
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House
A modern Irish eatery blending a microbrewery with a smokehouse, featuring a wood-fired grill and innovative dishes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Irish eatery blending a microbrewery with a smokehouse, featuring a wood-fired grill and innovative dishes.
"Consistently memorable dining, this spot elevates Irish cuisine with smoky flavors and craft beers."
Reserve in Advance
Limited seating means reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Try the Signature Dishes
Wood-grilled ribeye with smoked butter or slow-smoked pork ribs are highly recommended.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Irish, American BBQ
Price
$$$
Phone
+353 21 239 0479
Address
4 Oliver Plunkett St, Centre, Cork, T12 YH24, Ireland
Website
elbowlane.ie/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wood-Grilled Steaks & Ribs
Savor perfectly cooked steaks and slow-smoked ribs from the open kitchen's wood-fired grill, infused with smoky aromas.

In-House Brewed Beers
Experience unique, on-site brewed craft beers, including their own stouts, perfectly complementing the smoky dishes.

Decadent Desserts
Indulge in exceptional homemade desserts, with the burnt honey & bourbon ice cream being a standout dream.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Limited seating means reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Try the Signature Dishes
Wood-grilled ribeye with smoked butter or slow-smoked pork ribs are highly recommended.
Don't Skip Dessert!
Reviews rave about the desserts, particularly the unique ice cream flavors.
Enjoy the Open Kitchen
Watching the chefs work their magic over the wood-fired grill is part of the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Limited seating means reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Try the Signature Dishes
Wood-grilled ribeye with smoked butter or slow-smoked pork ribs are highly recommended.
Don't Skip Dessert!
Reviews rave about the desserts, particularly the unique ice cream flavors.
Enjoy the Open Kitchen
Watching the chefs work their magic over the wood-fired grill is part of the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House consistently impresses with its exceptional wood-grilled meats, house-brewed beers, and decadent desserts. The vibrant atmosphere and attentive service contribute to a memorable dining experience. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one diner experienced an issue with a tough steak, though this seems to be an outlier.
"We enjoyed an absolutely amazing evening. Our server was Flores and she was very kind and informative! Her recommendations on which foods to pair with the beers was excellent and very helpful.
Matt was wonderful at getting us a table and helping us celebrate us being Newly Weds by sending us a glass of champagne.
The food was GOOD! I would say you truly cannot go wrong and definitely order the pork belly and the ribeye!"
Lucy Ferraro - Acosta
"I had my birthday in this beautiful place with wonderful people who serve you wonderfully well. I have no words to thank you. This day became wonderful with wonderful service and wonderful food. I would not recommend this place enough 10/100000000, that's why it's so busy. I've been trying to go to this place for over four months and it was worth all the wait. I can't wait to go back and I recommend it to everyone. As a good Brazilian, I love meat. I can say that the meat in this place is wonderful and of good quality. And the pork, please try the pork. Wonderful."
Itala Alves
"I am behind in writing this review as we visited in May, but I still think about our meal here! Perfect service, incredible food and drink and great vibe. Loved being able to watch the cooks do their magic, especially with the steaks. Brûlée a steak? Awesome! Everything is made in house, including their beers and the ice cream that I still dream about…Burnt honey & bourbon ice-cream, pecan & Korean chilli brittle 🤤 Definitely make a reservation while in Cork!"
Heather Friel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is small and popular.
The wood-grilled ribeye with smoked cascade butter and the slow-smoked pork ribs are highly recommended. Don't miss their unique desserts either!
Yes, Elbow Lane has an in-house nano-brewery and offers a selection of craft beers, including stouts and pale ales.
The restaurant has a cozy, intimate, and buzzy atmosphere, with an open-plan kitchen where you can watch the chefs.
Yes, while known for its meat, they offer vegetarian dishes such as grilled king oyster mushroom or fish of the day.
