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Nightlife
Anchorage does not shut down when it gets dark—well, that is when it actually does get dark (it’s still light at 3 am in the summer!). Bars here—and throughout Alaska—open early (in the morning) and close as late as 3 am on weekends. There’s a ban on smoking in bars and bingo parlors, as well as in restaurants. The listings in the Anchorage Daily News entertainment section, published on Friday, and in the free weekly Anchorage Press (www.anchoragepress.com) cover concerts, theater performances, movies, and a roundup of nightspots featuring live music.
Anchorage Cafés
First-timers to Anchorage are often surprised by the number of places one can grab a cup of joe around town. Yes, it’s true: Anchorage residents easily rival Seattleites for their devotion to java. But, of course, some cups of coffee are better than others. Some places to start your day (or hang out between adventures):
Alaska Cake Studio.
If you prefer the focus of your coffee break to be on the baked goods, pop into Alaska Cake Studio downtown. From creative cupcakes—the flavor of the month always surprises—to cookies, croissants, and, of course, cakes, sweet treats delight. | 608 W. 4th Ave., Downtown | 907/272–3995 | www.alaskacakestudio.com.
Kaladi Brothers Coffee.
A local favorite since opening its first spot in 1986, Kaladi Brothers Coffee has espresso, lattes, baked goods, and more at 12 locations around town, most with free Wi-Fi access. For a list of locations, go to the website. | 621 W. 6th Ave. | 907/277–1881 | www.kaladi.com.
SteamDot Coffee and Espresso Lab.
In South Anchorage, coffee’s next wave is brewing. SteamDot Coffee and Espresso Lab treats coffee lovers to quite the coffee-brewing show at its “slow bar.” This is not the place to go if you’re in the mood for syrup-heavy espresso drinks. SteamDot is all about the flavor of coffee. | 10950 O’Malley Centre Dr., Ste. E, South Anchorage | 907/344–4422 | www.steamdot.com | 600 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Midtown | 907/278-2204.
Downtown
Bars and Nightclubs
Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge.
Though locals say it isn’t what it used to be (but, really, what is?), Bernie’s Bungalow Lounge still pulls in plenty of twentysomethings looking to dance, drink, and make eyes at the cuties across the room. The best spot in the house: the outdoor patio. On weekends there is typically a good local DJ upstairs and a mediocre live band outside. | 626 D St., Downtown | 907/276–8808 | www.berniesak.com.
Club Paris.
Lots of old-timers favor the dark bar of Club Paris. The Paris mural and French street lamps hanging behind the bar have lost some luster, but there’s still a faithful clientele. This is your spot if you like a stiff, no nonsense drink. | 417 W. 5th Ave., Downtown | 907/277–6332 | www.clubparisrestaurant.com.
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill.
A trendy place for the dressy “in” crowd, the bar at Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill has stunning views of Cook Inlet, a special single-malt scotch menu, and tempting cocktails. The lavender martini is particularly palate-pleasing. | 420 L St., Downtown | 907/274–3502 | www.simonandseaforts.com.
Snow Goose Restaurant and Sleeping Lady Brewing Company.
Toast your Alaska adventure by hoisting a hefeweizen on this amazing rooftop deck. On clear days you can see Mt. McKinley on the northern horizon, the Chugach Mountains to the east, and the brewery’s namesake Sleeping Lady Mountain across Cook Inlet. The food and service are average, but the award-winning beer and the view are excellent reasons to visit. Several of the beers brewed on the premises, including the Portage Porter and 49er, an amber ale, pay homage to Alaska. The restaurant also hosts a range of events in its theater, including improv comedy nights and live music. | 717 W. 3rd Ave., Downtown | 907/277–7727 | www.alaskabeers.com.
Sub Zero.
If you like grown-up drinks in a lively room, this intimate cocktail lounge is a good date-night stop. Although staff is typically overtaxed, the scratch drinks are worth the wait. The espresso martini is particularly addictive. | 612 F St., Downtown | 907/276–2337 | www.subzerolounge.com.
Midtown
Kinley’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.
The lounge side of Kinley’s is one of those rare rooms that’s equally suitable for a romantic date, entertaining clients, or a girls’ night out. Anchorage has many spots that will happily sell you a good $100 bottle of wine; however, Kinley’s has a special knack for finding wines that taste luxe, but don’t break the bank. Pair with a happy hour appetizer special or one of their exquisite desserts, such as the mocha-bourbon pecan torte. | 3230 Seward Hwy., Midtown | 907/644–8953 | www.kinleysrestaurant.com.
Gay and Lesbian Bars
Anchorage’s gay nightlife centers on a pair of bars, both of which attract a mixed crowd.
Mad Myrna’s.
Anchorage’s premier gay bar offers karaoke on Tuesday and Thursday, and DJs Friday and Saturday, but is best known for its Friday night Divas Variety Show; you haven’t seen drag until you’ve seen it Alaska-style. | 530 E. 5th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–9762 | www.madmyrnas.com.
Raven.
A neighborhood hangout, the Raven is where you’ll meet regulars over a game of billiards or darts. | 708 E. 4th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–9672.
Live Music
See the “Play” section in Friday editions of the Anchorage Daily News for complete listings of upcoming concerts and other performances, or get the same entertainment information online at www.adn.com.
Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse.
One of Anchorage’s favorite bars, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse serves up rock, blues, and folk four nights a week, including open mike on Sunday, along with dozens of microbrews (more than 40 beers are on tap) and surprisingly tasty pub grub—we especially like the smoked salmon spread. Trivia buffs should head to Humpy’s on Tuesday night for the weekly pub quiz. TIP You can grab one of Humpy’s delicious halibut burgers on your way out of town—the company just opened a satellite restaurant in Terminal B of the Anchorage airport. | 610 W. 6th Ave., Downtown | 907/276–2337 | www.humpys.com.
Spenard
Bars and Nightclubs
Fodor’s Choice | Chilkoot Charlie’s.
Chilkoot Charlie’s, a rambling timber building with sawdust floors, multiple bars, three dance floors, loud music (usually rock bands) nightly, two DJs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and rowdy customers, is where young Alaskans go to get crazy. This legendary bar has many unusual nooks and crannies, including a room filled with Russian artifacts where vodka is the drink of choice, plus a reconstructed version of Alaska’s infamous Birdhouse Bar. If you haven’t been to ‘Koots, you haven’t seen Anchorage nightlife at its wildest. | 2435 Spenard Rd., Spenard | 907/272–1010 | www.koots.com.
Live Music
The Tap Root.
Locals say this is one of the best places in town for live music. Jam, rock, folk and bluegrass bands rule the stage most nights. Beer lovers enjoy an almost overwhelming selection of 22 tap lines featuring largely local brews and a cooler with everything from Belgian Trappists to PBR tallboys. The unsurpassed whiskey menu boasts 40 different bourbons. The chronically understaffed club serves a better-than-expected menu of sandwiches, salads and entrées including mac ‘n’ cheese with apples and bacon. | 3300 Spenard Rd., Spenard | 907/345–0282 | www.taprootalaska.com.
Music Alfresco
Music in the Park.
In summertime, Wednesday and Friday open-air concerts are presented at noon in Peratrovich Park (also known as Old City Hall Park). Show up with an open mind: Performers range wildly, from the rousing marches of military bands to ballads by local folk singers to the old timey sounds of The Carhartt Brothers. | 500 W. 4th Ave., Downtown | www.anchoragedowntown.org.
Anchorage Market and Festival.
A range of performers plays for free at the Anchorage Market and Festival every Saturday and Sunday from mid-May to mid-September. | 3rd Ave. and E St., Downtown | 907/272–5634 | www.anchoragemarkets.com.
The Arts
Anchorage often surprises visitors with the variety—and high quality—of its cultural activities. In addition to top-name touring groups and performers, some local productions are always going on around town. These might include provocative theater, children’s shows, improvisational troupes, Buddhist lectures, photography exhibits, poetry readings, and Alaska Native dance performances. The Friday entertainment section of the Anchorage Daily News is packed with events and activities.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Four theaters comprise the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, which is home to many local performing groups and also showcases traveling production companies. The lobby box office (open weekdays from 9 to 5 and Saturday, noon to 5) sells tickets to the productions and is a good all-around source of cultural information. | 621 W. 6th Ave., at G St., Downtown | 907/263–2900 | www.myalaskacenter.com.
CenterTix.
Purchase tickets by phone or from CenterTix’s website for a wide variety of cultural events. | 907/263–2787, 877/278–7849 | www.centertix.net.
Film
Bear Tooth Theatrepub.
The popular Bear Tooth Theatrepub screens second-run films—from art house to blockbuster—for only $4 ($5.50 for reserved seating) and also serves tasty pizzas, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and Moose’s Tooth beer while you watch. TIP Once you purchase your ticket at the box office, you may need to wait in line outside while the previous movie lets out, so make sure you’re in the right line—and dress for the weather. | 1230 W. 27th Ave., Spenard | 907/276–4200 | www.beartooththeatre.net.
Opera and Classical Music
Anchorage Opera.
During its November-through-April season, the Anchorage Opera produces operas featuring outside singers in the lead roles and locals in supporting roles. | 907/279–2557 | www.anchorageopera.org.
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra.
October through April, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra performs classical concerts as well as pop concerts and silent film nights. | 907/274–8668 | www.anchoragesymphony.org.
The box office of the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts sells tickets for both.
Theater
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
This venue stages major theater performances and hosts the Anchorage Opera and the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. | 621 W. 6th Ave., at G St., Downtown | 907/263–2900 | www.myalaskacenter.com.
Anchorage Community Theatre.
From September through May, the Anchorage Community Theatre offers locally produced, tried-and-true plays. | 1133 E. 70th Ave., South Anchorage | 907/344–4713 | www.actalaska.org.
Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse.
Year-round, Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse mounts innovative productions—including world premieres by Alaska’s most talented playwrights—in a cozy theater with a thrust stage. | 413 D St., Downtown | 907/274–2599 | www.cyranos.org.
University of Alaska Anchorage Theatre.
Student productions from the University of Alaska Anchorage Theatre are timely and well done, and there is a good mix of classic and contemporary plays. | 3211 Providence Dr., East Anchorage | 907/786–4849 | www.uaa.alaska.edu/theatreanddance.