Popular Boston sports bar Scholars is closing after 15 years

The longtime Downtown Crossing bar is gearing up for its final weekend — but the space already has a next chapter planned.

Scholars American Bistro & Cocktail Loungethe multi-level School Street bar that opened in 2011, will close after service on Saturday.

Located along the Freedom Trail, Scholars has been known over the years as a downtown gathering spot for crowds looking for drinks, food, DJs and karaoke.

The bar is celebrating its final weekend with a pair of farewell events, including “Last Friday” On Friday and “last night” Saturday, according to his website.

Lauren Kaye, the bar’s marketing director, said in a statement to Boston Globe The team is grateful for the support scientists have received over the past 15 years and for the memories created in space.

But the closure won’t leave the downtown location empty for long.

“While it’s certainly fun to say goodbye to Scientist as people know it, we’re very excited for what’s to come,” she said.

Ownership plans to reopen the space at 25 School St. In late summer as Off The Rails Boston, a new restaurant and bar with a stronger focus on live music and entertainment.

The new concept is expected to include live bands, more live programming and a setting influenced by both Nashville and Boston. The menu will lean toward “upscale, Americana-inspired” fare.

The shift comes as downtown Boston’s restaurants and nightlife continue to adapt to changing business and commuter patterns since the pandemic. Many downtown businesses had to navigate smaller crowds during weekdays as hybrid business remained common.