You're in Good Company

No matter what you do or where you work, Cork's has a special just for you.  

COMPANY DAYS

Did you know that Cork's offers a discount to employees of downtown St. Paul businesses on certain days? Enjoy 25% off your food order on the day that your company has been designated. 

Monday:

St. Paul Police and Fire | Department of Revenue | City of St. Paul

Tuesday: 

Regions | Science Museum | Osan Dental | Children’s Hospital | Biomedix

Wednesday: 

Department of Human Services | Ecolab | State of Minnesota Employees

Thursday:

Securian | City and County Credit Union | Cray | McNally Smith | Lawson | 3M | CIS Insurance (L.S.S.)

Friday: 

Health Partners | Bethesda Hospital | St. Joseph’s Hospital | Ramsey County | Education Minnesota

We have been adding to our list daily, so if you don't see your company, there's a good chance we're in the process of adding it. Please contact our Food & Beverage Manager, Chris, at 651-224-5111 or e-mail him. If you're company is not on the list, he'll work with you to ensure that it is added accordingly, and if it's on the list, we can let you know which day to show up!

FOODSERVICE INDUSTRY NIGHT

We have also designated every Sunday evening from 7-11pm as Foodservice Industry Night (FIN) for our fellow local restaurant employees. After showing proof of employment, FIN guests get a card that's good for Double-ups. Double up for a buck on select drinks -- Order one drink and receive the second for just a dollar!

And if it just so happens that you don't qualify for any of the above specials, you can always take advantage of our usual Daily Specials, Happy Hour deals, and Facebook Fan Friday of course! 

Sláinte!

Inspired by the Season - Summer Specials Menu

In continuing with our commitment to offering specials that are up to the minute for this season, we are now offering a Special Menu that will be available for the duration of the season.

Inspired by the flavors of summer, we've included some lighter items that complement our pub fare quite nicely.

Now through Labor Day, enjoy summer at Cork's with our Summer Specials Menu!

Inspired by the Season

Soup & Salad

A cup of our chef-crafted soup with house salad {your choice of dressing}.

Half Club & Soup

1/2 of our famous Club Sandwich served with a cup of our chef-crafted soup.  

Berries & Brie Salad

Berries & Brie Salad 

Mixed Greens tossed in Strawberry Vinaigrette. Topped with seasonal Berries and Sliced Brie. 

{Add Chicken}

Apple & Brie Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Apple & Brie Chicken Sandwich

Grilled Granny Smith Apple Slices and melted Brie with a grilled Chicken Breast and topped with a Balsamic Reduction. 

Served with your choice of side. 

Cherry Chicken Salad Wrap

Dried Cherries, Cashews, and Chicken Salad wrapped in a Whole Wheat Tortilla. 

Served with your choice of side. 

Strawberry Shortcake

Pound Cake topped with Macerated Strawberries and fresh Whipped Cream.

Stop into Cork's this week and see for yourself just how tasty summer can be!

St. Paul Saints Baseball

This week marked the opening season of St. Paul Saints' baseball. Way before the Minnesota Twins, Minneapolis and St. Paul entertained a variety of both major and minor-league baseball teams, with the first iteration of a baseball team called the Saints appearing in 1884.

The St. Paul Saints as we know them today first appeared in 1993 as part of the Northern League, an independent league that isn't affiliated with Major League Baseball. Despite a season that coincides with that of the Minnesota Twins, the Saints have enjoyed considerable popularity with a loyal fan base all their own. Known for their fun antics as well as zany publicity stunts both on and off the field, the Saints' arrival on the baseball scene originally was not warmly greeted by the Twins.

Now, though, the two teams work together to promote baseball in Minnesota, not as competitors, but friends. The Saints even hosted a promotion for this past Friday night's game, proclaiming, "This is Twinkie Territory", giving away "the last remaining" Hostess Twinkies to the first 1,000 fans.

As you probably know, the Saints long-standing hopes to build a new stadium are about to become a reality. Slated for completion in spring 2015, we look forward to enjoying all the fun of Saints baseball right here in Lowertown!

