Cork Screw

I was one of the first in through the doors at corkscrew. At first, this was a great place, but since the beginning, their wine prices have risen steadily, and the service has become very poor. Great wine stewards like Bree and Robin were let go of and the new staff knows little about wine. The selection is also very poor, with many bottles that are easily found at Spec's and even HEB. Nice atmosphere, but... Pros: Great ambience. Cons: Lack of selection, poorly trained staff more

Overall I think this is a unique place with a good future. This place has a different feel than Max's Wine Dive or Cova further down Washington. They change up their wines often and are attentive to their inventory. Small bumps in the road - they're getting a little pricey and sometimes the waitstaff seems like they'd rather be at the spa than helping you out. more

The Corkscrew is a favorite hangout of mine. It's an intimate, cozy venue where self-indulgence knows no boundaries. With 300+ wine list, and free tastings every Wednesdays and Thursdays, you?ll become a wine connoisseur in no time. Laura?s Truffles? are rich and luscious. But beware: You?ll be left craving for more! The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, offering nothing less than pampering perfection. Owners Andy & Doyle have a heart of gold encased in wit & sharp humor. They go out of their way to make you feel at home each & every time. It's an unexpected blend of illustrious ambience and a relaxed setting? what more could you ask for? more

This is my first time on city search. I don't normally seek out such sites. I haven't the time. But a girlfriend of mine pointed me here and I'm glad she did. I would like to tell you about my favorite little wine bar called The Corkscrew. Who has ever watched the situational comedy, Cheers, and hasn't long for a place to go where "everybody knows your name"? You won't get closer to Cheers than the Corkscrew. I've been going there since they opened, and there isn't a person I know that once they try it doesn't love it! It's the atmostphere: warm, inviting, not pretentious. It's the people: the owners, Andy and Dole, without them the place looses all love; the stewards, knowlegdable and friendly; the patrons, real people not of the "meat market" mentality. It's the piece of mind: they have security in the parking area, the police department around the corner, Andy and Dole who are never too busy to walk a lady to the car. Honestly, I think I've only seen one "vagrant" type person in the year + I've been going there. And I didn't even realize there was someone coming to ask me for money till I heard the security guard speaking to him and escorting him off the premises descretly and respectfully. I've been to a couple other wine bars but I keep coming back to the Corkscrew cause they're "simply the best". Pros: I can't say enough good. Cons: I live in the Galleria and it's Downtown. Can you open a 2nd location? more

I feel compelled to respond to a previous review regarding the safety of the Corkscrew. I have been a regular customer since it opened over a year ago. It is the only place I've been in Houston that I feel offers an environment of welcome and sincere security. I go in frequently by myself, as do many of my female friends...often to meet up there, arriving in separate cars. I have NEVER encountered a panhandler in the parking lot brazen enough to approach me. Although it is located in the Historic 6th Ward, considered to be a transitional up-and-coming neighborhood, it is literally around the corner from the Houston Police Department. I know a number of other regulars who live in the neighborhood and actually walk over for a glass of wine. The owners, Andrew and Doyle, are always present, and often walk customers to their cars. The comment in a previous review is an apparent fabrication to sully the wine bar's reputation, as both Andrew AND Doyle have on numerous occasions walked me to my car, without even being asked. I know for certain that if there had been an incident, they would have confronted it immediately and made certain that I was safely on my way. There are no two guys nicer. I challenge any one who claims that this place is unsafe and/or uncaring. The staff is bend-over-backwards friendly, unpretentious and genuine. It feels like it is a community of friends. If you want to go to a place where everybody knows your name, this is the place. And to speak to the selection of wines, there are always some fascinating finds at amazing prices. The unpretentious approach permeates every aspect of this place. I just can't say enough about it...so, if you are worried about the safety of this place, your worry is misplaced. If you miss out on the corkscrew experience...well, then you will just be missing out. Pros: Ambience, friendliness of staff and customers, selection of wines, great date place Cons: there is only one! more