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Featured in these publications
Top Restaurants And Pubs In Cork, Ireland
One of the few restaurants in Cork that elevates modern Irish cuisine beyond upmarket pub grub, Elbow Lane is more than just an afterthought to accompany the micro-brewery downstairs. Executive chef Stephen Kehoe has masterminded a creative menu that plays to local strengths – in a tiny space, with an open-plan kitchen, the wood-fired grill seducing guests with smoky aromas. Standout mains include low-smoked beef brisket croquetas with rojak sauce and the house favourite – wood-grilled sirloin with smoked cascade butter.
Restaurants in County Cork
The small, dark, L-shape room (hence the name) on the ground floor of a handsome town house is dominated by a blue-tiled chimney with a wood-smoke grill, whose aroma pervades the room. There's a masculine ambience here, as befits a brewery and smokehouse renowned for hearty portions of grilled food and triple-cooked chips. The always-buzzy atmosphere is encouraged by helpful, welcoming staff.
Restaurant suggestions in Cork, IRELAND
Elbow Lane: Craft beer enthusiasts will find solace in Elbow Lane, where exceptional on-site brewed beers accompany a menu featuring delectable wood-grilled dishes.
Cork City For Foodies: Best Restaurants Cork 2025
Those who hail the glories of the barbeque will find themselves richly rewarded at Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House. The traditional style of the L-shaped dining room sets the tone, while the flames that lap from the open-kitchen’s huge wood-fired grill gives more than a hint at what the menu might hold. Needless to say, the menu is relatively heavily meat-based, including slow-smoked pork ribs served alongside homemade smokehouse sauce and cooling coleslaw.
Top 16 Cork City Restaurants 2025
The Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is a restaurant in Cork City that is located at the end of Oliver Plunkett Street. The Restaurant merges an in-house nano brewery with a smoke house, creating a unique,exciting venue that serves food and drinks including their own Elbow Lane beers in a cozy and intimate setting. It is ideal for craft beer enthusiasts, meat lovers, couples, and those seeking a unique and convivial atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Cork – 11 Top-Rated Restaurants
€€ | Micro Brewery | Continental BBQ Food | Cozy Ambiance | Cork City. Elbow Lane is a quaint and atmospheric spot in Cork city, with bar-counter seating, as well as regular dining tables. The food is a contemporary take on classic European foods – a bit of French and Spanish cuisine – with a hint of Texan BBQ. In addition, they have an in-house micro brewery where they brew everything from pale ales to stouts, and lager.
Cork City Foodie Guide: Where To Stay And What To Eat
If you are looking for something other than fish – then the meat or vegetarian dishes at the ever popular Elbow Lane will cater to your needs. Deep fried pork belly with fish sauce caramel to start and a wood grilled ribeye with smoked cascade butter to follow sounds great. For vegetarians, the Lion’s mane mushroom, celeriac and lovage dumplings with black lentil bordelaise looks good.
Plan your Cork city break with
You’ll find unique flavours and the buzz of a bar at Elbow Lane. With both a smokehouse and a nano-brewery right on site, expect to see American-influenced barbecue with an Irish twist, like slow smoked baby back ribs or wood grilled rib eye. Their beers are brewed specifically with the menu in mind, so you can ask for a beer pairing or dabble in a few options with the taster tray.
Cork City & Harbour
For Carnivores – Elbow Lane Brew & Smokehouse – a recent arrival, but the Elbow Lane Smokehouse is already building a big reputation for BBQ ribs, stunning steaks and grilled fish – big, meaty, satisfying and using only the best from local fields and seas. They also have great craft beers, cocktails and small-batch Irish whiskeys. A place for indulgence.
Welcome to the Gourmet Capital of Ireland – CORK!
In Oliver Plunkett Street you can find Elbow Lane and Market Lane, run by the same owners, where you can have delicious, high-quality (and also affordable!) food and the beer they brew. Talking about good beer, you could also go to the Franciscan Well, have a tour of the brewery, then enjoy one of their beers and get an authentic Italian pizza.
BEST Steak Restaurants in Cork
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House, a standout among steak restaurants in Cork, is a carnivore’s paradise. Tucked away on Oliver Plunkett Street, this cosy eatery offers a unique twist on the traditional steak experience. Their speciality lies in expertly smoked steaks that deliver a rich, smoky flavour that’s simply irresistible.
