I have been coming to this hidden bar since I came to Houston in the late 90's. It's still around, dark and inviting with its own air of mystique. It's a couples place but have met up with friends here as well as a kick off spot. Drinks aren't cheap, but very much worth the vibe. read more

Came here with a group after a dining at a restraurant nearby. The atmosphere is really cool. The place has a fair amount of seating. As for the drinks, quite mediocre. Pretty run of the mill drinks, nothing all that creative. Many of the staples you will see in any decent cocktail bar, but the execution just isn't there. Drinks too heavy in one ingredient or another. I would come back for the atmosphere, but I'd probably just order a drink that isn't on the menu. read more

Went here with my guy over the weekend and had an amazing time. If you don't know where you're going, you'll have a tough time finding the place. Probably ended up being one of my favorite parts about it. The atmosphere is great. It's really sexy and dimly lit, feels like no one else is there. Really laid back place, no pressure. The upstairs loft is quieter than the bar downstairs, but you can hear the music from either level, so that's a plus for sure. The drinks aren't cheap, we got three and the bill was about 50 bucks, but they were really strong, so I think it was worth it. The staff was friendly and didn't come around too often so you could enjoy your visit. Can't wait to go back again! read more

My favorite bar by far!! My husband and I go often and it has the best drinks ever. Yes, it's pricey so don't expect to pay $6 for a mix drink. But these are very good drinks. All the staff is wonderful! Chris has to be the best bar tender in Houston. The ambiance is great. The concept is cool too, it's dark and no TV's so it forces you to put your phone down and have a conversation! Yes, people know this place as "interesting" and that "funny stuff" happens- but we personally have never seen anything that doesn't happen at any bar. It it's a little small, but never gets super crowded. I highly recommend this place for everyone to try at least once. Ask for Chris lol read more

Perfect place for cheating. Go upstairs and tell the waiter to bring a drink every 15 minutes and you're set. It is so dark your eyes will take a while to adjust- when you go outside you'll be blinded- but if that angry spouse walks in you can walk right past them and they cannot see you. Have had WILD wide open sex upstairs with all kinds of couples all around doing the same- there is also a secret room behind the staircase if you can find it (and if it is not already occupied). Ironically there is a wedding dress store next door LOL read more

The atmosphere is cool and the drinks are good but keep your receipts and look at your bank statement after visiting. We stopped in around 1230 and it had a decent crowd. I ordered a mojito and paid for it and closed out my tab since it was late. The first one tasted good and went down fast so I ordered another and paid for it. I didn't pay too much attention to the receipt at the time. I few days later I check my bank statement. $16.80 per drink. I'm ok with an expensive drink but they charged me 16.80 twice and then added a third charge of 33.60 as if I paid for. Oth drinks again read more

Purrrrrfect for date night, little lighting, and no supervision. The blue door and the secret knock (I was tricked). Loved the décor, the paint on the walls, the lighting or lack of it. It will make the felines just want to cuddle right up to you. ^^^That was my Facebook review exactly a year ago^^^ Meow, nice kitty cat... the make out bar is still on point today. read more

I've been coming to this place since the 90's! I use to call it the affair bar lol. I have always loved it because of the infamous blue door. The place just has an air of mystique to it. It's dark and a great location to get a little privacy. I took a friend by a few weeks ago however we didn't stay long because we popped up on a swingers convention. The guy at the door did tell us before we went in so I wasn't caught completely off guard. read more

Fun and dark place, with plush couches upstairs in the dimmest light possible. Was a delightfully sexy place to be introduced to.

Sooooo picture this: Quite tall older man in jeans and a tshirt is verbally berating a very small young woman, using many curse words, in the middle of a private party of about 50. This goes on for several minutes, even after I moved closer to hopefully make him realize there was a very large audience. Instead, he continues. I stand up and gently point out that he seems like he's threatening her and that's really not okay. Maybe he needs to calm down. I assumed, incorrectly, that he was a customer upset about his bill. At this point, the man then gets in MY face and yells that he owns the f@&$ing bar and he can talk to his f@$&ing employees and threaten them as he sees fit and if I don't like it, I should leave. I witnessed him yelling at two other patrons as well that night before we were able to cash out and leave. What a terrible way to run a business and treat both employees and customers. I don't care what that waitress did, cursing at her and intimidating her IN PUBLIC is unacceptable. There were also very few Covid protocols actually being observed and the drinks are quite expensive. Please do not give this hostile man your business. read more

Just the perfect runaway... when you need to escape your everyday hum drum boredom. I feel sexy af when I'm here.

