La Carafe
(713) 229-9399
813 Congress St
Houston,
TX
77002
29.7632
-95.3623
Neighborhoods: Central, Downtown
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About La Carafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
La Carafe is so old (established approximately 130 years ago) that the building is starting to lean. Inside, it's ultra-dark, lit by dim lamps and candles atop a three-foot-tall accumulated pillar of wax. This is the perfect place to take a date: Steal away to the tiny upstairs room or sit at one of the outdoor tables with a view of Market Square. You can't beat the ambience, and the wine selection is enviable.
User Reviews
GeneralDoolittle
April 30, 2009
I have been going to la carafe for years, as I was born and riased in Houston. I went last night with my data and a few friends. My buddy arrived there before us and immediately gave us a heads up that the bartender was giving him the cold shoulder. We ordered drinks and my date's friend offered to pay. There was some confusion as to how to pay and keep a tab- i.e. leave cash on the bar etc ... so my date's friend went to the ATM and mentioned that bartender didn't have to be a j*rk about it (which he was speapking in a hostile manner). The bartender must have heard him say he was a j*rk and immediately kicked him out. Two of us have worked in the cullinary industry (the one that got kicked out still does) and the reality is, when you work in the service industry- you should at least try to be nice, good communicator, positive friendly smooth tones. Thats just my opinion. This bartender was far from it. If I go there again and he is there and in the same rude mood, I will not return again. sorry la carafe- based on this and other reviews- you should rethink who you employ.
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seanhoutx
January 21, 2009
Myself and 20+ friends decided to attend a gathering last night at La Carafe. I arrived early along with 4 other friends. When we asked the bartender if we were allowed upstairs, he rudely told us to "get back behind the line!" when we asked him again, he spouted sentences profusely using the F word. We were very polite and had just arrived and in no way were we by any means drunk or belligerent. We stood there with our mouths open wondering what brought on such non-professional behavior. He then said he was "... just F***ing kidding." But, right after that, he told us to "F***ing lighten up and to order an F***ing drink!" We replied that we were bringing 20 patrons to his establishment tonight, at which point he started to sarcastically tell us how fortunate he must be to have such luck. His closing remark was "Get the F*** out of my F***ing bar!!! Just kidding, guys!" Needless to say, we all left and went across the street to THE RED CAT JAZZ LOUNGE. They were nice.
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LaurenAbbitt
December 31, 2008
This is my absolute favorite bar in North America. I am so happy I "came across it" during lunch in 1980. I cannot even fathom how many people I have told about it and/or brought them/met them there. It reminds me of being in New Orleans, but it's all Texas, darlin'. From the eclectic choices on the juke box, excellent: wine, owner, manager, bartenders and patrons. I'm loving it so much, I'm headed there right after work today. Love the Carafe.
read full reviewThe Details on La Carafe
When to Go:
Get there early to make your selections on the jukebox.
Category:
Nightclubs, Bars & Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Wine Bars
