Cambridge’s nightlife scene has taken another hit.
River Gods, a popular bar and restaurant just outside Central Square on River Street, has permanently closed after an unsuccessful attempt to renew the lease. Sources tell Vanyaland that Jackie Linnane, the owner of the space long home to an eclectic array of curated and themed music nights, emailed participating DJs this afternoon just after 2 p.m. with the news.
“It is shocking and terribly sad for all of us,” Linnane writes. “Surreal… You all have been an intrinsic part of the River Gods family, for which, I will be eternally grateful. I cannot express how I feel… So many good times, so many memories… such great music… 15 years…”
The Cambridge eatery was closed the entire week of July 4, but was expected to reopen today “for business as usual.” Calls made to River Gods around 4 p.m. on Monday afternoon were unsuccessful.
The venue is expected to announce its closing on social media and its homepage shortly. UPDATE 4:31 p.m.: River Gods’ statement is below.
Recently, River Gods scored Central Square’s Best Neighborhood Bar in Boston Magazine’s 2016 Best of Boston awards. BoMag wrote: “It’s not the fine pour of Guinness or the cocktail list. It’s not the wooden thrones or the whimsical décor. It’s the music. Rather than crank out an iPhone playlist determined by algorithm, River Gods hosts DJs who spin soundtracks worth drinking to.”
Among the monthly events held at River Gods were the long-running shoegaze night Fuzzed Out Bliss, soul party Souled Out!, and vintage rock and roll night Primitive Sounds.
Here’s a look at a recent calendar of events:
Featured photo via Boston Magazine.