Drinks are always strong and consistent. Love that it's tucked away. Ample parking. First floor is quiet and allows for free flowing conversations. Upstairs lets you enjoy the show. Been here several times and will go back again! read more

I was there for 8 minutes, here's what I learned: this is a swingers bar. Whether you're a couple or not, they do stuff upstairs separate from the stuff downstairs. When people in reviews say this place is dark, I mean "the lights are almost out" dark. The bouncer told me he's seen it all upstairs...orgies, girl-on-girl, gangbangs, swingers, you name it....it's not exactly a casual speakeasy. You need to plan a night here if it's your prerogative. The upstairs is couples only, but the bouncer told me that if you'd slip him $20 then you can go upstairs and try your luck. The pictures they show you are brightened. This place is nearly pitch black. And I'm not saying this to blow up anyone's spot, it probably is a great spot for couples but it just wasn't my scene, especially when I vouched that it was a good place for me and my guy friend to chill. Also, the bartender wouldn't give me and my friend the time of day. I was really excited to see how this place made drinks and they wouldn't even service me and my friend...she just was checking her social media. I might come back here one day with a girlfriend I know VERY well, but as for now I'll keep my change and go somewhere else read more

Used to be decent place. Now the chairs are ripped, smells like Fabuloso, the crowd has way too many sketchy single males that give off night predator vibes. Drinks way over-priced. Wait staff not friendly at all. And most importantly I had an incident on credit card after leaving it there overnight when I got a $9,000 MexicoAerobus charge, that was fortunately declined, like the day after I picked it back up. Like I said this place use to be a neighborhood River Oaks bar, but I will never go back because it's become way too grimey and the credit card thing was probably not a coincidence. read more

Great place there. Went with GF for a couple times. They really need to be enforcing no single guys rules on 2nd floor. The last time we were there, there are over 6 guys up there just lurking around and make my wife super uncomfortable. I really hope that they could be enforcing couple only rules for 2nd floor please read more

Had a chance to stop in for a nightcap on a Sunday night around 10pm. This place came heavily recommended and since I'm a carefully crafted cocktail lover, I had to make an appearance. I also heard there is a sexy couples thing that happens upstairs. Didnt have a significant other, so I have to take everyone's word for it lol. The place is located in a mall area with no signage. Very dim place which is right up my alley. Bartender seemed like a very capable guy, so I went with a oaxacan old fashioned (mezcal based) and it was decent. The downstairs bar area is nice and there is also comfy seating available nearby kinda in the cut. I definitely plan on coming back to Marfreless on a another visit read more

Very dark somewhat legendary bar. I wish they still had barriers up for more privacy but it's still a great stop on a night out with a small party or couple. This is a place you should be very comfortable with your companion.... read more

Came here on a date and arrived just as they opened. I thought the vibe was appropriately moody and potentially romantic. I had an espresso martini which was fairly good. My date and I ventured upstairs. That area could use a lot of love and updating. Furniture was kind of ratty and torn. The concept itself was adventurous. Date was not a success but I'll keep this spot in my back pocket. read more

Marfreless - Bar area - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

I had a great time at the downstairs bar! My drink was perfect and the bartender was great!

One of Houston's best kept secrets. We simply refer to it as "The Blue Door". Atmosphere is intimate, service is immaculate and drinks are intense. Highly recommend read more

This was my first time here and the vibe is top tier. Come sexy or not at all . The drinks are delicious and upstairs is couples only with comfortable leather couches and intimate seating arrangements. read more

Marfreless - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Count me among the many people who visited various places around here and had absolutely no idea that this place existed. It's not a speakeasy (since those are illegal), but it's got about as speakeasy a vibe as any place I've seen around town. That iconic blue door leads to a very dim room; if it's sunny when you walk in, slow your roll when it shuts behind you and give yourself 5-10 seconds for your eyes to adjust to the surroundings. I hosted a happy hour here and basically had to park just inside the door giving that tip to people repeatedly so that no one got hurt navigating "in the dark." The couches are very comfortable, the ambiance is very sexy, as is the music. The upstairs has developed a reputation for being a place to take your... side piece?... if you have one. Oddly enough, I've only ever been single while up there. Prices are a bit higher than other bars, but they clearly don't have the volume of clientele of your big sports bars, so they've got to make those ends meet somehow. read more

Cute speakeasy sort of joint, the bartenders hustle, and the ambiance is low lighting chandeliers with a nice bar. Now, fair warning ,upstairs is even lower lighting and for couples only--yes, often swinging couples....still a cool place to me with the simple blue door theme. I wouldn't suggest this place for single women, men seem to troll about on the first floor, for couples--sure, get your voyeur on or do your own thing--big comfy couches upstairs!!! read more

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It was ok pretty dark and slow the night we went in but overall cool spot will update if we go back

I always have a good time at Marfreless The only thing I will say is that they need new furniture read more

