09/03/09

The most wonderful experince of my life!!!!

by CSMobileUser2

this place simply rocks anyone says otherwise is a goon who should of stayed home we don't need ya this is my bar!!!

04/30/09

Service goin downhill fast

by GeneralDoolittle

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.

• Pros: beautiful interior
• Cons: Bartender is incredibly unfriendly

01/21/09

Probably one of the worst experiences at a local bar

by seanhoutx

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.

12/31/08

I Love La Carafe!

by LaurenAbbitt

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.

02/18/08

Never seen a ghost, but I have seen some great beers

by TommyTown

They say this place is haunted. I'm not sure if I believe it, but I do know that they have ice-cold beer and cool bartenders. I'd recommend going by yourself if you want to meet some interesting characters. Good for dates and friends -- I'm just saying that it can be more fun that way.

07/26/07

Friendlist Place in Town

by nirpinder

I was part of the Texas Medical Center crowd that frequented this Bar in the 1980's after a chance discovery of this hidden place by one of us. It is nice to know that it is maintaining its reputation for friendliness.

• Pros: Very nice Very friendly Very quiet
• Cons: Just a place to drink and to talk

11/21/06

a quaint hole-in-the-wall wine bar!

by missorenishii

this is such a pleasant find in the midst of trendy downtown. a hole-in-the-wall feel rightly suits this small space with antiques adorning the walls and bar, giving that cozy and romantic vibe. it's a bit out of place in downtown, but it's a great getaway from the club district debaucheries. the wine list is decent and surely won't disappoint.*

• Pros: eclectic, quaint, romantic
• Cons: location, parking, small

09/22/06

most unique bar in houston w/ friendliest staff and old world ambience!!

by davidderick

What a great place! Dank, musty, old, leaning to the side, crazy jumbled decor, wood and glass, candle wax piled high behind the bar. The wine list is quite nice, but I was sad they didn't carry scotch or any hard drinks. I guess the name "La Crafe" makes that clear! However, the whole place is so incredible, I'll be back! The second floor is intimate and cozy. The balcony is nice especially now as the temperature cools down. The crowd was doctors, business people, laywers. The juke box has many old songs from the 40's. We took it over and listened to Billie Holiday, etc, for hours. I wish they served food! It is still perfect, though!

08/11/06

Best Local bar downtown Houston

by brownclubgirl

I decided that i should celebrate and go have a glass of wine at this hidden place called LaCarfe, I got there and it has such history,the bartender gavin was soooooooo friendly and nice and i told him i have never tried Wine before can he advise me and he did, if i can remember i had the las verde and it was very sweet and fruity and a very light relaxing taste.Then 3 of the locals came in and we started talking and it was just so nice. I love bars but the daytime bar scene is much better, you see,doctors,judges,lawyers come in there to have a drink so no crazy drunk men there to bother you. The place itself is slanted and they have pictures of long ago and the locals say the place is haunted and they call it the LC, i found out that they have wine tasting once a month on the first thursday from 5 pm to 8 pm. They invited me back and i finally found a place that i can be a regular there.with friendly locals and down to earth bartender how can i not go back. lol and its downtown.The best thing its casual and you dont have to dress up,just jeans and T shirt.Im so happy that i went. With school starting i wont be able to have a night on the town that much.But checking out a bar in the day is perfect for me.La Carafe is my new local hang out. I love LaCarafe.

• Pros:  the winelist, locals, bartender
• Cons: they dont serve food

A historic building and a mysterious interior make for a great romantic hideaway.

by Contributor

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.