Plus, we're thrilled to host Saints fans who are looking to grab a bite before a game at Cork's or even spend the night after a late game here at the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown.

In the meantime, we encourage you to check out a Saints game this season to see what all the fuss is about. And of course, you're still welcome encouraged to stop into Cork's for a bite and/or spend the night at the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown after a game. Become a fan and then look forward to cheering the Saints on in style in Lowertown soon!

Minnesota Wild Playoff Hockey at Cork's & The Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown

With one away game down, one more to play tonight, and two more to play at home, it's obvious that your Minnesota Wild need you to cheer them into the second round of the 2013 NHL Playoffs!

Let Cork's and the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown be your destination for Wild Playoff Hockey. If you're looking for a spot to watch the games (home or away), we've got you covered. With multiple flatscreens to catch all the playoff action and our great menu filled with your favorites to half off Coors Light taps during the game, Cork's Irish Pub is your pub for playoff hockey.

If you were lucky enough to score tickets to one of the upcoming Home Playoff Games on Sunday, May 5, or Tuesday, May 7, enhance your  experience with our Minnesota Wild Package. With your tickets to a Wild Playoff home game, book our Wild Package and receive:

• Overnight accommodations at the beautiful Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown, 
• Complimentary transportation (for two) to and from the Xcel Energy Center, and a
• $25 Gift Certificate to Cork's Irish Pub!

It's simple! Just book your Wild Package stay, by CLICKING HERE. Once you arrive, feel free to take advantage of Happy Hour in Cork's with your Cork's Certificate, or even relax and enjoy our famous Manager's Reception (complimentary cocktails and snacks offered with your room stay).

Then, when you're ready to head to the game, simply show your ticket at our front desk for your FREE shuttle to the Xcel's doors. No parking or walking for you! When the game is over (and the Wild clinch the win *fingers crossed*), we'll transport you back to the hotel where your spacious two-room suite is waiting.

Enjoy a restful night from the comfort of your suite or unwind in the Jacuzzi. Either way, our complimentary cooked to order breakfast awaits the next morning.

Book your stay with our Wild Package by CLICKING HERE, and Let's Go Wild!

Top Ten Things to Do - Spring Edition

Now that it's April and the weather has finally (maybe?!) started to cooperate with the calendar, we thought we'd heat things up with thoughts of spring. Reveling not just in the melting snow and increased daylight, we're also looking forward to all of the great things to do around the cities in the Spring as well!

In no particular order, here are the top ten things to do this season!

10. Roll those windows down and that sunroof back!
9. Take a stroll. With all the lovely parks the cities have to offer, a walk is the perfect respite from the winter blues!
8. Love your neighborhood! Each Sunday Cork's is happy to offer half off to our neighbors, the residents of the condos and apartments around Cork's.
7. Cheer the Wild into the Playoffs! The NHL Playoffs are just around the corner, so hit up a Wild game (or catch all the action at Cork's) as you watch them battle for a top spot.
6. Check out one of our new rooms! Scheduled for completion in July of this year, we're so excited to showcase our "brand new" hotel.
5. Try out one of our spring friendly dishes, like the Chicken BLT Salad, Chicken Caprese Sandwich, Grilled Salmon, and Asiago Halibut.
4. Play ball! If you don't feel like getting off the bench, catch a Twins or a Saints game from the comfort of your seat, both played in the beautiful great outdoors.
3. Have a pint on the patio! Our sidewalk tables are a great way to take in the sunshine and unwind among all of the sights and sounds of Lowertown.
2. Bloody's & Brunch! There's just something so quintessential about enjoying Brunch and a well-made Bloody Mary on a springtime Sunday.
1. Shovel in shorts and a t-shirt! Hey, this is Minnesota after all, so we're just being realistic!

Here's to a great spring, friends!

The Best Happy Hour in St. Paul - Revamped!

The BEST Happy Hour in St. Paul just got a little bit better, as we've revamped our offerings!

