Carpenters' Hall
Historical landmark · Old City ·
Historic meeting place of the First Continental Congress
Historic meeting place of the First Continental Congress
"Nonas was the founding executive chef of Carpenters Hall at the South Austin Carpenter Hotel, which opened in November 2018 and from which he departed earlier this year." - Nadia Chaudhury
"Named to Bon Appetit's list of 50 best new restaurants, its inclusion prompted criticism after the magazine initially failed to disclose involvement by its editor-at-large. The president of the Association of Food Journalists declined to write about the list and called the selection process "tainted" because of the apparent conflict of interest." - Erin Russell
"A hotel restaurant that transcends its setting, highlighted by a plate-size cutlet that encapsulates the menu’s generous, memorable approach to elevated comfort food." - ByThe Bon Appétit Staff
"Housed in a South Lamar hotel, the sleek, romantic dining room and a deep, three-row bar back up a “stacked” kitchen led by chef Grae Nonas, serving German- and Czech-influenced fare. Standouts include super-fat grilled head-on Gulf shrimp on toasted sourdough with bright Meyer lemon salsa and a lightly battered seafood fritto misto served with a caper remoulade; a giant chicken schnitzel literally hangs over the plate and is finished with black garlic chimichurri. Brunch offerings impressed as well — a juicy burger on a light poppy-seed bun, a chopped salad, and hash browns served with hot pepper jelly and béarnaise — though cocktails can be pricey (a $10 mimosa was called absurd). Not cheap, but generally smart, beautiful, and stylishly cool." - Erin Russell
"I’m still thinking about the burger from Carpenters Hall." - Eater Staff