Since opening in September of 2011, Half Cork’d has made a name for itself as a “classy” downtown Gainesville hangout. Known for its self-serve wines, Half Cork’d has mainly been a destination for Gainesville citizens looking for a drink. However, thanks to the wine bar’s new general manager, Bob Dillon, that’s ready to change.
Dillon has been at Half Cork’d for just a few months, but change is already evident with a wine club, several new weekly specials and, best of all, a new menu. With a range of options to choose from, this is definitely not your average bar food.
On my visit, I hit the pause button on my low-carb diet and indulged in the wine bar’s nachos, bruschetta and baked Brie. (Hey, it’s for a good cause, right?) While the word “nachos” may be a bit misleading, Half Cork’d puts its own spin on them with a tasty combination of roasted tomatoes, pancetta and goat cheese layered on top of crackelbread ($6). The bruschetta with a balsamic glaze ($6) was good but was definitely outshone by the baked Brie. Served in its own ramekin, the Brie ($8) came baked with fig jam and sprinkled with a topping of almonds. Accompanied by crackers, apple slices and strawberries fresh from the farmers' market still happening across the street, I couldn’t help but eat the entire serving.
Wednesday and Thursday are your best bets for a visit to Half Cork’d with $3 premium drafts and sangria on Wednesday and $10 all-you-can-drink premium drafts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. For those truly looking to elevate their wine and dining, Half Cork’d also hold monthly events with tastings and wine seminars, which run anywhere from $10 to $20. The bar is also available for private parties and events.
At A Glance Details:
Must try: Baked brie with fig jam and toasted almonds
Best nights: Wednesday, Thursday
Tip: For anyone in the hospitality biz, you can get 10 percent off any bottle and 50 percent off beer & sangria every night after 10 p.m.
Hours:
Tues. — Wed.: 12 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Thurs.: 12 p.m. — 12 a.m.
Fri. — Sat.: 12 p.m. — 1 a.m.
Mon. — Sun.: Closed
Location: 116 SE 1st Street, Gainesville, FL
Website: http://www.halfcorkd.com/
