Guidebook for Anchorage

Jessi
Guidebook for Anchorage

Food Scene

I’d live here if they let me. In my dream life, I spend 100% of my time at Fire Island eating their delicious breads, baked goods, sandwiches, and soups. I’m not joking, this place is actually perfect. It’s the best thing that has happened to Anchorage since sliced bread (haha). Seriously, you’ll see.
189 recommandé par les habitants
Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
718 K St
189 recommandé par les habitants
I’d live here if they let me. In my dream life, I spend 100% of my time at Fire Island eating their delicious breads, baked goods, sandwiches, and soups. I’m not joking, this place is actually perfect. It’s the best thing that has happened to Anchorage since sliced bread (haha). Seriously, you’ll see.
This is (by a landslide) the most popular breakfast spot in town. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is - in the best of ways - very diner-y. You can make reservations online (and if your in a rush you definitely should!), but I prefer the tried and true show up and wait 45 minutes while drinking coffee on the patio method. Seriously, help yourself to coffee while you wait – it’s genius. I don’t know why every restaurant doesn’t do this.
231 recommandé par les habitants
Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th Ave
231 recommandé par les habitants
This is (by a landslide) the most popular breakfast spot in town. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is - in the best of ways - very diner-y. You can make reservations online (and if your in a rush you definitely should!), but I prefer the tried and true show up and wait 45 minutes while drinking coffee on the patio method. Seriously, help yourself to coffee while you wait – it’s genius. I don’t know why every restaurant doesn’t do this.
Crush is a wine bar but they also have an excellent brunch and lunch menu. I’ve been a few times now and everything has been great!
54 recommandé par les habitants
Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar
328 G St
54 recommandé par les habitants
Crush is a wine bar but they also have an excellent brunch and lunch menu. I’ve been a few times now and everything has been great!
Expensive at first glance, but contains one of Anchorage’s best-kept secrets: they have (by far!) the best burgers in town, and their lunch menu is actually affordable (on par with all the other burgers in town). So if you’re in the mood for a burger, this is the place to go. It’s a bit dark inside though, so don’t plan on being able to see the twinkling in your friends’ eyes. You won’t be able to. Seriously, they should consider getting more lamps or something.
65 recommandé par les habitants
Club Paris
417 W 5th Ave
65 recommandé par les habitants
Expensive at first glance, but contains one of Anchorage’s best-kept secrets: they have (by far!) the best burgers in town, and their lunch menu is actually affordable (on par with all the other burgers in town). So if you’re in the mood for a burger, this is the place to go. It’s a bit dark inside though, so don’t plan on being able to see the twinkling in your friends’ eyes. You won’t be able to. Seriously, they should consider getting more lamps or something.
Anchorage’s most underrated restaurant, as far as I’m concerned. The food is fantastic and there is never a wait. Seriously, try their tapas.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Pangea Restaurant And Lounge
508 W 6th Ave
24 recommandé par les habitants
Anchorage’s most underrated restaurant, as far as I’m concerned. The food is fantastic and there is never a wait. Seriously, try their tapas.
Quick service, great food, and a cozy place to hangout for a quick lunch! My boyfriend swears it’s the best Thai he’s ever had, but he’s also Alaskan, so take that as you will.
Lahn Pad Thai Downtown Express
302 G Street
Quick service, great food, and a cozy place to hangout for a quick lunch! My boyfriend swears it’s the best Thai he’s ever had, but he’s also Alaskan, so take that as you will.
Great food, but pretty pricey… except if you go during happy hour. You’ll notice that happy hour isn’t really a thing in Alaska. We have strict liquor laws that keep us from being able to reep the benefits of drinking on the cheap before dinner. That being said, Crush does have a happy hour on food and drinks from 3-6pm everyday (Anchorage’s best-kept secret #2). Their appetizers, beer and wine are discounted to very affordable prices, and a plus, they’re delicious.
51 recommandé par les habitants
Orso
737 W 5th Ave
51 recommandé par les habitants
Great food, but pretty pricey… except if you go during happy hour. You’ll notice that happy hour isn’t really a thing in Alaska. We have strict liquor laws that keep us from being able to reep the benefits of drinking on the cheap before dinner. That being said, Crush does have a happy hour on food and drinks from 3-6pm everyday (Anchorage’s best-kept secret #2). Their appetizers, beer and wine are discounted to very affordable prices, and a plus, they’re delicious.
If you happen to be here on a Tuesday, then this is the place to be! All their tacos are delicious and half off on Tuesdays.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Tequila 61
445 W 4th Ave
22 recommandé par les habitants
If you happen to be here on a Tuesday, then this is the place to be! All their tacos are delicious and half off on Tuesdays.
Ok, I’ll be honest, I’ve never been here. But only because I have a mortgage and I’m not trying to spend all my savings on a meal. That being said, I’ve heard it’s incredible. And to top it off, it’s next door.
27 recommandé par les habitants
The Marx Bros Cafe
627 W 3rd Ave
27 recommandé par les habitants
Ok, I’ll be honest, I’ve never been here. But only because I have a mortgage and I’m not trying to spend all my savings on a meal. That being said, I’ve heard it’s incredible. And to top it off, it’s next door.
This one isn’t downtown, but it’s too good to not add to the list. The roadhouse is an Anchorage staple. They don’t however take reservations; so if you’re planning a visit, count on waiting a bit for a table. All their food is delicious, and they have delicious brunch!
141 recommandé par les habitants
Spenard Roadhouse
1049 W Northern Lights Blvd
141 recommandé par les habitants
This one isn’t downtown, but it’s too good to not add to the list. The roadhouse is an Anchorage staple. They don’t however take reservations; so if you’re planning a visit, count on waiting a bit for a table. All their food is delicious, and they have delicious brunch!
This one isn’t downtown, but it's probably Anchorage’s most famous restaurant – for locals and tourists alike. They have the best pizza in the state, hands down! They also don’t take reservations, so plan on waiting a bit if you’re going around dinnertime. Pro tip: order the “Diablo Sticks” as an appetizer. They’re not on the menu, but they are delicious and the sauce is the best!
347 recommandé par les habitants
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward Hwy
347 recommandé par les habitants
This one isn’t downtown, but it's probably Anchorage’s most famous restaurant – for locals and tourists alike. They have the best pizza in the state, hands down! They also don’t take reservations, so plan on waiting a bit if you’re going around dinnertime. Pro tip: order the “Diablo Sticks” as an appetizer. They’re not on the menu, but they are delicious and the sauce is the best!
One more restaurant that’s not down town, but is still worth mentioning because they have the BEST NACHOS I’ve ever had. They’re amazing.
124 recommandé par les habitants
Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain St
124 recommandé par les habitants
One more restaurant that’s not down town, but is still worth mentioning because they have the BEST NACHOS I’ve ever had. They’re amazing.
I spend a lot of time here. Good coffee and nice atmosphere, right downtown anchorage. They’re food is also really yummy!
12 recommandé par les habitants
Dark Horse Coffee Co
646 F St
12 recommandé par les habitants
I spend a lot of time here. Good coffee and nice atmosphere, right downtown anchorage. They’re food is also really yummy!
Located inside Williwaw, Steamdot has great (delicious!) coffee roasted here in Anchorage.
SteamDot Williwaw
609 F St
Located inside Williwaw, Steamdot has great (delicious!) coffee roasted here in Anchorage.

