Carmelo's Restaurant

The Old Depot Hotel

504 East 5th St.
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Historical Austin Carmelo's

The Old Depot Hotel, recorded on the National Register as a recorded Texas Landmark is the oldest standing train depot in Texas. In 1964, it was totally restored by Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Tooke, Jr. and the 4,200 square foot masonry addition that currently occupies the restaurant dining room and kitchen was created.

The original building is believed to have been built in 1872 by designer and architect Abner Cook, who also owned the property from October 1861 to October 1862. The owners at the time of construction were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Schafer.

The Houston and Texas Central Railroad came to Austin in 1871 with its main tracks on Pine (5th) Street. The Old Depot Hotel, known as the Railroad House until 1878, was built one block east of the depot and accommodated passengers traveling to other railroads and four stagecoach lines.

Among the various proprietors of the Railroad House was Paul Pressler who is known to have operated a brewery called Pressler's Beer Garden on the south side of Pecan. Either he or his descendants owned and/or occupied the building for more than fifty years. An association and friendship alleged between the Presslers and O. Henry is very possible since O. Henry's home is located across the street in Brush Square.

These historical markers can be found near the entrance to the restaurant.