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House Wine
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 3 pm - 12 am
Sat 3 pm - 1 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
168 reviews for House Wine
Review Highlights
"Very laid back and unpretentious."
(in 16 reviews)
"I met here for a Book Club and loved it."
(in 7 reviews)
"They have a wonderful happy hour special everyday."
(in 18 reviews)
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168 reviews in English
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Review from Brittany J.
Austin, TX
10/10/2011
If there's anything I don't love about House Wine, it's got to be the prices, and that's only because I'm so cheap. I've never tried any of the nibbles, either, but again, I'm cheap.
I bought a groupon a while back for a wine tasting class, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was a very nice evening out, particularly for a Tuesday, and we tasted several "obscure Italian varietals," which were paired with cheese, crackers and chocolate. All of the wines were very good, though only one was a true standout. I wish I could find my notes from the evening, but alas the name is lost to me. Whatever it was, it was such a unique flavor, very smoky, and would pair perfectly with bbq. I'd say the class was a good 1.5 hours long, and while we headed out right after (it was a school night, after all), the party continued for quite a while. The teacher was very knowledgeable, having previously been a wine distributor, and was excellent at engaging the group in conversation.
Besides their classes, I also adore their Sunday afternoon deal. They charge something like half price on all bottles opened the night before, and this brings House Wine into my cheapo price range. The house itself is charming, and the plush seating is perfect for hours of conversation.
Parking was also not an issue any of the Sunday afternoons I've stopped by. House Wine is a must try if you haven't made it out yet! -
Review from Richelle T.
Austin, TX
9/28/2011
This place is super cozy. It's right on South Congress yet tucked away from the hustle and bustle so it feels like a mini-retreat whenever you enter.
I love to go here to review some writing with a glass of wine to relax (while still being productive) after a long day. I would definitely recommend this place. They have a nice wine selection and weekly happy hours and live music.
Overall, it's a cute very Austin-y venue that is a must visit.
Beware: Parking is atrocious!! It's packed practically all the time so be sure to get there early or park somewhere else and walk back. -
Review from Megan L.
9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Literally the only place I could find with a wine special on a Monday night. I mean, who doesn't want to get sauced up on a Monday? Very surprising.
I got here a bit earlier than the friend I was meeting and the lovely girl behind the counter let me taste a few Rosé wines. I'm really trying to like them but they have such a bad rep. She did recommend one that was fabulous though. LOVED her.
Then she presents their special for the night. $20 bottles of wine? Umm. done. Can we have 3? Yeah, we did. On a Monday. We also ended up making friends with our neighbors and have the best time in the back room. It is definitely perfect for chatting and has a great selection of wine.
I highly recommend the mozarella melting thing (like smores but with mozarella!!) We didn't try it but we definitely coveted it from our table. -
Review from Danyel C.
Austin, TX
1/26/2012
The wine list is good, though a bit pricey for the atmosphere and service- their wine is priced more like a good steakhouse, in my opinion. You order at the cash register then take it to your table, unlike a good steakhouse. The staff are not the friendliest people I've encountered, but they get the job done. Sunday is a good day since they do 1/2 price glasses of any wine opened on Saturday. The outdoor seating is nice and they have an area that you can reserve for groups with prior payment. The parking is horrible so plan on walking a bit to get there. It is noisy since it is right next to very busy streets. I've been twice and plan to give it one more try to see if I feel like I'm welcome next time just because it's in a cute location and one of my wine groups meets there sometimes.
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Review from Shanna P.
9/25/2011
House Wine really is a cozy spot to hang out. I hadn't been here in ages, and when I saw a jewelry class there with a local artisan on a Saturday afternoon, I jumped at the chance to learn some new techniques and relax with a glass of wine and a friend. They were also having a benefit for local dog rescue organization, too, so purchases were benefiting that--a great reason to drink more wine!
The wine selection is so expansive, that it was hard to choose, and they also have sangria and a pomegranate margarita, as well as beer. The staff, and who I guessed were the owners, were very nice and welcoming, as well.
I bumped into some friends playing Scrabble over a glass of wine, which seems like a sweet way to spend the afternoon. Later into the evening, they had music--a talented local singer-songwriter.
