Leander's long-awaited Cork & Barrel restaurant opened March 19 at Crystal Falls Golf Course, bringing elevated dining options to the area. Golf Course General Manager Werner announced the milestone comes after nearly a year of preparation.
Why it matters: The restaurant offers a significant upgrade to both the golf experience and Leander's dining options, with operating hours from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily and a full-service bar.
"Everything they did is first class, from the food to the decor to the staff," Werner told the council during his presentation.
The big picture: Unlike typical golf course concessions serving basic fare, Cork & Barrel offers premium menu items like steak sandwiches and grilled chicken. The restaurant has already been catering golf tournaments for three months.
Nolan Ryan attended the opening, though organizers "kept that quiet because we didn't want to get overrun."
What's next: The restaurant is immediately available for special events and is developing additional programming. Management plans to mirror golf course hours, adjusting seasonally with daylight changes.
The bottom line: The restaurant offers Leander residents a closer dining option than alternatives in the area, with Werner noting "people are starting to find out...they're not golfers" - indicating the venue is already attracting the broader community.
Check them out here:
3400 Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander
