During the 1970s, the Uptown neighborhood — especially the Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street crossroad — was a hub for small businesses and neighborhood artists who were drawn to the vibrant nightlife and music scene, and where local shops, restaurants and bars drew crowds from all over the cities.
Then, in 1984, Calhoun Square opened. The 100 little shops, bars and restaurants inside the mall still drew crowds, but to more upscale establishments like Bay St. Shoes, the Kitchen Window and restaurants like Sushi Tango and Chang Mai Thai. The place even inspired a Prince song including the lines ‘Let’s roll. Meet me there if you dare, Calhoun Square.’
The one-of-a-kind Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que and Blues restaurant opened in the southeast corner of the mall. Crowds came for the food and, at night, for the live blues music that was unique to this location. Now a chain, Famous Dave’s has over 120 locations in North America, and three locations in the United Arab Emirates. None of these have live music…