Great summer beers on tap . Refreshing sangria . Food made to order and accommodates any request .
(5)
Max T.
I give them 5 stars in comparison to similar gastro-pub style bars in the area. The hipster wave hasn't passed Cumberland Street yet (I'm looking at you Memphis Taproom) so this is the last bastion of a "normal" beer loving, food loving people's bar. They have excellent cocktail specials for those who are not into beer, and the food is as good as one could ask for from a bar. The buffalo fried brussel sprouts are spot on, as well as the black bean humus.
(5)
Chris V.
Well we can't say to much about Cook and Shaker -- we only were there after a Fishtown Beer Runners run so our visit consisted of a couple free High Life's and we were on the road. BUT, since we're here. The space was great, albeit jammed with sweaty runners. As did the food, I noticed some smothered tater tots which are still calling my name ... C&S has a solid and deserving buzz surrounding it ...
(4)
Larissa G.
I think that Steph I. hit the nail on the head with her review. I have known this place existed for a long time, and I really wanted them to kill it. Cook and Shaker could be Kensington's answer to Sardine Bar or Johnny Brenda's, but it's just okay. The place is very small and upon walking in with my party of 4, I flagged down a waitress and asked if there was a list for tables. She said that there wasn't and we should just go stand near a table that's finishing up and swoop in when they leave. It ended up not being too awkward (I hate lingering around tables that are full of people), but after sitting down, our party saw another couple standing at the bar sadly looking in our direction. I am not sure if they were waiting for longer than us or not, but I felt bad and wish that the employees would at least make a mental list so that people get sat in the order in which they arrive. Our beers were all fine and well-priced, and we ordered the buffalo Brussels sprouts and the loaded tater tots to start. I was underwhelmed by both. The Brussels were so tiny (maybe they were frozen?) and they were barely breaded or buffalo-ed. For a menu that seriously relies on tater tots as their thing, my friend asked if they make their own, only to be told that they do not. Serious bummer. I split the mushroom gnocchi and the veggie sandwich for dinner. The sandwich was definitely the best dish and the shoestring fries were great. However, the gnocchi was bland and totally meh. Plus, the music was terrible and there was no ambiance at all. I left feeling like I probably won't come back.
(3)
Mike H.
Nice little pub in Kensington-northern Liberti's. Great food. Love the deep fried pickles wedges with dipping sauce. And the fries with pulled pork and cheese are a winner! Meatloaf sandwich, the bbq pulled pork sandwich and good old fashion burger are all top notch. Choose between tater tots or fries as your side to seal your fate in this great pub fare.
(5)
Leigh W.
Recently went here for brunch with a large group. (10+). I hadn't been here before, so I wasn't sure of the size, it is probably your average sized neighborhood bar. The staff was very accommodating and pushed together tables for us, which I really appreciated. Our server was very nice and patient with us. I got the chicken and biscuits which was realllly good. The coffee was also a good quality. My friend got the "breakfast tots" which were amazing. (However, I would've like an over easy egg on them instead of scrambled- but that's just me) Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood and I'd definitely go back again.
(4)
E G.
I went the other night with 2 girlfriends. We had the buffalo fried Brussels sprouts, pulled pork fries and fried pickles to start with. A ton of food, but oh so good! My friend and I both asked for a slightly special request, which they were happy to accommodate. Amazing food and great service. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Leigh H.
The food is DELICIOUS!! I've been looking for a great local spot for a while now, and I've found it. The Gnocchi is soo good, highly recommended. We also got the Buffalo Brussel Sprouts for an appetizer and we practically licked the plate clean. The chili is great as well. I'm looking forward to going back and trying other things that have been reviewed on here. Also, the waitress was really sweet and helpful. Since I live a little deeper into Fishtown, its hard to find a great spot that is walkable. This is my new to-go!!
(5)
Hilary V.
I recently went to Cook and Shaker for the first time. It was the day after Thanksgiving so it was a little slow, but there were several tables just drinking. My friend and I ordered the Buffalo fried brussel sprouts as an appetizer and it was great. It was more than enough for my friend and I and we could have shared it if we had a larger party. The owner suggested the meatloaf and while I probably never would have ordered it without her suggestion, the sandwich was amazing! It came as a sandwich which threw me off for a second, but it was delicious! The serving size was huge and came with my choice of side (I picked tater tots of course). I asked our server (who was super friendly) if they had an sour beers on tap (my favorite) and she quickly pointed out the best option. The beer was exactly what I wanted. The atmosphere is comfortable, with a tv above the bar and an electronic jukebox. We were told they have a spelling night which sounds really fun. I'll definitely be back to try other things on the menu and more beer, of course.
(5)
Felicia D.
I got the gluten free gnocchi and it was spectacular. Couldn't stop eating it. As I am writing this I'm thinking of taking another bite. Yep. Just did it. Yummmmm The tater tots are good too!
(5)
Melissa P.
First of all I can't for the life of me remember the name of this place (Cook and Saddle? Cork and Shaker? Cook and Kitchen?) Unfortunately the food was just as unmemorable. We were excited to check out this new spot... Which had the potential to be a new awesome gastropub, but the food was just meh. Here are some things Cook and Whatever needs to change before I'll be back. - Focus on being a bar first and foremost. Your drinks are good. Fix the seating to be more bar like. - Fix the weird lighting. Way too bright in there. - Don't run out of the best looking things on your menu at 7:30.( Buffalo sprouts and nacho tots). -Don't tell me your fried chicken sandwich is the best thing on your menu if it's not. -Put something in your chickpea salad that I don't have in my fridge. The onion rings, veggie sandwich, gnocchi, and sausage were all good but nothing wowed us. The drinks were good and very strong. The funniest part of the night was ending up at Memphis Taproom and hearing everyone complain about the same things we experienced. I might be back for drinks sometime if I'm in the area but I wouldn't make food the focus of my trip.
