Best Bar – River Oaks: Marfreless
Going to Marfreless is like taking a brief excursion to the wild side. Beneath a staircase in a secluded nook of River Oaks Shopping Plaza stands a nondescript blue door, and behind it is a cocktail bar with an ultra speakeasy vibe. Upon walking in, the low lighting sets the tone for an evening at the establishment, which draws a clientele ranging anywhere from hip 30-somethings to distinguished executives looking for a nightcap. Thanks to the building’s close quarters, the haunt’s capacity ensures that it is never too crowded — the perfect locale for someone who wants to enjoy stepping out sans the huddled masses.
From there, the night keeps getting better. For small groups, the downstairs tables and wall-length bench seating make for a fun gathering spot, but upstairs is where the bar gets a little more daring. The second-floor, filled with sequestered loveseats bedecked with privacy curtains, allows for a more snug experience that even the late Hugh Hefner would envy. It’s the perfect spot to end a date with something smooth to sip on and a little late-night canoodling.
The ornately decorated space, the palate-pleasing cocktails, and the can’t-be-found-anywhere-else intimate layout combine to make Marfreless a must-visit destination for any in-the-know Houstonian.
2006 Peden
281-630-6248
marfrelesshouston.com
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022.