Drinks & Nightlife

An Anchorage classic - always crowded and always fun. You’ll be lucky to get a table if you show up after 7 pm on the weekends. But no worries if that’s the case, if you get tired from standing you can help yourself to some free candy from their candy bowls, and we’re talking the good stuff: snickers, twizzlers, skittles, m&ms… you get it. They also have a wheel of cheese that you can help yourself to throughout the night. Slice at your own risk, they say, surely it’s not as sanitary as it is a crowd pleaser.
106 recommandé par les habitants
F Street Station
325 F St
106 recommandé par les habitants
An Anchorage classic - always crowded and always fun. You’ll be lucky to get a table if you show up after 7 pm on the weekends. But no worries if that’s the case, if you get tired from standing you can help yourself to some free candy from their candy bowls, and we’re talking the good stuff: snickers, twizzlers, skittles, m&ms… you get it. They also have a wheel of cheese that you can help yourself to throughout the night. Slice at your own risk, they say, surely it’s not as sanitary as it is a crowd pleaser.
Good food, delicious beer, AWESOME rooftop bar. And they’re your new neighbors, so you should definitely stop by. The view from the roof is about as great as it gets! They’re usually pretty busy, so if you’re hoping to get seated fast make a reservation (especially if you’d like to sit on the patio on a sunny day). They also have a venue inside, where there are weekly events and concerts.
191 recommandé par les habitants
49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd Ave
191 recommandé par les habitants
Good food, delicious beer, AWESOME rooftop bar. And they’re your new neighbors, so you should definitely stop by. The view from the roof is about as great as it gets! They’re usually pretty busy, so if you’re hoping to get seated fast make a reservation (especially if you’d like to sit on the patio on a sunny day). They also have a venue inside, where there are weekly events and concerts.
Williwaw is huge, and has a lot going on so I’ll try to simplify: 1.Live music – Williwaw has live music almost every Friday and Saturday, and there is usually no cover. Check out “Williwaw Social” on facebook to see their calendar of events. 2.The Speakeasy: Great cocktails and a chic atmosphere. To get in, go to the phone booth on the ground floor (next to the entrance on 6th Street) and pick up the phone. The person on the other end of the line will give you the “password” for the night. It's on the second floor. 3.Rooftop bar:I’m a sucker for rooftop bars, and this one is great. They have two fire pits, a bar, great views and limited food service.
71 recommandé par les habitants
Williwaw Social
609 F St
71 recommandé par les habitants
Williwaw is huge, and has a lot going on so I’ll try to simplify: 1.Live music – Williwaw has live music almost every Friday and Saturday, and there is usually no cover. Check out “Williwaw Social” on facebook to see their calendar of events. 2.The Speakeasy: Great cocktails and a chic atmosphere. To get in, go to the phone booth on the ground floor (next to the entrance on 6th Street) and pick up the phone. The person on the other end of the line will give you the “password” for the night. It's on the second floor. 3.Rooftop bar:I’m a sucker for rooftop bars, and this one is great. They have two fire pits, a bar, great views and limited food service.
This is my favorite bar in town. Not because of the awesome ambiance, or the ultra friendly staff, of which it doesn’t really have either - it’s a pretty standard dive bar. But where it lacks in trendy rooftop patios it gains in lots of free live music. After an old venue in town closed its doors last year, Van’s took the torch, even though it’s not really set up that well for concerts. It’s always a lot of fun.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Van's Dive Bar
1027 E 5th Ave
8 recommandé par les habitants
This is my favorite bar in town. Not because of the awesome ambiance, or the ultra friendly staff, of which it doesn’t really have either - it’s a pretty standard dive bar. But where it lacks in trendy rooftop patios it gains in lots of free live music. After an old venue in town closed its doors last year, Van’s took the torch, even though it’s not really set up that well for concerts. It’s always a lot of fun.
Adorable, charming, and eccentric. The Bubbly Mermaid is a small champagne and oyster bar with more character than just about any other spot in Anchorage. If you love champagne, or oysters, this is the place for you!
32 recommandé par les habitants
The Bubbly Mermaid Oyster Bar
417 D St
32 recommandé par les habitants
Adorable, charming, and eccentric. The Bubbly Mermaid is a small champagne and oyster bar with more character than just about any other spot in Anchorage. If you love champagne, or oysters, this is the place for you!
Alaska's best brewery, without a doubt. Fantastic beer, but quite a ways from downtown.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Anchorage Brewing Company
148 W 91st Ave
37 recommandé par les habitants
Alaska's best brewery, without a doubt. Fantastic beer, but quite a ways from downtown.

