Happy Hour at Cork & Pig Tavern
I have been a big fan of the local San Angelo Cork & Pig Tavern (CPT) since I moved here three years ago. My first month here was spent living in a hotel just a block away so I got familiar with the place quite early and I have been a fan ever since. With a wide menu of staples designed by Chef Felipe Armenta, you know you will get quality no matter what. Let me show you why you need to go check them out yourself.
As stated, having been here several times before my most recent visit, primarily for dinner, each of those was a wonderful experience in its own right. This time it was all about Happy Hour. Available 7 days a week from 3–6 p.m., you can find some spectacular food and drink deals. On this visit, it was a Monday, so of course, we went with the Monday specials.
My wife and son were with me on this visit as were a local couple we know quite well who also happen to be big-time local foodies. They know a good happy hour when they find one so this was not their first rodeo at the CPT either.
Most of us got dinner along with several Happy Hour scores. See below for those shots of our steals.
As mentioned, a few of us also got entree items including my personal favorite, the roasted double pork chops with a side of broccolini. It never disappoints and always fills me up. I also got a new menu item, the seared ahi tuna mango salad with ponzu sauce. Wow was that delicious! Shared by everyone, this was a hit for sure and I suggest it to anyone looking for something well above and beyond “just a salad.” My son being a big fan of salmon, went with the grilled salmon fillet with garlic butter and a side of skinny fries. He nearly polished it all off so I’m guessing he enjoyed it. Dining companion Ron, noting it was National Cheeseburger Day, nabbed himself none other than a house cheeseburger (fully loaded) with a side of skinny fries. That burger was big and bold on-site alone. Ron stated, “It's up there with the best I’ve had anywhere in town.”
By the end of all that we were all pretty well tapped out on stomach capacity so when the dessert options came from our server Julie, we had to pause… did we want it, yes! But where to put it? We left the choice up to my 8-year-old son Owen and he chose the house beignets which turned out to be a wise decision upon site at the table let alone contact on the lips. These were pillowy soft, warm, and mouth-pleasingly melty. I may have only had room for two but these could be dangerously addicting. My son rated them a 9.5/10 so there you go, nearly perfect people.
Julie, our server was fantastic to us all evening. Kind and professional, handling all our needs with top-notch candor and conduct. GM Ben Nyland is a down-to-earth gentleman who came out to say hello and welcome us in. As we checked out he also thanked us for dining in and spoke with us for a bit. His 16 years in the restaurant business are clear with the caliber of the venue, the staff, the creative menu, and the service established at CPT.
Go on in and check them out for yourself be it lunch, happy hour, dinner, or even their weekend brunch. The latter which I need to go check out myself. I bet you my bottom dollar you're going to like it here.
