Marfreless (Closed)

Marefreless closed in the spring of 2013.

-------

You almost need a seeing-eye dog to navigate your way around Marfreless, but that’s rather the point at this ultra-dark bar that, since it opened in 1970, has remained at the top of the totem pole as Houston’s number one make out scene. Couples are welcome to take advantage of the sofas tucked-away on the second floor to generate as much body heat as they wish short of partial nudity (this is Houston, not the Cote d’Azur) while classical music plays softly in the background and drinks are sedately served from an impressive list of wine and liquor. The atmosphere is a little naughty, but not sleazy. In contrast, on a typical evening you’re bound to see regulars shooting the breeze at the downstairs bar which has a sophisticated neighborhood feel (this is, after all, River Oaks) and customers keep their hands to themselves.

The hardest part is finding Marfreless. If you stand facing the River Oaks Theater, walk left and then make a right into the parking lot. Look for the unmarked door under a metal stairway.