Twisted Cork Wine Bar

05/12/2008 Posted by glrdm

My husband & I love wine - we're members of wine clubs, attend local wine events, and do our best to support local vitners. We are also huge fans of good food, both making it, and enjoying the fruits of others' labor. We were looking forward to using a recently received gift certificate at this restuarant... but, what a letdown! The wine, while good, was priced substantially higher than other local wine bars. We each ordered a flight, and the men had an extra glass of wine each. The food was mediocre. I had the seared Ahi, my husband had the Halibut special. - both were fairly expensive, and neither was more than simply satisfactory. The table our group of 4 was placed at was so small, it could barely contain our wine flights, bread basket and shared appetizers (just two) (much less our menus and utensils). Two highlights: excellent service by our waitress and delicious desserts. In the end, however, I was shocked to see that our bill came to almost $500.00. The experience in no way matched the expense. I will not be returning.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/10/2008 Posted by seattlesteph

My boyfriend and I went here last night and we had a great time. I will admit that the service was a little slower than I like but they were extremely busy and getting ready for a live music show. The small plates offered in the bar were done very well and I was able to order some wine by the "taste" in a smaller, 2 oz. portion. If you enjoy seafood, order the sashimi scallops. That was one of the best dishes I've had anywhere. We got there early, at about 8:30 and the live music started around 9:15. I think we will definitely be going back again.

Pros: Great wine selection, small plates were delicious, live music was great.

Cons: Service was a little slow, but it was a Saturday night.

09/30/2007 Posted by krajo

I held a cocktail party in the Vineyard Room for a non-profit and was thrilled with the fabulous service and courtesy provided by the staff. The room was totally set up in advance of the event with linens, cocktail tables and hot/cold appetizer buffet in an tasteful arrangement. Last minute changes were attended to immediately. Guests were directed to the room by the restaurant hostess. The evening progressed flawlessly. Even though the restaurant was willing to provide servers, I elected to have a buffet to provide more opportunities for conversation and mingling. In particular, I enjoyed the mushroom raviolis and the baked crab. The staff was extremely courteous and attended to the guests with thr right amount of attentiveness lending to a relaxed evening and successful event. I would definitely host a cocktail or dinner here again and felt that the staff genuinely was personally vested in the success of the event.

Pros: Service and Atmosphere

07/04/2007 Posted by wa_wine

The Seattle area has been sorely lacking in wine bars, despite Washington being such a great wine state. Either there isn't one close by or the bar has a limited selection of wines by the glass - and what's the fun of going to a wine bar if you can't taste something different when you go? Twisted Cork definetly delivers on puting a new bent on wine bars, right in downtown Bellevue. Not only is it a plush place, but they have pages of wines by the glass or half glass (they call them tastes). Good selection of Washington wines plus a nice international selection - something for everyone and to look forward to the next visit. Service is also fast, friendly, and knowledgable - they can make a solid recommendation on what to drink. The food is tasty too, not fried bar food or tiny tastes, but well prepared appetizers that you can share. Very nice compliment to the wine. Will definetly be back!

Pros: Extensive selection of wines by the glass. Free parking too!

Cons: Entrance to the place is hard to find - its the old Hyatt entrance off Bellevue way.

07/02/2007 Posted by kukui06

If you want an experience with high priced drinks and mostly standing room, go right ahead. Managers and servers don't have communication skills with each other as well as their clientele. You can't expect a group of people to be stupid enough to fall for the prices. To be charged the night for a "room" that was not put under contract along with a drink minimum? just because the restaurant did not reach their quota for the night, doesn't mean their patrons should pay... ridiculous! Above all, trying to settle a bill instead of having a good time? how's one supposed to enjoy their experience? Sure it was a bad experience for our group, and it MAY NOT be the same for you, try it then.... it was THAT bad for us, we'd rather get ripped off elsewhere.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

02/14/2007 Posted by winefan100

The Twisted Cork Wine Bar is a new place that sets a new standard. We were able to choose from over 50 wines by the glass and 20 Champagnes by the glass, something you can't find anywhere in the Seattle area. The pre-selected flights were a lot of fun.... We went in for happy hour, all food half priced from 4-6 PM and were not let down. The poke and calamari were to die for. The food rocks!!! With live entertainment 5 nights a week, it's a welcome addition to Bellevue. Thier weekly wine tasting on Wednesday's are a great break from work, I think it's called Taste, but might be wrong. We had 5 wines paired up with 3 appetizer for $20, qutie the deal for us. Other places like Purple focus on wine, but we had a great food and wine experience!!!

Pros: Great wine selection, food, parking

Cons: Busy place, need reservations