» Wine Bucket Boutique and Bar, The

This charming Upper Kirby wine bar and boutique is big on comfort and wine experimentation.

A romantic Tuscan interior unfolds with warm terra cotta walls, large wooden carved armoires, feminine chandeliers, and candles flickering at each table. Women linger and gab, along with first dates and regulars from the neighborhood who like to kick back at their "home away from home" and sip a favorite chardonnay.

The Bucket is a cool place to decompress after shopping, dining, or a long day at the office, even if you are alone, as there is no meat market aura. Expect about 30 wines by the glass in addition to wine flights, snacks, and themed weekly wine tastings. Snag a small umbrella patio table, perch at the bar, or sink into a cushioned wicker chair inside.

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

Retail shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

The wine bar features more than 50 wines by the bottle or glass plus wine-friendly bites and flights.