Brennan Harmeier, left, & Jason Eubanks

When you tell someone you’re going to “The Library,” they might assume you are on the way to check out books or take care of work in a quiet place.

But in Spring Branch, you might be on the way instead to “check out” vintage wines and enjoy a tasty charcuterie board of food while sitting in a comfy booth with your friends.

Wanting to bring something “fun and unique” to Spring Branch, where they’ve lived since 2012, Jason and Laurie
Eubanks opened The Library Wine Bar at 8510 Long Point Rd. in the Spring Branch Management District. They live down the street.

True to its name, The Library houses an extensive collection of books about wine — almost 2,000 of them — and they cover every facet of the wine world from general knowledge to wine-making to distinct wine regions.

“Many of these books are from our own personal collection,” Jason Eubanks said. “We want to be able to provide education to those who are interested.”

While the books inspired the design and name of the wine bar, the cozy booths and secluded patio are also excellent spots in which to unwind with a glass (or bottle) of staff-recommended wine. The Library also offers food to complement, or perhaps be complemented by, the wines.

“We want guests to feel comfortable enough in the space to spend hours eating, drinking, reconnecting with friends,” Eubanks said.

Their business is in the same shopping center as another gathering place, Loose Cannon (formerly Might As Well Lounge and Boozenasium). Loose Cannon is a nautical-themed bar with a rum shack vibe from the owners of Lei Low tiki bar in The Heights.

At The Library, the wine list focuses on artisanal products from smaller producers.

“You will find very few of the wines on our list in grocery stores or even big chain wine shops due to their small production. We take pride in being able to recommend wines that you’ve never tasted before,” Eubanks said.

The opening weekend was a great success, he said, with lots of enthusiasm for the new concept.

“There are very few places to get great wine in a casual atmosphere on the west side of town, and we hope The Library will encourage people to consider Spring Branch for their night out instead of making the trek to other neighborhoods,” Eubanks said.

A big part of the experience at The Library involves recommendations from an educated staff.

‘Most of the staff are actively pursuing wine-related certifications and our internal staff training focuses on general wine knowledge and a deeper understanding of the wines found on our wine list,” Eubanks said. General Manager Brennan Harmeier is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and was previously at the restaurants CIEL and a’Bouzy.

Regardless of the knowledge and wine collection, the atmosphere is not stuffy. First and foremost, Eubanks said, the library is a neighborhood spot.

“We want everyone to feel comfortable dropping in for a quick glass or two in a casual and unpretentious environment,” Eubanks said. “We are proud to be able to offer a wine experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the city.”

The Library Wine Bar
8510 Long Point Rd.
Houston, Texas 77055
https://www.thelibraryhtx.com/
Open 7 days a week, 4 p.m. to midnight

— by Dorothy Puch Lillig