Cova Hand Selected Wines

This place was absolutely fantastic. Due to an early flight, my date and I arrived early (around 3:30 pm). Technically, the place did not open until 4 nor start serving food until 5. However, The manager gladly opened the place just for us, and allowed us a long journey through delicious wines, chesses, entree's, and desserts. I would highly recommend not only for the food, but the fantastic atmosphere, flexible service, and overall atmosphere. more

We went to Cova last Friday evening for wine and tapas, after purchasing a discount gift certificate on restaurantsdotcom. We were not disappointed. We each enjoyed a different wine flight (a selection of 3 different specifically paired wine tastes - 2 oz. each) and several tapas/raciones. The cheeses we selected were fantastically unique, and the meats served to accompany the cheeses were delicious. The seared tuna with avocado salad was fantastic, as was the red pepper pizza. We had no problem getting refills on bread with the meat/cheese plate, water, etc. What we didn't have was a table big enough to hold all our plates and glasses! Our server was friendly, perfectly attentive, and she applied our gift certificate to our bill with no additional delays. I saved the menu to locate some of our choices at Specs for home entertaining. We will definitely return. Pros: Ample servings, friendly waitstaff, creative decor Cons: Can get windy outside more

If you want to eat anything at Cova, go for something they don't have to cook like the cheese and meat selections. The menu is incredibly pretentious and execution is underwhelming at best. A ""mushroom napolean"" was a pile of sauteed mushrooms over salty waffle potato chips. I was informed that the name had recently changed from the ""mushroom tower"". Tower or Napolean... it sucked. I've been to Cova several times and been satisfied with the wine selections but the food consistently disappoints. When you're paying that much for the wine you would at least like to have some decent food with it. Chips and salsa from the mercado across the street would be an improvement. Pros: Outdoor seating Cons: Food, food and the food more

in the mood for over priced wine lockers and bad service, this is just the place for you ! I have spent thousands of dollars at this place and they don't care...go somewhere where they appreciate your business ...Try Max's wine dive, the wine is great and the food is great... more

I dropped in here with a few friends one evening about a month ago. After having had some great wine at Catalan next door we decided to have another bottle or drink at Cova. I can't tell you if it was the wine I already had or not, but when scanning the prices on the wine menu I noticed two prices, the first of which were somewhere around $7 and the others being around $25 and higher. So, my inclination was to think that the first prices were for a glass and the others were for a bottle. Thus, having only desired a glass, I ordered said glass, as did two of my companions. Another companion ordered the three glass tasting. When received our bill, I was shocked to see that my glass was the higher priced $25.00. I just spent a week in Iceland where everything is almost prohibitively expensive and never had a glass of wine costing $25.00. I travel to New York often and don't think I have encountered prices this high there either. I also don't believe that the wine selection is that great. Save your time and money and go to Specs where they will treat you well and give you a lesson in wine, or stop by another restaurant but don't go to this rip off. more

Save you money and go elsewhere \r Cova used to be a great place to stop in, everyone knew your name and what you liked to drink and eat. So much that you forgot (or didnt mind) paying higher prices for good service. I went int he other day and didnt recognize ONE person who worked there the last time I was in. (About a month ago) \r \r Now everyone who works there thinks they are better that everyone else and could give **** about the customers. more

This is more like a pretentious restaurant with overpriced wine than a wine bar with some entrees. This is NOT a wine friendly place. The prices are exorbitant and the selection is laughable. I have heard from other wine bars that the buyer is so unfriendly that many vendors will not even call on him. I guess this expains the lack of selection. There are also rumors about the circumstances involving the wine buyer's departure from Central Market. If you are in the area, go over to the Tasting Room instead! more

This has to be the best wine bar in houston, thus far. The food is amazing (better than the kirby location), the wine outstanding and the service impeccable. This is family style wine bar where the staff goes out of their way to get to know you, the wine you like and the food to go with it. Nikky is the manager there and has always gone out of her way to find me wines I like. I have not had one thatr was just 'OK' yet, they have all been fabulous! If you go, be sure to talk to Nikky, she is great and you dont even have to think about your meal or dining ecperience, she will always make it great! \r \r This place is numero uno now for me. Pros: Food, Staff, Wine, Management, Atmosphere Cons: Parking more

Many wine bars are popping up everywhere. Cova has a great wine list, small cozy place, and even wine flights to try. The food they offer is fine, but they're tapas so don't plan to go if you're really hungry - unless you want to pay alot. The downside is the price. I've been several times and it's always pretty expensive which is a turn off for me when you can go to other places - like The Tasting Room - and get a better deal. So, go to try out the place/glass of wine, but if you're worried about the price I would stop with one. Pros: wine list Cons: price more

