Brena's Guidebook for Anchorage
Food Scene
Local favorites for food and drinks!
You can't beat breakfast & brunch at Snow City! A local favorite!
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Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th AveYou can't beat breakfast & brunch at Snow City! A local favorite!
Best sushi in town and for a reasonable price! Don't be put off by the fact that it's attached to the Econo Lodge - you won't find better sushi in this town.
Dami Japanese Restaurant
642 E 5th AveBest sushi in town and for a reasonable price! Don't be put off by the fact that it's attached to the Econo Lodge - you won't find better sushi in this town.
This place is bomb.com! Great for brunch, lunch and cocktails! (Look for the brown bag specials on the menu! Hint: cheap drinks!)
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Spenard Roadhouse
1049 W Northern Lights BlvdThis place is bomb.com! Great for brunch, lunch and cocktails! (Look for the brown bag specials on the menu! Hint: cheap drinks!)
If hippy dippy is your jam, then get thee to Middle Way. Lots of vegan & veggie options! In the strip mall conveniently located in midtown on Spenard.
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Middle Way Cafe
1200 W Northern Lights BlvdIf hippy dippy is your jam, then get thee to Middle Way. Lots of vegan & veggie options! In the strip mall conveniently located in midtown on Spenard.
Ginger
425 W 5th Ave Asian fusion. Restaurant or bar seating.
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
420 L StreetRestaurant and bar seating. Inlet views.
Glacier Brewhouse
737 W 5th AveConsistently good food!
Modern Mexican cuisine located in the heart of downtown Anchorage at the corner of 4th & E.
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Tequila 61
445 W 4th AveModern Mexican cuisine located in the heart of downtown Anchorage at the corner of 4th & E.
Fat Ptarmigan
441 W 5th AveGood pizza and beer!
Wild Scoops
429 E StreetWho doesn't like ice cream?
Awesome wine selection and great small plates. Small restaurant - get there early for a table.
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Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar
328 G StAwesome wine selection and great small plates. Small restaurant - get there early for a table.
Low key, quiet bar/restaurant located on the 1st floor of the Captain Cook Hotel.
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Fletcher's
939 W 5th AveLow key, quiet bar/restaurant located on the 1st floor of the Captain Cook Hotel.
Southside local favorite! Great wine selection and great service - ask for Kerry!
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Southside Bistro
1320 Huffman Park DrSouthside local favorite! Great wine selection and great service - ask for Kerry!
Unique cocktails and great south side brunch location!
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South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
11124 Old Seward HwyUnique cocktails and great south side brunch location!
Phở Lena
3311 Spenard RdHands down the best pho in Anchorage!
Craving Hawaiian food? This is your place! Loco Moco for the win!
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Hula Hands Restaurant
501 W Fireweed LnCraving Hawaiian food? This is your place! Loco Moco for the win!
I believe this is THE BEST place in Anchorage for amazing food!
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Pangea Restaurant And Lounge
508 W 6th AveI believe this is THE BEST place in Anchorage for amazing food!
If you come to Anchorage and don't go to Moose's Tooth, then you're missing out. Another Anchorage institution. The best beer and pizzas hands down. Get there early or during odd times, but honestly, good luck...this place is ALWAYS packed. #worththewait
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Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward HwyIf you come to Anchorage and don't go to Moose's Tooth, then you're missing out. Another Anchorage institution. The best beer and pizzas hands down. Get there early or during odd times, but honestly, good luck...this place is ALWAYS packed. #worththewait
Long-standing, family-run Italian restaurant offering classic Italian dishes & pizza in a warm atmosphere. My go-to for Italian food in Anchorage.
Sorrento's
610 E Fireweed LnLong-standing, family-run Italian restaurant offering classic Italian dishes & pizza in a warm atmosphere. My go-to for Italian food in Anchorage.
Truly gourmet neighborhood bakery with 3 locations in Anchorage!
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Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
718 K StTruly gourmet neighborhood bakery with 3 locations in Anchorage!
Nice neighborhood restaurant with limited deck seating. Seasonally-inspired uncomplicated American fare.
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Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain StNice neighborhood restaurant with limited deck seating. Seasonally-inspired uncomplicated American fare.
One of the best burger joints in Anchorage! Go big and try their shakes and fries also! Cash only.