Essentials

The only grocery store in downtown Anchorage. It’s expensive, even by Alaska standards, but has everything you could need, including lots of organic options.
185 recommandé par les habitants
Kaladi Brothers Coffee
1340 W Northern Lights Blvd
185 recommandé par les habitants
The only grocery store in downtown Anchorage. It’s expensive, even by Alaska standards, but has everything you could need, including lots of organic options.

Getting Around

The Anchorage Railroad Depot - this is the only train station in Anchorage. From here you can go anywhere the train will take you! Check out your options here: https://www.alaskatrain.com
57 recommandé par les habitants
Anchorage Depot station
411 W 1st Ave
57 recommandé par les habitants
The Anchorage Railroad Depot - this is the only train station in Anchorage. From here you can go anywhere the train will take you! Check out your options here: https://www.alaskatrain.com

Parks & Nature

The coastal trail goes from downtown Anchorage all the way to Kincaid park in South Anchorage. It's a great paved trail. Incredible views, wildlife, and nature - all beginning just two blocks from the apartment!
18 recommandé par les habitants
Coastal Trail - 2nd and H St
H Street
18 recommandé par les habitants
The coastal trail goes from downtown Anchorage all the way to Kincaid park in South Anchorage. It's a great paved trail. Incredible views, wildlife, and nature - all beginning just two blocks from the apartment!
Flattop is an iconic hike in Anchorage. It's fairly short and steep (1.5 - miles, 1,350 vertical ft.), and will give you incredible views from the top. But if you're not up for hiking, you can head to the trail head and where there is a look out with views of the city, the mountains, and Turnagain Arm. If you don't have a car, there is a shuttle from downtown! (http://www.alaska.org/detail/flattop-mountain-shuttle)
45 recommandé par les habitants
Flattop Mountain Trail
Blueberry Loop Trail
45 recommandé par les habitants
Flattop is an iconic hike in Anchorage. It's fairly short and steep (1.5 - miles, 1,350 vertical ft.), and will give you incredible views from the top. But if you're not up for hiking, you can head to the trail head and where there is a look out with views of the city, the mountains, and Turnagain Arm. If you don't have a car, there is a shuttle from downtown! (http://www.alaska.org/detail/flattop-mountain-shuttle)
World class trails (especially for mountain biking) just 15 minutes from downtown. The park has more than 80 miles of trails through the trees, some overlooking the Inlet. If you're feeling really ambitious you can take the coastal trail all the way there from the apartment.
197 recommandé par les habitants
Kincaid Park
9401 Raspberry Road
197 recommandé par les habitants
World class trails (especially for mountain biking) just 15 minutes from downtown. The park has more than 80 miles of trails through the trees, some overlooking the Inlet. If you're feeling really ambitious you can take the coastal trail all the way there from the apartment.