(3)
Jesse T.
Had the Meatloaf, gf had a burger, and our friend had the veggie sandwich. We also ordered the spring rolls. Friendly and attentive staff. Tots were yumz and the fries were some of the best I've had in the area (thin cut). The rest of the food was ok, not great. Also, butter pickles are for nazis and killed my food boner when I detected their presence on my sandwich. Hopslam on tap was a huge plus but we prob won't go back for a full meal as there r a lot of better choices locally. Would totally go back for just fries and a beer
(3)
Valerie C.
I think at this point I've eaten everything on their menu at least once.. and there isn't anything that I haven't liked. I appreciate that the menu isn't huge. Quality over quantity. They also rotate certain items so the menu isn't always exactly the same all of the time. Things you should def try there (besides everything, obvs): Cook & Shaker Tots, Buffalo Sprouts, Roast Pork sammich and the Oven Roasted Wings. I also really enjoy their salad.. mostly because the dressing is delicious. Oh, and Brunch! Sunday Brunch is delicious! They also have a pretty nice beer selection and always have at least one cider available. The service is good, all of the employees and the owners are friendly. Its generally a pretty laid back and chill atmosphere so if you're looking to grab some food and a few drinks without feeling like dealing with a crap load of people and a bunch of noise.. then this is your place. I've brought friends, family members and a kid here to eat. Its pretty much good for everyone. Also.. Tuesday nights.. SPELLING BEE! You should go, you can win prizes from the PRIZE WHEEL!
(5)
Paul W.
Always great service. Ian and Sarah are awesome. Actually, all the bartenders are great but those two are usually there when I am. Food is always outstanding. Brunch is great. Awesome value and outstanding Bloody Marys. Great beer selection. The First Firkin Friday events are a lot of fun. I still have to check out the spelling bee. I'll lose but oh well.
(5)
Brian L.
Food 4+, ambiance 3- .. I want to really like this place, I know that it means well, they have good intentions. The food is good, but they lose some points for the confused interior. We split a spring roll app, and each had the gnocchi and the eggplant-ball sandwich. Everything was tasty. We were satisfied, not blown away, but not disappointed. Not over frilled and thrilled; basic "comfort" food, but nothing like mom's kitchen. I would like to come back at some point and try some of the other items on the menu, everything looked pretty tasty. I only tried one mixed drink, and I wasn't particularly impressed - not here nor there. The beer selection is okay. The interior is nice, except for the radioactive glowing jukebox that casts a horrible neon blue light everywhere. And the TV screens.. sorry fellas just get rid of them! It just sends a confusing message as to what type of place you are. You're definitely not a sports bar, so you shouldn't have two screens with different games on. If the TVs were done away with and the neon lights were turned off, I think this place would be a fantastic place to come and eat or drink.
(3)
Chrissy T.
Great neighborhood spot. Their cocktails are amazing and their beer selection never fails. Their menu items are all wonderful and the staff is super friendly.
(5)
whitney s.
Great brunch! I had their omelette of the day, very good, fresh ingredients (it was feta and cherry tomatoes, red onions). Delicious. Generous portions. My husband had the french toast with fresh fruit. Very good. Good environment and friendly service. Ya, 5 stars. Thanks Cook and Shaker for opening a quality place in our neighborhood. Well done
(5)
Steph I.
I wanted this place to kill it. Living and working in the neighborhood you always dream that a new restaurant will kill it. Not only did I call during their soft opening for hours and come in but I heavily versed myself on the menu. I mean buffalo Brussels sprouts, CMON!!! But I was dissatisfied. The food was meh and the drinks okay. I got the potato gnocchi and ended up giving my leftovers to a bum. It's sucks, I really wanted to this place to rock but everyone I know agrees. It's meh.
(3)
Walter K.
I've visited the cook and shaker several times, and one theme keeps coming to my attention: Cook and Shaker does a very good job with minimum. That's not a critism. The beer list is small but I've always found something I like ($5 Bell's Two Hearted is a sure crowd pleaser). The menu is small, but intentional. I ordered the flat iron steak, and it came out perfectly cooked. For $15, it was truly an excellent dinner. The cocktail menu is good, and most drinks clock in at $8. Bar staff is a little slow, especially with the cocktail drinks. There was almost no multitasking going on with the service, but I expect that to get better with time. The bar is small, but the space feels fine unless the place is really packed. And there are 2 TVs, so this could be a viable spot to catch some Flyers or Phillies. Overall, Cook and Shaker is not offering much new, but I like the effort and thought put into the little things.
(4)
Lauren R.
My husband and I have eaten here about once a week or so since they opened a few months back. It started out mediocre but has consistently improved in food presentation, quality, and portions since then. It has a mixed crowd, which is refreshing in this area. I love the buffalo sprouts. The burger and meatloaf sandwich are both decent. Oh, and they have nacho tots! They are Fatty approved.
(4)
Carrie M.
I could not wait for this place to open...I seriously counted down the days. I went the Wednesday after they opened and though it seemed much more crowded than they had expected for a weekday evening, they totally made it work and no patrons seemed to want for anything. I had heard great things about the buffalo brussel sprouts, but went with the Cook and Shaker Tots an appetizers--AMAZING. For my entree I had the grilled garlic chicken--AMAZING--and my boyfriend got the spicy Italian sausage--AMAZING. All in all, AMAZING.
(5)
Marnie L.
This is a difficult review. I LOVE the staff. they are really friendly and helpful with beer and food. But the vegetarian food is, meh. nothing special. if they did one veggie dish really well i would be 5 *. the mushroom sandwich is what i usually get and its fine but nothing i look fwrd to. the veggie sandwich is weird. i was excited to try it but too many things going on for it to work. I have heard great things about the meat eaters section of the menu. and again the staff is awesome!
