Read More, QFest is a multi-day LGBT film fest happening every July. Read More, One of the biggest Pride celebrations in the country happens right here every June. 2) The old owners did lose/transfer the name somehow and don't like the direction the new owners are taking it. Read More, Whatever you're into, you can find the right experience in Houston. Read More, Montrose offers one of the best and most diverse collection of restaurants in Houston. Agreed. When the new owners began to drop hints about an overhauled Marfreless on social media, their communiqus exploded like bombs, leaving nothing but skepticism in their wake. Partnership Tower You can also adjust the location of your structure. Now that it's closing, I feel it's okay to talk about it now. Biking through Houston: Sights, Shopping, Food and Drinks, Must See Attractions on a Houston Vacation, Spa-tacular: Gay-friendly spas to relax in Houston, 7 Considerations for Your Perfect Gay Wedding, Catering Tips for Your Gay Wedding in Houston. Still my favorite bar atmosphere, except for the smoke. We've got you covered. I used to go to Marf's during my single days in the 90's. The dimly lit bar, tucked away out of sight, was pocked with the proof of its hushed past, and the mismatched, speakeasy vibe was relished by its patrons. 2006 Peden St,Houston, TX 77019 Monday Is the New Friday at Debonair Lounge, In the Flesh: Houston Musicians Talk Tattoos, Nightfly: Cheap Beers and Questionable Music Choices at Alice's Tall Texan, Become a member to support the independent voice of Houston local news and culture, Angelica Leicht They have come to experience the new Marfreless, and it is easy to spot the newcomers in the crowd.
Yeah the 80's were a blast there. They might as well have changed the name. All Rights Reserved. They are right, though. The bar opened the doors this evening only to quell the pesky rumors of bottle service and doormen, leaving the upstairs in mid-renovation. Pasted as rich text. Securely sign up for our FREE newsletter. They are bright-eyed and awestruck, a handful of twentysomethings in their Sunday best. In its former inception, the upper level was almost exclusively the home of the legendary public displays of affection that gave the bar its reputation. Downstairs, martini-sipping 30-somethings can enjoy ample seating at the large bar. February 5, 2014 Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Not only are the stairs roped off, but the bathrooms, much needed in a bar this crowded, are also closed. By continuing to use our site you agree to ourprivacy policy. All tickets are $10 more day of event & at the door -after 8 PM tickets can be purchased at the door only
Drink Special:TBD - $5 ALL NIGHT or while supplies last
Table Reservation/VIP Service: $20 off your ticket, designated VIP seating, decorations for celebrating your special night (if purchased before day of event) & your choice of alcohol with juices and soda for mixers.Price depends on the bottle of alcohol you choose.Contact us for prices - Mike via text at 281-690-6695 or email at info@xperience4u.com. Marfreless to reopen in same spot under new management http://blog.chron.com/29-95/2013/06/marfreless-to-reopen-later-this-summer/?cmpid=hpfsln. It really smells like wood varnish in here!". The second floor has been wiped clean of the remnants of its former life, and has even been upgraded with individual curtains, meant to give the old make-out areas some much-needed privacy. To me it was "Disney-ized" and brought it a different crowd I didn't care to see and hang out with. Upload or insert images from URL. 2022 Houston First Corporation. newsletter, Houstons Newest Vietnamese Drive-Thru Plans Second Location Following Owners $1 Million Win, Bun Bs Trill Burgers Wins Good Morning Americas Best Burger Competition, New Popsicle Shop Offers Doughnut-Flavored Frozen Treats in Houstons East End, Southern Fine Dining Restaurant Heads to Houston with Women-Led Kitchen. Read More, Gloria's Latin Cuisine in Midtown. It can be about a place, a theme Plan your next vacation, explore the world, share memories Use Storyguide the way you want! By retrieving the information in every language, your guide will be even more relevant while still displaying your language first. You can adjust the position of your guide. Read More, The latest on Houston's LGBT scene, from upcoming shows to the community's movers and
I've only been two times and am too young to know about what it "used" to be, but I really like the place. The shiny blue door to freedom beckons us well before midnight, as lack of facilities and breathing space has fatigued us. Read More. Wednesdays: Half Price Wine and Champagne, Enjoy Half Price Drinks During Happy Hour. Here's your guide! Gone are those old vinyl sofas, with their stories of olde, and in their place stand their upscale replacements, a glaring beacon of the miles Marfreless has come. Dress Code:Dress as a nerd, chearleader, jock, teacher or Principal. Or feel free to dress ClassyChic/Dressy Casual- remember this is a public venue (21 & up)
They have gone awry, acting the way that one would expect of ancient plumbing on opening night, and they are completely out of order. From decor to dress code, the dingy interior of yore has been replaced with rich earth tones, black and white photographs of local landmarks and leather sofas. Upstairs a touch of the past is intact with cozy couches and dim lighting for couples to escape. The entire place does indeed smell of wood varnish. it got really packed and with only one bartender basically impossible to order a drink. Place was too plastic once the new owners got hold of it. A little bit of local folklore gone. It was wonderfully seedy and the waitresses selectively blind. Finally, what name do you wish to give your guide? Perhaps that increase in space was a good call, though. Marfreless is reopening on January 24 with some changes. A white marble bar now caresses our sidecar, the original bar's specialty, but it does so without feeling intrusive or out of place.