I will be back much sooner next time to this comfortable spot for a lovely time out with a glass of wine! -
Review from alicia k.
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
House Wine epitomizes my idea of Austin. Comfortable, quiet and relaxing yet convenient. House wine has a small, but decent list of wines. The markup on bottles is reasonable. Most bottles are about $30 with a few in the $60 range. The cheeses and foods are limited, sufficient to wet your appetite.
House Wine is a good way to end an evening out or a pre-dinner affair. Yesterday, there was live music on the patio. This is not your typical people- watching, meat market kind of place so come with a group of people whose company you enjoy. Otherwise, you'll relive the horrors of your high school day as the outcast. -
Review from Teresa S.
Austin, TX
1/16/2012
Love it! This is the cutest little wine bar. An old house with white twinkle lights and an awesome Sunday happy hour. Bottles opened on Saturday need to be emptied on Sunday and when priced at half off it's easy to do! An amazing cheese plate, a great wine list and the beautiful atmosphere makes this a fun any time destination.
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Review from Leigh F.
Austin, TX
9/23/2011
The other day I was looking for a place to chill out, drink a glass of wine, and read my book. It was a Wednesday night and I had no interest in going to drink coffee or to be in a coffee shop. I found House Wine online. The pics looked cute and the reviews were all pretty good, so I decided to check it out.
First of it, its location is deceiving. When you are there, you do not at all feel like you are in the hustle and bustle of a city. It's tucked away on this side street near P Terrys (which if you are sitting outside that was the only thing that might be bothersome - you could sometimes hear the P Terry's intercom thing, but I ignored it).
I went inside ordered my glass of wine and a cheese and salmon plate. Too big for one person, yes, but I took some home.
I plan to go back again. This would be a stupendous place for a first date where you want to talk but not sure you want to spend dinner together. A great place to start an evening before going to catch some theatre or simply to meet up with a friend to chat.
I plan on going back, it's one of my new favoriate places in Austin. -
Review from Matt E.
Austin, TX
8/31/2011
Great half-off specials on Sunday, and a friendly staff.
But I'd only recommend drinking white wine there during the Summer. The building is not air conditioned, and the red wine bottles simply sit out on the shelf. The glass of red I ordered on my last visited tasted strong and almost syrupy and felt as if it was around 80 degrees (also the approximate temperature inside the building). When I noted this to the server, she replied something to the effect of "yes, we should probably carry a chilled red," obviously not understanding what I was saying.
Red wine should be served at or near 65 degrees. Expect hot, red wine from this place. -
Review from Leslie H.
7/25/2011
I've been to House Wine twice, each time for the Yelptastic Book Club meetings. It's a great place, very chic with nice furniture, several places to sit inside and outside, and a large variety of wines. Sundays are the best because of the half-price glasses of wine from the night before. I had a glass yesterday for $3.50 and my husband's beer was $4. One of these days I'll try some of the food items and/or their wine and sorbet dessert.
The only downside is that it's not air conditioned, or maybe being there right when they open doesn't allow for the house to cool down. I was overheated sitting inside which caused this light-weight to drink my wine faster. And no one wants that. I look forward to cooler days when the book club can meet outside and enjoy the wine in 70- or 80-degree temperatures. -
Review from Darla A.
House Wine, I LOVE You Man!
Where else with $5 sparklings by the glass for yelp drink weeks (or $20 for the whole bottle on 10 for $20 bottle Monday) can you find a dozen or more of some of my favorite yelpers, the coolest patio for drinking on a perfect Austin spring evening and leave feeling like a rock star?
While most people are not partakers of the bubbles on a regular basis, the prices were something to celebrate and I converted most of them to the enchanting little bubbles. Not sure how many bottles the table consumed, but I was whipping out $20 bills faster than you could say g-string at a strip club, only they were going to bail out my precious bottles of Louis Perdrier Sparkling Rose so they could find their forever home in our laughter that magically filled the air.
Sure they had other yelp specials like $3 Sangria and $2 Fireman's 4. But even the guy who didn't drink, bought a bottle of the bubbles to gift to the crowd, because he knew of the magic it contained.
