Marfreless Reopened Over the Weekend With Big Changes

Marfreless finally made its much-awaited comeback over the weekend. Under new ownership, the place has been completely renovated and has instituted some upscale ammenities, like valet service and a dress code. A design overhaul comes with higher drinks prices, but better service, according some locals who visited on Saturday. The blue door remains, but it looks like the rest of the interior has become a flashy River Oaks lounge, rather than the dimly lit hideout and make-out destination that it was known as for decades. This image was sent in by a patron who visited the space over the weekend.

The bar closed in March of last year, following a rental rate hike that the former owners wouldn't pay. It was promised to return this past summer, but some delays pushed the big debut back. A rep for the establishment told the Chron's Syd Kearney that a "change of ownership. All sorts of offers, counteroffers, restrictions, agreements, licensing, and other red tape had to be settled" before the place could reopen, and that "great pours, excellent martinis, and (later, postopening) a fantastic machine that offers self-serve top-shelf wines by the glass" await new guests.
· Other Marfreless Coverage [-EHOU-]