RIP: Russell’s Lounge

Late last week, OKC Talk broke the news that Russell's Lounge – the old nightclub and cougars lair tucked away in a hotel along NW Expressway – had closed its doors for the final time. It's being replaced by a new Braum's.

Okay, I'm kidding. I guess the hotel is being remodeled and the new owners didn't want a 1990s nightclub museum that smelled like cheap perfume and cocaine to take up meeting space. I guess you can't blame them.

Since the news broke, people have shared their hazy memories about the place on social media. Naturally, Super Freak was reminisced by the news:

Poor Super Freak. First Bakers Street closes and now Russell's! They better hope nothing happens to Belle Isle Brewery, or they're going to be screwed!

In all honesty, I kind of liked Russell's for what it was. It was never anybody's first or second choice for a night out, but it always worked well as the last. In my 20s, my friends and I would occasionally end up there because A) it had a late last call, B) the drinks were strong and C) it's where all the divorced cougars in their 30s would hang out when Groovy's got too crowded. The next time I order a well vodka tonic, I'll pour a little out to Russell's for all the memories. RIP.