Their Chocolate Martinis are the best I've had in Houston. (I was under the impression it was a speakeasy but it's more like a swinger's club, just a little fyi.) read more

A dark room and a cozy atmosphere. Upstairs restricted to couples and often populated by people in "The Lifestyle", this bar is for romance and intimate conversation over delightful libations. read more

If you heard this is a swinger place and want to see what's up, go upstairs. It's really dark and the vibe is what you would expect for a place for extracurricular activities. The drinks are over priced but the neighborhood is too. The chairs downstairs look like goodwill castoffs where the fake leather coverings are falling apart' Just go upstairs and it's so dark you can't see what the material on the couches look like anyways. Usually this would be a one and done but I think we will go back with some friends just so they can say they have been there. read more

Parking was on site Classy doorman will greet you upon entry I visited a Saturday night with a friend . No sneakers allowed here btw ... it's a cute vibe very chill .. whatever you've heard about couples upstairs is definitely true ... won't go into much of that but it's a live show ... so don't go up there surprised and leave folks to their business waitresses are attentive and service was great . I had a classic French75. It was made well, As a first timer I had a pleasant experience. And will return. I just wish the ambiance was a bit more updated but beyond that no complaints. read more

I had a blast! The ambiance was excellent, just what we were looking for. I can't wait to go back this weekend!!'

UPDATE: While ranting and raving about Marfreless, the hubs was told it was a swinger's (friendly) spot by a Houston local. Guess what?! Don't care, loved it here. (lol) Will return! read more

Marfreless - Couples only upstairs - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Definitely a swingers club. DO NOT go upstairs unless you are into wild things. If you are into wild things this is your spot. Definitely caught me off guard. All that being said I would go back but would only stay downstairs. read more

Great place to mingle and meet. And the upstairs is awesome. Highly recommend. Whether you're into the lifestyle or not this is a really cool place to go. Hang out. read more

This place was alright. The upstairs definitely had "swinger" vibes ... It had a lot of couches with couples sitting on them making out ... Lol Was also difficult to get the bartenders attention on the first floor to get drinks...even though the place wasn't packed...not sure what they were trying to do with that "hard to get" attention.... read more

I've been to Marfreless a handful of times over the years and it's definitely a unique place. Located in River Oaks, it's a speakeasy so it's tough to find as they don't advertise the name. From the outside, it looks like a nondescript building. You'll know you're at the right place if you spot a red or blue door. On my most recent visit, I stopped by on a Friday. Marfreless is a two-story bar. I'd say you should start out at the first level. We'll get to the second level later. There's a long bar and they have a killer list of cocktails. On my last visit, they were making some stiff drinks which is always appreciated. There are also some tables with comfortable seating. Like most speakeasies, the lighting is dim which adds to the ambiance and makes for a good date spot. The second story is where things get wild. Upstairs, you'll find a lot of comfortable seating. Combine that with the ambiance and you have a prime makeout location. But it gets crazier. Marfreless is known to be a swinger's spot on the second floor. I have not partaken obviously nor have I been approached but I've gotten some looks. I've heard this from multiple people so it's a thing. Madness huh? read more

I love it the people are really nice and drinks are really good!! Meet really nice people here and there is a lot of fun had at this place... read more

The service and ambiance were amazing! Everyone was very friendly welcoming. The drinks were well served as well! Great bar tenders.

Our first time attending here on Friday (24may2024). Pros: There was a lot of action upstairs which was good to see and participate in. I cannot speak to the drinks, price, or quality as i do not drink. Cons: horrific EDM bass backing track to all the songs - it was F***ing terrible. Maybe it would have been better if it wasn't the same bass track the entire time(?) The couches are horrific - you sink to the floor when you sit in them and other than the arms are basically unusable for "activities". I wish they would have added new furniture upstairs when they "renovated." All and all the experience was good so we will go back again on another night to see if the music is any better. that was probably the biggest turn off after hearing others say the music was good :/ read more

I enjoy coming here, I like the dark lights and the drinks that get me drunk after 2-3. My boyfriend likes to come because he likes to see action upstairs, and I come here with him to make him happy. There is a room with curtains upstairs that we have seen some things behind that I won't mention here, swingers that make moves on us, and lots of people making out. Very relaxed read more

Marfreless - Dark and steamy - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

The space: The idea was to be a bar with no theme and a discreet entrance and this is certainly achieved. "Hidden drink & chat lounge with unmarked blue-door entrance, eclectic decor & soft classical music." This description was quite misleading considering the blasting music ranging from the 70s to early 00s. It is also very dark in here, and darker upstairs, contributing to this place being a "make out bar" if that's what you're looking for. The drinks: For a bar, the cocktails were kind of a joke. From the relatively complex whiskey sour to the very simple old fashioned, every drink we had was bad. Beer gardens and drafthouses make better cocktails. A red flag was the complete absence of the sound of shakers. It was the level of drink I would expect from a packed club-by bar where bartenders don't have time to take the orders let alone make the drinks. Not from this relatively low-key bar with plenty of downtime. On top of that, the drinks were on the upper end of cost, with the majority of basic drinks costing $16 which is probably four times more than what I would want to spend on such a poor quality drink. In concept, this place seems like it would be cool but it falls completely flat. An extra star for achieving its goal of being a bar with no theme, and an interesting venue but I wouldn't recommend coming here at all. read more

I love the speakeasy vibe. It is getting a little busy so I like to come in the middle of the week.

