This place is an awesome place to end the night!! No TVs, the old jukebox and the low lit ambience make it the perfect, intimate place to have a drink and feel cozy. The bartender is super cool and shared a ton of info with us about the building, even discrediting a few things I read online prior to going. Apparently it is NOT haunted, and they also are NOT a cash only spot. So bring your credit cards and don't be nervous to enter, La Carafe is a must stop spot in Houston! read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The name John has a couple different meanings at this bar. 150+ years ago, it was the name of an Irish native who came to Houston and commissioned this building as a bakery. La Carafe has had several lives since then, and there are many people keeping this place running. But as fate would have it, it's still in the hands of another guy named John. My fiancé and I were in town for a concert and stopped at this local haunt to keep the vibes going. Struck up a conversation with John, longtime bartender of twenty years, who is just as interesting as the wine bar itself! One night at this place was just not enough. The dim lights, paintings, old brick walls, the jukebox. Everything was so cool! And we hope that it continues to remain that way. Heading back to Austin with my faith restored in humanity. Thanks for an unforgettable night, man. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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There's no food only peanuts and chips! Used to be cash only but they take card now. Ambiance is super calm great place to have a conversation if there's no live music (which we didn't catch this time). Bartender Otis was awesome he spoke to my girlfriend and I about one of the paintings. Drinks are fairly priced. Parking you have your usual lots in downtown but if you get lucky you might be able to snag some street parking right up front! read more

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The oldest bar in Houston. The bartender was quirky and awesome. He told us a ton about the history of the bar and even provided us with a book of matches as a souvenir. My husband and I each had one drink and then had to make our way over to the stadium. I highly recommend checking out a part of history! read more

La Carafe - Front - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This bar is located in the oldest building in Houston. It's supposed to be haunted, but unfortunately no ghost made an appearance the night we were there. It's two stories and has this beautiful goth/vintage/New Orleans type vibe and a patio upstairs to be able to smoke. They serve beer and wine ,cigarettes and a few snacks. Very cute place ! read more

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This is by far my favorite bar in town. The manager John is awesome. He's part of the city's backdrop at this point. Five stars. read more

La Carafe - Ambiance is great - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Great atmosphere. Amazing happy hour prices. Right downtown the scenery outside is pretty cool. Perfect place for relaxing on a Friday afternoon. Once again it's a great vibe read more

Ambience- creepy! Totally haunted. Service- personal and not corporate. Great conversation. Wine was delicious and though pricey. Will come back during the weekend so I can see the upstairs read more

The best ambiance!! Have everything you want. Drinks, cigs, add a THC shot. The whole vibe is gritty and elegant and haunting.

Not me going to a haunted bar and not knowing it! So apparently this is the oldest bar in H town! My friends and I were out about around the town and my friend mentioned this chill bar we could goto. Chill it was andddd v v old too lol! There are 2 stories and a patio on the second floor. The stairs are fascinating and very reminiscent of the time the building was originally constructed. The 1800s. We ordered some wine and proceeded to chat! The bartender on the 1st floor is very friendly and attentive. If you want to grab a drink at a chill bar with some history check this place out. read more

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Reply: hey, I get it. The wife loved it. I am just a non believer haha. I guess my expectations weren't met. Great service. Wish yall the best read more

Hermoso e histórico lugar. Un amor de persona la dueña del lugar. Totalmente recomendado si visitan Houston read more

Bartender was rude. He immediately assumed we weren't customers. Bartender was rude to first comers. Did know if it was related to ethnicity. Couldn't help to notice how everyone in there was caucasian. Top floor was closed for some reason that wasn't explained. Would not return again. read more

Tried to go here when they were supposed to open (2:00 pm). Wait staff unlocked the door, went inside, then came out and locked the door again at 2:05. They walked away to what I can only assume was to get a coffee while we were obviously waiting outside. We were really looking forward to going here after the reviews we read but guess the timing didn't work out for us. read more

Historic? Yep - it's the oldest bar in Houston and has a little lean to it. Deep selection? Sure, as long as you want beer or wine - no spirits unless you count the ones haunting the building (probably). The wine list (yes, they have a list) is much longer than you think and they are always rotating beer options. Frosty mugs? For the beer, always. No frosty bartenders though, all the ones I've met are friendly and make you feel like you're always welcome. Carafe feels intimate but you can fit more people inside than you think, but there's always room outside at the front tables or the side patio. A little off kilter? Absolutely. It's dark, moody (some would say spooky) and until last year they only took cash. The walls are covered floor to very tall ceiling with old paintings, news clippings and unusual decor. If you come on a Friday or Saturday you can venture upstairs to the second bar and if you are lucky out onto the balcony. read more

As a lover of all things spooky, I've been to this bar several times. Rumors are that this bar is haunted. While I've never experienced anything supernatural here, I continue coming back bc every time is a good time. This visit was better than previous times. I was finally able to go upstairs. There was a lot more seating, they accept cards now, and even had a live band. It was the perfect setting for my date :) read more

