Carpenters Cafe & Catering — Restaurant in Fort Worth

Carpenter’s Café & Catering: Fort Worth’s Hidden Gem of Soulful Southern Comfort

In the heart of Fort Worth’s Near Southside, Carpenter’s Café & Catering stands as a beacon of warmth, flavor, and community. Founded by the passionate duo, Katrina and Travis Carpenter, this Black- and women-owned establishment has transformed from a humble food truck into a cherished local haven, offering a menu that marries Southern comfort with innovative twists. A Culinary Symphony of Signature Dishes At the core of Carpenter’s culinary acclaim is the illustrious “Smoky Chick” — a smoked chicken salad that has garnered both local and critical acclaim. This dish masterfully balances the smoky richness of tender chicken with the crisp freshness of finely chopped celery and scallions, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise base. Whether nestled between slices of fresh bread, wrapped in a croissant, or served atop a bed of greens, the Smoky Chick is a testament to the café’s commitment to flavor and quality. Complementing this is the “Classic Chick,” a breakfast delight featuring a fluffy buttermilk biscuit smothered in rich pork sausage gravy, melted cheddar cheese, a perfectly fried egg, and a side of bacon jam that adds a hint of sweetness to every bite. For those seeking indulgence, “Babe’s Loaded Brisket Fries” are a must-try. This hearty dish layers generous portions of tender, smoky brisket over crispy potato scoops, drizzled with house-made barbecue sauce, Rahr & Sons beer-infused queso, sriracha sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions, creating a flavor explosion that satisfies every craving.

Decadent Desserts and Refreshing Beverages No meal at Carpenter’s is complete without indulging in their “Grown Folks No-Nana Pudding.” This inventive dessert reimagines traditional banana pudding by infusing banana rum and banana liqueur into a velvety mascarpone and whipped cream base, omitting the actual bananas but retaining all the beloved flavors. Topped with vanilla wafers, it offers a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite . To complement the rich flavors, patrons can enjoy refreshing beverages like the cucumber mint lemonade chiller, a drink that perfectly balances sweetness and zest, providing a cooling counterpoint to the hearty dishes. Beyond the exceptional food, Carpenter’s Café & Catering is a hub for community and connection. The Carpenters have cultivated an environment where patrons feel like family, fostering conversations and camaraderie. Their commitment to the community is evident in initiatives like the planned addition of a patio space, aimed at enhancing the communal dining experience. The café’s dedication to quality, inclusivity, and community engagement has not gone unnoticed. It has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a dining experience that nourishes both body and soul. Carpenter’s Café & Catering welcomes guests to experience their unique blend of Southern comfort and innovative cuisine. Whether you're a Fort Worth native or just passing through, a visit to Carpenter’s promises a memorable culinary journey that celebrates flavor, family, and fellowship.

-Master Savorté John 3:16...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently visited Carpenter’s Catering Café for lunch after a recommendation from my son, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations! From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted with cheerful “hello and welcome in.”

Mr. Semaj, the order taker, was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and offered helpful recommendations when I asked. I decided on the Asian Zing Chicken Nachos and a 1/2 pound of smoked chicken salad to-go. The staff were all so friendly and attentive.

When Ms. Nikki brought out my order, she made sure everything looked perfect and asked if I needed anything else. I casually mentioned that I was craving a chopped brisket sandwich, even though I didn’t see one on the menu. She kindly explained that their brisket is usually prepped for their brisket fries, but she suggested I speak with the owner, Ms. Katrina.

Ms. Katrina graciously listened to my request and, while brisket sandwiches aren’t on the menu, she surprised me with everything needed to make my own sandwich—brisket, toasted buns, onions, pickles, and BBQ sauce. It was beyond generous and truly made my day!

The Asian Zing Chicken Nachos were absolutely delicious, and my co-worker couldn’t resist trying the No-Nana Pudding. Let me tell you, it was so good I might have sinned by indulging!

I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend this café. If you haven’t visited Carpenter’s Catering Café yet, meet me there for lunch on a Friday—you...

I stumbled upon this hidden gem on Yelp. Initially, I was a bit taken aback when I entered. There was no one to greet me, and the restaurant was devoid of customers. However, the hostess emerged from the back with a cheerful and jovial demeanor.

I perused the menu and decided to indulge in the Big Ass BLT. To my delight, the bacon was generous and not stingy at all. The bread was toasted to perfection, holding up well as I savored each bite of my BLT. Accompanying my sandwich was a side of pan-fried potatoes and onions. If I had known how delectable they were, I would have ordered a double portion.

The only reason I gave this restaurant a 4-star rating is because the interior was freezing cold. It made it challenging to relax in such a great atmosphere. The potatoes were absolutely incredible—freshly cooked and thoroughly prepared. They had been in the oven for about 30 minutes. I would have ordered some to go, but I didn’t want to...