Austin's Carpenter Hotel serves up weekday deals

To launch our semi-regular series of happy hour reviews, I dropped by the Carpenter, a former carpenters' union hall turned boutique hotel at 400 Josephine St.

The deal: $5 espresso martinis at the hotel's Carpenter Coffee Bar.

• Not to mention $3 off certain appetizers and $3 off cocktails, wine by the glass and select drafts at Carpenters Hall, the hotel's restaurant.

What to order: The South Lamar — tequila, lemon, mint and soda — is my go-to drink.

• Runner-up: Teaches of Peaches — a combination of tequila, habanero peach and lime.

The happy hour hours: 3-5pm Monday through Friday, and 4-6pm daily at the coffee bar.

The vibe: You'll feel like you're being transported back to kindergarten here with the brick walls, trophy cases and an open, cafeterialike space at Carpenters Hall.

Pro tip: It's not just about the drinks. Grab dinner at Carpenters Hall or spend an afternoon working from the comfy cafe seating.