La Carafe - Upstairs seating - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Historical bar amazing atmosphere!! Must visit if your looking for historical bars in Houston read more

La Carafe - Ole Time bar - nice stout beer - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

La Carafe is the oldest bar in Houston and well known as one of the most haunted places in the city. With immersion ambience and a laid back atmosphere, this is a perfect place for evening drinks. Make sure to check out the upstairs as that's where most of the ghost sightings have occurred! read more

La Carafe - 1st floor bar - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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A lot of bricks on the plaza came out of here. Urban Animals. Hockey. Jousts. Pub Crawls Stop. Longest continuing business license in city. Jukebox. Nice variety of beers. Course, all that's 40-20/y ago. read more

When anyone leaves a review, beware that John will have an excuse rather than listen to anything constructive you have to say. We had a poor customer experience because of the lack of beer options and the fact the entire bar is extremely dirty. No this bar is not haunted, so don't go for that experience. The vibe could be amazing, but just like the manager says he's been drinking there longer than working there. This bar could be on the top 5 if they knew a good patron when they visit, cleaned the cobwebs, cleaned the lines and offered a real good selection. Hope the constructive feedback is actually looked at then coming up with excuses like every other comment. I hope this bar can turn around and be great. read more

**BEWARE** This review is directed at the Red head bartender from Canada. Beware she will charge you twice for drinks and will overcharge you. She overcharged me on my beers for 7 dollars when they are listed in menu for 6 dollars and charged me twice for drinks saying she thought my payments were tips hoping I wouldn't notice because I was not drinking. I was with my girlfriend drinking cokes. ****Response Below Bartender should know prices on the menu if she has been working there for 15 yrs. Dogfish beer is 6 dollars not 7. read more

I was thrilled to finally visit this place that I had heard so much about. It was supposed to be haunted by ghosts and spirits, and I love a good scare. I was in the area and decided to stop by for a drink. The place looked amazing, like a scene from a horror movie. There were candles dripping wax and old-fashioned furniture. The bartender welcomed me and I told her how excited I was to be there. I snapped some pictures to remember the moment. I sat down and checked out the menu. I usually go for whisky, but I wanted to try something different. I asked her if she had any wine recommendations. I noticed that I was the only customer at the bar. She told me that I should go to their other location instead, where they had more options. I said that I didn't mind experimenting, but she insisted. I was disappointed that I couldn't enjoy something new and get into the spooky mood. read more

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Good beer, great vibes, super cool upstairs, bar tenders are very nice and it is clean

We were in Houston visiting and came across La Carafe.. This is the oldest bar in Houston so it definitely has some history... The bar is located in Dowtown Houston and is very easy to find and get to... La Carafe itself is very cool, it definitely looks like the building has been there for over a century and still remains in good condition... They say this bar is haunted and you can sometimes see ghosts... But when we were talking to the bartender who has worked there for almost 10 years he said he has never personally witnessed anything in his 10 years but he has heard stories... The Bar looks very old timing and gives you a historic vibe which we liked, you don't experience many bars like that anymore... They had pictures on the walls from the 19th century which to me were a bit creepy but it was definitely appropriate It felt like I was inside a Bar at the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland lol... I also thought the cash register was cool, It was over 100 years old and still works !!! Even though the bar is very old, it is kept in great condition and is clean... La Carafe is only a Wine & Beer bar, they have a great variety to choose from and also have good beers on draft... They also sell food but we didn't eat when we went we just had a few drinks... We went late on an off night so the ambience was very calm and intimate which we enjoyed... The Bartender was very friendly and welcoming to us, he told us about the history of the building and the bar and about how much he enjoyed working there... He also told us that on the weekends they usually open the upstairs area of the bar and have live bands... Overall we had a great experience going to La Carafe, its definitely one of the bars you must visit when in Houston even if its just for a glass of wine or beer you need to go !!! read more

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Fantastic find as I explored Market Square (while looking for a mysterious thrift store which i swear im being tricked). Reading the reviews of this bar, i discovered its the oldest bar in houston and apparently haunted. Talking to the cute bartender i discovered live blues music upstairs on the weekends. Great wine selection, too. I'lll be back. read more

Will definitely be back. I came here twice during my stay and love everything about it from the charming ambience to the friendly bartenders in patrons. The bar is the oldest in Houston and also a landmark. The bartender took me upstairs to check out the second floor and I was blown away at how cool this place was. The background music had the French vibe going. Good beers and of course wine. Great stuff. read more

Ambience was nice, wish there was a larger selection of drinks. Personally, I would get something nonalcoholic, but cannot find anything on the menu. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This bar is spooky central. I went to several bars/restaurants while I was in Houston, but this was my favorite by far. The patio opens around 9pm, so it behooves you to get there early. It's like drinking beer or wine in a spooky eye spy book. Great views of the city on the patio, and a feeling of being watched (not in a creepy way) anywhere you sit. It's cash only, but that somehow adds to the charm. Make sure you check out the gilded register on the main floor. read more