(3)
Sara K.
I originally gave this place 3 stars because I was there their first week of opening and they were off to an awkward start. Seemed like the new waitstaff didn't know what to do when only two people were sitting at the bar. I'm happy to say things have looked up. They have really worked on their menu and always have a good cocktail to offer. I love a good grilled cheese of the day, and they do it right, letting you get tots on the side. I ordered chicken with pasta one night and it was fantastic. The beer is a good price and the cocktails are unique and great. Some of the waitstaff still needs to step up their game and stop trying so hard to look cool, but the rest are sweethearts.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
My boyfriend and I come here fairly often as it is right up the block. We love it! Everyone who works here is super friendly, the food is amazing, and they have a great beer selection. I much prefer cook and shaker ' s food to other similar places in the area (it blows Memphis taproom out of the water). It is absolutely worth checking out, you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Danny N.
Very nice and wonderful staff. The food is awesome...ordered the flank steak medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The wife ordered the vegetarian gnocchi which were incredible! This is a welcome addition to Fishtown (ok adjacent).
(5)
Jennifer T.
Guys, they have a SPELLING BEE on Tuesday nights. Finally, a place that rewards my only talent (superb spelling skills) with food (actually, with a chance to spin the prize wheel with such prizes as free pint glass, 20% of your meal, BOGO sandwiches, etc). For a drink, I suggest the Thai Basil-Peach Lemonade cocktail. So yummy. Sarah, the bartender, is awesome and really seems to make an effort to remember her customers. And perhaps the best part for me is that it's walking distance from my house.
(5)
Kristine B.
This place was great! It's just two blocks from my friend's place and in an up and coming neighborhood. We stopped by to watch the Eagles unfortunately lose, but the drinks were icy and refreshing and the food was delicious. I got the modern royale cocktail, which was a little tart but in a good way. We shared the onion rings with Siracha ketchup and tater tots with garlic aioli. The only complaint about the food was that there was a touch too much garlic in the aioli. As for the atmosphere, it definitely needs to develop a little more character. They made a good start but there isn't really a cohesive theme. They should play up their neighborhood connection. I definitely plan to visit again however.
(4)
Conga B.
Fishtown Beer Runners invaded last nite, and usually a new place has issues with a large crowd. Not Cook and Shaker. They were prepared. Beer was flowing with great service. They served the beer in glass jar mugs with glass handles. WOW, extra 2 points for that. Had the dark Yards. Excellent. Place is all new with that new metal ceiling. Way cool. Had food w/ 3 people. Vege Spring Rolls: a 10, non-greasy, but crispy, with fresh vegetables inside..Amazing. Friend had the chicken legs/wings...Baked, not greasy, perfect. Also, had the 3-bean Vege Chili...just the right mix of beans and vegetables, perfect. Eggplant sandwich, another winner, on Brioche, great flavors. I'm back.
(5)
Meg T.
I would have given more stars had it not been for the owner or whoever that middle aged lady who hangs at the end of the bar is (and oftentimes a bartender or server too). I would have given less stars if it wasn't for a certain bartender (all I can remember was that he was Hispanic- something we have in common and super friendly/ willing to answer any questions). He no longer works there so after my boyfriend moved to the area and started going there on the weekends, we were used to him (our Hispanic bartender). We would go there and try to ignore the rude sideways glances of the owner despite my boyfriends frivolous attempts at cheering her up and trying to make her friendly (which in turn just showed her even bitchier nature). Once we realized our bartender wasn't returning, we realized his replacement was just as bad as the owner. If they don't want our business or the business of our friends and family and social media network, that's fine with us. We'll go somewhere else. They are rude and look down upon customers- trust me woman (owner whoever you are) you are no better than the rest of us.
(2)
Sarah L.
Cook and Shaker is small and out of the way but if you're in Kensington you can't go wrong. We went on Friday when they were doing a Firkin special and it was really fun. For every $5 Firkin you ordered you got a raffle ticket, and they gave away shirts and glasses. Maybe it was just really fun for me because I won a raffle, but still, I think it's a fun idea. We tried a few of the food options including the off-the-menu mac and cheese balls (definitely gooey and cheesy with a lot of pepper flavor in them, the spiciness was surprising but they were good overall). I also got the buffalo brussels sprouts which are one of my favorite preparations of brussels sprouts. They were well cooked and definitely healthier than some of the other sides so I'm a fan! We also later on another weekend night- it was very empty but there was a DJ?? That was really confusing and he was playing pop songs to like 6 people in the bar. They have one of those fancy jukebox setups so I don't know why they would hire alive DJ. The bartender was really friendly and it was a relaxing place to have a late night drink. Overall a solid neighborhood joint.
(4)
Jill C.
I watched for months as the new owners gutted this place down to the studs. Watched as they transformed the exterior. Remained hopeful as I saw their posts on Facebook. Well they finally flung open the door to the public. I hopped in today to see what they are all about. The interior is Unrecognizable when compared to their former occupants. Subtle colors, exposed brick and soft lighting made for a refreshing change. There is a bar at the entrance with tall tables that run along the bar and regular tables in the back. The menu is short but nice (however I was told they would be slowly expanding the menu). Comfort food with a twist. And they have tots. Yummy yummy tots. The beer list was also nice and they have a few locals on tap, which are also on special during happy hour. They also have craft cocktails but I forgot to look at then on the menu. Woops! Next time. I hope this place does well. Good luck to ya. Hope after a few more visits I can add another star.
(4)
K R.
