Marfreless

Marfreless: A Discreet Downtown Intrigue (For Couples...Maybe) Marfreless, nestled discreetly behind a blue door in a Houston shopping center parking lot, offers a unique experience that's not for everyone. This speakeasy-style bar/lounge features an atmosphere of intrigue from the very start. Finding the unmarked entrance adds to the clandestine feel. Inside, the furniture leans towards the outdated, with small tables creating a somewhat cramped feel. While the initial impression might be one of a classic, low-key bar, a peculiar sign catches your eye: "Couples Only Upstairs." This cryptic message hints at something more going on behind the scenes. Without firsthand experience, the rumors surrounding the upstairs area remain just that - rumors. Online reviews and whispers suggest an entirely different scene unfolds above, with plush love seats catering specifically to couples looking for intimacy (or perhaps something more). The frequent comings and goings of couples, sometimes returning with different partners, fuels the speculation that Marfreless caters to a specific clientele with a particular interest. Whether Marfreless is a charming, hidden gem for couples or a more risqué establishment is a question left unanswered for those who don't venture upstairs. For the curious adventurer seeking a one-of-a-kind experience, Marfreless offers a taste of the unknown, but be prepared for an evening shrouded in secrecy.

Went here for drinks - probably my fault in the first place. The worst Manhattan I had in my life (not exaggerating…) sooo bitter, and also the Toki Highball was for some reason very bitter (?!). This place definitely has some sexual vibe…which I will not rate negative - that’s the theme and purpose of this place, apparently. But the furniture didn’t feel clean. Wouldn’t call it a cocktail bar with a private area, but a hidden lounge with some drinks. Don’t see a reason to come back unfortunately

This place could be so awesome! The drinks and music are great but their furniture it’s so wretched! It’s literally falling apart! It’s such a disappointment because this place could be epic!

This place is not for everyone. This is not a place to meet new people. (At least not a pickup bar.) This is not a place to drink a lot. This is a place to go with your partner for a little spice... Drinks are not cheap, but they are also quality. And the environment is totally unique! But not for a normal night out...

Located in the heart of river oaks, marfreless is one of the nicest lounges I have been to. Very sophisticated, tasteful, and romantic. Love the vibe, the cocktails, and atmosphere. Highly recommend.

I absolutely loveeee Marfreless. The staff is absolutely beautiful. The drinks are delicious, but that music. The pop music and EDM music with absolutely no mix of R&B, Jazz or south rock is the only thing i hate. The crowd is mostly over 40 and it just feels odd being intimate with britney spears and SOS by Rihanna playing in the background lol play some Sade, Hell Celine Dion. Something 😭😭

Really nice low-key IYKYK place. Drinks were strong, a bit on the pricey side as other reviews have mentioned but I knew that prior to going. Mostly 80s music was playing which I personally like. Love the intimate setting and decor they have.

I'm glad to have discovered the wonders behind the nondescript blue door. Lightning here was on the dimmer side. And coupled with the comfy seating on the first floor and loveseats on the second floor, the ambiance was perfect for an intimate hangout. I noticed groups of friends casually talking as well. We started out at the bar where we were greeted by a friendly bartender. There was an extensive variety of drinks on the menu. I had the Paloma prima cocktail while my date got a mango margarita. Both drinks were strong and well made. After some good conversation at the bar, we got another round of drinks which we took upstairs to chill on a loveseat. If grown and sexy is what you have in mind, you will be pleasantly amazed at this venue.

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 :/

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!!!

Nicole is fantastic and opens on time but don't come on the days Antonio opens because he's never here on time. The business opens at least an hour later.

33 years ago, I got an education in this place!! Thank you for still being there!! This and #'s, Houston's best!

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!

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

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!

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

It was amazing the vibes were great and the people were amazing there! I definitely would be going back there again I love the experience

Nice quaint place. Music is a bit loud and the drinks are not that strong. But I like the location and ambiance.

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.

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....

Another trip to this fun speakeasy vibe bar. Service once again is amazing. Drinks still pricy but that's not what you go for. Sat up stairs met an amazing couple, we all had a great time!!!

High power drinks in a cool interesting place. Always a good time. It's one of those places either you love it or hate it.

Upstairs is the place to be bring a friend. Nice hang out kinda place. Wasn't super busy, very chill type of vibe.

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

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?

