La Carafe image

La Carafe

Bar

Candlelit place for sipping wine & ghost hunting inside the oldest commercial building in Houston. People often mention beer, Houston, wine, cash, great, atmosphere, oldest, building, good, friendly,


Address

813 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002, United States

Website

www.owlnet.rice.edu

Contact

+1 713-229-9399

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (523 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 2 pm to 2 am
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 2 pm to 2 am, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 2 pm to 2 am
  • Sunday: (Easter), 2 pm to 2 am, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 2 pm to 2 am
  • Tuesday: 2 pm to 2 am
  • Wednesday: 2 pm to 2 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beer (19) Houston (18) wine (15) cash (13) great (11) atmosphere (10) oldest (9) building (9) good (8) friendly (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Chris C. 1 year ago on Google
    So it all began when we choose to go out for brunch. We hit a few places before arriving here. We stayed a short period, but after leaving and waking up the next day I noticed I had misplaced my wallet and I knew I would never recover it. But a few days later, I recieved a letter from Ted, the owner he had found my wallet and told me to come and get it. I was excited and thankful for this place and for him finding it. I'm definitely a customer for life. This place is a great dive and the atmosphere is very nice and chill. The bar is well lighted with great ambiance and the history is great to learn about. I enjoyed coming here and the old cash register which must be cranked before using so you can't use card, "CASH ONLY," but it was worth the experience. This is my new favorite place to go during the week and weekend. Great staff and well priced drinks. Give it a try!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Antonio H. 5 years ago on Google
    A place like no other in the city. The oldest continuously in operation commercial building in Houston. Hands down best jukebox everything from Nine In ch nails to Johnny cash.. this beer and wine only and cash only good selection of both with amazing service, friendly quick. Urban legend says haunted and occasionally you’ll run into paranormal investigators. It is romantic , great for a date or, a place to have a beer.impress out of town guests place like no other in the city. The oldest continuously in operation commercial building in Houston. Hands down best jukebox everything from Nine In ch nails to Johnny cash.. this beer and wine only and cash only good selection of both with amazing service, friendly quick.urban legend has this as haunted . You will occasionally run into paranormal investigations. Oddly romantic, yet a great place for out of town guest just off market square within walking distance of courts and theatre district
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Gigi O. 1 year ago on Google
    Place is absolutely amazing, everything from the lighting to the jukebox to the balcony on the second floor BUT the two bartenders they have working Saturday nights, the young guy who’s a wanna be 80’s rocker and the blond somewhat young lady ( if you want to call her that) are extremely rude. If you can’t carry on small banter with the customers for the sake of making them feel welcome then you shouldn’t be a bartender in Houston’s coolest bar. Such a shame.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JUST BEING H. 2 years ago on Google
    Oldest bar in downtown. This place has a lot of history. Love this place been coming here for awhile. Stop by for a cold drink bring cash cause it’s a cash only bar. They kept it just like the same way for years. If you see me there I’ll buy you a beer.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elora A. 2 years ago on Google
    Sister bar of Warren’s. Very chill. Only have wine and beer. Great prices and nice spot to relax and hang out in away from the general bustle of downtown. Only bummer is that they’re cash only, which is really just a me problem.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dante S. 2 years ago on Google
    Downtown and looking for some good French wines? Please give this place a try! Very friendly bartenders and the place gives you a very laid back and old school feel. They have a cash register from the 30s 😂 super cool!!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim F. 11 months ago on Google
    Step into the enchanting world of La Carafe, a candlelit haven for sipping beer and wine, all while indulging in some ghost hunting within Houston's oldest commercial building. This cash-only bar's cozy ambiance, complete with a fantastic jukebox in the back, makes it the perfect hideaway for an intimate evening or a unique adventure with friends. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the captivating blend of history, mystery, and delightful drinks at La Carafe, a true gem in the heart of Houston.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kapilan T. 1 year ago on Google
    Love the place for their location and the price of their drinks. PSA: It’s a cash only place but they have an ATM on premise.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is the best bar Houston in Houston hands down, atleast in terms of dive bars. I know this sounds pretentious but place is literally oozing with character. There’s no other place like it. The staff is friendly, drinks are cheap and the wine pours are generous. The view of downtown from the patio at night is stunning.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Korhan A. 7 months ago on Google
    It is very small but decent. The bartender doesn't know how to use a card machine, but he is a nice and welcoming person. Not much beer options though. Hey it is worth stopping by for a drink
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Frank H. 6 months ago on Google
    Interesting place. Apparently, this club is from another time long past. It definitely has an interesting relic feeling to it. Check it out.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Armand 5 months ago on Google
    This building has been around since the mid-1800s, and I'm a sucker for any spot with history! This spot is beer and wine ONLY and offers munchies such as chips or crisps, depending on the noun of your preference. It's a cool spot to go and chill while enjoying a cold beer or a glass of wine. Yes, some of the wines and beers offered are local. There are two levels to this location, and both offer a very cool atmosphere as there are various oddities surrounding the interior. There is patio seating on both levels, which offers nice calming views. This spot is rumored to be haunted, but I can neither confirm or deny the rumors. Stop in, take a load off, and relax. Perhaps you may have a paranormal time? Or, if anything, enjoy a good time with good people and a cool atmosphere!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Curtis R. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is so unique. It in the oldest commercial building on Market Square. The bar has been in continuous operation since 1954 (I think). They have only closed when ordered for Covid. It is a beer and wine bar. For many years there was no electricity but they have modernized a bit. The cash register is over 100 years old and beautiful. I recommend at least taking time for a drink and a short visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Orlando F. 9 months ago on Google
    This place was very cool! CASH ONLY jukebox is old beer is cold and they a decent wine menu for the ladies! Will be back soon!