I loved it!! Great staff, wine, and food. Valet is a must parking is a little cramped. The tapas selection is great. I recommend the ox tail and the pizza. Pros: Wine selection more

I have been coming to Cova on Washington for some time and have been impressed with their food and wine from the start, and the service is really standing out, too! I really think that this is one of the best overall establishments in the city for an excellent meal in a friendly atmosphere. And they still have the best selection and prices in town. Don't miss the beef tenderloin and the seafood riso. They just started Sunday live jazz which brings a great, fun crowd. Pros: Food and Wine quality, service, by the glass selection Cons: Can be very dark inside more

We attended the Valentine dinner last night. We signed up as TWO couples. One couple decided to have the dinner with wine for $120 per person. The other decided on no wine at $75 per person. The first course went well. The second course was delivered to table to each couple about 15 minutes apart. The third course, steak, was delivered to the ladies but not to the men for several minutes more. One of the steak portions was about the size of a golf ball which is really not acceptable. The dessert was okay but was cold and mostly tasted like chocolate dirt. The restaurant gave us a glass of complimentary champagne because it was clear their service and kitchen issues were unacceptable. Big deal because the champagne was not good. Then when it came time for the bill, the restaurant would not split the tab BY COUPLE which is how the event was marketed and how we signed up. And on top of that, 20% gratuity was added and I cannot figure any reason why. Our waiter lacked personality, we could barely hear him speak, and our food was not delivered together. The best part of the entire evening was the risotto and leaving to go home. Oh, and let me add that the valet was incredibly prompt while I struggle for good things to say about Cova! Bottom line, go there maybe for wine variety but don't waste your time on an event geared towards couples unless you plan to sit at your own table so you can manage your expenses and unless you don't mind watching your partner eat while you watch. Pros: Easy to find location; complimentary valet Cons: Does not handle their own pre-planned event with any sign of capability more

I absolutly love this place. My Fiance and I frequent here at least once a week and never have a bad time. The wine is ALWAYS great, the staff & service impeccable and food amazing. I am always surprised in how much the staff actually knows about wine and is able to guide you through your wine selections. All of hte other wine bars that I ahve been to, (though great in other aspects) have lacked this one qualiity. It really shows the effort Cova puts into training their employees! more

The food tonight at Cova was more than incredible, however they were extremely busy and the wait was unusually long, but after the food arrived it more than worth the wait. I highly recommend this wine and tapas bar, if the wait is fairly long, grab a glass of wine at the bar to stall before your table is ready! Pros: Food, Staff, Wine Cons: Usually busy more

I had the best time unexpectedly at Cova last night. The place was packed but the managment was more than helpful in pulling a table from outside to accomodate us inside. I felt like i was given the red carpet treatment all night and besides that, the food and wine were more than delightful. I cant wait to bring my friends and show them the best wine bar in Houston! Pros: Staff, Food, Wine, People, Atmosphere more

When we wouldn't be seated at the restaurant for where we originally made reservations, the manager and staff were more than happy to have us. They catered to our every need. Loved the dessert, the menu choices and the food was delish! We definitely will be going back. Pros: Very accommodating and attentive staff; great portion sizes for price Cons: Need more tapas menu choices more

Theres this little gem in the heart of washington avenue. If it werent for this place in our neighborhood our only choice would be mexican food or mexican food! I love going to Cova any day of the week to relax and I always have a wonderful time. I personally like to pull a bottle off of hte shelf and treat myself to various tapas. Stumped on what to pair your food with? Have no fear, the knowledgable staff will guide you thorugh any decision you need. more

My wife and I would like to consider ourselves wine bar 'know it alls', when really all that matters is if what you konw is what you like, and we have grown to LOVE Cova. We have a locker in their quaint little place and that gives us more excuses to visit as much as we would like. Cova has become and always will be our ""Cheers"". However, the food is better, the wine outstanding and the staff professional. \r I couldnt imagine someone who loves good wine and food, not falling in love with Cova. Kudos to you Cova! more

Great wine, great food, What more could a girl want! This truly a unique concept that should be experienced. Pros: food wine people service atmosphere Cons: Parking- though they have complimentary valet now more

This is the only place I have been able to find the Tait Ballbuster wine. Its my favorite and so inexpensive for the value! Its only 17.99 and is worth well over 30.00....You have got to try this wine!!!! more