Every Monday through Friday, join us for the Happiest Hour in Lowertown. From 4pm - 6pm, take HALF OFF all House Wines, Rail Drinks, and  Domestic Taps. Plus, get Premium Taps for just $3.

Did we mention that any of our delicious appetizers are HALF OFF as well? That's right get all of your favorite apps for Half Price.

Scotch Eggs

Reuben Rolls

Chicken Wings

This week, head on over to Cork's and get happy! 

Sláinte!

St. Patty's Day Weekend at Cork's Irish Pub

Without further ado, here are the final details for tomorrow's festivities! A Special Menu + Live Music + Drink Specials + Shot Girls + Beer Tub = The Best St. Patrick's Day (Eve) ever! The luck of the Irish will definitely be with you when you spend your day at Cork's.

The annual St. Paul St. Patrick's Day Parade starts at noon tomorrow, so make sure you have your spot for the festivities. Afterward, warm up at Cork's with your favorite Irish nibbles and imbibements. 

Additionally, as you already well know, the musical acts will be Will Harrison, followed by the Black Belt of Celt. Not only will there be Corned Beef & Cabbage as promised, but Shot Girls and the much lauded Beer Tub! 

'Twil be a St. Patty's Day you won't soon forget! See you tomorrow. 

Sláinte!

St. Patrick's Day 2013 at Cork's

The happiest day of the year is just around the corner, and we're hard at work finalizing our plans, so that you can enjoy the best St. Patty's Day yet.

Just like last year, we'll be running our famous Corned Beef & Cabbage Special ALL weekend long. From Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17 (St. Patty's Day), enjoy our famous Corned Beef Dinner with traditional accompaniments.

Then, on Saturday, March 16, we'll be offering a limited food menu with special entertainment from 3 to 7pm. Will Harrison, who's played the pub before, will perform first, followed by the 3-piece Black Belt of Celt.

Also, expect shot specials and for the first-time-ever, the Cork's Beer Tub.

So, make plans to join Cork's for the best day of the year, and you won't be disappointed!

Sláinte!

Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown on Trip Advisor

After a wonderful Valentine's weekend, we always have to check on how we're doing. How better than with online reviews? We just love the candidly honest feedback we're able to glean from TripAdvisor reviewers. It's a great way for us to measure customer satisfaction and work to make your guest experience one of utmost satisfaction. 

As for TripAdvisor, we thought we'd take the time to share some of the most recent reviews that were left for Cork's as well as the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown, as a way of acknowledging and thanking guests for both their patronage as well as for taking the time to follow up with a recommendation for their fellow travelers. 

Cork's 

“Nice pub in a hotel”

Reviewed December 31, 2012 via mobile

My wife and I were staying at the Embassy suites and didn't feel like going out to eat. Was happy to see the Cork located in the lobby area. Not a huge menu. We had the special for Sat night. 2 really good prime rib steaks and a bottle of wine for 50$. Great service and really nice staff. Nice place.

“Great Bloody Mar bar on Sundays”

Reviewed November 14, 2012

Cork's is located inside of the Embassy Suites in St. Paul. They had a great Bloody Mary bar for $5 on Sunday. The bartender mixed the drink and then you got t select as many different add-ons (celery, olives, cheese cubes, pepperoni, carrot sticks) as you wanted. Was a great deal!

“Good burgers”

Reviewed November 14, 2012

Ate here while traveling on business and the food was good and served quickly. I had the butternut squash soup and a cheeseburger. Both were very good. Would recommend for a quick bite/pub atmosphere.

Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown

“Excellent choice and extremely convenient to downtown activities - clean, friendly and helpful.”

Reviewed February 10, 2013 NEW

I stay here quite often - only 2 blocks from my son's apartment..Rooms are clean and quiet - especially on the upper floors. Business center, fitness center, and pool are all well appointed . The breakfast to order (omelets, bacon, etc.) along with quick breakfast items - fruits, yogurts, cereals, and the evening reception are well done...

