Meet Jesse Meraz | Co-Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Meraz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite quote is “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.” What I like about it, is that it gives me a sense of self-empowerment.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Basement Lounge & Artspace is a modern rustic subterranean lounge serving up classic and inspired craft cocktails with down home hospitality and night club ambiance. The idea to open up a craft cocktail bar came as we were having cocktails with friends at a local lounge. At the time, most of the nice bars were found in restaurants and hotels but only offered common two-ingredient drinks like vodka-soda or the classics. We wanted a cozy drinking destination where conversations took place, complimented by soothing music, thus providing an overall chill vibe. We don’t place sports on the flatscreen, just contemporary abstract video art. We’re proud of the fact that there’s no other lounge alike in the area.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I’m basically a Foodie that enjoys history, art, architecture, and nature. I would show my best friend the city through my eyes and experiences. We would definitely eat brunch at Cafe Modern at the Museum of Modern Art or lunch on the patio at Press Cafe. We would go to Clear Fork for a shopping destination and take a wine or bubbly break at Cru after some power shopping. We would eventually end up at Joe T. Garcia’s for a lovely garden side, Tex-Mex dinner and margaritas, on the patio. Finally, we’d end our night having some cold craft beers at Rahr & Sons Brewery.

Fort Worth has a world-renowned museum district which the museums themselves are considered architectural gems. Also, there’s a touristy Stockyards area, if you want to take in some Cowboy/Western culture, maybe catch a rodeo event!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business partner, Christopher Neu, is also a key contributor to our success in keeping the lounge going for now nine years. But of course, we couldn’t have made it this long without the love and undying support of our family, friends, and especially our loyal patrons. We thank them all and owe them a great debt of gratitude.

Instagram: @thebasementloungefw

Image Credits
Jesse Meraz Copyright 2024