Kare 11 did a story tonight on Manny's Steakhouse and their new corking fee: zero.
It's an attempt to lure in diners who used to splurge on a nice bottle of wine to go with their meal, but have since cut back on dining out expenses as a whole. The piece alludes to other local restaurants following suit, but didn't give any hints as to what they are.
Who else is waiving corking fees around town?
As Manny's tends to be the leading economic indicator of hospitality/restaurants in this area, this speaks volumes about how things are going out there with the expense account crowd. Phil Roberts also came out in an interview (IIRC) in MSPBJ last month encouraging folks to split meals at Manny's so they can come in under $60 per head. I'm sure the next step will be to start running midweek promotions in the local market to try and replace the business travelers who aren't currently coming here and/or not allowed to spend $200 per head for client dinners any more.
Posted by: geoff | March 27, 2009 at 10:23 AM
BTW...just for the record, I am deeming this an "essential" topic ;)
Posted by: geoff | March 27, 2009 at 10:26 AM
There was a list in the Pioneer Press earlier this week:
http://www.twincities.com/restaurants/ci_11992581?nclick_check=1
Posted by: ldfs | March 27, 2009 at 02:08 PM
there was an article in the Pioneer Press
Eat section tomorrow on other restaurants charging 0$ or 5$ corkage. not finding the article on line.
Posted by: Jenny Kerwin | March 27, 2009 at 02:09 PM
From the article:
NO CORKAGE FEE
Big Bowl, 1705 Minnesota 36 W. (Rosedale Mall), Roseville; 651-636-7173
Birchwood Cafe, 3311 E. 25th St., Minneapolis; 612-722-4474
Brasa Rotisserie, 600 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-379-3030
FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, 31 S. Seventh St., Minneapolis; 612-216-3473 (Sundays only)
Kincaid's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse, 380 St. Peter St., St. Paul; 651-602-9000 (free for first bottle, $13 per bottle after that)
Kozy's Steaks and Seafood, 3220 Galleria, Edina; 952-224-5866 (Sundays and Thursdays, wine must be purchased at nearby France 44 Wines & Spirits)
Manny's Steakhouse, 821 Marquette Ave. (W Hotel at the Foshay), Minneapolis; 612-339-9900; mannyssteakhouse.com
Palomino, 825 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; 612-339-3800 (free for first bottle, $13 per bottle after that)
$5 CORKAGE FEE
Jay's Cafe, 791 Raymond Ave., St. Paul; 651-641-1446
Cheeky Monkey Deli, 525 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-224-6066 (wine must be purchased at Solo Vino next door)
Posted by: Alexis | March 28, 2009 at 10:42 AM
Many places will wave corkage if you also buy a bottle from them, La Belle Vie being one. This may not work on a night out with your honey, but in a group it's perfect! Also, if you bring in a bottle, offer a taste to your server. They are far more likely to forgo corkage if they get to try your juice.
Posted by: Tamara | March 29, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Very random, but do you know when the Bayport Cookery closed? I don't know how I could have missed that..
Posted by: Suzanne | March 29, 2009 at 11:32 PM
A week ago- I believe the weekend of the 20th-21st was their last.
Posted by: Alexis | March 30, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Mango in St. Paul lets you bring your own for no fee. It's a really nice little place, good food.
Posted by: sara | March 30, 2009 at 12:56 PM