It's a hidden little gem of Houston. Good luck finding it if you don't know about this place. It's definitely not advertised openly to the public. The place is intimate and not well lit. I definitely got speakeasy vibes from it. It's two story. More intimate upstairs and more group friendly downstairs. The drinks are pretty well made here! I was casually surprised. It's a good place for adventurous couples. I wouldn't bring anyone here on a first date if you weren't sure what they are into! This place keeps Houston weird! read more

The atmosphere was cool, but the furniture was as really run down. The drinks were mid, but the service was good.

I really had high hopes for this place as a speakeasy but was let down. The vibe definitely said "speakeasy" as it was well hidden because it didn't have a sign or anything advertising the place was there but you had to look for a "blue door" under a staircase so i liked that component. The decor was dark (extremely dark) inside to the point of being unable to see the menu. I had to use the flashlight on my phone to navigate the menu. My first drink wasn't hittin at all! I missed the part where it had club soda in it and it didn't rock with my pallet at all! I pushed that to the side and ordered a 1792 bourbon and another cocktail (can't recall what it was) and those drinks were much better. The vibe was easy and relaxed but when i say it was dark, that's no exaggeration. LOL. Drinks are a little pricey but eh. I doubt i would revisit this place on my next trip to Houston. read more

Marfreless - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is truly a hidden gem in Houston River Oaks area. Don't second guess yourself and give up when you see the blue door, this is in fact the location! Although, this particular place has had a previous reputation that precedes it, it has definitely evolved. Not very many people know about this place, not even Houstonites, but it is a very nice, intimate place to take a date and have some quality alone time. Their music selection is great as they play more along the lines of 80s music if you're into that sort of thing. Overall, it is a must try at least once to enjoy the experience. Cheers! read more

Marfreless - Maffs Menu - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is the spot you take a sidepiece that you are clearly hiding from the world...or from your main guy/girl. Very dark and discreet, you will only find this place by the signature blue door; A typical description of any speakeasy you visit. Once inside, the eclectic decor is very sexy and makes it an ideal spot for making out with said sidepiece. The drinks are strong and good but you pay a pretty penny for a drink. In other words, it will be an expensive place to get drunk but you will enjoy the cocktails made. The soft classical music helps set the mood for being a sexy, low-key spot. To my knowledge, no food is served here so again, you are only here to drink and make out. This spot is unique in that it has an upper level that is as sexy as it comes. The furniture alone is enough to make anyone comfortable to...make out. In my case, my visit was part of a girl's night out but once we stepped in had a drink, we agreed that we could never visit this spot again together. We needed to be on a date! Marfreless is tucked away behind a building and located next to a nail shop which means there is ample parking in the private lot. Look for the bright blue door under a set of stairs. read more

Marfreless - Lounge chairs - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Hands down best speakeasy in Houston! Relaxed environment, classic decor , great drinks , good service! Great for couples date night , to stop by and have a drink and easy convo! read more

This is my favorite little Hidden jewel in Houston. Im not sure but i think the place has been open since the early 70's and it's still a classy and sophisticated spot. Downstairs you have the bar area and some tables. But if you are looking for a more intimate and private seating area you can go upstairs, and sit in the couches that are so comfortable. To me this is a great spot for dates because the music is not to loud or for small intimate parties. read more

Marfreless - Houston's hidden gem - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Bartender sucks. I've been coming here for years and all of a sudden he can't fill my champagne glass all the way up??? Super confused. Payed $30 for 2 HALF glasses of champagne. Never coming here again and I've been coming here for years... extremely hurt by everything today. read more

I LOVE speakeasies/tucked away places, and this definitely qualifies! You really have to know about this place to find it - it's next to a piano store, of all places. The entrance is discreet - it looks like a side entrance without a sign, but it leads into an elegant bar with an intimate feel. There is an upstairs area with comfy, large sofas. Great for.. cuddling? We got drinks right away - I asked for a mojito, but I got a weird coconut mojito drink?? It was wayyyy too sweet. I had a couple sips and just didn't drink it. Would definitely want to revisit for the atmosphere, but I'll try a different drink! read more

Love this bar! Antonio, Tabby, & Nicole are amazing. They are so kind and patient. They remember you and your drink and it is quick service. Just don't ask Antonio to change his music!! Fun date night bar! read more