Discovering Cork’s hidden photography spots with Anastasia Velickovic
As you can see below, it shows a man in the dress code of the 18th century, representing when the English Market had been built; whereas, Conor Harrington, the artist, said that he “included a doll’s house on the table to illustrate how Cork is a city built on good and how our culinary scene is one of our greatest assets.
10 Best Restaurants in Cork City for 2025
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is arguably one of the best places to eat in Cork City for those fond of beautifully prepared meat. With an open-plan kitchen and its giant wood-fired grill, this amazing restaurant is situated in an L-shape room with traditional décor. As for the food, it’s hearty and delicious!
20 BEST restaurants in Cork (for ALL tastes and budgets)
This sister restaurant of Cork’s award-winning Market Lane, we highly recommend checking out Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House while in the city. Set in a charming building at the edge of Oliver Plunkett Street, the food here is truly unforgettable. They also have a great selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
The Best Restaurants in Cork For Students
First up is Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse, a haven for those who love smokey, flavourful dishes. This spot specialises in craft beer and barbecue, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a busy week. With an in-house brewery on offer, you’ll always have a fresh pint to go alongside your meal.
Top 15 Best Places To Eat In Cork, Ireland
Elbow Lane is a must-visit restaurant in Cork for anyone who loves craft beer and BBQ. Located in the heart of the city, this cozy and stylish restaurant offers a unique dining experience that combines high-quality smoked meats with expertly brewed beers.
ORSO Kitchen, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner · Cork City Dining – A Guide to Local Independent Cafes and Restaurants in Cork City.
Set in a handsome building at the end of Oliver Plunkett Street, this restaurant combines an in-house nano brewery – producing a range of all-natural craft beers – with a smokehouse serving exciting food and drinks. Open 7 nights a week.
The People's Republic of Food | Cork's Casual Dining Revolution
So far it has given a home to Oh Naturelle, creators of Great Taste award winning sorbets and dairy-free ice-creams, Elbow Lane Smokehouse Sauce, and current residents Naturally Nourished, who sell a range health foods and snacks.
15 Best Restaurants in Cork in our ranking.
13/06/2025: That open kitchen was awesome—watching those flames and the chefs was incredible. The whole place was buzzing with energy, making the meal even better. My ribeye (medium) was perfect—juicy, flavorful, and so tender.
These are Cork's five best restaurants, according to Tripadvisor users
A diner described the vegan burger at The River Club at The River Lee Hotel on Western Road as one of the best she had ever tasted: “The superfood salad was also delicious and we finished off our meal with a choice of desserts!
8 Of The Best Restaurants You've Gotta Try In Cork City Centre
Elbow Lane is, by far, the perfect combination of fantastic meat and brew, both beautifully executed. Goldie’s sister restaurant is a smokehouse and a nano brewery. The meat is prepared in a wood-fire oven, in an open kitchen.
Best Restaurants and Popular Food Places in Cork
Elbow Lane Brew and Smoke House is renowned for its craft beers and smoked meats, providing a unique dining experience in Cork. The restaurant and microbrewery combine to offer a distinct culinary adventure.
Craft brews in Cork, Ireland
Elbow Lane Elbow Lane is the smallest of Cork’s breweries, known as a nano brewery. Located on popular Oliver Plunkett Street, the restaurant and brewery opened in October 2014.
Discover the 10 Best Restaurants in Cork
Run by the Market Lane group, the Elbow Lane received the prestigious TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020 and was rated as the best restaurant in Cork on TripAdvisor.
Restaurants in Cork | Top 23 in 2024
Combining a microbrewery with a smokehouse, Elbow Lane serves perfectly smoked BBQ dishes alongside a selection of craft beers, fine wines and cocktails.
A number of Cork pubs and restaurants shortlisted for Irish Restaurant Awards
Best Gastropub went to Hamlets Bar and Kitchen in Kinsale, and Elbow Lane Brew and Smokehouse took home the Best Casual Dining award.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit