One Sunday afternoon not too long ago, we were en route to Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville but wanted to stop and get a bite to eat on the way there. Not being very familiar with the area and what the choices were, I turned to the handy dandy Tripadvisor app on my phone and typed in “restaurants nearby.” Several turned up, but one immediately caught my eye. And how could it not? It was called Cork This Tap That!
As we walked across the parking lot toward the entrance, we could see a little covered bandstand outdoors where some live music was already underway. We entered the building and knew immediately that we had made a good decision. We appreciated the funky, homespun vibe that we picked up all around us. While we picked a table inside, large glass roll-top doors were raised providing us a nice view of the band, also revealing additional outdoor seating. The band that particular day happened to be “Country Acoustix,” also known as Bo Cheatham, Billy Hillman and Scott Nutter. There were couples, families, groups of friends, baby strollers, dogs on leases and a couple stray toddlers milling about. It was a perfectly relaxing, casual Sunday afternoon – one of those days that comes to mind when you hear the term “Sunday Funday.”
Karla, the proprietor, opened Cork This Tap That! in 2021 after owning Cork This! Winery in Montgomery and Wonderland Winery in College Station, before slipping and hitting her head, as she would say, and thinking that leaving healthcare administration and owning her own business was a good idea. Her goal was to create a local watering hole that was fun for the whole family with live music and an eclectic menu. With her prior winery experience, she has built an extensive collection of local beers and wines for Cork This Tap That!
“Life’s too short not to have fun. And if I’m going to work all the time, I’m going to make it as fun as possible,” she said. “We love our customers, both regulars and first-timers, and strive to make their experience entertaining, quirky and yet still delivering the highest caliber of service.”
Our first trip there, Hubby and I each ordered a hamburger special with French fries which we thoroughly enjoyed. We made a return trip about a month later and took Daughter with us. She ordered a barbecue stuffed potato which was a large baked potato served with chopped brisket, butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon and chives. Hubby selected a chicken fried steak which was served with a dinner salad, French fries, gravy and toast. I opted for a patty melt which was a quarter pound burger topped with Swiss cheese and grilled onions and served on Texas toast. I also ordered some onion rings on the side. Everything we ate was wonderful and very filling.
A variety of specials are offered. You can play Singo Bingo from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays for $5 per card and all-cash pots. Buy one get one half off burgers are available on Wednesdays. Thursdays offer grilled ribeyes cooked to order and live music. There’s an open mic night from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays. There’s live music on the outdoor stage from 6-9 p.m. Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays weather permitting.