Heck yeah!! Sexy, sultry, and seductive...this is my type of spot!! I'll be honest, when I heard this was a make-out bar I immediately bookmarked it so I could fulfill my nosiness tendencies and just perhaps, be in "that number". Lol! When we walked through the blue door, it was so dark and mystic with sultry tunes flowing through the air and my first thought was, what the heck am I getting myself into?! I seriously thought it was about to be some kind of freak show. Nonetheless, it was nothing like that and it had a nice vibe in the atmosphere. We came on a Saturday night and although this place was popping, we were able to land a spot upstairs on one of the love seats. I really loved the ambiance this place had. Drinks are a little pricey so be prepared for that but it's worth it to relax in a spot like this with your significant other. For the grown and sexy... This is a great night cap place for couples to unwind in an intimate setting for conversation and drinks so singles don't expect to take anyone home from this bar. read more

What a cute speak easy/hidden gem! We went here for a double date and had such a good time. The vibe is so cute and sexy. The lights are dim and there are couches and curtains all around. Super cute for a date night or to grab drinks with your girlfriends! read more

Ahhhh, so many memories have been experienced here. This place reminds me of a secret society by the lack of signage or advertisement. Either you know about it or you dont but once I entered that mystery door,I was hooked. Don't be that dude that shows up alone. This is a definately a couples only type spot. Don't even waste your time downstairs, go straight up the stairs and find a couch in the back, order some drinks and waaaahlaaaaah...magic! The seating arrangements are pretty simple, broke ninjas to the left and rich ninjas to the right. Oh yeah, stay out of that back room! It go down in that mofo!! Anything goes... read more

I've been a Marfreless customer for, literally, decades. I drove in from out of town in the 70s with various girlfriends, and after I was married and moved to Houston in the 90s, I had fun bringing my wife there. So, I was quite sad when the original closed, and then excited when it re-opened under new management. We visited Friday night to introduce my son to the bar. He's grown but had never been, so the three of us stopped in. (Yeah, it's not really a family place, but this was a cultural introduction.) As other reviewers have noted, it's been nicely cleaned up. It still has the hideaway feel to it - the River Oaks couples having affairs will still feel safe and discrete here. It just lacks the grime and the "eeww" factor it used to have. I'd heard that it had gone a little more upscale, and as we walked in a doorman greeted us. I expressed surprise that Marfreless would have a doorman, and he explained it was just for the weekend, when "we try to get people to spend a little more money". "We're old school on the weekdays, but you can't build a business model on 20 people a night," he said. Inside, instead of the soothing classical music that used to play on the sound system, there was a mix of disco & classic rock. We went upstairs and found a place that could seat 3 and a waitress came by. We asked about wine by the glass - we only intended to stay for 1 drink - and wound up talking about buying a bottle. We asked about prosecco and were told they did have LaMarca. I asked how much it was and she said she didn't know. Since it sells for about $13 at the Kroger down the street, I figured it would be reasonable. I said go ahead and bring it. But I was wrong. When she came back with the bottle, she said that it was 65. At first I thought she was referring to the year, and then realized she was talking about the price. We balked - my wife wanted to reject it and leave - but we caved. We kind of felt conned. The waitress couldn't tell us the price initially, but it was way out of line - that's about a 400 percent markup. I don't think it was her intention to trick us - and maybe others wouldn't have balked at such outrageous pricing - but it felt like a scam and ruined the evening for us. At least we did enjoy the wine, and had a good time while we were there. But if you come here, particularly on a weekend when "we try to get people to spend a little more money", ask to see a drink list with prices. read more

