The Triple-Threat Reinvention: 5 Shocking New Details About Cork & Craft Rancho Bernardo In 2025
The Cork & Craft in Rancho Bernardo has long been a cornerstone of the North County San Diego dining scene, famous for its unique "triple-threat" concept blending a restaurant, a winery, and a brewery all under one roof. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the venue is undergoing a significant culinary evolution, making it a must-visit destination for both long-time patrons and curious newcomers.
This deep dive reveals the most current, up-to-date information on The Cork & Craft, focusing on the major personnel changes, the exciting new menu direction, and the continued excellence of its in-house brewery, Abnormal Beer Co. The landscape of fine dining and craft beverages in Rancho Bernardo is shifting, and this establishment is leading the charge with a fresh, refined vision.
The Cork & Craft: A Culinary and Craft Beverage Profile
The Cork & Craft is more than just a restaurant; it is a comprehensive hospitality experience. Since its debut in 2014, it has established itself as the first-ever brewery in the Rancho Bernardo community.
- Location: 16990 Via Tazon, San Diego, CA 92127 (Rancho Bernardo area)
- Concept: A unique "triple-threat" venue combining a full-service restaurant, a winery (Abnormal Wine Company), and a brewery (Abnormal Beer Co.).
- Partnerships: Originally a joint venture that included Abnormal Wine Company and the renowned Mostra Coffee.
- Offerings: Lunch, dinner, Sunday Brunch, and Happy Hour. The venue boasts an impressive 41 taps and an extensive wine list.
- Current Status (2025): Confirmed as open and operating, though closed on Mondays.
- Cuisine Style: Elevated American cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, currently undergoing a refinement under new leadership.
The New Era: Executive Chef Ethan Yang and a Refined Menu
The most significant and recent change at The Cork & Craft is the arrival of a new culinary leader, signaling a bold new direction for the restaurant's kitchen.
The Departure of a Decade-Long Icon
For nearly a decade, the kitchen was helmed by Executive Chef Phillip Cannon, who became known for his "whimsically inventive" style and dedication to marrying food with the in-house brews. His departure to Harland Brewing marked the end of an era and left a massive void to fill in the Rancho Bernardo dining scene.
Introducing Executive Chef Ethan Yang
The new face leading the culinary program is Executive Chef Ethan Yang, who previously made a name for himself as the owner and executive chef of GlassBox. Yang’s arrival is not just a replacement; it’s a complete pivot toward a new, refined dining experience. He is actively working on a completely new dinner menu, promising a fresh perspective on the Cork & Craft’s elevated American fare.
This transition is a massive point of curiosity for San Diego food enthusiasts. Yang’s vision is expected to bring a new layer of sophistication and artistry to the plate, ensuring the restaurant remains a North County gem and a destination for serious foodies. The integration of his refined style with the existing casual-yet-sleek atmosphere is the biggest development to watch in 2025.
The Abnormal Empire: Beer, Wine, and Coffee Synergy
The "triple-threat" identity of The Cork & Craft is intrinsically linked to its sister companies, Abnormal Beer Co. and Abnormal Wine Company. This synergy is what makes the venue truly unique in the San Diego market.
Abnormal Beer Co.: The In-House Brewery
Abnormal Beer Co. operates directly on-site, providing a constant flow of fresh, creative craft beers. This is the community's first-ever brewery, and its presence ensures the beer list is always hyper-local and current.
The brewery is dedicated to creating high-quality, inventive beers. For 2025, guests can expect to find a rotating tap list featuring their core favorites and seasonal specialties. Must-try entities currently on the Abnormal Co. roster include:
- Boss Pour San Diego IPA: A flagship hop-forward favorite.
- Secret Safari Pale Ale: A balanced and approachable San Diego Pale Ale.
- Abnormalweiss: A traditional, refreshing German-Style Hefeweizen.
- Mocha Stout: A rich, sweet stout that showcases their darker beer expertise.
The ability to pair Chef Yang’s new refined dishes with a beer brewed just feet away is a key selling point that few San Diego restaurants can match.
Abnormal Wine Company: The Vine-to-Table Experience
Completing the beverage trifecta is Abnormal Wine Company. The venue serves as a tasting room and showcase for their own curated wine selection, offering guests the unique opportunity to sample wines produced by their own team. This ensures that whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a bold Cabernet, the wine list is as meticulously crafted as the beer and the food.
Beyond the Dinner Plate: Brunch, Happy Hour, and Atmosphere
While the new dinner menu under Chef Yang is the main event, The Cork & Craft’s other offerings ensure it remains a vital part of the Rancho Bernardo community throughout the week.
The Essential Sunday Brunch
The venue is a popular spot for Sunday Brunch, offering a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The brunch menu typically features classic morning dishes elevated with the restaurant's fine-dining touch. The transition to a new chef suggests that the brunch menu will also see fresh, creative additions that will appeal to both the local community and visitors.
A Vibrant Happy Hour Scene
The Cork & Craft maintains a popular Happy Hour, making it an ideal post-work destination. With 41 taps and a full wine and cocktail program, the happy hour specials are a great way to sample the quality of Abnormal Beer Co. and Abnormal Wine Co. without committing to a full dinner. This focus on accessibility, combined with the high-quality setting, makes it a perfect blend of casual brewpub and upscale eatery.
Ambience and Location
Located conveniently just west of Interstate 15, the venue offers a sleek-yet-casual environment. The atmosphere is designed to be inviting, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy the fruits of the team’s passion for food, wine, and beer. The focus on a complete experience—from the first sip of a craft beer to the last bite of a refined dessert like the past favorite Zen Cheesecake—is what sets it apart in the North County area.
What to Expect from Cork & Craft in 2025
The primary intention of the new leadership is to elevate the overall experience. Diners should anticipate a refined, more focused dinner menu from Executive Chef Ethan Yang. This new culinary direction is the most exciting update for the venue in years, promising a fresh wave of inventive dishes that will complement the established excellence of Abnormal Beer Co. and Abnormal Wine Company. The Cork & Craft is not just surviving in the competitive San Diego food scene; it is actively reinventing itself to maintain its status as a top-tier destination for craft beverages and fine dining.
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