  • 5/5 Hunter M. 7 months ago on Google
    Incredible atmosphere. You can feel the history of the building.

  • 5/5 Leandro B. 5 months ago on Google
    Amazing historical place, beer & wine only, if you can get a seat on the viewing deck it's worth the wait

  • 5/5 Jonathan R. 6 months ago on Google
    First I'm ever came here was this last Thursday because I saw this place on Instagram as the oldest and most haunted bar in Houston. Well it's no ghosts dared to show up, that I'm aware of, it was an outstanding experience that felt just like you were in New Orleans, keep in mind this is a beer and wine bar and that is what you should expect. The prices were really great, the owner and the head bartender made wonderful wine suggestions for me and my friends. And there was a live band even on Thursday that was outstanding.

  • 5/5 Jason C. 1 year ago on Google
    I absolutely love this bar! Cold beer, comfortable atmosphere and always friendly service. Guaranteed Yellow Rose on tap every day. This bar IS TEXAS!

  • 5/5 Nola_Belle 1 year ago on Google
    Oldest bar in Houston. Great wine selection. You never know who you're going to see and you're guaranteed an amazing conversation. One of my preferred watering holes in Houston. Come as you are or dress to the 9s.

  • 4/5 Devin W. 4 months ago on Google
    Great atmosphere very retro so if you are into that, this will be a luxury for you. I got 2 ciders (since I'm not a fan of bear) they were DELICOUS. I will post a picture of the exact ones I got. They ran me about 5 bucks each which made it very affordable for leisure drinking. Would recommend this spot for sure if you are chilling and want to catch a vibe. P.s. I didn't attempt to order food so don't know how that is or if they are serving it still

  • 5/5 Eric J. 1 year ago on Google
    I used to go there when I grew up in Houston, the absolute coolest chic place to take a date. The upstairs is awesome when the weather is nice and the windows were open. made me feel like a true bohemian.

  • 5/5 Lan N. 1 year ago on Google
    I had a good experience here, throughly enjoyed the atmosphere, the food, and the drinks!!! I would absolutely visit again.

  • 5/5 Amarok S. 1 year ago on Google
    Feel atmosphere of old Houston in the oldest building. Bar has own vibe and style. Jukebox is cool as well as interior. Not broad voice of draft beers but overall it is ok. Wines are also there

  • 5/5 Fred B. 2 years ago on Google
    Really cold old bar in heart of downtown Houston. Decided to stop by as our hotel was right down the street. Old haunted feel and 2-stories makes it feel like you are going in a time machine back to the 19th century a bit, also a really neat jukeboard to pick some jams. Drink menu wasn't all that big (no food) but can't go wrong with anything on draft from the local brewery Saint Arnold's. Would come back again on future trips.

  • 5/5 Brenda T. 2 years ago on Google
    Quaint, spooky (or romantic) place. So much to see in such a tight space. Rumored the oldest bar in Houston.. Two bars. One up and one down. Outdoor seating upstairs. Bar tenders are friendly. Cash only bar and tiny restroom ( not wheelchair friendly)

  • 5/5 Carlos G H. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is part of the history of Houston, and as such, is just amazing... beer (small but great selection), wine and only cash... Service was excellent and the bartender very kind and knowledgeable of the building history... a great (almost hidden) place in the heart of Downtown

  • 5/5 Charla B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are visiting downtown H-town, La Carafe is a must-do. This is a small beer and wine bar that only accepts cash. They say it's the oldest bar in Houston, but not certain if that is true. However, the building is historic and worth checking out. The bartender is friendly and service is good. It's located on Market Square and if you are able to sit outside on the front sidewalk, the view and people watching are fantastic.

  • 5/5 Pat W. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great little haunt for a beer and some old timey local ambiance. Everything folks say about this place is true - the jukebox is fantastic, the walls are smattered with real conversation piece hangings, and the overall vibe makes the beer go down even better. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Cato C. 2 years ago on Google
    By far one of the best bars in Houston. Great atmosphere and great beer. Place where locals come and been here for a minute. Came back and surprised it had ent been taken over by hipsters. Has all the things that make a great place.

  • 5/5 Andrea R. 2 years ago on Google
    La Carafe should be on your list of must-dos when in Houston. The ambience is hard to beat. Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere. The oldest bar in Houston. I've been going there since the 80s and it looks exactly the same...this is a good thing. It's been around for over 50 years for a reason.


Call +1 713-229-9399 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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