Nice little place to grab dinner. My burger was excellent, the garlic aioli with fries were also excellent. However, I can't be the only one that dislikes those skinny french fries. They didn't taste bad, they're just not very user friendly to eat. If C&S upgrades the fries to a grown-up size, I'll gladly give them the 5th star. Well, and if they also get some real heat in that place. Having a bunch of space heaters on the floor isn't practical nor does it leave a good impression, but then again I have no idea if this is normal or if their regular heater had a problem. But even with 3-4 space heaters in there, the place was still on the cold side.
(4)
Cat O.
Great corner bar, awesome bartender(he's a good looking guy with a funny personality), tasty food! Will definitely be back!
(5)
Daniel M.
Went here with my wife and two friends from out of town last night. The place was beautiful - they did a great job on the remodel, especially with the gorgeous copper ceiling and bar lights. Nice craft beer list - my wife asked about mocktails since she's pregnant - she just asked to have the bartender surprise her, and what came back was delicious! The buffalo fried Brussels sprouts were absolutely delicious, and the black bean hummus was very tasty. Our friend who had the chili couldn't say enough good things about it. My roast pork sandwich was superb - an my wife's meatloaf sandwich was awesome! The tots were great, and the fries were also superb - hot, crispy, dusted with fresh parsley. Service was awesome, prices were good (comparable to Memphis Taproom) - I look forward to going back at happy hour to try some more of the drinks (I had a beer off of their very nice draft list but the cocktails looked amazing). Great food, good prices, great addition to our neighborhood. The bright glowing jukebox was a little off-putting, but that was our only complaint all evening. We'll definitely be back soon!
(5)
Arden M.
Came here on a Sunday night and the place was bumpin'. I tried the Aviation and it was perfect- gin, lemon, and creme de violette. All the other cocktails sounded really good too; can't wait to try them all! For food, I ordered the buffalo Brussels sprouts and the chickpea salad. The chickpea salad was super delicious--it had feta, olives, cherry tomatoes and chickpeas on a romaine bed. What really made it was the dressing, it was herby and fresh. The Brussels sprouts were yummy and a cool take on vegetarian buffalo 'wings'.
(5)
Tim H.
Went there like a week or so ago. Had a really nice waitress, great bbq meatloaf, and had Mad Elf on draft (which got me nice and wasted).
(5)
Chris R.
Went there for drinks and dinner on a Wednesday night. The place has a great vibe and a nice little bar area. Their beer and drink selection was a pleasant surprise. I had a delicious meatloaf sandwich that came with tater tots---yum. My wife had a very well prepared Gnocchi dish. This is an awesome addition to the neighborhood!! I can't wait to go back and try something else from their bar and menu.
(5)
Amanda D.
No thank you. Went to hang out at a BAR. Was shushed and reprimanded because somebody was having a "business meeting". Seriously? Never again. That's the LAST 100 bucks I spend there. No thank you. Fishtown bars are hopping. You can't compete acting like that. Good luck with your...um...meetings.
(1)
N Y.
Food is pretty good, although they messed up my order. They were quick to fix it, but still.
(4)
Mahria B.
Another great time at Cook & Shaker! Happy hour drinks and specials were awesome! I love the cozy, fun atmosphere & delicious food! Definitely one of my favorite places to visit!!
(5)
Joe L.
My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Friday night around 7pm. We grabbed a high top out by the bar, and were greeted promptly by several staff members. Everyone here was super friendly. We ordered some great beers and an appetizer of fried Brussels sprouts tossed in buffalo sauce. Everything was great! Definitely will be stopping by again.
(4)
Katie P.
Went here a few weeks back for a firkin friday, got to meet the brewer and got some sweet swag from the brewery. The food was awesome, the mac and cheese deep fried balls with tomato were AMAZING!
(4)
Kelley W.
Fantastic oven baked wings! Was looking for wings one Friday night when didn't feel like cooking and Yelped wings in Kensington, this place came up along with a few others. I found a copy of their menu on their FB page and the wings sounded good. i ordered for pick up along with some onion rings. The wings were very good and the sun dried tomato side dip was amazing. i didn't even feel the need to douse them in hot sauce! The onion rings were ok, a little more breading than I prefer but were not bad. It seemed a nice relaxed spot to hang... Will definitely go back, maybe to hang next time!
(4)
Jeff M.
Had dinner here. The gnocchi was quite good. I should have stopped eating about half way through. I did not do that though.
(4)
Jeremy Y.
A wonderfully surprising new place close to home. We had the steak and the gnocchi entrees and the spring roll app. While I wouldn't order the spring rolls again as there wasn't much special about them, both of our dinners were top notch. The homemade potato gnocchi was really great and the steak had a wonderful flavor and wasn't overcooked. It was very reasonably priced and we also used their cool photo booth for free during happy hour. By the way, my beer was $2 thanks to their awesome happy hour specials.
(4)
Andrew M.
So, these guys are new to the hood, and trailblazing the gentrification of North FTown, or Kensington - I forget which - they all blend together. Went there after it first opened. But got their late on a Friday and they'd run out of most of the stuff. We did get the wings - I prefer them a little crispier (but didn't order them that way, so I guess that's on me). Bar was bumping, and the beer selection was great. Next time we went - had the buffalo brussels - and yes, they are what folks say they are. Delicious, and leave you wanting more more more. Heading there again tonight -
(4)
Avi O.
I recently visited this place for the first time. I was really impressed. Great beer selection and amazing happy hour special. The food was great and the service on point. Def coming back here again.
(5)
Julien R.
Gotta say, Cook and Shaker has gotten so much better since opening. They've weeded out the weird staff. Everyone who works there now is very friendly. The food is really good, almost surprisingly good - especially for the price. Highly recommended for a casual dinner and beer.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Juke Box Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Jeff F.