The ambiance is truly amazing. Super cool for a date. The upstairs is couples only and they have a really intimate hangout area. I didn't really like my tequila sunrise. I think my date bought two or three drinks for $60. Little pricey but the bartenders are very cool and friendly. Overall a cool place to go to! read more

Having been a quasi regular of the old Marfreless I was skeptical at best about such a move made. Perhaps I am clinging on to my old memories. New new management buying the name and along with it the locally famous stories? Now as well as then the speakeasy feel of the inconspicuous unmarked blue door behind the famous River Oaks theater adds that something special. Great move and even better result. The new Marfreless is the best example of a high end cocktail bar in Houston. From the well renovated decor to the personnel everything can be described as first class all the way. Honorable mention..I was pleasantly surprised at the new stereo system and jams the spin. Keep the ball caps/sneakers being and wear some nice threads. This is not the dressed down kind of place. That much is certain. Drinks are top notch and still retains the award winning martini's they used to sling. Also retained a couple of their bartenders! Prices are a bit high. I would say about 50% more than what it used to be but for good reason. Cost of this landmarks face lift along with a price point that makes it difficult for those annoying $30K millionaire types to stick around. Worth checking out so put on your best. It will probably earn a second, a third and so on. read more

To die for!!! And I almost did too. This place is very dimly lit, how dimly lit you ask? Well I wasn't intoxicated yet and by the time I got upstairs into a comfy spot on the couch half my martini was gone from spilling it so many times. I mean, at least light the stairway lol. On another note, this is one of the most seductive, mellow, and intimate places I've been to in a while. I love how it's hidden away. I didn't get a chance to see the menu because I didn't want to seem like a newbie so I ordered an apple martini at the bar and it was delish!! My guy and I headed upstairs and got snuggly for a bit and called it a night. Definitely will be going back soon. Prepare to spend $$$ on the drinks Take my advice, go upstairs and grab a seat and let the waitress come to you, that way all your drink can be consumed by you and not the floor. -parking was complicated -free entry - unisex bathrooms read more

I stopped in here with my wife on a Wednesday evening after dinner. The reviews paint a strange picture of this place, but my experience was completely normal. We walked in and there were a few people sitting at the bar. The place was dark, but not overly dark. The music was Barry White-esque, and it was at a good volume. I hate going places for a cocktail and the music is so loud it is impossible to have a conversation. We sat at the bar and ordered cocktails from the extensive cocktail menu. First I had a Manhattan on the rocks which was very good. I was surprised when he shook it, but that did not affect the taste. I later had an old fashioned which was also shaken, and that drink was tasty as well. We did not go upstairs, and according to some reviews we were missing out. Our drinks were good and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I would definitely go back. read more

I miss the old Marfreless. We came in on a Friday night and the place was empty. The music was classic rock. There were 3 bartenders, 2 looking down at their cell phones the entire time and 1 sitting at a table on her laptop. We had empty drinks for about 25 minutes. Finally, my boyfriend walked over to the girl on her laptop and asked for our check. A campari and soda and a titos martini were 30$. We will not be back. read more

Marfreless is one of my favorite (hide-a-ways) on the planet. When I opened The Jungle in Austin in 1995, they were my muse/goal to attain. I haven't been there in 20 yrs and on a whim just today, decided to google them to see if they were still around. YAY.. We'll be making a special trip soon, just so my wife can see where I got my education in "How to run a classy, sexy club". To this day, I have one of their boxes of matches and everytime I see it, a get a grin on my mug, thinking of how much I admire how this club has endured, and how much of an influence the experiences I had there ,with a friend(s) affected my adult life. Hats off to the management through the years.!!!! I lived in Houston back in the days of "The Cellar"in the "Allens landing" area and was the leader of one of the house bands.. Fond memories. Jac read more

What's the deal with Marfreless? Has it closed? It was my one and only FAV bar in Houston. The last several times I've been there, there was a lame sign about the AC being out. Just tried to call and it went straight to Voice Mail. Chris, what's up??? read more