There were laps sat on, tongues touched, and talks of bra fittings with men and women. Inappropriate? Perhaps. But for one glorious evening, no one cared, laughter ruled, "I love you mans" were spoken, and there was even talk of leaving spouses for this magical crowd. All was great in the land of House Wine.Listed in: Prosecco rules!, Things I LOVE about Austin, Great outdoor patios in…, C'mon get Happy..., Wine all about it!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/14/2010 ROTD 10/2/2010
I took a friend out for National Left handed day. "I will toast you left handed," I said (channeling… Read more »
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Review from Errol M.
4/5/2011
I don't drink wine, but I managed to spend seven hours here Monday with a dozen Yelpers who do. And we all had a real good time. Sometimes, it truly is the people you're with that make it as good as it gets.
But if you are a wine drinker, why wouldn't you want to come here? It's a tiny converted house with inside and outside seating areas, the couple running the place enjoy talking about wine (all the decent Malbecs are now Argentinean?), and since they're always having specials here by the glass and bottle, it simply pays to speak up and engage in pleasant conversation. Ask and you shall receive.
Personally, I was slightly more fascinated with the Mediterranean platter, the almond and brown sugar-encrusted Brie round, and the little hibachi thing used for roasting marshmallows on our S'mores. Finding a Keurig brewer in the hallway was an unexpected blessing, and although I'm not a big fan of Keurig, it was perfect for me this evening. They do have Izze by the bottle and La Croix by the can, and at one point I just went to the P. Terry's for a chicken burger and Diet Coke. A little something for everyone here.
I can see how this place could be perceived as having a limited cellar, or too cozy in terms of space and parking, and the outside patio is probably less than temperate during summer. But on a beautiful breezy night in early April, with a dozen happy people and seven bottles of sparkling rosé, I think House Wine gave new meaning to the phrase, "It's all good." -
Review from David m.
Austin, TX
4/6/2011 ROTD 12/2/2011
So I am not a wine drinker per se but I when Dalink A. had a UYE event here I put on some clean undies and brushed my teeth and headed to this cozy little joint called House Wine. I normally go for the lighter stuff like Jack and Tito's.
First off there was a big group of us and Darla managed to get a long table for us to share. The lighting is perfect and the patio is beautiful.
Sparkling wine crept in and next thing I know I am obsessed with women's breast. Errol again is a great conversationalist. Ashley S and Yolanda G are always a sight for sore eyes and I am eternally grateful for them for putting up with my shenanigans.
This is definitely an awesome place that I am happy to be introduced to.Listed in: Beauty is in the Eye of the…
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Review from Alicia W.
5/29/2011
Finding House Wine was a happy accident... which it really shouldn't have been considering all my friends rave about it. Luckily, the saloon didn't have any bike racks so we had to go around back and this adorable house was calling our names!
Hidden right off Lamar at the corner of Barton Springs, you truly can't beat the location. You know that glorious relaxed, indulgent feeling you get from drinking a glass of wine? This entire place gives off that lovely vibe. Great, friendly service and cute atmosphere, but they aren't taking themselves too seriously. (Plus, its possible that Sara and Amy are some of the world's nicest ladies)
I feel as though this would be a very suiting place to expand your wine knowledge if you didn't have a stable base. There's no snobbery involved while talking about the many different wines and the staff is always willing to work with your tastes. I foresee many summer nights in my future that involve House Wine! -
Review from Solomon W.
Austin, TX
8/10/2011
Another Austin House Wine kind of dive. Get it? House, plus wine? House Wine? Check this drinkery out for a nice glass or a bite to eat. They have a very unique selection, the atmosphere is low-key, and best of all, the fermented grapes are dang affordable.
Negative? It is a house... so it gets packed fast.
I headed in for the Tuesday wine tasting, and it was rose night. It was awesome having an entire pink tasting on a blazin' hot summer day. Good choice, sommelier, good choice.
The cheese plate was disappointing, and the crackers were those plain Sam's sesame and multi-grain crackers. There was a too-soft cream cheese and a few slices of Manchego. At least there were 5 wines to go around!
