Magnifico bar de vino. We found this amazing Italian wine…read morebar in Memorial a few nights ago and thanks to Aaron the Sommelier . Tonight was a special Portuguese wine flight tastings with a light vino, a medium bodied wine and a port dessert vino. We choose to sit outside in their comfy chairs outside with a cool breeze . Servizio was excellent with owner Ricardo coming outside to check on us and give us his history of the cafe . He even gave us generous sampling of a Lambrusco after our discussion. Would highly recommend a look if you want a casual but upscale wine bar off Memorial that offers a light menu of food and equally good service.

Great experience for a Portuguese wine tasting a few weeks back…read more Service was especially memorable with a visit outside where we were sitting by the owner. Although we came just for the tasting , would return for dinner or dessert. There is outside seating and on a breezy night it was perfect for us.

I came here on a Wednesday evening for a group happy hour. I've heard great things about this place…read moreand it's very assuming, tucked within a shopping center in Spring Branch. The vibe inside is super cute with mood lighting and plenty of intimate seating spaced throughout. Parking in said shopping center is sparse. I'm not sure if parking is allowed at the neighboring businesses after hours, but I wanted to play it safe and ended up waiting about 15 minutes for someone to vacate their space. Our group had a couple of tables reserved and they had no problem having everyone pay on separate tabs. Service is offered both at the table and bar. Our waiter was attentive and had great recommendations for wine. When I was conflicted between two whites, he graciously brought me out both to taste and decide. I went with the Cacciabruco Malvasia/Trebbiano, which is a skin-contact white wine, so it had more of a reddish hue to it and almost looked like a rose in the dim lighting of the restaurant. I really liked this, as it was on the drier side and satisfied my palate more than the Gewürztraminer that I had also sampled. I didn't try the food but others in our party really liked the flatbreads they ordered. I do want to try these out next time because I know they will pair great with the wine! I'm glad I finally discovered this place! I'll definitely be back for happy hour and even a date night. With so many good places popping up in in Spring Branch, I'm sure this will become a regular spot for drinks before dinner

I I patroned The Library recently, the date of the Artemis II launch actually and coincidentally. I…read morewas there for an intellectual after work space talk event on "What the Universe is Made Of." The ambience of The Library fits its name to a t. There are books abound, along the walls, in the bathroom, everywhere. I had a glass of Experience, a Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a good pour, not too little or too much and the taste was deep, well balanced and smooth. Since the event took place around dinner time I also had a Fig and Speck flatbread. The fig, prosciutto and other toppings complimented each other well. The flatbread dough itself was ok but could've benefited from a little more flavor such as some garlic, butter and herbs. I also would've liked it a bit thinner so I could taste less of the bread and more of those delicious toppings. Don't get me wrong it was good and I ate all of it but these are small suggestions I'd recommend to bring it to perfection. I could see parking and seating being tricky. I was fortunate to snag a parking spot on the side of the building near the auto place and once inside I found a seat at a table with a lovely couple, another couple joined us soon after. Many of the guests who arrived later stood at first and then halfway through the event, made their way to the floor where they sat cross legged. All in all, The Library was a nice establishment and although a little out of my way, I'd return for another event or if I were in the area again.

stella's has an excellent wine selection and extremely knowledgeable staff…read more we sat in the sun room on a rainy day, and it was a little leaky... but we took the chance since it was freezing cold inside of the wine bar. the fried raviolis were so good, we got two rounds! we did three flights: bubblicious, one i forgot, and the wanna be a somm all of the wines were great and i would definitely recommend trying it out if you are in the area. it's located in the post oak area. bonne santé

The food was really good . The ravioli were my favorite but the truffle fries were amazing as well…read more. Service was very professional. The lady was very knowledgeable and helpful. Ambiance is very dim outside and very nice and elegant. It's giving high end so dress causal or to impress but not too much going on lol they could be a little more welcoming to poc . ( seemed shocked to see us ) but all good . I would love to come back .

One of our favorite places…read more Great wine and live music on weekends. Charcuterie board is amazing and turns out the sandwiches are deliscous! Seriously nice people working here. Amazing place we love to come to when we visit Houston!

