Address: 813 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
The Tale Begins
Welcome to a shadowy slice of Houston history, an exciting tale steeped in mystery and drenched in red wine—the La Carafe Dive Bar. Nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, its weathered brick walls and dim, flickering candlelight setting are home to stories as old as the bar itself. Famous for its extensive wine list, the La Carafe may offer an impressive selection of spirits, but it’s the other kind of spirits we’re here to talk about today. Yes, you heard right, fellow seekers of the uncanny and extraordinary, we’re delving into a realm where the patrons are as spectral as the libations are potent. The denizens of this beloved establishment, both living and otherwise, claim, with a touch of dramatic whispering and a glint in their eyes, that the after-hours crowd at La Carafe is, well, decidedly ‘after life’. So, fasten your seatbelts, order your preferred ghostly libation and embark with us on this chilling yet thrilling journey into the fascinating paranormal tales of La Carafe Dive Bar.
The History of La Carafe Dive Bar
La Carafe is one of the oldest and most iconic bars in Houston, Texas. Located in a historical building in the old Market Square, the building that houses La Carafe, also known as the Kennedy Bakery building, is acknowledged by the State of Texas as the oldest commercial building still in use in Houston. The origins of the structure date back to 1847.
The site was initially a bakery operated by the Kennedy family, hence the name Kennedy Bakery building. However, in the period after World War II, the ground floor was converted into a series of bars, which include La Carafe.
La Carafe, as we know it now, was established in the late 1950s or early 60s, though there are different accounts. It is an atmospheric, cozy wine and beer bar renowned for its unique vibe – embodied by dim candlelight, an antique register, and soulful jukebox music. It is often recognized for its distinctive “dive” aesthetic, with a worn yet charming ambiance that many customers appreciate.
La Carafe is also reputedly haunted, according to local tales and patrons who claim to have experienced eerie occurrences. The spirits of a former bartender and a lady associated with the building in its earlier days are rumored to be among those who haunt the historic bar.
Overall, La Carafe embodies Houston’s history and local culture, while providing a unique and comfortable atmosphere that embraces everyone who walks through its doors.
Is it really haunted at La Carafe Dive Bar?
Yes, legends and anecdotes suggest that La Carafe, located in Houston, Texas, may be haunted. Established in the 1860s, it is one of the oldest bars in Houston and is listed on the National Register for Historic Places. Its history is soaked in stories and sightings of ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and strange incidents that are often attributed to ghosts or spirits.
1. The Ghost of Carl: According to the most enduring story, the ghost of an employee named Carl is said to roam La Carafe at night. Witnesses claim that they have heard footsteps and seen shadowy figures when no one else is present. Some say they have even heard their names being whispered.
2. The Lady Upstairs: The second story of La Carafe, which was once an apartment, has its own eerie tale. Rumor has it that a woman died there many years ago. Employees and guests have reportedly heard the sound of a lady crying and the soft whisper of a woman’s voice. Some have reported a feeling of sadness or dread when they enter the upstairs area.
3. The Cash Register Incident: There’s a more tangible tale of a cash register spontaneously popping open when one bartender mentioned his disbelief in ghosts.
4. Ghostly Touch: Some employees have reported feeling a strange, chilling sensation when they are alone, as if someone is standing close to them, even lightly touching their shoulder or hair.
5. Haunting Music: Some have reported hearing piano music playing, despite there not being a piano in the bar.
6. Photograph Anomalies: Visitors have reported strange shapes and shadows appearing in their photographs taken within the bar, suggesting the presence of spirits or ghostly apparitions.
While these stories might intrigue or frighten, they seem to only add to the charming, vintage atmosphere of La Carafe. For those who don’t mind a little bit of a spooky experience along with their drinks and conversation, this historical bar might just be the perfect place.
Wrapping Up
Located in Houston, Texas, La Carafe Dive Bar stands as one of the oldest buildings and bars in the city, dating back to the 1860s. It features a rich and storied history, intertwined with numerous reports of paranormal activities that add to its mystique.
Historically, the building that houses the bar was first owned by developer John Kennedy, for whom Kennedy Bakery, a major local business point, is named. It served as a bakery for some time before transitioning into various uses, including a boarding house and Pony Express station.
Most noteworthy about La Carafe is its reputation for hauntings. Ghostly tales have been shared by staff members and patrons alike, contributing to its eerily fascinating atmosphere. One famed story revolves around a figure known as “Carl,” believed to be the ghost of a former bartender. There are reports of sudden cold spots, unexplained shadows moving through the bar, and sounds of disembodied footsteps, all thought to be Carl’s spirit.
In addition to Carl, there are tales about the ghost of a woman believed to have worked there when it was a boarding house. Patrons have reported hearing the faint rustling of a woman’s dress and soft weeping from the second floor.
The jukebox at the bar has played a part in the bar’s haunted history as well. It is reported to play songs relating to what is being discussed or thought about by the patrons, seemingly at random. Some chalk this up to be another instance of Carl’s work.
With its long history and numerous ghost stories, La Carafe Dive Bar holds an important place in Houston’s cultural and supernatural heritage.
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