As usual, I drank to drink, not to be snobby and gussy. Most of the roses were pretty acidic and crisp, making my mouth water. Great summer wines. One was from South Africa, another from Austrlia, and another from the Rhone region. Very cool story behind each of the winemakers... but when is there not?
HW has an awesome vibe, good booze selection, and good service. Definitely an awesome little dive. -
Review from Cameron C.
Austin, TX
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
My favorite wine spot in Austin. Casual atmosphere, great wine and amazing cheese plates. The close proximity to P. Terry's is great too!
Love the lack of pretentiousness and the daily specials. -
Review from Alison F.
Austin, TX
8/11/2011
This place is pretty cool, but on the pricey side. The best part for me is that there's lots of comfy seating, both inside and out and the atmosphere is cool. Service is friendly too.
The food (lots of cheese plates especially) is tasty but pricey and certainly meant to be shared. Don't go there expecting to feel full after eating though because you'll just end up crossing the street to P. Terry's for a burger. -
Review from paul s.
Updated - 4/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
it has been two years since my first HW review, I'm gonna bump it up a star as I finally learned the correct application, had a great time there yesterday w/ a bunch of fun yelpers and fun makes at least one star difference. I promise to use this place as it was intended from here on out.
this place is a casual little oasis tucked away from the regular traffic on barton springs. house wine doesn't try to do/be everything, what they succeed at is casual and friendly space to enjoy the company of others. when what you really want is a place that does not get in the way of hanging out with friends, wine that is for drinking more than talking about and food that is good enough to eat but not trying to be the center of attention. yes, come here with friends, especially the funny happy variety.
prices are cheap too! I'm not gonna forget you house wine. save us a table.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2009
I read about this place here on yelp and it the reviews got us all excited. I sent my wife a link… Read more »
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Review from Colleen L.
Austin, TX
4/9/2011
House wine differs from most wine bars I've been to for the following reasons:
- Good Happy Hours - varies by the day!
- Unpretentious bartender, so I don't feel like an idiot, when I'm constantly saying "what's that one with the pretty label taste like?"
- Nice outdoor seating- and mosaic tables give it an 'I'm in my Aunt's backyard' kinda feel
- DELICIOUS sangria. It's juice, it's wine and I need my daily fruit intake.
- Laid back clientele- I saw some yoga pants, punk t-shirts, them business clothes and a man with no shoes.
- Blankets for those cold nights- Great! I'm cold it if gets near 60 degrees.
At House wine, it feels like you are drinking in a friends backyard (although this friend charges). So bring some friends, bring a dog, bring your hippie uncle, all will be pleased.Listed in: Get your Date on!
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Review from walker f.
Austin, TX
Cute old house with room or two and a small patio. It's very charming with live music, local art, community blankets out front, dog friendly, Christmas lights, etc. A perfect spot for a casual date, to meet up with the girls, take your mom, or just to go and do your own thing (study, read etc.)
If you are doing the date thing, keep in mind this patio is "cute," not really romantic. You are close to Lamar, you can hear the PTerry's order over the loud speaker across the way, and at sunset, it's bird happy hour (my date got pooped on).
Alas, this was a great way to spend a couple hours on a Sunday, when they serve half price glasses of wine.
Would get four stars for the price of food ($14 for cheese), but I added one back in for the fact that the mozzarella balls are roasted on sticks like smores. Kinda wanted to try them out, especially since my Yelp check in earned me a discount! They also get extra props for the Moroccan Cab blend I tried: Cuvee Premiere du President. LOVED IT. There was a patron inside who was telling me that Morocco doesn't export a lot of wine to the states, this one is unique, and House Wine is the only place in Austin that sells it. BS? who knows. Interesting nonetheless. (For the record, Specs came up blank when I searched)
Will return! -
Review from Rachael S.
Austin, TX
11/1/2011
House Wine often enters the conversation when we're deciding on where to spend date night. We're even thinking of bringing an out-of-town guest who's also a wine critic here. I guess that pretty much covers it. Oh, except that you can also sit out on the patio right after work and watch the dogs get picked up from the day care next door while you're waiting out South Lamar traffic. Recommended.