On our way to Marfreless via uber our driver said, "Is that by Local Pour? Oh, the make out place! I know exactly where that is." Dude! Be cool! Next time we might pretend we're going to the Steinway store. I seriously love this place. I think it's probably best to come here with someone very familiar, because it's dark and it's sexy. I'd never been to the old Marfreless, but given its reputation, I was actually pleasantly surprised. It's sexy, but not quite sleazy. The only downside is that the drinks are $$$. Let's just say, I'm not so bothered by this. read more

Went last night and brought a friend (newbie). The atmosphere was nice & cozy on a cold night. Track list was a good mix of 80's music. It was a little loud for my liking. Made it hard for us to converse. During the week, no wait staff. If you are upstairs, you'll have to go down, order drinks, and return. Parking was scares. Perry Steakhouse has opened across the street. read more

Loved this speakeasy prohibition style bar ambiance. Service was terrible. I loved that the outside of the building wasn't broadcasting it's whereabouts with a huge neon sign. Knowing that we were looking for a blue door under a white staircase added to it's appeal of being a prohibition style bar. Those bars were hidden, so I like that this one kinda is too. Once inside, the ambiance was exactly what I was hoping for. It was rather dimly lit and didn't have any TVs or loud clubbing music. They have some neat furniture to add to the vibe. There is an upstairs area as well. However, I did not see anyone making out like a previous review's cab driver noted. It was dark, but there were no slutty/college/skeezy patrons present. Service from our waitress sucked. I've only been once, so I'm hoping that the other servers are good and it was just this one girl who sucked. She was terrible. She took forever to take our order, took forever to bring us drinks, and even got our order wrong. Then, we asked for the check. Literally 30 minutes later she finally came back and didn't have the check. She had forgotten about it and didn't even apologize. My cocktail tasted like cleaning solution. I ordered a Lemon Drop, which I have gotten a million times before at other establishments. This one made me cringe. I was afraid to send it back though... It was disappointing service when the ambiance was so neat. read more

We came in for a friends b day party and to check out the newly renovated digs. I've been to the "old" bar a few times so I can appreciate the face lift. The place is still the has the hide out vibe. Very dark and quaint. We sat at the bar while waiting for the b day party to show. Bartender was quick to take our order and we sat and had 2 rounds before party arrived. Once the group came we were sat upstairs in the party room area. The seating upstairs is quite strange for me. Couches are placed back to back in what looks like a long row. The walls are bare and just looks weird. The party room area was cool.. The group we had was too large to sit in it. It looks like it holds about 9-10 ppl sitting. So we stood around and sipped our drinks. We decided to have one more round of cocktails and a friend wanted to buy the b day girl a shot. Our waitress must of been busy and wasn't around. We walked down stairs to order. We stayed till about mid night for the b day girls Champagne toast but they only brought up about 10 glasses full and and extra bottle. So I didn't get a toast.. No biggie. **Note: if using a credit card they have an iPad system and you select a tip option. You can only select no tip,15, 18, or 20%. Parking is valet which is silly. We just parked in front of the piano shop. There is parking all around. So no need to valet. Overall it's a down low place to go like before with a face lift. I may come back. read more

New owners! Valet only. The doorman was super friendly, had a great chat. Apparently the drinks are more expensive, BUT they were good and they definitely pour heavy. The interior is great and very dark and mysterious. It's also known as the make out bar or where the river oaks men bring the mistresses undetected! Nevertheless pretty cool place! read more

I finally got the chance to swing into this notorious Houston hangout this past weekend... I enjoyed it! Maybe in its heyday it was more scandalous and risque, but at least in my experience, it wasn't. That is not to take away from the fact that this still is a really cool place to grab some drinks. The decor and atmosphere are really nice. Its super dark and very loungey- and is a great place to bring a date for some drinks and convo, or even just with friends for a lively place to hangout on the weekends. I am sure it is a little more quiet during the week, but I couldn't tell you from experience. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were strong. Parking wasnt too bad either, although we used uber. I did see several spots though! read more

