Although its longevity doesn't quite match that of the 19th-century building it occupies, La Carafe has been a favored downtown presence for many years. Dim and subtly lit by lamplight and candlelight, it's ideal for a romantic evening out. You can see Market Square from the outdoor tables, and a jukebox filled with classic tunes and some rather eclectic options gets lots of traffic. Even...
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You would never know this charming little wine and beer bar was once slave quarters. It is the oldest bar in Houston and caters to an eclectic mix of artistic and professional types. Musicians claim the jukebox has the best selection in all of Houston, and you will often see people dancing on the narrow floor beside it. This romantic spot is often the end to the perfect date. It is strictly a...
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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,...
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Posted by Contributor
on April 21, 2009, (Edited April 16, 2006)
Ancient bar in a building dating to the 1870s. It's a very dark space, with massive candles, an ancient doorman, excellent wines, and superb ambience. The perfect date place.
Dozens of bars and clubs take up space downtown, but only one can boast being housed in Houston's oldest commercial building. Built in 1860, the structure at 813 Congress has been home to everything from a Pony Express stop to an apothecary. It became Le Carafe in the 1950s, and at some point the "e" in Le was traded in for an "a."
Current owner Carolyn Wenglar takes pride in preserving...
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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...
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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...
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Posted by seanhoutx
on April 21, 2009, (Edited January 20, 2009)