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Review from Jack N.
Updated - 4/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Gosh, another great night spent on the patio at House Wine. By all rights, normally picky Jack would find plenty to fault in HW's patio. It's right next to P Terry's, so depending on the wind you may be smelling french fries and burgers. There's a huge electrical transformer looming about 20 feet above the patio, one of life's necessary evils but ugly nonetheless.
But last night showed me once again why I love House Wine so much. It's not only the affordable and interesting wines, the small bite plates, or the comfortable seating inside and out, its the people I spend time with there.
After a long hard day traveling, as we landed at ABIA I got a text from a friend asking if Veek and I would like to meet he and his wife and daughter. Much to my wife's surprise, I was very much in favor of dropping my bag at home, washing my face and heading back out immediately.
It was a gorgeous night - slightly windy but the perfect temperature. The 2 person musical act was just the right amount of loud and they played some interesting tunes (America, Syd Barrett). Our friends had already secured a table so we could sit immediately and begin to relax.
Most memorable, however, was the pleasure of sitting with my beautiful wife and our wonderful friends for a few hours. Sharing a bottle of Moroccan red (who knew?), nibbling on some pita and hummus (hey, those dolmas at HW are some of the best I've had), and just decompressing.
So House Wine, here's to you. You provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere perfect for the air-weary traveler.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/8/2008
"House Wine" - I thought the name was funny even before I saw that it was actually a "house". Score… Read more »
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Review from erik w.
2/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the fact that you can drink in Austin any day of the week at almost any hour of the day for pretty much nothing. House Wine is going to make it on my list of great spots to get a drink and hang out on the cheap (if it's a Sunday). Sunday afternoons you can get 1/2 price glasses of wine from previously opened bottles of wine.
The folks working the bar were very knowledgeable and more then willing to hand out multiple tastes to their patrons. I'm a bit of an amateur wine-drinker - no, scratch that. I know nothing about wine, except that I like it best when it isn't too fruity or sweet. So, the bartender was serving up quite a few tastes and racking her brain to find the perfect glass for me. Needless to say, she did a great job.
The interior is very cute. They have lots of great art hanging from the walls and a bunch of places to crash out and read a book. The patio area was nice, but unfortunately it was very loud. P.Terry's has a loudspeaker that goes off every minute on the minute to shout out finished orders and Lamar is not exactly the road less traveled.
The patio is dog friendly! I'll be back soon with my boys in stow for a drank of wine and perhaps even a P.Terry veggie burger. -
Review from Martha R.
1/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I do like House Wine. I have been a few times and enjoy myself while I'm there. There are a few reasons that it doesn't get the 4-star action from me...
1. The waitress that works there is very cold, and acts like you're putting her out when you ask her for some wine. I mean really? I'm not asking you to polish my shoes or anything, I'm asking you for the ONE thing that you should be happy to get me! All three times that I have been to this place I have had this same server, and every time she acts the same way. So it wasn't just a bad day... and it's just not acceptable in my opinion. The place is too small to have someone like this working there and providing a bad aura. You really have to try hard to not let her bring you down. I am also not the only one that has experienced this negativity from her... so it's not just a bad combination between the two of us either (i.e., it's not me :)).
2. The wine choices could be better. While there is a decent selection, you would think that a place with the name "wine" right there in the title would have more options. I'd like to see some more stuff from Washington, and maybe a few more French options. There really ought to be more options... plus, the price ranges should be filled in throughout the selection of the additional wines. While there is a pretty nice house bottle deal, for $18 I should at least be able to beat my $8 bottle that I have at home. That seems like a fair request.
3. Parking. Ugh. :(
Overall, I love the atmosphere (minus the bad aura)... I love places that are converted from a house to a bar. Plus, the food options are pretty decent and the food itself is quite good. It's a great place to have a date night or a quick glass of wine before going out for the evening. Oh, it's good for girls night out too...
I will probably go back to this place, it does have it's charms. And I love that they give you a coupon when you check-in on Yelp - what's not cool about that? -
Review from Jonathan L.
