
About Us

Irish Happy
From initial conception, the idea behind the pub was to create a spot the owners themselves would like to hang out. Founder Sam Darlington, native son of Belfast, Ireland and local Texan resident for the past 30 years, envisioned it as the perfect blend of an Irish Pub experience and Central Texan cuisine, while bringing the iconic Austin outdoor beer garden north to Round Rock. Mission accomplished.

Texas Friendly
Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen + Microbrewery is an authentic and historical Irish pub experience with Texas modernism, innovation and hospitality, featuring our proprietary scratch menu, signature mixology, onsite microbrewery, and a large outdoor covered patio. This is a place for "Storytelling", for enjoying the sights, sounds, & flavors blended with the serenity of an outdoor grove and "floating" fireplaces. Hole up in one of the four authentic Irish snugs, sit at the Chef's Counter, or cozy up to one of our 3 bar tops.

Locally Owned
The overall vibe blends Austin-chic in the dining room and Chef's Counter with industrial décor indicative of an Irish pub, with many subtle historical nuances throughout. It's the ideal setting to meet up, wine and dine, drink a pint, enjoy live music, or watch a favorite sports team on one of the 13 indoor and outdoor TVs.
In short..we're here to have fun...or what the Irish call "The Craic". Sláinte.

Meet The Team
FOUNDING FATHERS
Fittingly, it all began in a pub. Jay Kudla, President of RS3 Strategic Hospitality and veteran in the sports & entertainment hospitality industry, and Sam Darlington, owner and operator of Emerald Meadows Construction and native of Ireland whose relatives were riveters on the HMS Titanic in Belfast, were working together on an RS3 renovation project in January 2018. That night, over pints of Guinness, the two close friends and colleagues...
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