n\nFork & Knife Hotdog ($8): This open faced hotdog had chorizo, Asadero cheese, caramelized onions, tapatio. Living up to its name, I had to eat it with a fork and knife. It could have easily been a meal in itself.\n\nWild Boar Meatloaf ($8): Meatloaf with a house-made ketchup on a grilled slice of Ciabatta bread was great. The meatloaf was very moist had great flavor, complimented by the house-made ketchup. The ketchup was good, but I think it was a tad thick and seemed to stick to your tongue as you ate.\n\nI would probably have to be taken out back and shot if I didn't give these guys 5 stars because how can you not?! Great drinks, especially the champagne cocktails, and amazing small plates that max out at $8! Happy hour is how this college student can afford to enjoy the delicious, fresh cuisine that is found at Cork. If I have a Tuesday-Friday off of class or work I can definitely see myself taking my sweet girlfriend here for a light dinner via happy hour.
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