New Irish pub debuts in Round Rock on St. Patrick's Day

Easy question: What's the best day to open an Irish pub? 

Located at 4000 East Palm Valley in Round Rock, Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen + Microbrewery celebrated its grand opening on Wednesday — St. Patrick's Day, of course. 

Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen + Microbrewery describes itself as an authentic Irish pub experience mixed with Texas modernism, innovation and hospitality, according to its website.

"I was totally blown away by everything from the food to the architecture," said Round Rock resident Neville Stewart, one of the pub's first customers. "They truly did an incredible job with all that was done in the pub." 

Co-owners of Cork & Barrel Craft Kitchen + Microbrewery Jay Kudla and Sam Darlington say they came up with the idea for the business over pints of Guinness. 

"We wanted to blend the fun and uniqueness of an Irish pub experience with the premium hospitality and cuisine Central Texas has become synonymous with," Kudla said.

The duo said they wanted to bring both a little bit of Dublin and a little bit of downtown Austin to Round Rock. 

"We're Irish happy and Texas friendly," Kudla said.  

Kudla is the president of RS3 Strategic Hospitality, a food and beverage company that works with Dell Diamond, Circuit of Americas and the Germanina Insurance Amphitheater.