Marfreless Ventures

28 reviews

(713) 528-0083

2006 Peden St
Houston, TX 77019 29.7524 -95.4086

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Neighborhoods: Neartown/ Montrose, Central

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Marfreless Ventures

Last updated 8.24.09

What People Are Saying About Marfreless Ventures

The Editor

Contributor

Citysearch

The Scene – This unmarked bar in a corner of the River Oaks Shopping Center has been a favorite of Houstonians for years. Inside the blue door, the dingy interior of yore has been replaced with rich earth tones, black and white photographs of local landmarks, and plush leather sofas. Downstairs, a large bar with ample seating dominates the space while tables filled with well-dressed 30-somethings enjoy martinis (there are close to 20 vodka brands in stock), ambient music and easy conversation. Upstairs, a narrow corridor filled with couches reveals couples taking advantage of the dim…

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User Reviews (28)

02/16/09

Overblown legendary bar

by canwetalk at Citysearch

Valentine's night was crowded at Marfreless -- nothing untoward happening, but the night was young. Can we talk? The place is dingy, very worn carpeting, and could use a major "freshening up." The parking situation is atrocious. The upside is it's a place where an "older" crowd can talk, without deafening noise, and feel comfortable -- not the oldest person in the room. Other than that, I've always had a hard time figuring out the allure of Marfreless, and I've been coming off and on for 25 years, as a single and as a married!

Pros: Legendary spot
Cons: Terrible parking, worn-out look

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10/03/08

great lounge

by demilieu at Citysearch

hidden away...marfreless is a legendary wateringhole. enter through the unmarked 'service door', but watch that step down...it will surely catch you again on the way out after a few of the strong drinks they serve up. now i'm not going to say too much about the upstairs, aka 'makeout', lounge. except to say i think that the (mostly) attractive young female hostesses enjoy stepping in on their customers whilest in the throngs (or thongs) of passion. having said that, this bar is mostly for couples. if a woman in the know agrees to go there after another bar or club, well, anyway. at one time it had (does it still?) the reputation as a place where marrieds secretly align with other marrieds. the service is very good. the drinks are on the pricey side but the overall experience - and strength of the concoction offered - warrant the expense. i've never seen it very 'crowded'. the patrons tend to be 30-ish and up. it's also a pretty good place to step in alone for a late night drink. in spite of all this, it is not a place to go to meet (polite for 'pick-up') people, and if you try this you will really stick out as the biggest looser on the block. it has a legendary 'sinful' reputation and is a great place to lounge with a fav girl or boyfriend...

Pros: romantic & 'sinful' ambiance, service, drinks
Cons: not for meeting new people or singles

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06/30/08

Fun for couples

by Kristi716 at Citysearch

We went to Marfreless after a show on Saturday night. I was a bit worried that the place would be dead since there hadn't been too many reviews in 2008. It was just right! The place was full but not crowded - it seemed like there was always just one or two spots available. The downstairs consists of the bar and seems like a typical if unremarkable bar. The upstairs is a loft filled with leather couches. And couples. Kissing. We had a lot of fun - we weren't sure what to expect but it was exactly as people described. There were some couples just sitting and talking and some giving little kisses now and then. There were a few couples that were making out pretty thoroughly and were definitely copping a feel now and then! The service was pretty attentive and the martinis were tasty. We ordered some edamame and it was still very cold - some pieces frozen. But we really didn't come for the food - HA! My date and I have been together for 2 years and it was fun to do something a little different romantically. If you are a bit of a voyeur or have a touch of the exhibitionist this is a PG-13 way to get your heart pumping. We did see a few couples that looked uncomfortable - these mainly looked like first dates where the guy was hoping for some action and the girl was NOT INTERESTED. So take someone who wants to kiss you. LOL.