“Great value”

Reviewed February 10, 2013 NEW

We booked this hotel for one night in January so that we didn't have to drive home after attending The Beer Dabbler. We got an excellent rate from hotwire and the room surpassed our expectations. The lobby and service is welcoming. I also enjoyed the atrium with the ducks. The rooms are spacious though outdated. The hotel is centrally located and we had no problem walking to the St. Paul Farmer's Market which was the location of our event.

“Great Hotel”

Reviewed January 30, 2013

Good food, quiet nights, friendly staff. Loved the ducks in the lobby. Breakfast was excellent. Staff was super friendly. Room service was fast and friendly. Food wasn't to my liking but it was my fault for trying something different. Pancakes and eggs were delicious. Always fully stocked and quick.

“Fantastic Hotel”

Reviewed January 23, 2013 via mobile

Great hotel. We arrived just after midnight and were booked in a smoking room. They changed it without any hassle. The room was spacious, clean and free breakfast was great. The lobby was really neat, ponds with ducks and old brick interior. Heard they are remodeling in next month. Really cool building, too bad they are changing it. Highly recommended!

So, a hearty thank you to all of our wonderful guests who go the extra mile to leave us a review. We just love hearing about everyone's experiences while in-town and on-property, so keep up the good work!

If you haven't yet left a review after dining or staying with us, we sincerely encourage you to hop online, head over to TripAdvisor.com and let us know what you thought of your meal, your room, your omelet, your whole experience!

Choose Your Own Valentine's Day Adventure

We're less than a week out from all of the happenings held in honor of the most romantic day of the year. To keep you out of the dog house with your significant other, we came up with THREE perfect Cork's dates, depending on your sweetheart's personality. Simply pick the description that most closely corresponds to your honey and voila! We laid out all of the rest.

The Romantic

Your classic traditionalist when it comes to Valentine's Day. Flowers and love poems will not be lost on this one! If your sweetie has more traditional notions of amorous intentions for the big V-Day, then we have the perfect plans for you.

The Gift: Flowers and/or your favorite loved songs in a playlist just for him/her.

The Evening: Romance is the name of the game, so start with a romantic dinner at Cork's. We're running our famous Filet Oscar special Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of Valentine's Day weekend, so you can make a big impression without breaking the bank. Order a bottle of wine for the table and enjoy your special meal together. 

Then, make sure you leave time for a stroll through our beautiful atrium, where you can watch our famous ducks before retiring to your own two-room suite. 

The Jock

During football season, your Sunday plans are well-decided and when the NHL lockout ended, your sweetie wept. Tears of joy that is! If your love talks dozens in terms of point-spreads as opposed to roses, then we have the perfect plans for you as well. 

The Gift: Tickets to the Wild vs. Avalanche game on Valentine's Day of course!

The Evening: Take advantage of our Wild Package, and kick off the evening with complimentary drinks at our evening manager's reception. Then, hop on the shuttle to the Xcel (that's included with the Wild Package) and we'll transport you right to the front doors. No parking, no hassle, no problem! 

Then, after you and your special someone watch the Wild beat the Avalanche (fingers crossed), we'll pick you up at the X and bring you right back to the hotel. Once there, you might as well take advantage of the $25 in Cork's Cash that is also included in your Wild Package. Enjoy a night cap and one of our new appetizers as you relive all of the great game moments before retiring to your very own two-room suite.

The Party Animal

Your sweetheart is simply the life of the party. Much happier in a crowd than in a quiet two-some, your love feels that the best nights are the ones that he/she can't fully remember in the morning. If this describes your special someone, then we've got the perfect evening planned for you!

The Gift: Tickets to the Cupid's Love/Hate Pub Crawl on Saturday, February 16.

The Evening: Kick things off at Cork's with $3 Domestic Taps and Bottles, $4 Premium Taps, $5 Bloody Mary's before hitting up some of the best spots in St. Paul on a Pub Crawl you and your love won't soon forget. Just imagine: a night of partying at  Barrio Tequila Bar, BullPen Sports Saloon, Eagle Street Grille, Patrick McGovern's, Tom Reid’s, Grand 7 Saloon, plus contests (for Sexiest Cupid, Limo Trips, and FREE drinks), awesome t-shirts, and proceeds benefiting Blair's Tree of Hopeand Playmakers! Sounds great, right?

