Corkscrew Taphouse — Attraction in Saybrook

This past Friday was a gorgeous day to spend up on Lake Erie, and with family visiting from Kentucky we decided to grab some lunch. We stumbled upon this place, and at first glance it was impressive — the building looked fantastic both inside and out, and the atmosphere was second to none.

We picked up wristbands, shared a few glasses of wine, and enjoyed some drinks. The wine was excellent (at least the four I sampled), and the beer wasn’t bad either. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended — the food and service just didn’t measure up.

Prices were out of line for the quality, and the food was tasteless. I ordered the Smashburger for $17, which should have been a standout item, but it tasted overwhelmingly of grease and even had a metallic flavor from the skillet. My brother-in-law tried the mahi tacos, which were average at best. The potato fries lacked flavor, the cheese dip was poor, and the Reuben fritters were downright off-putting. Service was lackluster as well, which didn’t help.

This place has potential, especially as a spot to enjoy a drink with friends — the wine and setting are worth coming back for. But the kitchen desperately needs attention from someone who truly knows what they’re doing. It’s a shame, because with food that matched the atmosphere, this could easily be a top destination. For now, we’ll return for the wine — but...

Still in soft opening when we went this past Friday. The drink wall is a great idea. Use a bracelet to tap your selection and pour as many ounces of wine, beer or ciders as you like. Has trays for flights also. Tried a few food options as well, you order on your phone from an app and it’s delivered to your table. Food was the downside. I ordered the short rib and it was delivered barely warm and vegetables still hard. My wife said the corned beef on the Reuben was fatty and overall not very good. My daughter’s shrimp and rice was hot and very good. Appetizer of beer cheese fries was also a hit. Seems they don’t have dedicated staff as food runners and was kinda chaotic. Understand it’s still in soft opening and hopefully will work these issues out. The inside seating and outdoor patios are beautiful and very comfortable seats. Will definitely return to see if the food and service has improved. Also don’t like having to stand in line to close out tab to be refunded $5 for bracelet, very inconvenient and might be a reason to not return if this policy continues. You can close out tab on app, but then u pay $5 for a useless bracelet...

Great Metropolitan experience. The taps are set up to work off your wristband. You are charged per ounce and it doesnt round up so 1.1 ounce is not round up to 2 ounces. It set up that you use your phone to order your food and then hit the taproom and select how much and what you want. Never waiting on a staff member to bring you your drink and if you want to try a little of this a little if that its very easy. When your done you turn in your wrist band and settle up. The atmosphere is a modern design to enhance the local environment. Really good for groups since the check stays with the wristband or phone. Staff are really friendly. We met the manager, Chris who took the time to explain the process and how the taps worked. Food was really good. The rubber fritters and stuff mushrooms were very good. Its easy to tell those where made on location not sysco. The chicken quesdilla was stuff with chicken peppers and cheese. The menu clearly identified Glueten free and non meat items. Very fun...