Cork, Tyler’s newest gathering spot, is a study in contradictions. Upscale yet unpretentious, it appeals to students, young professionals, and married folk. We stopped by on a Thursday and were delighted to find live music on the menu as well as some creative sushi and several inspiring small-plate options. The Mr. Phamtastik roll had blackened tuna mingling with grilled asparagus, spicy tuna, escolar, ponzu, and serrano, while scrumptious Gulf shrimp got sautéed in garlic and flambéed in mezcal. Cork seems almost too good to be true when compared with the ubiquitous chains that line the streets of south Tyler.