Located at Carpenter Hotel in South Central Austin, Carpenters Hall has planted roots as a space for travelers, neighbors and beyond to taste Southern-inspired cooking.

The background

General manager of Carpenter Hotel Abbey Tillman said the hotel and restaurant space were previously known as a union hall building for local Austin carpenters. Some carpenters walk in and reminisce about the times they attended meetings at the building.

Some build qualities of the space nod to the history of the land including the bar top which is constructed from pecan wood which was torn down during construction.

Lillie Frankowski, Carpenter Hotel Food and Beverage General Manager, said the restaurant has established an ambiance of community where individuals can make meaningful connections while enjoying a tasty meal.


“The atmosphere of the restaurant is just communal in a way without it being like you’re sitting with a bunch of people you don’t know,” Frankowski said. “It has that wholesome feeling while still having an intimate vibe.”
The Carpenter Club includes smoked turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, mojo aioli, sourdough and fries for $23. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
The Carpenter Club includes smoked turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, mojo aioli, sourdough and fries for $23. (Dacia Garcia/Community Impact)
On the menu

When the concept first stepped into the Austin dining scene, Tillman said it was introduced as a German-inspired beer hall which is where the Pork Schnitzel got its start.

Despite the menu’s many evolutions throughout the years, the dish was found its way back as a Carpenters Hall staple. Another must-try menu item for first timers is the Carrot Cake with classic frosting, orange zest and pecans.

The restaurant recently launched a new dinner menu in September which features slow-cooked meals including Duck Confit Carnitas, smoked options, grilled and preserved bites.


Community members can experience new tastes at the restaurant every few months with a seasonally-changing menu.
The Pork Schnitzel is a beloved staple at the restaurant and is currently available for 6. (Courtesy Carpenters Hall)
The Pork Schnitzel is a beloved staple at the restaurant and is currently available for $36. (Courtesy Carpenters Hall)
The impact

Nestled in the Barton Springs and Zilker Park area of town, the restaurant draws in both passerbys and residents from neighboring streets.

The space is occupied by a range of guests from hotel vacationers looking for a nearby bite to locals working remotely. Individuals from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy a personalized dining experience while creating news connections all for the price of one.

“That's kind of where we differ is that you're getting this experience that is not just a a dinner, right? You're walking out being like, ‘Wow, I just learned something about the building that we're in,” Or, ‘I just made a connection of a future friend,’” Tillman said.
One menu item which has stayed the same since the restaurant's opening is the Carrot Cake which has remained the original recipe. (Courtesy Carpenters Hall)
One menu item which has stayed the same since the restaurant's opening is the Carrot Cake which has remained the original recipe. (Courtesy Carpenters Hall)
Tillman said the space recently hosted a celebration of love for a couple who have been swim club members at the hotel for years.


“We’re very tied into people’s lives without it just being because we’re a hotel and fun property,” Tillman said.

Looking forward

The restaurant currently offers a working space lunch format where customers can order food from QR codes, however this will change to a full service lunch experience soon.

For the upcoming Christmas holidays, the space will be launching a drink program where community members can stop by to pick up a drink to take on their walk to Zilker Park’s Trail of Lights.