Austin, TX
5/12/2011
Wanting a place to chill after a movie one evening, I suggested to my friends that we check out this quaint wine bar that I had seen beyond P. Terry's on South Lamar... my friends now think me a god for this suggestion! Boy am I glad we checked this place out!
House Wine really is the ideal place to unwind with a group, or someone special after a long day. Fantastic selection of wines and treats, super friendly baristas who are more than happy to make suggestions if your wine knowledge is lacking, and a super chill atmosphere all combine to make this currently one of my favorite spots in Austin! Really worth a visit!
Whoa guys, here are some more tips:
1) Found out a couple of Sundays ago that all bottles opened the day before not used are half priced! Was able to get a great Malbec for a steal!
2) One treat that we nearly always get while visiting are the little lemon cakes off to the right on the counter. So delicious! I wish I knew where they got these! -
Review from Natalia B.
Austin, TX
Updated - 2/22/2011 9 Check-ins Here
This place has really grown on me since my first not-so-good experience.
I looove the deal they have on Sundays. Any glass of wine is half price if the bottle was opened the night before. Each Sunday they have a list of their half off glasses.
Otherwise, I think they are a little expensive.Listed in: Hip Hoppity Hap-Hap Happy Hour
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2009
I've waited almost a month before I attempted to write this review because I needed to mull over my… Read more »
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Review from Lisa M.
10/13/2010
I had the pleasure of attending Darla A.'s epic ROTDC here. It was so epic that I'd wager Yelp's space constraints wouldn't allow a proper review of the event. (Remember that boring "Odyssey" from 9th grade English class? How long it was? And how it dragged on. And on. Until the part where Odysseus got the Cyclops drunk and threw the spear into his one eye. That was cool.) So it's good I'm reviewing the place and not the celebration.
But here's my problem. I was having so much fun at the ROTDC that I didn't notice anything about the place. All I saw were the fabulous Yelpers who came out. The ever-generous Kelly bestowed upon us bottles of wine and tasty apps. Truth is, I don't even remember what the apps were. I was too caught up in all the laughing, flirting, gossiping, hugging, kissing, and dancing that was going on around me. (Okay, there wasn't much dancing there. But one person did bust a dance move. Or two.)
So I had no transactions with any staff. I couldn't tell you what House Wine looks like, either. Inside or out. I don't remember the swill of the wine or the flavors of the food. But I know they have a (dusty) patio. We sat there.
And finally, as I was undressing at home after the ROTDC, I noticed that the patio dust had turned my black skirt and boots to brown. So I'll dust myself off and try [to review House Wine] again.**
** http://youtu.be/ezGsNZ...Listed in: The Outsiders, *Not to be confused with the famous French comic strip,…">Asterix*, Try to see it my way, UYEvents and ROTDCelebrations
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Review from marc s.
10/8/2010
Yep, she's a gem, a doll, a real dame. And even though you just met her she already feels like an old friend that you've known forever. That's House Wine.
Went here for an ROTD, stayed for the crazy comfy atmosphere, cool service, nice apps and really good wine. The wine lady was wonderful, knowledgeable, friendly, without even a hint of pretension.
The location is just too cute, without being really too cute. Nice little out front seating area. Tiny little house remade into a wine bar with 3 different small relaxing rooms. Super comfy chairs, little side tables. Has some artsy going on.
Tried a sample of the Sangria (which is on special on fridays). Sangria is normally a way to use up that not quite drinkable wine. At house wine, they use the good stuff and the outcome is out of this world. Seriously, I was never much of a Sangria fan, but I'm definitely a fan of the Sangria at house wine.
Perfect for a date, perfect for hanging out with friends. It's a special lil place.Listed in: Where to take an awesome…
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Review from Karen M.
New Lenox, IL
4/25/2011
We had to call to find this place but are we glad we did! House Wine is an actual little house converted into a wine bar that's tucked away on a side street behind the P. Terry's burger place on the corner of Lamar and Barton Springs Road. It's a great place to chill out and enjoy a glass of wine after a day of traveling, working, or whatever. There's seating both indoors and out, but the outdoor patio is our favorite area. With little mosaic tables and globe lanterns strung about, it's like hanging out in a friend's back yard.