Food 5 star Service 5 star…read moreAmbiance 5 star Amazing casual and cozy place, Wine selection and price outstanding. Menu very simple good quality. Perfect place for date night. Good spot after a long day at work for few bites and sip of glass wine or special cocktail.. Thank you PAUL and DORIS very unique hospitality, many thousands of thanks to the staff, the manager, bartender and chef. I will be back soon.

My girlfriend and I had a lovely experience coming in for dinner on Friday around 7:30pm. The…read morewaiter informed us there will be live music in the evening and gave us the option to sit near the performance area. We ordered a few items to share and enjoyed a few glasses of wine while catching up. Our waiter recommended the Albert Bicho Pinot Noir and it was really good. We shared the signature board, crispy calamari, and crab cake. We weren't a fan of the green olives but loved everything else. The calamari was a bit over fried but we loved the remoulade sauce it was served with. I enjoyed the crab cake there was plenty of crab meat. As the night went on the place began to fill and the ladies who came in for the live performance liven up the warm space and really set the vibes as did a version of Sade. This is a cute spot for date night or just catching up in the Memorial City center area.

Cute little place right next to the hotel. We came for drinks after dinner and they have a great…read morehappy hour that seemed to be all day. The bartender said it might not be like that forever but we took advantage of it! They have some food items and the cutcurerie board looked yummy! There was live music and the restrooms were very clean. We will definitely be back when in the area! It's right next to the Escape Game also so perfect place to hang out before or after a game!

They have a wide variety of craft beer at reasonable prices. The staff are always welcoming and go…read moreout of their way to create a pleasant experience. Overall, it's a nice atmosphere to be in. I would recommend it.

We'd been saying for a while that we wanted to try different meads, and last night someone pointed…read moreus in the right direction. What a sweet recommendation! From the outside it has that charming little hole-in-the-wall look, but the moment you step inside, you're wrapped in a warm neighborhood vibe. It's comfy, cozy, and the perfect place to relax, catch up with friends, and sip something delicious. We sampled a few different meads, and Saint Michael quickly became a standout. One mead had a bright blackberry soda flavor, another featured smooth vanilla notes that reminded us of a creamy cream soda, and the last tasted like pure honeyed goodness, my personal favorite. The bartender was incredibly friendly and happy to guide us through the options, and the half pours made it easy (and fun!) to try more. If you're looking for a place to just come as you are and hang out with friends, this is it.

Pastaio Wine Bar is an absolute gem. The pasta is fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of authentic…read moreflavor -- you can truly taste the care and quality in every dish. Everything feels thoughtfully prepared, comforting yet elevated. The wine selection is excellent and pairs beautifully with the food, whether you're enjoying a full dinner or just stopping in for a glass and small plates. The atmosphere is warm, stylish, and inviting, making it perfect for date night or a relaxed evening with friends.

Stopped in for a happy hour with a friend. The chefs board had a good variety of charcuterie…read moreoption. The seasonal burrata I didn't really feel was that great of options. It wasn't very seasonal just basic peppers and tomato's. It didn't come with much bread either. Honestly the $6 dollar glasses of wine were the best deal for basically all day happy hour the day we were there. The service was okay. Left us alone for the majority of the time. Overall feel I felt plenty of seating indoors and outside.

If you've ever wanted to live out your 007 fantasies without the international espionage, this is…read moreyour spot. From the moment you step through the doors, the atmosphere wraps around you like a tailored tuxedo. It is a fabulous retro escape that feels less like a restaurant and more like a high-stakes scene from Casino Royale. The Vibe The decor strikes that perfect balance of mid-century glamour and modern sophistication. It's moody, elegant, and impossibly cool. Whether you're tucked into a plush booth or perched at the bar, the "James Bond" energy is palpable. The Menu * Cocktails: These are the stars of the show. They aren't just drinks; they are gorgeous works of art. Precisely balanced and served in stunning glassware, each sip feels like a luxury. * Food: The menu offers delectable southern options that go far beyond standard "bar food." Everything we ordered was seasoned to perfection and presented beautifully. The Service This is what truly sets the place apart. The staff is professional and on point every single time. They are attentive without being intrusive. Bottom Line: Whether it's for a high-end date night or a sophisticated nightcap, this is an incredible experience from start to finish. Don't miss out.

