Carpenters Hall — Restaurant in Austin

This review is for the restaurant only. Super cute space and the food was decent. The patio is dog friendly. My biggest let down was our waiter. He completely left something off my friend's order and didn't offer to correct it. My friend had to ask twice to make sure she wasn't charged for it. He never refilled our drinks. We ask two other servers for refills. One forgot and the second finally grabbed our waiter and even then he forgot one of the drinks. Later, he tried to serve drinks to us that were meant for the table next to us. We also noticed the table next to us was seated quite a bit after us and was served their meal before us. I should note they had a different waiter than us. If you read some of the reviews there are some that may comments on the attention of their wait staff. I don't know if it's attributed to a single server or if there are multiple servers having issues. Either way, management should consider reviewing and discussing with staff. More and more people are choosing to dine out and service (and quality of food, but that isn't the case here) can make or break a restaurant.

I wouldn't normally take off two stars, but the restaurant wasn't busy. Honestly, the guy looked extremely tired and maybe I shouldn't fault the restaurant for that. However, we asked two other wait staff for assistance and they just put it back on our waiter instead of helping versus wiping down empty tables that weren't even being ready for patrons since it wasn't busy. I would definitely give it another try here with the hope that the service is a little better next time.

We had the crispy oyster mushrooms, very good. Cashew queso, that was okay. It's more like an extra creamy onion dip with a queso consistency. So calling it queso is a little misleading, but it was still decent. I ordered the pancakes. They were delicious. Just be aware that no syrup is served with the pancakes or maybe my waiter forgot it, however, I didn't mind since I don't care for syrup that much and they were still delicious without it. My friend had the egg sammie and she said it was decent but difficult to eat in the sandwich form. The chili hatch home fries didn't have any "hatch" to them, but they were decent. They were just essentially home fries not hatch chili home fries. Again, I'm not sure if something was left off or if that's how they are actually prepared. Overall, I really wanted to enjoy this meal, but service really...

A tasteful, thoughtful, and well executed “Austin” concept. I was lucky enough to meet Chef Johnny and be served by Nikki. I wanted somewhere calm. Somewhere beautiful. I wanted food that tasted as good as it looked - and I felt good after eating it.

Carpenter Hall delivered on all fronts

Great vibes. Great thoughtful well executed food. Wonderful and friendly staff.

I got the best riff on “Austin Humus” I have ever had. Get the humus. It is a great example of how understated, nuanced, and yes technical this chef is. The flavor is complex and new, yet perfectly in balance with the flavors that it’s honoring. (That chili oil… they should be selling THAT in the souvenir shop! Sooooo good I wish I could take some home). I also had the Carpenter salad with shrimp. Nikki advised the shrimp and she nailed it. I finished with fresh made iced latte to go. A delicious restaurant with espresso for after the meal?! Yay!!!!!!!

Update: I may have a problem. I am totally addicted to the humus with Chef Johnny’s chili oil. This place is just so good. I need to come back for a proper meal. I have my eye on that roast chicken dish…

Also - ASK. FOR. LAURA. Exceptional service from an amazing server.

Update two: finally had dinner. Took Laura’s suggestions and finally had a proper meal — Started with summer squash salad (I will prob come back for this as a wonderful light meal on its own), the cheese tray with those wonderful cherries that the house makes, I loved my chicken which was cooked perfectly (it tasted fried even though Kt was roasted - I snuck a side of the chili oil from th humus yummmm) and my companion enjoyed his scallops with spicy carrot risotto.

We left happy and full. We were once again given impeccable service by Laura.

Update: I adore turning the starters into my meal here - I am always obsessed with the humus, but my keto heart was in love with the house made chicharrones (they were actually crackling and popping still as they were set down, you can hear it in the video!). This time I was with a vegetarian friend who was in love with the...

Stepping into Carpenters Hall in Austin, Texas, feels like entering a culinary wonderland where comfort and innovation waltz hand in hand. It's not just a restaurant; it's a stage where simple dishes take center spotlight and undergo a metamorphosis into extraordinary creations.

The ambiance is a stylish ode to Austin's contemporary spirit, resonating with a vibe that's both chic and welcoming. Each dish served here is like a story unfolding on the plate, where traditional comfort food gets a gourmet makeover, revealing layers of flavor that surprise and delight.

Now, let me share a tale about the impeccable service that wrapped around me like a familiar embrace the moment I walked through the door. The greeting was not just a formality; it was a genuine welcome, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience. The coffee bar, a hidden gem within the restaurant, offered a haven for caffeine enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of warmth to the atmosphere.

And then, there's Luke at the bar—a maestro of mixology and a true gem in the hospitality crown. His service is not just about delivering drinks; it's about crafting an experience, making you feel like you're not just a guest but a cherished friend. Luke's personable touch adds a layer of personality to the dining experience, turning it into a conversation rather than a mere transaction.

In a world where dining out is often about more than just the food, Carpenters Hall stands out as a destination where every element, from the dishes to the service, is carefully curated to provide a unique and memorable journey. It's not just a restaurant; it's a testament to the art of hospitality, where comfort is not just elevated but transformed into a symphony of flavors and genuine...