The wine selection is eclectic and is always changing, with new selections almost every night. The owners know wine but are not snobby about it, and can also help wine novices find something they'll like. The food is simple munchies like cheese platters, hummus plates, and desserts. They even have live entertainment. The first night we stopped by was open mike night, with talented (and some not-so-talented) amateurs trying out their vocals, and on our most recent visit they had a great jazz pianist.
Parking can be hard to find in this area, but keep looking until you find something - it's worth it. -
Review from Anthony D.
Austin, TX
5/2/2011
The concept of House Wine is really simple and maybe that's why it's such a great place.
What looks to be a house transformed into a small business on Lamar, House Wine offers a nice selection of wines by the glass and bottle, both a reasonable prices (around $30-$40 for a bottle).
The vibe at House Wine is super relaxing, you feel like you are enjoying wine in your backyard with some live music added in (not loud, just enough to be enjoyable).
The Humus is great too.
Overall House Wine is a great alternative to the craziness of downtown, definitely check it out. -
Review from Samantha F.
Austin, TX
Updated - 9/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
Happy to say House Wine has redeemed itself! Enjoyed my first Sunday evening as an Austinite once again with my best friend, Katie. We grew up in North Austin and met in 7th grade in Canyon Vista Middle School's swimming pool. It's been puppies and rainbows (double rainbows) ever since! So needless to say, it was nice to share my homecoming with her. And even nicer at House Wine.
Service was anything but crusty. House Wine lady was friendly and genuine (I have to say, it wasn't the same chick I've had twice before). And even with some issues with the credit card machine, we had a seamless order taking process.
Wonderful live music and half price glasses made the night even better. We split the Honey Smoked Salmon plate and it was worth it. Delish cracker choices and Tuscan Olive Three Cheese spread....umm, get out of my face.
House Wine redemption + reinstated Austinite status = perfectly blissful Samantha.Listed in: Out-of-Towner Musts
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/13/2010
I still want to like this place and I'll give it another shot because I can see why it can be so… Read more »
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Review from Rachelle M.
Austin, TX
12/6/2010
Small, cozy ambiance, quiet patioI and great location. Damn, I really want to like this place, but after 3 attempts- NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
I'm not looking for a deal when I go to wine bar, but I certainly don't expect to spend more on 2 glasses of wine than I would for an entire dinner somewhere much tastier. Much less, be treated like dirt.
The counter service is terrible. Each time, its taken us a minimum of 3-5 minutes for the uppity, wine-istas to even ACKNOWLEDGE our presence. Apparently, house gossip takes priority over business. The cheapest wines on the menu, and there are only 3 or 4, are $7-8/glass and they do NOT have a happy hour or any specials (Ive been there til close and never received witnessed this reverse happy hour they advertise. BS)
The large majority of wines are $12-20. They have snacks, NOT food, that also range from $7-20.
Looking for a wine bar in South Austin? Try OPA.Comment from Kerry W. of House Wine 1/7/2011
Just like to correct some very wrong information about this… More » -
Review from Lisa B.
2/27/2011
Went here Friday. It's a bit pricey, but the wines are great. Just commit to the place and order a bottle. You know you want to...
There are so many cozy corners here, inside and out. The outside is dog-friendly so I brought my Yorkie. They had blankets out for the early spring chill.
Order your wine from the bar. It's hard to tell at first. -
Review from Michelle D.
Austin, TX
10/24/2010
I came here on a Sunday afternoon with the yelptastically yelptastic book club. On Sundays all their open bottles left over from Saturday night are half price by the glass. They write out a list of available wines: whites vs. reds. I had an awesome glass of chardonnay (can't remember the exact kind) for only $3. I also had the cheese crackers and a taste of the humus. Super yummy! The employee who helped me seemed a little cranky, maybe she was hung over?
This place was so cute, cushy chairs inside and a cool shady patio out front. Up near the bar was kind of dark and romantic. I can't wait for the next book club meeting so I can go back! -
Review from Tu G.