Once the crawl is over and you return to Cork's, you don't even need to worry about a ride since the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown has reserved a block of rooms at a special rate specifically for the Cupid's Love/Hate Pub Crawl. Then, as before, you get to just retire to your own two-room suite.


No matter the option you choose, all the great amenities of being a guest at the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown are available to you, including our famous cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning.

Here's to a great Valentine's Day!

Cupid's Love/Hate Pub Crawl - 2/16/13

"Love it or hate it, Cupid has a Pub Crawl planned for you." Just in time for Valentine's Day, Cork's is proud to play host to what promises to be quite the night. Whether you're together forever or single and ready to mingle, join us for the Cupid's Love/Hate Pub Crawl on Saturday, February 16, 2013.

With shuttles to beat the cold, contests (for Sexiest Cupid, Limo Trips, and FREE drinks), awesome t-shirts, and proceeds benefiting Blair's Tree of Hope and Playmakers, you have every reason to come out for a great time at some of the hottest spots in St. Paul!

THE DETAILS

REGISTRATION: To register yourself (and your special someone), CLICK HERE. Simply agree to the conditions of the waiver, and then you get to choose your Pub Crawl Package. Act fast, though, because prices go up as the Crawl approaches.

Cupid's Basic Package

Prices/deadlines: 

$10 through 2/6/2013 

$20 from 2/7/2013 through 2/16/2013

- Includes wristband to get drink specials and available transportation throughout the crawl.

Cupid's Must Have Package

Prices/deadlines:

$20 until 2/8/2013 

$30 from 2/9/2013 until 2/16/2013

- Includes all Basic Package items as well as: T-Shirt, Marker, Kazoo, Lanyard

Plus, you don't even need to worry about a ride home! The Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown has reserved a block of rooms that night at a special rate specifically for the Cupid's Love/Hate Pub Crawl. The special room rate will be available until February 16th or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. To reserve your room, CLICK HERE. 

WRISTBAND PICK-UP: To pick up your wrist band and the package items you ordered previously, you have two options. On both days, pick-up will be right here at Cork's. 

Friday, February 15 from 4-10pm (enjoy Happy Hour specials from 4-6pm while you're here), or 

Saturday, February 16 (the day of the event) from 11am - 3pm. 

THE CRAWL

Finally, it begins! 

(Please note: This is currently tentative and times may change as well as route). 

START: Cork's Pub 3:00-4:00pm

$3 Domestic Taps and Bottles, $4 Premium Taps, $5 Bloody Mary's

SHUTTLE to:

Barrio Tequila Bar 4:00-5:00pm

$4 Barrio Margaritas

SHUTTLE to:

BullPen Sports Saloon 5:00-6:00pm

Sexiest Cupid Contest (M/F)

$3 Captains & $2 Custom "Sweethearts" Shots

SHUTTLE to:
Eagle Street Grille 6:00-7:00pm

$2 Bud, Bud Light, and Mich Golden Lights

SHUTTLE to: 
Patrick McGovern's 7:00-8:30pm

$5 "McLovins" - Smucker up with this Bacardi Grape punch!

WALKING to:

Tom Reid’s 8:30-10:00pm

$4 Opulent Vodka Red Bulls

WALKING to:
Grand 7 Saloon 10:00-11:30pm

$5 Domestic Taps

SHUTTLE to:

Cork's / Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown

Once safely back, you can either continue the party at our very own "after party", head up to your room to sleep it off, or arrange for a sober ride home! (Remember, if you stay, you get to take advantage of our complimentary cooked to order breakfast the next morning. Nothing cures a hangover like an omelet!)

Now that you have all the details, we bet you just can't wait to get signed up! Grab your friends and special someones, get registered, and prepare yourselves for one fantastic, non-sappy, V-Day adventure.