Bludorn set the bar very high for Houston dining, Michelin recognition, flawless execution, warm…read morehospitality, and food that earns every dollar. Bar Bludorn, unfortunately, is not there yet... and that contrast is impossible to ignore. Let's start with the good: the food is delicious. An honest 8/10. You can absolutely get a fantastic filet mignon here, arguably one of the best in the city. The kitchen knows what it's doing, no question. Now the problem: the service. For a restaurant charging Bludorn-level prices, the hospitality was shockingly absent. Our server seemed completely disengaged, as if we were an inconvenience rather than guests. There was no warmth, no attention, no sense that anyone cared whether we were enjoying ourselves, or even planned to come back. It felt transactional at best, indifferent at worst. Bar Bludorn positions itself as a polished, elevated dining experience, but the service told a very different story. When the hospitality misses this hard, it overshadows even good food. And in Houston, where you can get incredible steaks, thoughtful service, and better value all over the city, there's simply no reason to settle. Bludorn remains exceptional. Bar Bludorn, at least for now, feels like a concept still finding its footing while charging full price for the destination it wants to be. Until the service catches up to the ambition, we won't be returning.

Bayla is one of the best servers I've ever had. That's coming from someone who only cooks twice a…read moremonth, and thus frequently eats out. I spend ample time at high ends / Michelin star restaurants, and so I am familiar with all star service. Bayla really made our time special by going out of her way to make us feel comfortable and valued. She made it all seem effortless and at no point did she ever make us feel like a burden. Thank you for everything! The food and ambiance were also amazing! Truly a top notch restaurant experience.

Barcelona is a cute wine bar (also serves sangria and cocktails, btw) serving Spanish and…read moreMediterranean tapas dishes. I joined friends for Sunday brunch, which was highly recommended. Our friend booked a reservation and was able to add a fourth person without any issues. It's on Westheimer where all the restaurants and shops are, so it's pretty busy. You can either park on the street or in the neighborhood behind. There's bar, small table and booth seating available. One of our friends who arrived early got to switch us to a booth since we'd have a few plates to share for the four of us. My friend and I shared the NA red sangria. I liked that there was a NA option for that, and you can choose either red or white. We ordered a pitcher since we were sharing. It was delicious and refreshing. I think I had about 3 wine glasses of it. Our group shared the red fish à la plancha, patatas bravas, spinach frittata, olive oil pancakes and bacon-wrapped dates. Some of the dishes were bigger than others. Tapas is meant to be small plates, and they were, but it's a little overpriced. For example, the red fish was $15.50 for maybe 2 oz of fish. The stack of olive oil pancakes were small and thin for $8.50. If you're sharing, it's not that much food. I was going to order another personal stack of olive oil pancakes because that cinnamon butter was so good! I decided not to after I let all of what we ordered and drank settle for a bit after. The valdeon whipped blue cheese under the bacon-wrapped dates didn't taste very good and seemed grainy to me. It was my least favorite. The standouts for me were the olive oil pancakes, spinach frittata that was actually loaded with more veggies and bell peppers and the patatas bravas which was piled with potatoes topped with mayo that melted down and looked almost like melted cheese on top. It's a fun place for friends to gather or a cute date spot. You may or may not be hungry after depending what you order. There are larger plates/entrees like paella and branzino to share.

You're telling me there's a local winery in Houston near I-10 with actual grapes growing? Such a…read morecool find. The space is pretty and welcoming with friendly staff, open walls, and big windows. I sat on the patio with some girlfriends with memberships who invited me out for the day. It overlooks a few rows of vines along with herbs and vegetables, which makes it feel peacefully designed. The cheese board was fantastic with a generous spread and variety. The wines were lovely too with bottles from different regions. If you're in Houston I recommend checking out Nice Winery and considering a membership. My friends all do the monthly one red and one white option, pick up at the winery, and enjoy a glass together on the patio. It is a great spot for a relaxed day!.

I attended a wine tasting with college sisters this week. Nice Winery is such a nice haven in the…read moremidst of a busy city. Upon arrival, we had time to peruse wines and chat in the rustic lobby. Then our educator Katie gathered us and led us to the Founders' Room, where we found wine, charcuterie and coziness awaiting. We sampled six wines, including two from their charity series and one from their virtue series. Katie walked us through how they became involved with charities, the meaning behind their virtue wines, and what Nice does to create and partner with other vineyard producing sustainable wines. We walked the property, seeing where grapes, herbs and other fruits are grown. This visit was a delight. As a non wine connoisseur, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will likely visit again.