This is truly a bar that if you are an Inner Looper Houstonian and you are cool, you know about it. It has an undeniable mystique. Number one, you have to actually know where it is because there is no sign to guide you. If you do know where it is and sit down in the downstairs area with someone else and there is no room upstairs, unbeknownst to you, you are wait-listed to go upstairs--that is if you have never been there you are clueless this is happening because you are a virgin to the establishment. Upstairs is very cozy, dark, and snugly. The dimly candle lit multiple couch narrow get-away is very unique to say the least. The back room, even more so..let's just say whatever happens in there stays in there. 1,000 Halley puppies blush at the thought of this bar. read more

Peculiar sexually charged place, very swingery. Good parking, drinks were expensive ish and the bartenders were generous with their pours but the cocktails weren't - necessarily - enjoyable - taste wise... lol But the bar has very comfortable seating and is fun. You should try it it's unique.. read more

This place was amazing. It's very dark, and incredibly decorated. The furniture, paintings, and decor make you feel like your in a 1920's speakeasy, and it feels good. Bill the bartender took great care of us, and gave us privacy. He definitely knew what he was doing and goodness, those martinis were the best. I highly recommend this place for a quiet romantic date, with someone who you really want to be close and intimate with. I went on a Tuesday night, and there was probably 6 other couples in the place, but man was she impressed by the atmosphere. She had never heard of the place, or its reputation, but after 10 minutes of sitting and talking, she couldn't keep her hands off of me. It really is a great place. read more

This place is the equivalent of a modern day speak easy. It is a simple blue door with no name whatsoever outside to indicate you are at the right spot! I love this about this place....its totally exclusive and off the beaten path. It sits right behind the Landmark Cinema on W. Grey. Wednesday night they have 50% off wine and champagne and if you get there before 7:00pm you will have the place all to yourself! Very intimate for you and your lover. read more

Stopped by Thursday, September 1st and there was a hand-written sign on the door about an A/C problem and how the would be open on Saturday. Stopped by again this past Friday night (September 9th) to see the same sign. Door was locked. What's the deal? Facebook hasn't been updated since April. Our last visit was in mid June. read more

Marfreless - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love this place, great ambience. Drinks are well made and they have fantastic martini's. Great wine and champagne selection at reasonable prices. Wednesday is half price bottle days. Daytime bartender Mel is witty and a blast to hang out with, night bartender Katelyn is just as fun. (Both are hot) Slow easy vibe. The bar is clean and newly redone in a classy and comfortable way whilst still holding on to the speakeasy vibe of the olden days. Music is also fantastic. I would definitely recommend this place! read more

Marfreless - Mel, daytime bartender! Always a good time! - Lounges Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is my second time and I still love it. This is perfect for a date or meeting up with a friend. Good mix of 80's music.

Walked in around 11:00PM for a post dinner drink.....it was so dark! Nice music and a chill scene....but then things got weird....we were upstairs sitting on a couch. We look over robthe couch next to us and this couple are "doing it". Not discreetly or anything...nope full on legs in air and stuff...definitely not for the faint at heart! read more

It's not near as dark as people describe. When I went upstairs you can stand at one end of room and clearly see to the other side. So the reviews of " its so dark you can't see where you are going" is a bit of a stretch. Unless you are blind , it's dim but it's not dark. read more

This was my first time here, I missed all this fun in college. Not so for the gentleman we met. He stopped by to share all the sexy adventures he has had in the booths upstairs. He was was younger then, we enjoyed his trip down memory lane. It's beautiful bar inside with lots of private places to enjoy a quiet evening with your friends. If you can find the door. read more

I've been going here off and on for years. As I hear, it was recently purchased and the new owner has done a nice job of updating it, but keeping the dark, "make-out" bar vibe alive and well! Other reviewers are right - it's not a place you can be a regular in, but I think anonymity is really the point. Drinks are great, waitstaff is attentive, but not overly as to ruin any romantic moments - and they're very easy on the eyes with attire that matches the ambiance. read more

One of the coolest hidden spots in the city. Well, maybe not so hidden anymore since it's been here a long time. Finding it for the first time is the tricky part. They say you can come alone, but I believe most customers will come with their significant other. A truly classy place though like no other in Houston. read more