A doorman, dress code, valet, and bottle service (a near-foolproof litmus test for the d-bag in its native habitat)? Try reducing its size or resolution or use a smaller image. And the old-timers? Sorry to hear that. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Save 10% on Houston Attractions when you book a Hotel. Given the previous false alarms, we had to wonder, at least at first, if this opening, with its lack of public fanfare, wasn't also a false alarm as well. Read More, A roundup of the organizations that make LGBT Houston hum. *Ample free parking is available in our lot as well as along Peden and McDuffie. They're getting squeezed by The Devil, who also goes by the name Weingarten Realty. To download high-res images, visit photo gallery. http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/01/changes-in-store-for-new-marfreless-valet-doorman-dress-code/#13242101=9. The infamous make out bar is back. The walls, now blood-red in color, still flank that wise old scenic mural above the bar, which is protected and illuminated in an homage to the establishment's former life. "The walls, they're red! But the bar is indeed open, and 100 or so patrons, dressed in cleavage-baring business attire or dark suits, are packed like fancy sardines against the bright red walls. I'm pretty sure it fell through. The first reopening date was expected to be during the summer, but that came and went, as did the one slated for mid-January. Paste as plain text instead, The couple next to us is groping one another despite this, and they nearly mistake us for their other half in the process. and help keep the future of the Houston Press, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Long after Marfreless closed its legendary blue door, in March 2013, the rumblings about a resurrection remained. Read More, One of the biggest gay parties of the year happens every Easter Sunday. Supposedly, the new owners are using the new name illegally, which means it could have one of two outcomes: 1) The old owners win the suit and demand the current Marfreless change its name and branding, possibly with damages, possibly closure. Your previous content has been restored. You cannot paste images directly. Updates from the new, "silent" owners dropped sporadically on the bar's social media channels, adding occasional fuel to the fire, but those tidbits came few and far between. Draloc, Inc. Read More, Want to dine al fresco? Clear editor. Among the changes include a unisex bathroom, an enforced dress code, valet service and a heftier price tag on the menu. It previously said it would reopen. Read More, There are a bevy of big events that happen every year in Houston. We are at the soft reopening for Marfreless, the hallowed River Oaks make-out bar, and not even the heavy perfume that settles like clouds amid that varnish scent can detract from it. All Rights Reserved. No matter what your taste from high end boutique to corporate Well, they're dressed to the nines and making out. It appears that, even in its unfinished state, the changes to Marfreless, though significant enough to cause a stir, are nicely appointed, and we have to wonder what all the fuss was about. All Other Eater Inside Reports [-EHOU-], By submitting your email, you agree to our, The freshest news from the local food world, Take a Complete Look Inside the NewMarfreless, Sign up for the Houston's independent source of A staple of Houston nightlife since 1972, Marfreless has been renovated and reopened under new ownership. The owners have also knocked out storage area to expand the upstairs space, which has multiplied in spades, and will soon be offering up special quarters that will fit even more couples or groups seeking a little public alone time.
