It only has been open since Nov. 29, but the Klassy Glass in downtown Waco already has its disciples.

One is Susie Farley, who visits the wine bar weekly and said she enjoys the establishment’s food, the atmosphere and the company.

Gaye Carlton is manager of the Klassy Glass wine bar at 723 Austin Ave.
Rod Aydelotte / Waco Tribune-Herald

The business, at 723 Austin Ave., is owned by a partnership of two couples — Eddie and Sharron Odom, and Bob and Valerie Ficke. It represents a step forward for the central city, Farley said.

It’s the latest addition to the downtown market, with more on the way.

Across the street and down the way, a building is being converted into a two-story space that will house a spa. Another space down the street is being converted into a gym for Crossfit Waco, a fitness company.

The Klassy Glass is at least the third wine bar to open in McLennan County. The others are Hewitt’s Uncorked, 1201 Hewitt Drive, and The Grape, 2006 N. Valley Mills Drive.

“It’s something good for downtown, for doing something for lunch or for coming in after work,” Farley said.

Although efforts to develop downtown is still a work in progress, another Klassy Glass visitor said the wine bar shows the area’s potential and its progress.

“I like the idea of it,” said Ann Lacy. “I think, eventually, downtown will be bustling with all kinds of activity.”

Eddie Odom said the downtown market is solid for wine bars and similar businesses. Others that have opened downtown in the past year include Barnett’s Pub and Downtown Spirits, a liquor store.

A country-themed bar opened in 2010, but closed after its leased property was purchased to make way for Franklin Place, a mixed-use development project in its early stages on Franklin Avenue.

The Klassy Glass in downtown Waco is at least the third wine bar to open in McLennan County. The others are Hewitt’s Uncorked, 1201 Hewitt Drive, and The Grape, 2006 N. Valley Mills Drive.
Rod Aydelotte / Tribune-Herald

“Our clientele is business people coming in and Baylor students. It’s good,” Odom said.

Klassy Glass features a meeting room in the back for parties or business meetings. The main merchandise — wine — comes in a variety of prices.

The least expensive house wine goes for $5 a glass, while the most expensive selection goes for $160 a bottle. Most orders are glasses of wine between $5 and $10 a glass, Odom said.

Gaye Carleton, the bar manager, said the most popular choice is Kick Butt Cab, a Cabernet Sauvignon offered by Texas Hills Vineyard in Johnson City.

For those interested in dining, Klassy Glass has a menu selection that includes old family recipes.

Sixteen people, mostly part-timers, work with Carleton. They include a mix of veteran servers and youthful college students.

“We’ve got mature bartenders and Baylor students, so we’ve got the young and fun and the older and experienced,” Carleton said.