A Fort Worth cocktail bar is preparing for its last call after more than a decade. Owners Jesse Meráz and Christopher Neu announced on Wednesday that the Basement Lounge at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd. would officially serve its last drinks on July 31.
“For more than a decade, the basement lounge has been more than a cocktail bar. It has been a gathering place for celebrations, friendships, music, local art, and countless memorable evenings,” Meráz and Neu’s statement read.
“Unfortunately, substantial increases in rent, insurance, and other operating expenses have made it financially unsustainable for us to continue operating the lounge. This was not an easy decision, and it comes after exhausting every available option to keep our doors open. While we are heartbroken to have to close this chapter. We have faith that when one door closes another will open.”
Meráz and Neu thanked their guests, employees, artists, musicians and community partners who helped shape the Basement Lounge over the years, and invited customers to return during its remaining weeks to “celebrate the people, memories, and moments that have defined the basement lounge.”
The underground cocktail bar opened in historic west Fort Worth in 2015, drawing crowds over the years with its classic drinks, creative craft cocktails, art shows, live music and other events since opening. It was also even voted the city’s best lounge by Fort Worth Magazine readers.
News of the impending closure prompted an outpouring of disappointment from longtime customers, though some also expressed hope about what could come next for the owners.
“I personally think you guys were hugely successful in creating the classiest gathering place in town for so many years. The doors may be closing but I can’t wait to see what new windows open,” one person wrote under the Facebook post. “Thanks for all the wonderful memories and support especially to the local artist community!”
Another wrote: “We’re all so deeply grateful for all you’ve done over the years to create such an amazing gathering place…from its creative/artistic spirit, to its fun and interesting people, to its rotating art and outstanding beverages. It’s been so much more than a bar to so many of your regular patrons, and Fort Worth has been lucky to have y’all and this cozy, welcoming space for over a decade.”
Chron has reached out to the owners for additional details about the closure and to learn whether they have plans for another concept but has not yet heard back.