Friends and fellow Yelpers have written mixed reviews and expressed mixed feeling about Corkbuzz. Most of the negative feedback has been about the cost and not the food - the food has gotten great reviews. For the most part, unless some place just gets multiple terrible reviews I like to check things out and judge for myself.
My first impression walking in was "Wow! This place is beautiful!" It's got a nice fresh feel to it. Clean lines. For some reason it felt very "LA" or "NYC" - a "big city" atmosphere. Not the typical décor in these here parts. A sparkling wall of glasses behind the bar that makes a grand statement. Another nice feature is the long banquette.
Our server was friendly, chatty and knew a lot about both beer and wine. I like a knowledgeable server - it makes for both good conversation and good drink selections.
My bud Tonya and I met here for a drink so I could "see for myself". A round of drinks, one of them a beer, was $20. Part of it is that you are paying for location and atmosphere. The beer and wine list, as it should be in a place like this, was extensive and well selected.
The menu looks pretty orgasmic - the descriptions will make you hungry - you had me at cauliflower (which was the first item). Yes, prices are on high side but someone has to fill that niche in Charlotte. Looks like you could easily spend $50-$75 per person for dinner, appetizers and drinks.
Now for my overall impression - cool, upscale place to bring a date or to come for a special occasion. Saving up my do-re-mi so I can go for lunch or dinner.