Great summer beers on tap . Refreshing sangria . Food made to order and accommodates any request .
(5)Max T.
I give them 5 stars in comparison to similar gastro-pub style bars in the area. The hipster wave hasn't passed Cumberland Street yet (I'm looking at you Memphis Taproom) so this is the last bastion of a "normal" beer loving, food loving people's bar. They have excellent cocktail specials for those who are not into beer, and the food is as good as one could ask for from a bar. The buffalo fried brussel sprouts are spot on, as well as the black bean humus.
(5)Chris V.
Well we can't say to much about Cook and Shaker -- we only were there after a Fishtown Beer Runners run so our visit consisted of a couple free High Life's and we were on the road. BUT, since we're here. The space was great, albeit jammed with sweaty runners. As did the food, I noticed some smothered tater tots which are still calling my name ... C&S has a solid and deserving buzz surrounding it ...
(4)Larissa G.
I think that Steph I. hit the nail on the head with her review. I have known this place existed for a long time, and I really wanted them to kill it. Cook and Shaker could be Kensington's answer to Sardine Bar or Johnny Brenda's, but it's just okay. The place is very small and upon walking in with my party of 4, I flagged down a waitress and asked if there was a list for tables. She said that there wasn't and we should just go stand near a table that's finishing up and swoop in when they leave. It ended up not being too awkward (I hate lingering around tables that are full of people), but after sitting down, our party saw another couple standing at the bar sadly looking in our direction. I am not sure if they were waiting for longer than us or not, but I felt bad and wish that the employees would at least make a mental list so that people get sat in the order in which they arrive. Our beers were all fine and well-priced, and we ordered the buffalo Brussels sprouts and the loaded tater tots to start. I was underwhelmed by both. The Brussels were so tiny (maybe they were frozen?) and they were barely breaded or buffalo-ed. For a menu that seriously relies on tater tots as their thing, my friend asked if they make their own, only to be told that they do not. Serious bummer. I split the mushroom gnocchi and the veggie sandwich for dinner. The sandwich was definitely the best dish and the shoestring fries were great. However, the gnocchi was bland and totally meh. Plus, the music was terrible and there was no ambiance at all. I left feeling like I probably won't come back.
(3)Mike H.
Nice little pub in Kensington-northern Liberti's. Great food. Love the deep fried pickles wedges with dipping sauce. And the fries with pulled pork and cheese are a winner! Meatloaf sandwich, the bbq pulled pork sandwich and good old fashion burger are all top notch. Choose between tater tots or fries as your side to seal your fate in this great pub fare.
(5)Leigh W.
Recently went here for brunch with a large group. (10+). I hadn't been here before, so I wasn't sure of the size, it is probably your average sized neighborhood bar. The staff was very accommodating and pushed together tables for us, which I really appreciated. Our server was very nice and patient with us. I got the chicken and biscuits which was realllly good. The coffee was also a good quality. My friend got the "breakfast tots" which were amazing. (However, I would've like an over easy egg on them instead of scrambled- but that's just me) Definitely a great addition to the neighborhood and I'd definitely go back again.
(4)E G.
I went the other night with 2 girlfriends. We had the buffalo fried Brussels sprouts, pulled pork fries and fried pickles to start with. A ton of food, but oh so good! My friend and I both asked for a slightly special request, which they were happy to accommodate. Amazing food and great service. Can't wait to go back!
(5)Leigh H.
The food is DELICIOUS!! I've been looking for a great local spot for a while now, and I've found it. The Gnocchi is soo good, highly recommended. We also got the Buffalo Brussel Sprouts for an appetizer and we practically licked the plate clean. The chili is great as well. I'm looking forward to going back and trying other things that have been reviewed on here. Also, the waitress was really sweet and helpful. Since I live a little deeper into Fishtown, its hard to find a great spot that is walkable. This is my new to-go!!
(5)Hilary V.
I recently went to Cook and Shaker for the first time. It was the day after Thanksgiving so it was a little slow, but there were several tables just drinking. My friend and I ordered the Buffalo fried brussel sprouts as an appetizer and it was great. It was more than enough for my friend and I and we could have shared it if we had a larger party. The owner suggested the meatloaf and while I probably never would have ordered it without her suggestion, the sandwich was amazing! It came as a sandwich which threw me off for a second, but it was delicious! The serving size was huge and came with my choice of side (I picked tater tots of course). I asked our server (who was super friendly) if they had an sour beers on tap (my favorite) and she quickly pointed out the best option. The beer was exactly what I wanted. The atmosphere is comfortable, with a tv above the bar and an electronic jukebox. We were told they have a spelling night which sounds really fun. I'll definitely be back to try other things on the menu and more beer, of course.
(5)Felicia D.
I got the gluten free gnocchi and it was spectacular. Couldn't stop eating it. As I am writing this I'm thinking of taking another bite. Yep. Just did it. Yummmmm The tater tots are good too!
(5)Melissa P.
First of all I can't for the life of me remember the name of this place (Cook and Saddle? Cork and Shaker? Cook and Kitchen?) Unfortunately the food was just as unmemorable. We were excited to check out this new spot... Which had the potential to be a new awesome gastropub, but the food was just meh. Here are some things Cook and Whatever needs to change before I'll be back. - Focus on being a bar first and foremost. Your drinks are good. Fix the seating to be more bar like. - Fix the weird lighting. Way too bright in there. - Don't run out of the best looking things on your menu at 7:30.( Buffalo sprouts and nacho tots). -Don't tell me your fried chicken sandwich is the best thing on your menu if it's not. -Put something in your chickpea salad that I don't have in my fridge. The onion rings, veggie sandwich, gnocchi, and sausage were all good but nothing wowed us. The drinks were good and very strong. The funniest part of the night was ending up at Memphis Taproom and hearing everyone complain about the same things we experienced. I might be back for drinks sometime if I'm in the area but I wouldn't make food the focus of my trip.