If you still need more info, visit the event website at http://www.cupidslovehate.com/. Then, proceed as outlined above.

Go Wild with Cork's and the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown!

Thrilled, in a word, is how we feel about the return of the Minnesota Wild to the State of Hockey. Just when we feared hope was lost (with the Vikings), the news that the NHL Players reached an agreement rung out as music to our ears!

For the duration of the Wild Season, take advantage of our special Minnesota Wild Package. When you have tickets to a Wild home game and book our Wild Package, you receive:

• Overnight accommodations at the beautiful Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown, 
• Complimentary transportation (for two) to and from the Xcel Energy Center, and a
• $25 Gift Certificate to Cork's Irish Pub!

It's simple! Just buy your tickets to any Wild home game. Then, book your stay under our Wild Package, by CLICKING HERE. Once you arrive, feel free to take advantage of Happy Hour in Cork's with your Cork's Certificate, or even relax and enjoy the manager's reception (complimentary cocktails and snacks offered with your room stay).

When it's time for the puck to drop, simply show your ticket at our front desk for your FREE shuttle to the Xcel's doors. No parking or walking in the cold for you! When the game is over (and the Wild clinch the win *fingers crossed*), we'll transport you back to the hotel where your spacious two-room suite is waiting.

Enjoy a restful night from the comfort of your suite or unwind in the Jacuzzi. Either way, our complimentary cooked to order breakfast awaits the next morning.

Book your stay with our Wild Package by CLICKING HERE, and Let's Play Hockey!

New Menu Items - In Full Color!

A few weeks back, we let you know how excited we were about our new menu! Chock full of new items and some great improvements on old favorites, we just couldn't wait for everyone to try it out. 

Well, just in case you didn't take our word at face value, we decided to share some pictures of some of the new and improved menu favorites. If you still don't believe us after this, you're just going to have to stop in and try them for yourself!

Scottish Eggs ( A longtime pub favorite) - Three hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage and bread crumbs. Deep fried golden brown and served with stone-ground and spicy mustards. 

Chicken Wings (A new signature item, not your traditional wing!) - Braised whole wings tossed in a spicy dry rub seasoning. Served with celery and housemade bleu cheese dressing.

Cork’s Reuben Rolls - House braised corned beef, kraut, and thousand island wrapped in a flaky shell and deep fried. 

Whiskey Steak Salad - Mixed greens tossed in a tomato and whiskey vinaigrette, topped with sweet sauteed onions, peppers, and bleu cheese encrusted beef medallion.

Chicken BLT Salad - Our famous chicken tenders over crisp romaine with bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes, all tossed in a tarragon honey mustard.

Chicken Caprese Sandwich - Thinly pounded chicken breast, lightly fried and served atop a warm ciabatta roll with tomato, mozzarella, and basil aioli.

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich - Pulled Pork tossed in a fresh made whiskey BBQ sauce, topped with coleslaw and served on a toasted pretzel bun.

Cobb Burger - A 1/2 pound burger smothered in bleu cheese, avocado, bacon, tomato relish and red pepper aioli. 

Fish & Chips - A generous portion of Summit Ale beer battered fried cod , served with french fries, coleslaw, tarter sauce and malt vinegar. Your choice of two or three pieces.

Beer Brined Chicken Breast - Chicken breast brined in Finnegan's Irish Amber, grilled to perfection and served with a sweet corn succotash and garlic mashed Yukon potatoes.

Homestyle Meatloaf (Already VERY popular) - Two slices of fresh baked meatloaf grilled and smothered in our very own whiskey BBQ glaze, served with mashed potatoes and fresh spring peas.

Oven Baked Mac & Cheese - Macaroni paired with a stout cheddar cheese sauce and topped with shredded aged cheddar and bread crumbs. Baked for that golden brown finish. Add chicken or shrimp for an added kick!

Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Anglaise (Another signature item made in-house by our chef) - A twist on an old favorite. Chocolate cake and sourdough bread in a cocoa custard, baked to perfection. 

