The Carousel Lounge, which underwent refurbishment and a grand reopening in 2018, has evolved into a delightful destination under the management of Linda Bucinsky Coffer. Linda, who previously managed the establishment for an impressive 12 years before its temporary closure in May 2016, has returned with boundless enthusiasm.

Fast forward two years, and on April 20, the Carousel Lounge swung open its doors once more, ushering in patrons with open arms. Linda extended a warm welcome to Boogie Shoes, a local band, to ignite the festivities on reopening weekend, and the band’s Saturday night performance ignited the crowd’s spirits.

Linda envisions a future filled with entertainment, targeting weekends, specifically Fridays or Saturdays. While her ultimate goal is to offer entertainment on both nights, she is vigilant about ensuring that the neighborhood remains undisturbed.

The Carousel Lounge, initially established in 1957 within a downtown Anchorage building, later found its permanent home in 1967 under the ownership of Steve Cooper. In 2003, new proprietors gave it a vibrant makeover, gracing its exterior with vivid red and white stripes reminiscent of a Van Halen album cover. Thanks to Linda and co-owner Paul Berger, the lounge has embraced a new aesthetic, donning a rich charcoal hue complemented by a vibrant red awning. A substantial portion of the bar’s interior, including the bar itself, boasts craftsmanship using Alaskan wood, skillfully executed by Paul Berger and his team.

Linda’s affection for The Carousel Lounge resonates in every facet, seamlessly intertwining the venue’s rich history with contemporary touches. The walls elegantly display historical photographs of Spenard, including captivating glimpses of its original downtown location. The bar’s design is optimized for bartender efficiency and precision, with kegs relocated to a spacious walk-in cooler, guaranteeing refreshments remain chilled and readily accessible, even during peak hours. On its grand reopening day, The Carousel Lounge, with its capacity exceeding 170 patrons, warmly welcomed over 600 visitors.

The Carousel Lounge holds a special place in its heart for local music, with a commitment to delivering high-octane, danceable performances every weekend. Noteworthy acts such as Boogie Shoes, The Stack, HarpDaddy & The BackCountry Mojo, Danger Money, and others secured their spots on the newly revamped stage.

Linda aspires to cultivate an inviting ambiance at The Carousel Lounge, where patrons feel as if they’ve entered their cherished second living room. With a whopping 15 beer taps and a well-stocked bar, the lounge offers patrons the best of both worlds. The establishment is adorned with retro, illuminated bar signs, including the generous donation of an “Alaska You Deserve Miller Reserved” neon sign from a local patron. The walls are adorned with promotional signage spanning various eras, and a unique phone booth near the back door, although non-functional, serves as a hotspot for selfies and social media check-ins.

To further bolster the sense of community, Linda plans to pamper patrons with complimentary food offerings, including delectable options like tacos, burritos, soup, and everyone’s favorite, popcorn. Her philosophy is simple: “Family takes care of each other.” The renovated Carousel Lounge boasts level floors, a nostalgic plaid carpet, four spanking-new dartboards, and an additional pair of pool tables, with one more on the horizon. In addition to square barstools, the lounge showcases glossy wood high-top tables near the dance floor and standard-sized tables that dot the space to accommodate a diverse clientele.

Linda extends her warm welcome to patrons of all ages, fostering an environment where everyone feels at home, from 21-year-olds to those enjoying their seventies. Her camaraderie extends to neighboring establishments such as the Church of Love and the Buckaroo Club, further solidifying the bond within the close-knit Spenard community. The iconic Carousel Lounge in Spenard may soon experience a renaissance, thanks to the vision of Anchorage businessman Paul Berger. Paul’s ambition is to breathe new life into the vacant building, transforming it into the community-oriented “Bar on Spenard.” As a longtime Spenard resident, he possesses a profound connection to the neighborhood. His vision revolves around acoustic performances and the introduction of a jukebox for entertainment. Additionally, the building encompasses eight apartment units, which Paul currently rents out.

Originally established under Steve Cooper’s management in 1967, the Carousel Lounge carries a rich legacy, even hosting Hells Angels parties in the 1970s and 1980s. The memories of past patrons, including Brenda Lee Fowler and Missy Mae, reflect the bar’s welcoming and diverse atmosphere. Photos courtesy of the Carousel Lounge. #bars #lounge #beerlover #dancing #Alaska #anchorage #spenard #iconic #musiclovers #livemusic #darts #kareoke #pooltable #localmusic

Photos courtesy of the Carousel Lounge.