(3)Jesse T.
Had the Meatloaf, gf had a burger, and our friend had the veggie sandwich. We also ordered the spring rolls. Friendly and attentive staff. Tots were yumz and the fries were some of the best I've had in the area (thin cut). The rest of the food was ok, not great. Also, butter pickles are for nazis and killed my food boner when I detected their presence on my sandwich. Hopslam on tap was a huge plus but we prob won't go back for a full meal as there r a lot of better choices locally. Would totally go back for just fries and a beer
(3)Valerie C.
I think at this point I've eaten everything on their menu at least once.. and there isn't anything that I haven't liked. I appreciate that the menu isn't huge. Quality over quantity. They also rotate certain items so the menu isn't always exactly the same all of the time. Things you should def try there (besides everything, obvs): Cook & Shaker Tots, Buffalo Sprouts, Roast Pork sammich and the Oven Roasted Wings. I also really enjoy their salad.. mostly because the dressing is delicious. Oh, and Brunch! Sunday Brunch is delicious! They also have a pretty nice beer selection and always have at least one cider available. The service is good, all of the employees and the owners are friendly. Its generally a pretty laid back and chill atmosphere so if you're looking to grab some food and a few drinks without feeling like dealing with a crap load of people and a bunch of noise.. then this is your place. I've brought friends, family members and a kid here to eat. Its pretty much good for everyone. Also.. Tuesday nights.. SPELLING BEE! You should go, you can win prizes from the PRIZE WHEEL!
(5)Paul W.
Always great service. Ian and Sarah are awesome. Actually, all the bartenders are great but those two are usually there when I am. Food is always outstanding. Brunch is great. Awesome value and outstanding Bloody Marys. Great beer selection. The First Firkin Friday events are a lot of fun. I still have to check out the spelling bee. I'll lose but oh well.
(5)Brian L.
Food 4+, ambiance 3- .. I want to really like this place, I know that it means well, they have good intentions. The food is good, but they lose some points for the confused interior. We split a spring roll app, and each had the gnocchi and the eggplant-ball sandwich. Everything was tasty. We were satisfied, not blown away, but not disappointed. Not over frilled and thrilled; basic "comfort" food, but nothing like mom's kitchen. I would like to come back at some point and try some of the other items on the menu, everything looked pretty tasty. I only tried one mixed drink, and I wasn't particularly impressed - not here nor there. The beer selection is okay. The interior is nice, except for the radioactive glowing jukebox that casts a horrible neon blue light everywhere. And the TV screens.. sorry fellas just get rid of them! It just sends a confusing message as to what type of place you are. You're definitely not a sports bar, so you shouldn't have two screens with different games on. If the TVs were done away with and the neon lights were turned off, I think this place would be a fantastic place to come and eat or drink.
(3)Chrissy T.
Great neighborhood spot. Their cocktails are amazing and their beer selection never fails. Their menu items are all wonderful and the staff is super friendly.
(5)whitney s.
Great brunch! I had their omelette of the day, very good, fresh ingredients (it was feta and cherry tomatoes, red onions). Delicious. Generous portions. My husband had the french toast with fresh fruit. Very good. Good environment and friendly service. Ya, 5 stars. Thanks Cook and Shaker for opening a quality place in our neighborhood. Well done
(5)Steph I.
I wanted this place to kill it. Living and working in the neighborhood you always dream that a new restaurant will kill it. Not only did I call during their soft opening for hours and come in but I heavily versed myself on the menu. I mean buffalo Brussels sprouts, CMON!!! But I was dissatisfied. The food was meh and the drinks okay. I got the potato gnocchi and ended up giving my leftovers to a bum. It's sucks, I really wanted to this place to rock but everyone I know agrees. It's meh.
(3)Walter K.
I've visited the cook and shaker several times, and one theme keeps coming to my attention: Cook and Shaker does a very good job with minimum. That's not a critism. The beer list is small but I've always found something I like ($5 Bell's Two Hearted is a sure crowd pleaser). The menu is small, but intentional. I ordered the flat iron steak, and it came out perfectly cooked. For $15, it was truly an excellent dinner. The cocktail menu is good, and most drinks clock in at $8. Bar staff is a little slow, especially with the cocktail drinks. There was almost no multitasking going on with the service, but I expect that to get better with time. The bar is small, but the space feels fine unless the place is really packed. And there are 2 TVs, so this could be a viable spot to catch some Flyers or Phillies. Overall, Cook and Shaker is not offering much new, but I like the effort and thought put into the little things.
(4)Lauren R.
My husband and I have eaten here about once a week or so since they opened a few months back. It started out mediocre but has consistently improved in food presentation, quality, and portions since then. It has a mixed crowd, which is refreshing in this area. I love the buffalo sprouts. The burger and meatloaf sandwich are both decent. Oh, and they have nacho tots! They are Fatty approved.
(4)Carrie M.
I could not wait for this place to open...I seriously counted down the days. I went the Wednesday after they opened and though it seemed much more crowded than they had expected for a weekday evening, they totally made it work and no patrons seemed to want for anything. I had heard great things about the buffalo brussel sprouts, but went with the Cook and Shaker Tots an appetizers--AMAZING. For my entree I had the grilled garlic chicken--AMAZING--and my boyfriend got the spicy Italian sausage--AMAZING. All in all, AMAZING.
(5)Marnie L.
This is a difficult review. I LOVE the staff. they are really friendly and helpful with beer and food. But the vegetarian food is, meh. nothing special. if they did one veggie dish really well i would be 5 *. the mushroom sandwich is what i usually get and its fine but nothing i look fwrd to. the veggie sandwich is weird. i was excited to try it but too many things going on for it to work. I have heard great things about the meat eaters section of the menu. and again the staff is awesome!