First time coming here on a Thursday, WOW! What a difference! The music was great and upbeat and current versus the normal dated 80s music. The bartenders Tabby and Nicole are so sweet as well! Thursday's are our new night here!!!

Amazing bartenders. The drinks are strong like you made them at home. You'll only need 2-3 to get there. This place was very clean. I always look at the bathrooms and they were in great shape. Upstairs is supposed to be couples only. It wasn't quite giving swingers club but more like a privacy den. There's leather couches and curtains to separate. It's supposed to be couples only and there was a few single men up there being annoying. My critic would be a little more regulation on the single men in the couples area. I didn't inquire about food so I'm not sure if they have any. I didn't see any menus. But I had a great time with my friend and my partner. I definitely recommend checking it out.

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.

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!

Great little place, friendly staff. Enjoyed our evening there the bartender was very sexy and sweet. Very helpful and knew about the place and directed me to where I wanted to be

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!

We have been here once and Never will return. This business will steal from you! My wife bought a drink at the bar on the credit card for $12.00. Instead of a $1.00 tip she hit $100.00. Bartender said she would cancel the charge and charged her for the drink again and my wife tipped her $4.00. The bartender never canceled the charge so we disputed it with the credit card company. Marfreless Refused the dispute! We were charged for the $112.00 plus the $16.00. Do not support these criminals!

It was nice and very relaxing. The upstairs supposedly says it's just for couples but some folks were in groups, others were solo just observing. If you are cool with that. Great Vibe, my date and I enjoyed it for sure and will be back. Drinks were good but pricey.

I am not sure what is the history of this place but it was not for the faint of heart from what I heard. Nonetheless, today's vibe is much more than seedy or underground vibe from back in the day. The drinks are on point and yet it keeps its allure of being dark and mysterious. While, it's a definitely a fun place to make-out, please take further activity elsewhere. Nonetheless, it's a great bar to hang out with your significant other.

I can't believe this place is still open! Yeah, I've been here before, back in the 80s & yes I made out with my boyfriend at the time in the little nook below the stairs. Except today, the nook is gone & a major renovation happened making this place very pretty & a great place to meet up with some friends before walking over to Izakaya-Wa for dinner. The lighting is still very dim, the bartender still makes a mean martini & the second level is still the place people go to make out in public. Nice to know that some things haven't changed.

Perfect make out spot! Great for people watching too! Came here on. Very romantic first date and loved it!

This has become my new Thursday spot. Tabitha and Nicole are the hottest and best bartenders in Houston! Drinks are always cold and fast service. Love the atmosphere and I will continue to come here. Super sexy place to bring a date and great music.

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!

My boyfriend and I enjoyed this establishment. It's definitely a spot couples need to check out-- you will not find any other bar like this in Houston. The only downside would be the expensive drinks and the bar is quite compact.

Love this hidden gem, although it can be quite packed at times. I would definitely recommend to others & will return next time I'm at Perry's

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.

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!

Very dark, very cool. This is a wonderful end-of-the-night spot. And the mysterious, signless entrance door is awesome. I hope this place never changes. Really good playlist the night we were in as well.

Place has gone to sh!t.....used to be classy and now it's trashy. Basketball shorts and tennis shoes?!?!? The wrong group of people have discovered it. Have been coming here for 15 years and the time has come to stop visiting.

I've been here once before, but was only there for about 45 minutes, so I didn't really get a chance to have an honest opinion on this place but I wanted to try again so my boyfriend and I went there after dinner to have a couple of drinks. Drinks- I chose red wine, a pino to be exact and all though this place is not supposed to be known for wine, the wine wasn't that great at all. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever had, but it wasn't great by any means. It didn't go down smooth and it had a musty taste about it, like it was collecting dust on the shelf for quite some time. My boyfriend got an extra dirty martini with vodka and that was actually delicious. It tasted really good and the olives were huge! Customer Service- The customer service was really lacking. The bartenders were in the corners on their phones with 2 of what I thought were customers, but I think they were friends, I'm not sure, I couldn't tell. We sat with empty glasses for awhile and we were right next to them at the bar directly in our chairs and the glasses were visibly empty, so that was frustrating because when we got there, it wasn't even busy. It did get busy after awhile and then they quit being on their phones so much, but we were pretty annoyed at that point. There was a girl there and she was really nice, nonetheless. The Inside- The inside is cool and the main reason I wanted to come back. It's dark and feels mysterious. If you go upstairs, it's VERY dark to where you can almost trip if you're not being careful, but still cool. The upstairs seems to be where people go to have a better group setting that is more comfortable. I also noticed that they have curtains in between the chairs/couches and there were a couple of people basically having dry humping sessions on those chairs, so it's definitely somewhere where I think people go to get frisky if they want to be frisky in public but not get caught. It's very discreet. The chairs were leather and really comfortable and the decor was very unique. I enjoy the atmosphere in there, minus the dry humpers All in all, it wasn't a fantastic experience and even though they have a great cocktail selection, I don't think my boyfriend and I will be back. We could spend a better $50.00 somewhere else and get better quality. $50.00, for what we got was slightly high, especially because the wine was not great.

