There is a new place to sip wine in Johnson City, but finding the wine lounge is part of the fun.
Le Chocolat, located near the Johnson City square, is the latest venture from Mike and Monique Chase, the former founders of 290 Wine Castle. The Chase family has been in the wine and hospitality business for more than a decade, and Le Chocolat combines several of their interests into one experience: artisan chocolate, wine, food, live music, and a hidden speakeasy.
From the street, Le Chocolat looks a little like an old movie theater. The marquee advertises chocolate confections and curated gifts, while “Now Showing” posters outside offer the first hint that there is more going on inside.
The front of Le Chocolat is a small chocolate and gift shop. A display case is filled with chocolate truffles in flavors such as sea salt caramel, butter pecan, cappuccino, strawberry, and even champagne. There is also a chocolate espresso drink available with or without alcohol. The other side of the shop has a selection of gifts and specialty items.
But the most interesting part of Le Chocolat may be the bookcase.
At first glance, the dark bookcase looks like part of the décor, although it also looks suspiciously like it might be hiding something. It is. Behind it is The Parlor, Le Chocolat’s hidden speakeasy.
During opening weekend, the entrance behind the bookcase was open, making it easy to discover the secret. The plan is for guests to eventually make reservations and receive a password to gain entry.
Once through the bookcase, the atmosphere changes completely. The Parlor is intentionally dark and moody, with vintage décor, chandeliers, velvet, candlelight, and touches that made us feel as though we had stepped back into the Prohibition era. Le Chocolat describes it as an intimate speakeasy built around “jazz, wine, chocolate, and a little mischief.”
The movie theme continues inside. Above the speakeasy entrance is a film projector, which was showing the classic movie Steel Magnolias during our visit. Film-related props, including a director’s chair, add to the effect.
For now, the wine lineup includes wines carried over from the former 290 Wine Castle. Among the current Texas selections is a 2022 Texas Tempranillo. Guests can choose from red, white, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines, along with several limited-production wines. Wines are available by the glass or bottle.
Wine tastings are available, including a tasting option that pairs five artisan chocolates with the wines. Wine slushies are available as well, and the one we tried was very tasty.
Food is also part of the experience. Le Chocolat plans to offer bites from its kitchen, and our opening-weekend visit gave us a good preview of what its chef can do. A potato chip topped with caviar was fabulous and made an excellent pairing with the wine. We also had a shrimp cocktail presented with a dramatic smoky effect. Of course, you can also purchase chocolates in the shop and bring them to your table in The Parlor.
We visited during Le Chocolat’s opening weekend and were treated to an excellent pianist performing at the red grand piano along with a fabulous singer. It fit the room perfectly.
Le Chocolat currently lists live music in The Parlor on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. The lounge is for guests 21 and older.
The combination of live music, low lighting, wine, food, and the hidden entrance makes The Parlor feel less like a traditional Texas Hill Country tasting room and more like a night out.
Le Chocolat also continues the Chase family’s tradition of wine clubs and wine club events. Members receive benefits that can include complimentary glasses of wine, bottle discounts, themed club parties, special event discounts, and priority reservations for music events. The club parties are designed around themes, wine, food bites, music, and opportunities to taste new releases.
Monique and Mike Chase
Le Chocolat brings something quite different to Johnson City’s growing wine scene. You can stop in for chocolates and gifts, but the real surprise is waiting behind the bookcase.
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