Based on these photos and our new menu, what would your order be?

Why wait? Stop in this week and see what all the fuss is about. We'll see you tomorrow!


Sláinte!

Trivia Mafia on Those Cold Winter Nights

Make the best of winter in Minnesota and make plans to fill those long, cold, and otherwise lonely winter nights. Here at Cork's, we offer Daily Specials and happenings, so each day of your week, you have the opportunity to take advantage of some serious fun.

Every Wednesday evening, we welcome our friends with Trivia Mafia with open arms. Hailed as the "Twin Cities' Best Pub Quiz", join us for one great night of Trivia Mafia Trivia. 

Every Wednesday, we welcome the famous Martin Devaney for the original Trivia Mafia Trivia game. If you want to dazzle us with your fact-slinging slew of knowledge, right here at 8pm is your spot! Win fabulous prizes by flexing that grey matter as you answer questions with your quintessentially named team. 

Here are our some pics (courtesy of Trivia Mafia) from January 3's Trivia installment: 

First Place - Green Grimace

Second Place - Dawn E and Marie

Third Place - Hogan and the Cardinals

This week, make the sensible choice, and join us for Trivia Mafia Trivia and beat the winter blues at Cork's!

Top 10 Reasons to Spend New Year's Eve with Cork's & the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown

No plans for New Year's Eve?

Well, with 2013 looming, we want to give you the top ten reasons why you should spend New Year's Eve with Cork's and the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown. This way, you can make the best choice for your own rockin' New Year!

10. Location, location, location! Situated in close proximity to Mears Park and everything Lowertown has to offer, restaurants and fun are just a short walk away.

9. We're an all-in-one deal. Similar to the three musketeers, (All for one, and one for all!) Cork's and the Embassy Suites St. Paul - Downtown have everything you need to have a rockin' great time right on property. Cork's is a fantastic (no bias there) restaurant and bar, and you can stay the night right here in your own two-room suite.

8. Since New Year's Eve falls on a Monday, you can enjoy our Martini Monday special, where you get 50% off all of our delicious martinis, ALL day.

7. If you spend the night, you also get to take advantage of all the amenities that make the Embassy Suites hotels famous, like our complimentary (and nightly) Manager's Reception.

6. Did we mention our new menu?

5. Safety first - No need to worry about how you're getting home, since you can just stay the night.

4. Make a day of it - Start with our famous Cork's Happy Hour at 4. You get half off all appetizers, rail, call, martinis, specialty drinks, and whiskeys. Plus, $3 house wines, $2 standard bottles and taps, and $3 premium bottles and taps. These great deals run 'til 6 on New Year's Eve.

3. If you're staying, enjoy a nice New Year's Eve soak in the Jacuzzi, or a refreshing swim in the pool!

2. Plus, if you spend the night, you get to greet 2013 with our complimentary cooked to order breakfast. What would you like in your omelet?

1. And last, but certainly not least, spending New Year's Eve at Cork's means you get to spend it with us!


To make your reservations to stay with us, CLICK HERE, and we'll see you tomorrow.

Happy New Year!

New Menu is LIVE

Just in time for the New Year, our New Menu is out and ready for your dining enjoyment. In addition to the usual Cork's favorites, we added in some great new dishes, appetizers, and even desserts!

So far, some clear favorite dishes have emerged: 

