Woodys Library Restaurant occupies a building with a long civic history: Constructed in 1913 with a Carnegie Corporation grant, it opened as Carmel’s public library in 1914 and served that role until 1970. After a stretch as town offices and a courthouse, it became Woodys in May 1998. Today, the bi-level layout offers upstairs dining and a downstairs neighborhood pub, with a spacious patio outside.
The food follows an American comfort-food course at a moderate price level. Diners repeatedly praise the pot roast; other reported orders include deconstructed pot pie and filet medallions. Beer, wine and cocktails give the pub its own reason to linger beyond lunch or dinner.
The patio is a recurring draw in diners’ accounts, with shade coverings and ceiling fans making outdoor meals more comfortable. Friendly service also comes up often. Husband-and-wife owners Richelle and Kevin “Woody” Rider divide the work: She oversees menu development, the kitchen, wine and décor, while he handles daily business and front-of-house operations.
Find Woodys at 40 E. Main St. in Carmel’s Arts & Design District. It opens daily at 11 a.m.; the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Sunday and Monday and 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Bar hours run until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Reservations and takeout are offered.