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A chic underground cocktail bar in Fort Worth has announced last call: The Basement Lounge, at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd. Ste. 125B, will permanently close on July 31 after more than a decade.

Owners Jesse and Christopher announced the closure in a Facebook post, citing rising operating costs that made it impossible to continue.

"Substantial increases in rent, insurance, and other operating expenses have made it financially unsustainable for us to continue operating the lounge," they wrote. "This was not an easy decision, and it comes after exhausting every available option to keep our doors open."

The owners described the closure as heartbreaking but said they remain hopeful about what comes next.

Located in the Ridglea area of Fort Worth, just a block or so from the historic Ridglea Theater, The Basement Lounge built a loyal following as an intimate subterranean cocktail bar and gathering place known for live music, local art, DJs, and community events.

It also had killer craft cocktails.

The bar appeared multiple times in CultureMap's Where to Drink columns over the years. A 2024 column called it one of the best bars for fall: "The interiors are reminiscent of an inviting living room with curtains, couches, and fluffy pillows anchored around a real fireplace," the story said. "On the menu right now is the annual Autumn in Ridglea, a bourbon whiskey beverage spiked with vanilla vodka and blended with pumpkin, brown sugar, and nutmeg. Or try the Simply Sage gin concoction with piney notes and hints of citrus and anise. There’s also a fall spin on the classic old fashioned – the Mocha Old Fashioned is infused with roasted coffee and chocolate."

Autumn in Ridglea at The Basement Lounge. Facebook/The Basement Lounge

The Basement Lounge was nominated for Bar of the Year in the 2023 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. "The interiors are reminiscent of a friend’s living room – inviting with curtains and couches and anchored by a brick fireplace," the nomination read. "Visit for a new take on Taco Tuesday – the bar offers $2 street tacos and $5 classic margaritas all night."

In their farewell message, the owners reflected on the bar's role beyond serving drinks.

"For more than a decade, the Basement Lounge has been more than a cocktail bar," they wrote. "It has been a gathering place for celebrations, friendships, music, local art, and countless memorable evenings....

"We are incredibly grateful to every guest who descended the stairs, ordered a cocktail, attended an event, supported a local artist, celebrated a milestone, or simply made the basement lounge part of their evening," they said.

They also thanked the bartenders, musicians, artists, vendors, and community partners who helped shape the bar over the years.

The owners invited patrons to visit during the bar's final weeks before its last day of service on July 31.

"We invite you to join us during our remaining weeks as we celebrate the people, memories, and moments that have defined the Basement Lounge," they wrote.