Dining Guide

Carpenter’s Cafe & Catering

Katrina Carpenter and family have made the jump from an Airstream to a brick-and-mortar shop next to Harris Hospital, on the Near Southside. Though primarily a catering outfit, Carpenter’s fans wait for the three days each week when the cafe serves up a menu of goodies from the busy kitchen. Order this to go: The place is rightfully famous for its chunky smoked chicken salad; order it on a croissant, on top of garden greens, or wrapped inside a tortilla with spinach, tomato, red onion, and bacon. A pile of french-fried potato planks topped with chopped brisket, beer-infused queso, barbecue sauce, and sriracha-spiked sour cream is the hangover buster of the year. When offered, the fried catfish po’girl (like a po’boy, but better) is a good choice. Pro tip: Check social media for specials, and note that they’re open the first Sunday of each month for a special dinner.

Note: Review reflects COVID-19 protocols in place at the time of visit.