Cork 'n Cleaver - Evansville

There 's a lot of charm to an expensive restaurant that 's been frozen in time for decades. The decor is a ranch by way of the 1970s with lots of low lighting. Even over the salad bar, which raises concerns when one has intentionally dim lights over food left out in the open. Went during early bird specials and received exemplary service. Our waiter went out of his way multiple times. Everything about Cork 'n Cleaver feels like it 's a 10-per-person hole in the wall that 's been in operation since the 80s, but it 's a -expensive restaurant. It feels like their core audience are people who were brought there as kids in the 80s and are still coming back. They have a core demographic and not that many seats to fill, so they don 't have to try as hard to look fancy or give a hoot about graphic design. There 's something to admire about that. Unfortunately, they still operate at a price point that implies they also aren 't resting on their laurels in regards to food, but the food disagrees in a few areas. To that note: having recently been to a steakhouse of comparable price point, there was a lack of finesse and skill on the food side of C 'nC. Some items on the salad bar were oddly roughly chopped (e.g. bite-sized hunks of red onion) and the grilled salmon was cooked within an inch of its life, rendered dry and seasoned only by the lemon wedge. It should be a sacrilege to think this needs salt at a restaurant, yet... When Logan 's Roadhouse serves up a better seasoned and cooked cut of salmon than a place like this, it might be time to reevaluate cooking methods/skills. Salmon can be tricky, especially in a situation where someone 's maintaining multiple cuts on a grill at once. I 've botched salmon before myself, I get it, but I still can 't get away from the fact their early bird cut is priced on par with chain steakhouse salmon and yet those consistently deliver. I had a fun time, but I also wouldn 't touch the menu outside of early bird specials and lunch prices.

We had a lovely dinner this evening. The staff was very accommodating and friendly. Food was delicious and our waitress Lisa was amazing!! She is definitely a great asset to the restaurant and I had the best time thanks in part to her. She has a great attitude and is so sweet. I hope she's our waitress next time we go. Oh the blueberry cheesecake is a must try!!!

Had their med rare prime rib w/baked potato and salad bar. Not a single thing could have been better, it was delicious.

We always have and enjoyable dining experience and Samantha makes it extra special.

The ambience is comforting. A cosey quiet place. The food was fresh and service fantastic. I come to realize in this area of the US , food choices are at a minimum, nonetheless, perfected. It's what sells. More importantly, the menu makes sense and everything is a 5 stars. I'm a meat and potato man from the South. The server accommodated my need for gravy since it's something that isn't on the menu.. that made it special. Theres something for everyone. Overall , I'll be back, again again.