Uncorkd — Restaurant in West Reading

I was looking for a new regular place and last summer, after taking a chance, Uncorkd quickly became that place. Now, after having been here more times than I can count, I can say that I deeply regret not writing this review sooner. Let’s start from the top.

The esthetics: As soon as you walk in, you are met with a very well laid out sleek, modern, and yet homely, welcoming restaurant that makes excellent use of the footprint it has to work with without feeling over baring or crowded. Even on a completely packed night, you are able to hold a conversation without the need to shout. The drinks: I’m a simple guy. A beer and old fashioned is enough to keep me happy. The old fashions here are easily one of the best in the area. The whiskey selection is deep and varied. So if you ever want to try something before committing to a bottle, Uncorkd likely has it. I am not big on mixed drinks but having also tried quite a few of the specialty drinks, I cannot speak highly enough about them. The food: The short version is that the food is excellent. I have tried most of the menu at this point, through several menu iterations, and I have not been disappointed, or even moderately let down, even once. My go to has been the steak and it has been through three recipe changes since I have started frequenting Uncorked, and at the time of this review, I would say this is the best iteration. I hope they don’t change it anytime soon. The staff: The Uncorkd staff is truly wonderful. Each visit I am made to feel like one of the family. Savannah is so sweet, has such an incredibly kind demeanor and, early on in my many visits, learned and remembered my name. Atticus’ drink mixing abilities are second to none and, while I don’t see him as often as other members of staff here, still remembers me and my drink selections. Ashley is also such a sweet presence. She’s always so welcoming and has an easygoing charm that makes each visit feel a little brighter. The owner: Becky has always done everything she can to make my wife and I feel at home. She remembers, asks about, and seems to seriously take interest in our personal lives. Every time I come in alone, she asks how my wife and our children are and shows a genuine interest whenever I, a proud father, show the many pictures of my family I have accrued since my last visit. The locals: We have a monthly guys night we have been doing at Uncorkd and there are a few locals that have basically become a part of the family because we met here at Uncorkd. In particular, Amanda, from Dressed In Love Bridal Suite right on Penn Ave, has been such a fun addition to our group.

Uncorkd has become more than just a favorite spot. It is a place I genuinely look forward to visiting and has become a regular part of my routine. From the food and drinks to the people who make it all happen, and the fun locals who frequent it along with me, it is clear that a lot of care goes into every detail. Becky has done a phenomenal job creating something truly special here, and that care is reflected in every visit. I am grateful I took a chance on this place, and I cannot imagine not having it in...

My husband and I came to Uncorkd for date night Saturday, June 7th. The place itself was nice and clean. I love the style. Our waitress, a young dark haired girl, was extremely sweet! I feel bad I forgot her name, but she was very attentive and kind. Our food was AMAZING! Whoever was in the kitchen at that time killed it. We started with the Cheese Curds with the sweet Thai chili sauce (I want a jar of this stuff), and the vegetable egg rolls with wasabi sauce. Both were fantastic and perfectly cripsy but not overdone. Then we had the stacked eggplant with red pepper ricotta. This dish stole the show!! They fried that eggplant PERFECTLY, but it was still light and fluffy on the inside. Then we finished with the bruschetta flatbed. It was great and the tomatoes and ingredients all seemed very fresh.

The one downfall was the bar tender. We had reserved seating that was placed near the bar, which I don't mind. However the bar tender was gossiping with a couple at the bar about all the drama at the restaurant. I've worked in restaurants, and I know this is typical, but with the close proximity, I think it was unprofessional. But that's fine, I ignored it, until we asked our sweet waitress what beer was on tap. We aren't "spring chickens" and just couldn't really see the taps from our seat. She said she wasn't sure and turned to ask the bar tender. That woman, very short blond hair with tattoos, gave her such an awful look that she had to stop her convo with the bar flies, and told her to go look. 🙄 Clearly the girl was either new or just unsure, and how that bar tender treated her was unnecessary. I hated it. We could see the Blue Moon logo so my husband just ordered that. The waitress did find a beer list, and honestly it wasn't a big deal. It was the disgusting treatment of the young waitress from that bar tender. What a power trip. If we ever do go again, I will be asking for seating away from the bar.

Otherwise, food and service was...

This was our first time there with another couple. We all shared a bunch of small plates and appetizers as well as cocktails and a bottle of wine. The appetizers were quite delicious. Cheesesteaks egg rolls, tater tots (which more like potato croquettes) and cheese curds. The first round of cocktails were also very good. Second round is where I think we were all slightly disappointed with the small plates. I had the chicken skewers and the whipped ricotta. The chicken was VERY salty. I also overheard the table next to me who had the same dish state his was also very salty. The whipped ricotta was slightly disappointing, more of a dip with bread. I think it would have been presented better if the bread was layered with the ricotta, honey balsamic glaze on top vs dipping. The vegetable risotto was cooked well, but again the chicken on top was very salty. Meatballs that were also pictured my husband said were very good. Overall our experience was nice and the staff was very pleasant. I think we would give it another try, but ultimately 3/5 was due to the amount of salt in...