Houston, TX
12/5/2010
I love this place! Tucked behind P. Terry's in an old renovated house with hardwood floors, soft lighting, and charming front porch with live music.
While not quite a happy hour, they always have daily $5 glasses available. The olive cheese spread and cracker assortment is mighty tasty. Service was nonchalant but pleasant.
Wine bars should be about 1. the wine 2. the ambiance and 3. the company. They have 2 out of 3 covered. Bring good friends and your dog --warm fuzzies'll abound. -
Review from Ashley S.
I am a House Wine virgin no longer. When I first arrived, I stood there just to take it all in. First thing that popped into my mind was my grandma's voice saying "Que chula!" And indeed, it is a very cute place. The outside is fenced in, as if it were your neighbor's way of trying to keep you out, or maybe in. The patio is large and plenty of seating. I love that the chairs had lime green cushions :) Our group was first to arrive, being that some of us big tymers were here before 5. On Mondays they have 10 different bottles for $20 each. When you check in here on Yelp they immediately offer you a $2 off coupon, too bad I 'm not a huge fan of baked brie.
The interior is small yet welcoming. It reminds me of my little old house (not the decorating, I wish!) because the rooms are all separate and closed off, not like the modern open concept fad. The bar is little, bathrooms are very clean, and they have lots of artwork on the walls to feed your eyes. I ordered off the Yelp special menu, which featured $3 house sangria. Me no likey. Unfortunately my faces I tend to make (about 1 too many to count) do not leave much unknown, and Errol picked up that I wasn't a fan of it. I've had LOTS of sangria from many places, and I have to say this was my least favorite. Tarah offered that they must have used a dry wine to make it, but I LOVE me some dry wine. I thought it smelled a bit mannly or woodsy. I should have taken Darla's advice and demanded an orange slice to be put in it. Or maybe I am just spoiled by Opa's! HH $2 sangria, which has an orange slice in it fyi.
Enough of about that. They have a vast wine selection, and I noticed they seem to be serving all wine in stemless glasses, which is what I prefer anyways. Something about sipping something out of a glass with stem, sitting outside just seems silly. They do however offer nightly specials every night of the week, Sunday looks like the best day to come. Offering 1/2 off wine by the glass, from wine opened the previous night. They also have munchies, ranging from an assortment of cheese plates and mediterranean plates. The hummus was tasty, and eating it with pita chips instead of pita bread was new for me.
The ambience and service rivals Opa! in my opinion. Oh and Errol ordered some smores? What?! The bartender brought out all that was to be included with it, and people were roasting marshmallows out on the patio, how cool is that? Great company with some of my favorite Yelpers, hilarious conversations about bra sizes, saw a bit of tongue action exchanged and met some new faces. I'd say a fantastic spring evening with stellar weather. Winning!!! Only thing missing was some musica.Listed in: South Austin Ventures, Wine ~ All about it
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Review from A M.
Austin, TX
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome little outdoor wine house! The live music is real good too, perfect evening atmosphere.
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Review from Chas E.
Austin, TX
1/16/2011
Funky old Austin house turned into a wine bar.
Pros: good variety of wines and beers. Tasty snack choices to accompany. Nice outdoor patio when the weather's decent.
Cons: wish they had more food choices. Parking can be challenging. -
Review from Annette P.
Austin, TX
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the Tuesday evening wine tasting classes.....Rae is awesome and a wealth of knowledge about all wines. Cheese and cracker plates are included but they don't have a menu or anything more than snack food. The place is small and parking is absolutely horrendous. The back room holds the wine tasting classes (which is adequate) but it got really warm in there, even with fans. They have wines that are not generally mainstream which is a plus.
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Review from Alex M.
Austin, TX
10/27/2010 2 Check-ins Here
House wine I love you!
Went on a Sunday after seeing what was nearby on yelp to P.Terry's.
(I know burgers and wine, classy.)
We were BLOWN away. Service was awesome and cheap wine was even better!! The half price glasses were great, and we somehow spent only 2 hours and $30 there! (we got a cheese plate).
This may be our favorite hang out spot on Sundays.