(3)Sara K.
I originally gave this place 3 stars because I was there their first week of opening and they were off to an awkward start. Seemed like the new waitstaff didn't know what to do when only two people were sitting at the bar. I'm happy to say things have looked up. They have really worked on their menu and always have a good cocktail to offer. I love a good grilled cheese of the day, and they do it right, letting you get tots on the side. I ordered chicken with pasta one night and it was fantastic. The beer is a good price and the cocktails are unique and great. Some of the waitstaff still needs to step up their game and stop trying so hard to look cool, but the rest are sweethearts.
(4)Elizabeth A.
My boyfriend and I come here fairly often as it is right up the block. We love it! Everyone who works here is super friendly, the food is amazing, and they have a great beer selection. I much prefer cook and shaker ' s food to other similar places in the area (it blows Memphis taproom out of the water). It is absolutely worth checking out, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Danny N.
Very nice and wonderful staff. The food is awesome...ordered the flank steak medium rare and it was cooked perfectly. The wife ordered the vegetarian gnocchi which were incredible! This is a welcome addition to Fishtown (ok adjacent).
(5)Jennifer T.
Guys, they have a SPELLING BEE on Tuesday nights. Finally, a place that rewards my only talent (superb spelling skills) with food (actually, with a chance to spin the prize wheel with such prizes as free pint glass, 20% of your meal, BOGO sandwiches, etc). For a drink, I suggest the Thai Basil-Peach Lemonade cocktail. So yummy. Sarah, the bartender, is awesome and really seems to make an effort to remember her customers. And perhaps the best part for me is that it's walking distance from my house.
(5)Kristine B.
This place was great! It's just two blocks from my friend's place and in an up and coming neighborhood. We stopped by to watch the Eagles unfortunately lose, but the drinks were icy and refreshing and the food was delicious. I got the modern royale cocktail, which was a little tart but in a good way. We shared the onion rings with Siracha ketchup and tater tots with garlic aioli. The only complaint about the food was that there was a touch too much garlic in the aioli. As for the atmosphere, it definitely needs to develop a little more character. They made a good start but there isn't really a cohesive theme. They should play up their neighborhood connection. I definitely plan to visit again however.
(4)Conga B.
Fishtown Beer Runners invaded last nite, and usually a new place has issues with a large crowd. Not Cook and Shaker. They were prepared. Beer was flowing with great service. They served the beer in glass jar mugs with glass handles. WOW, extra 2 points for that. Had the dark Yards. Excellent. Place is all new with that new metal ceiling. Way cool. Had food w/ 3 people. Vege Spring Rolls: a 10, non-greasy, but crispy, with fresh vegetables inside..Amazing. Friend had the chicken legs/wings...Baked, not greasy, perfect. Also, had the 3-bean Vege Chili...just the right mix of beans and vegetables, perfect. Eggplant sandwich, another winner, on Brioche, great flavors. I'm back.
(5)Meg T.
I would have given more stars had it not been for the owner or whoever that middle aged lady who hangs at the end of the bar is (and oftentimes a bartender or server too). I would have given less stars if it wasn't for a certain bartender (all I can remember was that he was Hispanic- something we have in common and super friendly/ willing to answer any questions). He no longer works there so after my boyfriend moved to the area and started going there on the weekends, we were used to him (our Hispanic bartender). We would go there and try to ignore the rude sideways glances of the owner despite my boyfriends frivolous attempts at cheering her up and trying to make her friendly (which in turn just showed her even bitchier nature). Once we realized our bartender wasn't returning, we realized his replacement was just as bad as the owner. If they don't want our business or the business of our friends and family and social media network, that's fine with us. We'll go somewhere else. They are rude and look down upon customers- trust me woman (owner whoever you are) you are no better than the rest of us.
(2)Sarah L.
Cook and Shaker is small and out of the way but if you're in Kensington you can't go wrong. We went on Friday when they were doing a Firkin special and it was really fun. For every $5 Firkin you ordered you got a raffle ticket, and they gave away shirts and glasses. Maybe it was just really fun for me because I won a raffle, but still, I think it's a fun idea. We tried a few of the food options including the off-the-menu mac and cheese balls (definitely gooey and cheesy with a lot of pepper flavor in them, the spiciness was surprising but they were good overall). I also got the buffalo brussels sprouts which are one of my favorite preparations of brussels sprouts. They were well cooked and definitely healthier than some of the other sides so I'm a fan! We also later on another weekend night- it was very empty but there was a DJ?? That was really confusing and he was playing pop songs to like 6 people in the bar. They have one of those fancy jukebox setups so I don't know why they would hire alive DJ. The bartender was really friendly and it was a relaxing place to have a late night drink. Overall a solid neighborhood joint.
(4)Jill C.
I watched for months as the new owners gutted this place down to the studs. Watched as they transformed the exterior. Remained hopeful as I saw their posts on Facebook. Well they finally flung open the door to the public. I hopped in today to see what they are all about. The interior is Unrecognizable when compared to their former occupants. Subtle colors, exposed brick and soft lighting made for a refreshing change. There is a bar at the entrance with tall tables that run along the bar and regular tables in the back. The menu is short but nice (however I was told they would be slowly expanding the menu). Comfort food with a twist. And they have tots. Yummy yummy tots. The beer list was also nice and they have a few locals on tap, which are also on special during happy hour. They also have craft cocktails but I forgot to look at then on the menu. Woops! Next time. I hope this place does well. Good luck to ya. Hope after a few more visits I can add another star.
(4)K R.