• Chicken Wings (A new signature item not your traditional wing) - Braised whole wings tossed in a spicy dry rub seasoning. Served with celery and housemade bleu cheese dressing.
• Cork’s Reuben Rolls - House braised corned beef, kraut, and thousand island wrapped in a flaky shell and deep fried.
• Warm Pub Pretzels - Freshly baked and served with stout cheddar spread and spicy golden mustard.
• Whiskey Steak Salad - Mixed greens tossed in a tomato and whiskey vinaigrette, topped with sweet sauteed onions, peppers, and bleu cheese encrusted beef medallion.
• Chicken BLT Salad - Our famous chicken tenders over crisp romaine with bacon crumbles, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes, all tossed in a tarragon honey mustard.
• Chicken Caprese Sandwich - Thinly pounded chicken breast, lightly fried and served atop a warm ciabatta roll with tomato, mozzarella, and basil aioli.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich - Pulled Pork tossed in a fresh made whiskey BBQ sauce, topped with coleslaw and served on a toasted pretzel bun.
• Beer Brined Chicken Breast - Chicken breast brined in Finnegan's Irish Amber, grilled to perfection and served with a sweet corn succotash and garlic mashed Yukon potatoes.
• Chicken Pot Pie - Pieces of grilled chicken breast and asparagus in a light tarragon cream sauce. Baked into a flaky golden brown puff pastry.
• Asiago Halibut - Asiago and panko crusted halibut served over basmati rice with haricots verts and topped with a traditional lemon beurre blanc.
• Homestyle Meatloaf (VERY popular) - Two slices of fresh baked meatloaf grilled and smothered in our very own whiskey BBQ glaze, served with mashed potatoes and fresh spring peas.
• Chocolate Bread Pudding with Whiskey Anglaise (Another signature item made in-house by our chef) - A twist on an old favorite. Chocolate cake and sourdough bread in a cocoa custard, baked to perfection.

As you can see, there is plenty to try and sample to your heart's content, so stop on by and taste for yourself just what the fuss is all about.

Then, you can let us know about your favorite dish! 

Sláinte!

A Wintry Stroll Through Rice Park

Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy

As we continue posting on all of the wonderful things there are to do and see in our favorite city during the winter, we just had to include Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy. With just over two weeks left to enjoy this spectacular display of holiday wonder, we encourage you to head out to Rice Park once the sun goes down (and perhaps just before a lovely dinner). 

From 5 to 6pm nightly, Rice Park is transformed by millions of sparkling lights capturing the joy and spirit of the holiday season. Including a tree that's as big and bright as the one that graces Rockefeller Center in New York City, the lights in Rice Park are a sight that you just don't want to miss. This year's tree is lit by 15,000 LED lights and is complemented by the millions of other twinkling lights, classic Nutcracker and angel statues, as well as additional holiday decor.

Gather your family and friends and head into downtown St. Paul for the holidays, and while you're here, make sure you check out the lighted winter wonderland that is Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy.

Winter in St. Paul: Wells Fargo Winter Skate

Wells Fargo Winter Skate

On a day like today (when we're actually reminded that we live in Minnesota and snow is not just a possibility but an inevitability), we just couldn't help but look forward to all of the great things about St. Paul in the winter. Therefore, throughout the month of December, our posts will focus on all of the happenings, fun, and general goings on in our great Capitol City when it's not Road Construction Season. Leave your hibernation and embrace the reason we're the toughest in the nation. It's not just anyone that can survive these winters, you know!

First up, Wells Fargo Winter Skate. Taking over Landmark Plaza just adjacent to Rice Park, Wells Fargo Winter Skate is St. Paul's premier outdoor, artificially-chilled and absolutely FREE ice skating rink! Sponsored by Wells Fargo, Winter Skate invites skaters, "to experience the unique urban setting of downtown Saint Paul." With the return of what appears to be a "real" Minnesota winter after last year's hiatus, you and your family should be able to enjoy the rink all season long.

Open at 11am seven days a week, the rink has been waiting for you since November 24. It closes at 5pm Monday through Thursday, 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 9pm on Sundays. Skate rental is just $2 per person, unless you're a Wells Fargo customer, in which case rental is free for your entire family when you show your Wells Fargo Check Card or Debit Card. A waiver is required, and the rink will be closed in the event of cold or inclement weather. Otherwise, it's all fair game!

Make sure you check the calendar as Youth Hockey, Broomball, live music, and other special events grace the rink as well. For more information, or to plan your visit, we encourage you to visit their website: http://www.wellsfargowinterskate.com/.

Then, when your legs are skated out and you're ready to come in out of the cold for something to warm you up, we'll see you at Cork's!