Houston's Best Wine Bar

Posh little Rice Village joint cuts a space-age, bachelor-pad groove.

Reviews:

• “Best White Pizza in Houston!”
• “Good drinks”
• “quaint chill lounge in rice village”
• “It’s okay…”
• “Unreasonable Staff”

Tips: The lounge is often open even when the restaurant downstairs is closed. If the front door is locked, climb the staircase in the back of the parking lot to access the patio and the lounge.

Lounge at Benjy’s

Contemporary Uptown Park wine bar attracts oenophiles looking to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with lunch or dinner.

Reviews:

• “For Cougars and Old Single Guys”
• “Worst wine bar experience ever”
• “If you love mobs, this place rocks!”
• “Different, but in a good way”
• “good food good wine”

Tips: Expect a 10-percent discount on all cases. The Frequent Shoppers card offers a 15-percent discount. Consider a mixed case of champagne: The back wall is devoted to global selections.

The Tasting Room or email The Tasting Room

This Midtown wine bar and retail shop stores its wine in an actual cellar, maintained at 13 degrees Celsius.

Reviews:

• “Cool and unique…”
• “My other favorite wine bar. "
• “Mike really gets it!”
• “Excellent wine bar with a classic European feel but with local comfort and friends”
• “Nice architecture, nice wine, and nothing else.”

13 Celsius or email 13 Celsius

This wine bar has a popular happy hour, good food and a romantic atmosphere.

Reviews:

• “It was all good!”
• “Awesome Martini’s and a great atmosphere!!”
• “Great happy hour”
• “The drinks are wonderful, but….”
• “Awesome Martini’s!”

Tips: The bar is attached to Pasta Lomonte’s, a Katy favorite for romantic Italian dining.

The Bar at Lomonte’s

Afficionados sip their wine selections on an outdoor patio at this modern winery.

Reviews:

• “Great customer service”
• “Awesome! Great concept”
• “They Share Their Passion for Wine”
• “A HOUSTON ONE OF A KIND!”
• “Something for everyone, and great cream cheese/raspberry appetizers!”

Tips: Customers can try the wine before the buy it.

Salud! Winery or email Salud! Winery

Heights-area wine bar boasts a neighborhood feel, Wi-Fi and 300 wines by the bottle.

Reviews:

• “Wine Bar with Staying Power”
• “The Best Wine Bar!”
• “Needs a little more something.”
• “Excellent Wine Bar!”
• “kind of snooty”

Tips: Past the bar and through the arched doorway is an intimate private room showcasing some of the Corkscrew’s finest selection of wines. The room can be reserved for private parties or business functions.

The Corkscrew

Charming Upper Kirby wine bar and boutique; big on comfort and wine experimentation.

Reviews:

• “Limited wine selection and never busy”
• “Classy wine bar with best service.”
• “best service and atmosphere”
• “not a great wine bar ambience/experience”
• “Smoke gets in your wine”

Tips: The Wine Bucket offers a gift registry. Also, private parties can be arranged.

The Wine Bucket Boutique & Bar

Sunny bistro and wine bar with a French twist.

Reviews:

• “Great Customer Service”
• “High expectations were not met”
• “Inconsistant Food, Rude Management”
• “Love This Place”
• “quaint romantic spot on richmond”

Tips: Expect California goodies from Cline, Sinskey and Gary Farrell, along with crisp French favorites. Notable by-the-glass choices and values.

Laurier Cafe & Wine or email Laurier Cafe & Wine

Wine boutique in the Royal Oaks Village offers friendly service from a knowledgeable staff and a vast selection of affordable wines.

Reviews:

• “Not bad, but not great”
• “This is not right”
• “GREAT WINE, GREAT FUN!!”
• “Inexpensive wines & friendly service in laid-back atmostphere”
• “Wine Knowledge!! Wine Knowledge!! Wine Knowledge!!”

Tips: The store is user friendly and features extensive written descriptions, listing each wine’s characteristics and helping you match wines to your menu or tastes.

Vino 100 or email Vino 100

Swank steakhouse in the Hilton-Americas serves beef, lamb, seafood and an extensive wine list in a stylish dining room.

Reviews:

• “RAW meat.”
• “GREASE!”
• “Great meal – when we finally got to it!!!”
• “Great food ruined by unresponsive wait staff”
• “Excellent Meal”

Tips: A pair of diners seeking a quiet corner should request the “wine room” table.

Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops or email Spencer’s for Steaks & Chops