Nice little place to grab dinner. My burger was excellent, the garlic aioli with fries were also excellent. However, I can't be the only one that dislikes those skinny french fries. They didn't taste bad, they're just not very user friendly to eat. If C&S upgrades the fries to a grown-up size, I'll gladly give them the 5th star. Well, and if they also get some real heat in that place. Having a bunch of space heaters on the floor isn't practical nor does it leave a good impression, but then again I have no idea if this is normal or if their regular heater had a problem. But even with 3-4 space heaters in there, the place was still on the cold side.
(4)Cat O.
Great corner bar, awesome bartender(he's a good looking guy with a funny personality), tasty food! Will definitely be back!
(5)Daniel M.
Went here with my wife and two friends from out of town last night. The place was beautiful - they did a great job on the remodel, especially with the gorgeous copper ceiling and bar lights. Nice craft beer list - my wife asked about mocktails since she's pregnant - she just asked to have the bartender surprise her, and what came back was delicious! The buffalo fried Brussels sprouts were absolutely delicious, and the black bean hummus was very tasty. Our friend who had the chili couldn't say enough good things about it. My roast pork sandwich was superb - an my wife's meatloaf sandwich was awesome! The tots were great, and the fries were also superb - hot, crispy, dusted with fresh parsley. Service was awesome, prices were good (comparable to Memphis Taproom) - I look forward to going back at happy hour to try some more of the drinks (I had a beer off of their very nice draft list but the cocktails looked amazing). Great food, good prices, great addition to our neighborhood. The bright glowing jukebox was a little off-putting, but that was our only complaint all evening. We'll definitely be back soon!
(5)Arden M.
Came here on a Sunday night and the place was bumpin'. I tried the Aviation and it was perfect- gin, lemon, and creme de violette. All the other cocktails sounded really good too; can't wait to try them all! For food, I ordered the buffalo Brussels sprouts and the chickpea salad. The chickpea salad was super delicious--it had feta, olives, cherry tomatoes and chickpeas on a romaine bed. What really made it was the dressing, it was herby and fresh. The Brussels sprouts were yummy and a cool take on vegetarian buffalo 'wings'.
(5)Tim H.
Went there like a week or so ago. Had a really nice waitress, great bbq meatloaf, and had Mad Elf on draft (which got me nice and wasted).
(5)Chris R.
Went there for drinks and dinner on a Wednesday night. The place has a great vibe and a nice little bar area. Their beer and drink selection was a pleasant surprise. I had a delicious meatloaf sandwich that came with tater tots---yum. My wife had a very well prepared Gnocchi dish. This is an awesome addition to the neighborhood!! I can't wait to go back and try something else from their bar and menu.
(5)Amanda D.
No thank you. Went to hang out at a BAR. Was shushed and reprimanded because somebody was having a "business meeting". Seriously? Never again. That's the LAST 100 bucks I spend there. No thank you. Fishtown bars are hopping. You can't compete acting like that. Good luck with your...um...meetings.
(1)N Y.
Food is pretty good, although they messed up my order. They were quick to fix it, but still.
(4)Mahria B.
Another great time at Cook & Shaker! Happy hour drinks and specials were awesome! I love the cozy, fun atmosphere & delicious food! Definitely one of my favorite places to visit!!
(5)Joe L.
My girlfriend and I stopped in on a Friday night around 7pm. We grabbed a high top out by the bar, and were greeted promptly by several staff members. Everyone here was super friendly. We ordered some great beers and an appetizer of fried Brussels sprouts tossed in buffalo sauce. Everything was great! Definitely will be stopping by again.
(4)Katie P.
Went here a few weeks back for a firkin friday, got to meet the brewer and got some sweet swag from the brewery. The food was awesome, the mac and cheese deep fried balls with tomato were AMAZING!
(4)Kelley W.
Fantastic oven baked wings! Was looking for wings one Friday night when didn't feel like cooking and Yelped wings in Kensington, this place came up along with a few others. I found a copy of their menu on their FB page and the wings sounded good. i ordered for pick up along with some onion rings. The wings were very good and the sun dried tomato side dip was amazing. i didn't even feel the need to douse them in hot sauce! The onion rings were ok, a little more breading than I prefer but were not bad. It seemed a nice relaxed spot to hang... Will definitely go back, maybe to hang next time!
(4)Jeff M.
Had dinner here. The gnocchi was quite good. I should have stopped eating about half way through. I did not do that though.
(4)Jeremy Y.
A wonderfully surprising new place close to home. We had the steak and the gnocchi entrees and the spring roll app. While I wouldn't order the spring rolls again as there wasn't much special about them, both of our dinners were top notch. The homemade potato gnocchi was really great and the steak had a wonderful flavor and wasn't overcooked. It was very reasonably priced and we also used their cool photo booth for free during happy hour. By the way, my beer was $2 thanks to their awesome happy hour specials.
(4)Andrew M.
So, these guys are new to the hood, and trailblazing the gentrification of North FTown, or Kensington - I forget which - they all blend together. Went there after it first opened. But got their late on a Friday and they'd run out of most of the stuff. We did get the wings - I prefer them a little crispier (but didn't order them that way, so I guess that's on me). Bar was bumping, and the beer selection was great. Next time we went - had the buffalo brussels - and yes, they are what folks say they are. Delicious, and leave you wanting more more more. Heading there again tonight -
(4)Avi O.
I recently visited this place for the first time. I was really impressed. Great beer selection and amazing happy hour special. The food was great and the service on point. Def coming back here again.
(5)Julien R.
Gotta say, Cook and Shaker has gotten so much better since opening. They've weeded out the weird staff. Everyone who works there now is very friendly. The food is really good, almost surprisingly good - especially for the price. Highly recommended for a casual dinner and beer.
(4)