Roots

"The first Houston wine bar to use fully automated wine dispensing machines, Roots invites diners in to get comfortable and pour their own glasses. This East Downtown gem showcases a rotation of more than 50 wines and ciders, all of which are available in 1-ounce, 3-ounce, and 5-ounce pours. Grab a card at check-in, insert it into a slot at your designated wine pick, place your glass under the spout, and push the button to pour. Like what you sipped? Head to Root’s retail shop where you can buy a bottle of everything available by the glass." - Brittany Britto Garley

"In a past life, this East Downtown building was a dingy punk squat and venue covered in graffiti where our staff may or may not have drank red wine underage. Now, it’s a posh, self-serve wine bar and bistro that plays Kaytranada remixes, which is either great for drinking in a big group or avoiding the conversation altogether. When you arrive, someone will open a tab and give you a key card. Pop the card into one of the slots on the wine wall, grab a glass, and select a one-, three-, or six-ounce pour of wine from whatever bottle you want. There are description cards, too. So you technically never have to speak to anyone if that's your speed. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene, julie takahashi

"In a past life, this East Downtown building was a dingy punk squat and venue covered in graffiti where our staff may or may not have drank red wine underage. Now, it’s a posh, self-serve wine bar and bistro that plays Kaytranada remixes, which is either great for drinking in a big group or avoiding the conversation altogether. When you arrive, someone will open a tab and give you a key card. Pop the card into one of the slots on the wine wall, grab a glass, and select a one-, three-, or six-ounce pour of wine from whatever bottle you want. There are description cards, too, so technically you never have to speak to anyone if that's your speed. photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen photo credit: Quit Nguyen" - Chelsea Thomas

"This self-serve wine bar in Houston’s East End makes available wines, sans any alcohol, to enjoy at the restaurant or to go for 20 percent off their retail price. The Luminara red blend and Luminara Chardonnay from Napa Valley are appellated, alcohol-removed wines." - Brittany Britto Garley, Megha McSwain

"Roots is a neighborhood spot for wine, beer and cider. We offer a full menu of rotating seasonal dishes. Our retail shop features everything we serve by the glass and much more! With over 200 labels, there is a wine for any occasion. And, our patio is pet friendly."