Marked only by a bright blue door, Marfreless has been a favorite for lounge lovers since 1972. Look for the iconic blue door at 2006 Peden. Read More, Houston has an impressive LGBTQ bar scene. http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2013/03/weingarten-responds-to-marfreless-move-out/. Both times they had a good crowd so I wonder why they are closing. Read More, Get your java fix at these eclectic coffee spots. Powered by Invision Community, Houston Area Dining, Shopping and Entertainment. The imperfections vinyl couches, damaged by the high heels of eager lovers, and the carpet, worn threadbare were Marfreless's badges of honor. Read More, Perfect spots to relax in style. Visiting Heaven, Hell and Canada with Sum 41. Read More, For people working those 9 to 5 jobs know, there are no better words to hear after the daily grind by WOH Design. No thanks. Read More, Explore the ultimate Houston weekend or take a tour! The remaining construction work is slated to be completed just before opening weekend, which was scheduled for this past weekend, and will address the finishing touches on that elusive make-out haven upstairs. Then again, all you needed was a black light and the tales can guessed at from there. Weingarten thinks some bar will be willing to pay $10K for a windowless space without 4 decades of clientele? According to some guy on Twitter. Choose the language of your guide. Your link has been automatically embedded. Read More, These Houston hotels are big on amenities. Read More, These four classic H-Town hotels are worth a visit, whether youre staying the night or just Read More, From Texas chic to high fashion in Houston. Marfreless was hardly prepared for the crowd it is seeing tonight, and the rapidly multiplying bodies have the tiny room downstairs nearly bursting at the seams. 701 Avenida de las Americas Those regulars will have to wait if they intend to take their affections much further than quick pecks, however. The newest state of Marf's was disappointing after. The new owners have no plan to change that aspect of it, but everything else will enjoy an overhaul. It seems odd that the sound of jackhammers provided the background noise only hours earlier and shall do so again in a matter of hours, once the chattering patrons clear out, but perhaps that's the way it goes when you're a bar under as much pressure to reopen as Marfreless is. Check, check and check. You can post now and register later. http://www.marfrelesshouston.com/. Read More, Whatever your scene, you're covered in H-Town. The folks scattered about the bar have overcome the scent of varnish and are now taking a group checklist of the renovations that have been made to the place over the past year, which lends a strange, "I Spy" atmosphere to the night. Good times. Last time I went was when we had a happy hr there. Houston, TX 77010, Keep up-to-date with events going on in and around the Houston area. Subscribe. Partnership Tower I used to go there after work at Hobbit Hole a few blocks away, in the mid-19970s. I don't think anything has re-opened yet. Use the map to customize the radius of your guide. *X4u paid members receive a discount when a ticket is purchased online using the member code Join Xperience as we kick off a new school year. Meet sexy couples & singles while you enjoy a drink in an intimate setting. After all, the contractors who are charged with remodeling the dark old bar packed up and left only about an hour ago. Copyright Protected 2009-2022. kylejack, Read More, Tying the knot in H-Town? Free parking is also available in the multi-story parking garage behind La Griglia. Given its reputation, I found it a tad embarrassing going in. I was only there once or twice myself. Storyguide collects data from around the world, take advantage of its full potential! The changes, though quite eye-catching, fall quietly in line with the bits of the bar that have been preserved. Yeah, it was that way on Tuesday too. Oh, and the old mural is still up!". The little pit under the staircase was my personal favorite spot. There's something for everyone on Storyguide! Although only Pearl Bar is H-Towns true girl bar, March 20, 2013 in Houston Area Dining, Shopping and Entertainment, http://www.chron.com/entertainment/restaurants/article/Marfreless-bar-announces-it-will-be-closing-4371293.php. 4:00AM, 'Hey, does anyone else smell that? Read More, Experience the city's many museums and art institutions. Display as a link instead, ML Solutions LLC. The 2000 reincarnation was a step down. There are plans to bring in a machine that offers self-serve top-shelf wines by the glass. Houston, TX 77010. Use your guides to their full potential with our professional offer to promote your establishment and gain new customers! Location: But with new management and a total renovation, its likely long time fans wont recognize anything but the name. Experience the endless fun Houston attractions have to offer. That varnish smell is to be expected, though. By Single Males - $40 Going to be that way the rest of the week, I'm sure. Couples - $20 Single Ladies - $5 Fat chance. Ticket prices: must be 21 & up 701 Avenida de las Americas If theres a long line, dont fret. Marfreless Kids are headed back 2 schoold so it's time for the adults to celebrate! This page was changed to a message saying Marfreless is closed a few months ago. The well-heeled patrons are trickling into the crowded bar at a steady pace, and as they appear, one by one through the hostess area, they all exclaim the exact same thing: This bar smells strongly of varnish. I haven't been in there in probably 7 or 8 years. Any word on this? I wondered if it was still around. We sure could use an upstairs respite as our personal space grows ever thinner. The lack of facilities has led Dave, the pleasantly accented Aussie manager, to stand outside giving patrons fair warning. As each new feature is spotted from the white marble bar to the back-lit, stair-stepped stage for the liquor the changes are met with collective approval. The notorious upstairs Marfreless's lover's paradise is not open yet, and it's too crowded for outward displays of affection in the downstairs space. Read More, The best spots in town to beat the heat There are even curtains that can be drawn back for a little extra privacy.But despite all the change, one thing remains the same - the name, the bright blue door and plenty of martinis in seclusion. Couple, Caf and Bar, Nightlife, lounge Where do you want to generate your guide? We are content to go, though, free to seek out a respite from the chaos, armed with the comfortable knowledge that Marfreless, our old friend, gussied up with a bit of red nail polish and some much-needed new clothes, will be there to greet us once again. If those walls could talkesp that back room. newsletter, Houston Hip Hop Legend Bun Bs Burgers Are in the Running for Best in America, The rapper will put his Trill Burgers up against the best of the best on Good Morning America this week, Houstons 11-Year-Old Butcher Shop and Cafe Revival Market Will Close Sunday, A new restaurant will open its place later this year, Sign up for the