My girlfriends and I have been hanging at this wine bar lately and we absolutely love it. The chics that work there have all learned our names and even remember what we drank last time we were there. Laura...the one wine steward that makes those amazing chocolates even ordered our pizza for us last time. THey couldn't be friendlier or more attentive. We always get the best service and the owners seem to always be around ready to help us with our wine selection. This is definately or favorite hotspot and ultimately the best wine bar Houston has to offer. I am thinking this one is going to be around for the long haul! Pros: security is safe and walks you to your car,warm service staff, lots of singles and great wine prices,location is cool too,securi Cons: can't think of any... more

My girlfriends and I attended this establishment a week ago, we had never been there before but someone had said it was close to our apartment; so we went; much to our regret. As soon as we got out of the car we were approached by four men asking for money, we tried to avoid them, but they followed us to the door. There was no security, and we thought it better to be in a public place than a dark parking lot. The men left once we entered the establishment; we told a waitress what had happened, she offered to buy us drinks due to our fear, and inconvience. Of course, we asked to speak to the manager, or owner, and asked if we could be escorted out. The owner, Doyle, or Andy, said they were too busy to help us, "we had already recieved a free round, if we were not going to spend any money in their bar, they had paying customers to take care of." We assumed we would be safe once inside, but the owners would not even walk us to our car because we were not spending money. Upon leaving we were lucky enough to have a male customer escort us to our car, I cannot thank him enough because those four men were waiting by our car, two on each side. This may be a place OK for men to go, but women be cautious, I will never go there again alone, or with other women, without a weapon. The worst part is that the employees, and owners, were of no assistance and we had to wait for a good hearted customer to take action and care about five girls well-being. Staff not hospitable, or attentive, location more than sketchy; I do not recommend this bar to anyone!!! Max's, and Cova were so much more hospitable, without any problem going in we were still escorted to our car without even asking! Ladies, beware of bum central at the corkscrew, because no owner, waitress, or manager, will help you out safely. Our experience was scary; please women, learn from our experience, if you go be careful, it is a very shady establishment, and location. Be Safe and aware!!! Pros: nothing, only bums outside with no security Cons: bad area, staff, lack of security more

This is probably my favorite wine bar in Houston. The staff is incredibly helpful and they have some great wines to choose from. The ambience inside is really neat, but can be a little loud at times. Prices are reasonable too. Only real drawback is that it is in a pretty sketchy area, but I'd go to this one over Max's Cova, or the Tasting Room any day. Pros: good wine, great staff and ambiance Cons: occasionally loud and in a rough area more

The corkscrew has a completely unpretentious vibe that lends to its charm. Trendy sofas in the lounge, order in food from local bistros. The walls sport messages about overindulgence that cant help but remind one the true reason why they?re there. The wait staff are eye candy for the fellas which will keep em coming on a Saturday night so don?t expect to get in. On the weekends come early or don?t come at all. Maybe head over to the Tasting room where there is slightly more seating and a quieter vibe. Or check out the new wine bar 13 degrees Celsius. Not everyone knows about it yet so you can still grab a couch. more

If you're looking for an unpretentious, relaxed wine bar go to the Corkscrew! Ask the staff for recommendations - they'll give you great ones! There are two main rooms, one with beautiful mosaic tiled table tops and wooden chairs, and another with comfortably couches, big cushy chairs and coffee tables. The latter of the two rooms is dimly lit and very romantic, but it can get noisy when it's packed. There are also a few tables outside. I haven't had the truffles, but try the Spanish mild cheese plate - it is FANTASTIC! Prices are very reasonable on wine and cheese compared to other wine bars in town. Bring dates here! Bring family here! This is a great place for everyone! Pros: Service, wine, cheese, atmosphere, value! Cons: limited parking, noisy when crowded more

This is a great wine place! It is not too stuffy like some wine bars. Very relaxed atmosphere, and great people. At some of the newer wine places, it can get too crowded to even hear yourself think.... this place is a great place to unwind with a nice glass of wine. Highly recommended. more

