I have no affiliation with this website other than looking at the pictures to get ideas

Here is a link that might be useful: Absolute Remodeling

Those are some fine examples linked by beer geek. Professioally done.

Ours is DIY, completed about 5 years ago. Sounds like your intended use is very similar to how ours is utilized - entertaining, game watching, etc. You'll notice our space is all drywall. One of our friends did his using Z-brick plus stained tongue and grove wood (walls and ceiling) to achieve a city pub look. Basic build elements are similar though.

If you haven't made a plan, do that next. Causes me concern that you mention you're in the "early stages of finishing our basement" because not having a plan is the biggest mistake most DIY'ers make. You need to consider humidity control, auxulary heating, etc. before beginning to build. You're on the right track though, you know how the space will be used. Any time invested up front in a working plan will be repaid many times over throughout the project. Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our Basement

I agree with fnmroberts that you have to plan, plan, and plan some more.

Do exact measurements. There's nothing worse than not being able to fit that dishwasher in place because the wall is 3/4" of an inch too close.

Wiring for media is a lot easier when it is done before the drywall goes in.

Thank you for the help and suggestions. I will check out the links. I really appreciate it!

Here is one I enjoy looking at. I know nothing about the company other than I stumbled on to the site when snooping for ideas and almost shorted out my keyboard with drool.

Here is a link that might be useful: The basement designer

Ours is still in progress but almost done.

Here is a link that might be useful: Nearly finished basement