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Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle Image 1 of / 13 Caption Close Image 2 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> Bartender Sarah Guichard pours a martini . <b>The way it was:</b> Bartender Sarah Guichard pours a martini . Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle Image 3 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> Former owner Michael Wells walks through the unmarked entrance under a stairwell . <b>The way it was:</b> Former owner Michael Wells walks through the unmarked entrance under a stairwell . Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle Image 4 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> A couple gets cozy. <b>The way it was:</b> A couple gets cozy. Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle Image 5 of 13 Image 6 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> Former Marfreless owner Michael Wells. <b>The way it was:</b> Former Marfreless owner Michael Wells. Photo: Chron file Image 7 of 13 The outside of Marfreless. The outside of Marfreless. Photo: Chron file Image 8 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> The bar of Marfreless . <b>The way it was:</b> The bar of Marfreless . Photo: Chron file Image 9 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> The inside of Marfreless. <b>The way it was:</b> The inside of Marfreless. Photo: Chron file Image 10 of 13 Image 11 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> The busy bar of Marfreless. <b>The way it was:</b> The busy bar of Marfreless. Photo: Chron file Image 12 of 13 <b>The way it was:</b> The bar area at Marfreless. <b>The way it was:</b> The bar area at Marfreless. Photo: Chron file Image 13 of 13 Changes in store for new Marfreless: valet, doorman, dress code 1 / 13 Back to Gallery

Lounge lovers have been cheered by the news that Marfreless , the infamous River Oaks makeout bar , will reopen soon.A Facebook post on Jan. 16 noted that the 40-year-old bar would reopen on Jan. 24.

When the doors open next week, longtime fans of the divey Marfreless may not recognize the place.

This bit of info on Marfreless’ Facebook “About” page caught our attention.

Valet parking?

A “dressy” dresscode?

And a $$$ price range?

This sounds like more than a facelift.

When I reached out to Marfreless, Dean Peckenpaugh, the bar’s Facebook administrator, sent along this FAQ.

Q: What took so long?

A: Change of ownership. All sorts of offers, counteroffers,

restrictions, agreements, licensing,

and other red tape had to be settled.

Q: Who is the new owner?

A: Nonpublic, silent partners. Media and customers will be able to communicate with the

manager when we open. Until then, questions and comments can be directed to

info@marfrelesshouston.com or our social media accounts so designated personnel can

address them.

Q: What will be the same?

A: Great drinks and pours, the general layout of the interior (bar and tables downstairs,

…couches / loveseats upstairs), our iconic mural and blue door, and we’ll still be a destination for

couples; moreso than previously.

Q: What will be new?

A: Total renovation. Everything from the foundation to the rafters has been removed and replaced

with something very nice. The upstairs will (likely, at some point) be bottle service only, but it will

be priced such that it remains an affordable option for most, and an entirely exclusive option for

those willing to pay for it. Some other highlights include:

Unisex restroom

Stepped and backlit bottle display

Enormous collection of fine wines

An audio system that clearly wasn’t held back on; change of music after designated times / days.

Curtains (for upstairs) that can be drawn for privacy or opened for groups. Or, drawn for groups, if that’s what you’re into …

An option for live music (single instrument; no “bands.”)

A 100% spotless and clean venue at all times

Proper attire required. We mean it, and our weekend doorman will see to it.

Valet

Price. Yes, this Marfreless will be more expensive. You will get what you pay for, and then some, if you’re lucky.

Q: What can be expected in the way of drinks?

A: Great pours, excellent martinis, and (later, postopening) a fantastic machine that offers self-serve top-shelf wines by the glass.

Q: Are you hiring?

A: Yes. Contact us. We want people who can keep Houston’s best coming back.

Marfreless is located at 2006 Peden.