A nice lounge to meet up with friends. There is no cover but the drinks are pricey but very good! The parking gets full because of the movie theater so you have to park on the street. The lounge upstairs is very dark but that's the way we like it

People basically doing it upstairs in public to the tunes of **NSYNC and bsb blasting through the place. Saw a ladies bare butt so that was fun. Drinks are expensive af too. I like that it's hidden and dark in there which is about the only thing about it that reminds me of a speakeasy. The 90s pop was confusing and so was the upstairs swingers/hook up area? Don't see how the two relate. Overall, different experience. Hopefully they steam clean their couches...

This is my Thursday night spot! Kaitlin is our bartender and has been for months now! She's always so kind. My husband and I adore her!

We got there and we were the only people in the entire place so we each grabbed a drink figuring people would eventually come in. Well, we closed our tab after a rosé and a WELL double vodka soda and our tab was $72. I'd say the rosé was good but I had to finish it cause my wife was disgusted by it. It's no wonder why we were the only people in the whole place. The vibe is cool but no one wants to pay $30 for a drink, for the literal shittiest drinks at that. This place blows. Don't waste your time.

It's about the most sexy & mysterious place I can think of in Houston. Folks of all sorts, a gothic feel, with great bar service. It's a great place to have an after dinner cocktail or kick off a night on the town.

10/10 recommend! Amazing staff, atmosphere & specialty cocktails. Moved to Houston a few months ago and have been to this location place over 10x.

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.

This bar is favorite. It's the most hidden tucked away little gem in Houston. Find your way there but keep it a secret.

We had to check out Houston's infamous make out bar! Glad we checked it off our Houston bucket list, but probably won't go again! Hidden behind an unmarked blue door behind the piano store on West Gray, Marfreless is a small two-story bar with a great cocktail menu, great liquor choices, great music playing (Amy Winehouse, Etta James and similar artists while we were there, and mood lighting. I had heard about Marfreless and wanted to check it out! And glad we did - but it's not a really a place that feels like you could be a regular at!

super chill, bartender was great and she was friendly. Would recommend going with your significant other :) what happens upstairs stays upstairs.

I'm glad to know it's still open. I started going in the 70's till the 90's. Back then if you paid cash and were due change they would include a Kennedy half-dollar in the wicker basket. There would be two handouts at the table near the entrance that were a historical treatsie that made no sense. Obviously someone's warped sense of humor. Seems like the prices have gone up. I remember paying 50 cents for long neck beers at Kay's Lounge and being called " Hey Neighbor ! " by the owner. That way he didn't have to remember your name. Mine is Ben

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!

Stopped by for some bevies and attending a bday party, the two words that would describe this establishment are Weird & Dark. Driving up, saw valet parking yet there was free parking 30 ft away so save your money and drive a little. Walking up to the place, the door had no name, no camera, no light, door literally under a stairway, only indication it's a bar is the bouncer. So apparently this is by design, that's weird #1. Walking in, the place is so dark, And if you dare and get beer goggles, you would probably walk out with something that would be written in your friends joke book for decades to come, so beware. At the only bar, ordered an Old Fashioned and the bartender failed that miserably, vodka tonic lime was much tastier.. Don't confuse the bartenders with the fancy drinks.. Lame.. Birthday folks showed up and upstairs we went, and here is weird #2. There are a many love seats, and I think there were 5-7.. Stacked one after the other like a train. Now these are the old large cushion couches type, Aaannd there were couples sitting there and making out :) the wall adjacent to these seats was bare, not a single painting or decorative ornament weird #3.. We proceeded to the party booth and celebrated the bday, as the night progressed it got busy and the music was not bad. Overall, it was entertaining to be there, but nothing special. My words of wisdom for you, order simple cocktails, have cash on hand, and never get hammered there for your own good ;)