Cork House strives to channel the spirit of a restaurant, a wine bar, and a coffeehouse all at once. The popular Liberty Lake hangout largely succeeds, providing guests with a place to lounge and unwind at almost any point during the day. Executive chef Brian Hutchins leads the kitchen crew, using locally sourced ingredients to create updated and refined versions of otherwise familiar comfort foods. The pulled-chicken enchiladas arrive with quinoa and roasted-poblano cream sauce, while the tender pork confit is accompanied by sweet-corn succotash, sautéed swiss chard, and jalapeño-spiced skillet cornbread. In addition to its menu of neuron-jolting espresso drinks, Cork House features 12 beers on tap and a variety of Pacific Northwest wines.

Much like the cuisine, Cork House's ambiance balances coziness with an air of refinement. Chandeliers and tapered square columns feel right at home among the dining room's dark wooden floorboards and neutral-toned walls. At the same time, the space exudes a homespun charm, thanks in part to its stone fireplace and framed copy of your last report card. Cork House even features a terrace-like outdoor patio with seating available during the warmer seasons.