Best throwback venue: Crooners Lounge - Best of MN 2016

April 15, 2016 at 9:03PM
Singer Debbie Duncan, with Dan Chouinard on piano, performed at the Dunsmore Room at Crooners in Fridley.
Singer Debbie Duncan, with Dan Chouinard on piano, performed at the Dunsmore Room at Crooners in Fridley. (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Fridley had not been on our nightlife itinerary until we discovered Crooners. Sort of a mashup of First Avenue (there are two music rooms) and the Dakota Jazz Club, this converted supper club still serves supper-club food. But the music in the 200-capacity lounge is an eclectic mix for baby boomers, with the likes of Mary Jane Alm, Willie Walker and Patty Peterson. The jewel of Crooners is the Dunsmore Room, a listening parlor with just 80 seats and a gorgeous Bösendorfer grand piano. Don't talk or clank your fork. Just appreciate the instrumental and vocal sounds in an intimate atmosphere overlooking Moore Lake. 6161 Hwy. 65 NE., Fridley, 763-571-9020, croonersloungemn.com

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