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What a great place! It is very small, but not overly crowded. The upstairs patio was just perfect for looking out over Market Square. We were pleasantly surprised with the drink prices on Saturday night. $3 beer pint???? Unreal. The decor is perfect to take you back to beginnings of Houston, but warning... those stairs are a challenge after a few drinks!!! We don't live close by, but it would be stop anytime I'm in the area. read more

So we did a staycation downtown. Not of bars open before 4:00 PM, but La Carafe was there to provide us a respite from the July heat with ample A/C. I had a beer and the wife had some sort of Italian sparkling wine / cider in a little bottle. Places has chill, old-school vide. In the evening, it is quite cozy. Beer was in a nice cold mug. folks working here and just other patrons were very friendly. Daily happy hour from 4- 7. Don't forget - cash only. read more

Came here on a Saturday night and went to the bar area upstairs. Went with a glass of rose. The bartender was nice and gave good recs, but he would also disappear for stretches of time. This establishment is cash only, but they have an ATM downstairs. The vibe is casual, dark, and intimate. read more

Thought I would love this place from the cool photos, but it has a very creepy vibe. It is one of the oldest bars in Houston. It feels like a firetrap - no easy exit- very steep stairs and just creepy. read more

I've had this on my Yelp bucket list for years. I was in the area on a weekday after court, hoping to drop in for a quick glass of wine. I was sad to learn they weren't open until 4 on weekdays. I look forward to returning on a day they're open. read more

Stumbled upon this place online and read that it is the oldest commercial building and is known to be haunted. Sounded like a fun outing in October so we came through. It definitely has the old time feel and I can see why it may be haunted. Luckily said entities did not bother me while I was there. This place is cash only and only sells beer and wine. In today's environment, I would like to handle cash less frequently. We decided to be classy and have wine and it was delicious. I knock off stars because the bartender was not friendly at all. My friends had comments made about tipping even before the transaction was complete. We are great tippers and it just rubbed us the wrong way. Very snide comments throughout. It's a cool place to visit once but I don't see myself wanting to come back any time soon! read more

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Interesting old bar, spooky nostalgia vibe, pretty chilled crowd to hang out and have a drink. Quality beer and wine selection. Would've been great if there's more unique cocktails. read more

La Carafe - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Visited the oldest wine bar in downtown Houston during a scavenger hunt. This is a very small wine bar but quaint. Very dark inside , was glad we sat at the bar right by the door. So was able to read the wine list from the outside light. Had the Pinot Grigio but was unable to sip and enjoy. Because we are on a scavenger hunt so had to down it quickly. I do plan on visiting again. read more

La Carafe - Pinot Grigio - Wine Bars Near Me - Houston, Texas

Can not express the amount of utter shock ??? and just confusion for the amount of human indecency ??? Came in showed ID right when asked, bartender (had a white/grayish beard, older gentleman) started off with one of his first of many "jokes" that me and my friends should "oughta start carrying passports around with ice around" mind you me and another friend are hispanic, another is pakistani and all of which, born here but nonetheless doesn't matter-an odd choice of words to make to complete strangers, whom are just showing ID's. To then have him joking -or so we thought- around that me and one of my friends have came up to the wrong place, and that this is "a bar, we don't have any food here". Pointing to us being underage and to get out the bar, mind you all the while he is actively pointing a flashlight to all our ID's (mine being a horizontal over 21 ID), meanwhile my friends 21st birthday had just past in June- it is now August. To which when we tried explaining that we indeed were of age, and had valid ID's (he checked ID star with flashlight multiple times), he would just increasingly get more hostile and loud to which he'd give out that he sounded unsober and like he had a couple of drinks himself. My friends and I were so token aback by the realization that he wasn't kidding and had to leave. It was clear he wasn't in the right state of mind to be reasoned with nor was it even worth it. To the first thing coming out of his mouth being a racist remark, to then being treated as if we were the incompetent ones, as if his daily regime of work isn't checking the validity of each and every one's ID's that come in, we were severely disappointed by this behavior portrayed. Would absolutely not consider coming back nor supporting. read more

I used to frequent this bar some 35 years ago. During a recent visit to Houston I decided to see if it was still there. Some things never change and this is not the exception. The bar is one of the oldest in Houston and you can feel the history. It has a very cool somewhat creepy haunted vibe. The bartender had character fitting of the place. Cool dude. The only complaint is they only have beer and wine. Otherwise highly recommend. Owners question: Youngish skinny guy with long dark hair and some color added. It was about 2 months ago so memory fades. read more

Made it back to La Carafe yesterday to toast the recent loss of my Father-in-Law. Seems he was there many many moons ago. They have an upscale bottle list with prices starting at $50 and climbing to $150. However we picked a bottle from the more approachable choices. Coste di moro Montepulciano at $28 for the bottle was a very smooth choice. On the first Thursday each month, they host a Wine Tasting. Three preselected pours for $15 with light bites provided. Sounds like a good deal. read more

Love love love it here! Oldest bar in Houston and it feels like you're going back in time as soon as you step through the door. The wine & beer selections were fabulous and prices were extremely reasonable. So much to look at and enjoy! read more

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