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What does “Corkage” Mean?

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Words by Matt Tervooren

What does “Corkage” Mean?

Did you know that most restaurants allow you to bring your own wine? To clarify, most restaurants are not BYOB. But they do offer “corkage” - a fee for each bottle you bring from home. You’d be shocked by how many places have corkage policies, and we’re continuously shocked by how few people utilize them. To help you get on board, we’ve built a list of the corkage policies at some of our favorite spots in NYC. And whether you’re going to Paulie Gee’s or Polo Bar, we’re happy to recommend specific wines for each spot.


For a guide to restaurants that don’t charge corkage fees, check out the 10 best BYOB restaurants In NYC.


How Much Corkage Should I Be Willing To Pay?

The more special the bottle, the higher corkage you should be willing to pay. If you’re just looking to drink your everyday Chianti with some pizza, then around $20 seems reasonable. But if you’re bringing a $250 bottle of Red Burgundy to a high-end restaurant, then you should be prepared to pay between $50-$100 corkage.

Is It Rude To Bring Your Own Wine To A Restaurant?

Nope, as long as you’re not doing corkage just to undercut the restaurant’s prices by a few bucks. Bringing a $12 bottle and paying $20 corkage in order to avoid spending $40 on a wine they carry isn’t cool. Only bring wine you’re genuinely excited to drink.

What Are Some Of The Best Restaurants In NYC That Charge Corkage?

Ayada Thai: $25


Paulie Gee's: $25


CheLi: $15


Al Di La: $20


Fiaschetteria Pistoia: $20


La Vara: $20


Kiki’s: $25


Paulie Gee’s: $25


Ivan Ramen: $25


Tanoreen: $25


Keens Steakhouse: $30, one bottle for every two people.


La Vara: $30


Cafe China: $30


Sushi Seki: $30, bottles can't be on their list.


Gramercy Tavern: $35, additional fee for a dedicated somm if you bring 6+ bottles


Ci Siamo: $35


Hawksmoor: $10 on Mondays, $35 Tuesday-Saturday


Contento: $35, bottles can't be on their list.


Lilia: $35


Locanda Verde: $35


Union Square Cafe: $35, 6+ requires dedicated somm


Don Angie: $35


Balthazar: $35


L’Artusi: $40


Olmstead: $45


Pastis: $45


Charlie Bird: $50


Balthazar: $50, max of 2 bottles


Peter Luger: $50


Altro Paradiso: $50, max of 2 bottles


Don Angie: $50


Locanda Verde: $50, max of 2 bottles and bottles can't be on their list


Upland: $50, max of 2 bottles and bottles can't be on their list


Charlie Bird: $65, max of 2 bottles


Marea: $75, max of 2 bottles


Estela: $75, max of 2 bottles


Francie: $90, 1 bottle for every 2 people


Polo Bar: $100, bottles can't be on their list




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