I’ve been looking forward to visiting Bar Henry since I watched an episode of Gary Vaynerchuck’s Daily Grape where he was reviewing a Cabernet Franc at the bar. Unfortunately I didn't see the Cabernet Franc on the menu when I was there, but there are so many more to choose from at this bar. The place is located on the lower level of 90 W Houston St, so it’s not easy to spot if you’re not already looking for it.
Jazz music was playing when I arrived and continued on to some more old school music. It was pretty relaxing and it felt like a throwback bar. The floors were black and white checkered marble tile, the classic tin ceiling was present, there were brass chandeliers and even a piano if you’re feeling drunk bold enough to perform a number.
Glasses of wine are priced between $10 and $18 and bottles were priced between $35 and $590, with many of the wines being available as a half bottle. The majority of the wines are from France, Italy, and some from Spain and the US along with a smattering from other known wine countries. Although the wines may seem expensive, here’s where it gets interesting; Bar Henry has some fantastic deals. First, their happy hour special is….2 for 1 glasses of wine. Best happy hour deal I’ve seen at a wine bar yet. On top of that, if anyone at the bar orders a half bottle of wine, the rest of the bottle goes up for sale by the glass. There is a large menu on the wall that shows which wines are being sold that way, so it’s easy to get your hands on some great wine that you wouldn’t otherwise order. Very, very cool.
I ordered the 1997 CH Berres Riesling Spatlese for $10. I think it was actually the oldest wine that I’ve had at a wine bar and it wasn’t absurdly priced. It was served in a huge glass which really allowed me to capture the aroma of the wine and the rest of the glass was waiting for me in a mini decanter! So cute! I thought that the wine in the decanter was my second glass, but it was only one serving. The pours here are basically the amount that I pour for myself at home. Amazing. This Riesling tasted a little tangy and it was perfectly sweet with a nice acidity. It tasted briefly of pineapple and apricot and smelled beautiful – like tropical fruits and a little minerally.
Honestly, the only downside of this place is that since it is on the lower level of the building, I wasn’t getting reception on my cell phone. Major downer if you’re meeting people there and need to text directions and any other details. Maybe it was just my phone, but perhaps the bar could get an antenna or something set up…Verizon? AT&T? Anybody want to volunteer?
Friendly bar, great old school atmosphere, excellent wine selection, and you get the opportunity to try some really great quality wines. I give Bar Henry a rating of 4.5 out of 5 glasses.
Oh there you are, Bar Henry!
My huge glass and the mini decanter
The piano tucked away in a corner of the bar