My girlfriend took me here for my birthday, and since then it has become my favorite wine bar in Houston. There is just so much to appreicate about the wine bar, that it will have you coming back for more. From the entertaining quotes on the wall, the cheese platters, large wine list, comfy romantic lounge area, and a very hospitable staff. The staff will help you find what you are looking for in a wine by letting you have free tastes (some places charged me before for every taste) until you find the one you like. The lounge area with the romantic starry dim-lighted decorum really helps set the mood if you are out on a date. The lounge area is also great for big partys that is fun for everyone. Overall, I HIGHLY recommend the corkscrew for group events to dates. Pros: GREAT wine bar! Romantic lounge area! more

Can you say Awesome?!!!! This is the place to be! Atmosphere, great wine, great company and lots of ambiance. How can one go wrong? This place also has WiFi, so forget the coffee shops of old... get your net on here. Possibly the finest selection of wine and by far the best service in town. The truffles, all handcrafted in Houston, are delictible. (!) A definite Must do. Pros: Wine selection, service and neighborhood touch Cons: N/A more

love the ambience and wine/cheese selections! and the humorous wine quotes dotted along the walls! there's a seperate room cloaked in a whole different ambience from the wine bar ... once you step into this room you are immediately greeted with candle-lit tables flanked with comfy couches and stars dancing above you ... a dim room with a touch of mystery, romanticism, and surrealism. comfortable, laid-back, and different. great place to take a date ... or enjoy the company of a group of friends. Pros: ambience, parking, romantic, eclectic more

This is a great after work escape to sit down, relax, and enjoy a great selection of wines. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. My wife and I have made this a frequent stop. Great place! more

This is a great date place. Wine options are very good and reasonable. The chocolate truffles were a bit pricey and below average. Go for wine and comfy atmosphere, you will not be dissappointed. Pros: Good Wine Picks! Cons: Not good Truffles more

Wine bars are everywhere...kind of like coffee shops. What sets them apart is service, atmosphere and selection. The Corkscrew has all three. The owners are always on hand, which says a lot about how much they care about their customers. The staff are knowledgable, friendly...and rather attractive, if I do say so myself. It's also a great date place. The lighting a sensual, live jazz can be heard on Monday's and Tuesday's and there's always something compelling about a renovated 20th century brothel [it actually was]. I also like the fact that they are very active in promoting a wide variety of events and get to know their customers on a first name basis. Highly recommeded, particularly for those who want to avoid the pretentiousness and social veneer of other wine establishments. Pros: atmosphere, service, value Cons: parking problems on crowded nights more

My wife and I are, what you night call,geriatric (read "old"), yet we always come away from the Corkscrew with a young at heart feeling. There is something about the friendly, homey atmosphere and the respect with which we are treated by the staff and even the other patrons that takes years off our lives (spiritually if not physically). We have never failed to make friends at the Corkscrew. We are not true wine connoisseurs but the knowledgeable staff always seems to find something good for us from their extensive collection. I highly recommend an evening at the Corkscrew for the young and the young at heart. It won't be your last time, I guarantee it. Pros: Ambiance is spectacular Cons: Needs to be bigger more

If you haven't been to the Corkscrew yet, you are missing out! What a cool place. It's definitely not like any of the other wine bars in Houston. It's far from sterile and full of personality. Not to mention a fabulous wine selection at toally reasonable prices. They even have great specials on certain nights. Live jazz in the lounge sometimes too. In addition, there's also a private wine room in the back. The place is huge. The owners are brothers and are the friendliest and funniest guys ever. The people that are in there are very friendly and interesting and the employees know their wine. Hands down the best hang out in Houston and I go out a lot! Pros: There are none. Cons: Bad location. Cheap wine. Owners are cheapskates. more

An interesting and ever changing selection of delicious wines with truffles, beautiful cheese trays, a knowledgeable and very friendly waitstaff. I love this place and you will too! Great ambiance,interesting architecture,cool wall mural - great place for a romantic fun date or classy business lunch! Pros: Ambience, ample parking, helpful and friendly staff Cons: There should be Corkscrews all over the city! more