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Arctic Roadrunner
2477 Arctic BlvdOne of the best burger joints in Anchorage! Go big and try their shakes and fries also! Cash only.
Tommy's Burger Stop
1106 W 29th PlGourmet burgers with all the fixings!
One of my go to places for Indian food! Dishes from India, Nepal and Tibet.
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Yak & Yeti Himalayan Restaurant
3301 Spenard RdOne of my go to places for Indian food! Dishes from India, Nepal and Tibet.
Cajun cooking, emphasizing steak & local seafood, in a roadhouse with Mardi Gras-style decor. This place serves ah-mazing steaks at unbeatable prices for the ridiculous portion size! (Huge!) They do not take reservations!
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Double Musky Inn
3 Crow Creek RdCajun cooking, emphasizing steak & local seafood, in a roadhouse with Mardi Gras-style decor. This place serves ah-mazing steaks at unbeatable prices for the ridiculous portion size! (Huge!) They do not take reservations!
Free refills on unbelievably good soup and a roll with butter the size of your head! So, so good! Cash only!
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The Bake Shop
194 Olympic Mountain LoopFree refills on unbelievably good soup and a roll with butter the size of your head! So, so good! Cash only!
Seven Glaciers is Alyeska Resort’s AAA Four Diamond award winning mountain-top luxury restaurant. Accessible by tram only (tickets are free with Seven Glaciers reservation). Panoramic glacier and ocean views. And did I mention the food is out of this world?
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Seven Glaciers Restaurant
1000 Arlberg AveSeven Glaciers is Alyeska Resort’s AAA Four Diamond award winning mountain-top luxury restaurant. Accessible by tram only (tickets are free with Seven Glaciers reservation). Panoramic glacier and ocean views. And did I mention the food is out of this world?
Basically the only place I would get fried chicken in Anchorage! Not only are you supporting local, but it's an Anchorage institution!
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Lucky Wishbone
1033 E 5th AveBasically the only place I would get fried chicken in Anchorage! Not only are you supporting local, but it's an Anchorage institution!
Drinks & Nightlife
What we lack in clubs, we make up for in breweries!
Upscale bar in the Hotel Captain Cook with dance music on the weekends after 9 pm.
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The Whale's Tail
939 W 5th AveUpscale bar in the Hotel Captain Cook with dance music on the weekends after 9 pm.
Avenue Bar
338 W 4th AveF Street Station
325 F St A local favorite. Low key with excellent food!
Music, bar, food, rooftop deck, coffee - basically everything in one place.
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Williwaw Social
609 F StMusic, bar, food, rooftop deck, coffee - basically everything in one place.
Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse
610 W 6th AveGreat beer selection!
49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd AveRooftop deck! Full bar, great views!
Hookah bar, outdoor seating with live music. Dance club on weekends.
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Bernie's Bungalow Lounge
626 D StreetHookah bar, outdoor seating with live music. Dance club on weekends.
Home of the almost perfect bartenders. Local institution. Pool tables, terrible bathrooms, DJ on weekends...don't leave at bar break (2 am) unless you like asking for trouble.
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Pioneer Bar
739 W 4th AveHome of the almost perfect bartenders. Local institution. Pool tables, terrible bathrooms, DJ on weekends...don't leave at bar break (2 am) unless you like asking for trouble.
Locally owned cider company. Don't be put off by the industrial location - this place is a hidden gem! Get there early for a seat! Food trucks hosted daily!
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Double Shovel Cider Company
502 W 58th AveLocally owned cider company. Don't be put off by the industrial location - this place is a hidden gem! Get there early for a seat! Food trucks hosted daily!
Small craft brewery with weekly tours, a tasting room & full restaurant serving hearty comfort eats. Great beer!
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Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
8111 Dimond Hook DrSmall craft brewery with weekly tours, a tasting room & full restaurant serving hearty comfort eats. Great beer!
RBC is a Belgian-inspired craft brewer. Voted best new brewery in Alaska in 2015.
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Resolution Brewing Company
3024 Mountain View DrRBC is a Belgian-inspired craft brewer. Voted best new brewery in Alaska in 2015.
King Street Brewing Company
9050 King StGreat low key brewery with more European style beers than you might find elsewhere in Anchorage.
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Cynosure Brewing
144 E Potter DrGreat low key brewery with more European style beers than you might find elsewhere in Anchorage.
Parks & Nature
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation; the trail gently winds along the coast eleven miles from downtown to the chalet at Kincaid Park and is by far Anchorage's most popular trail. Leave the bustling city behind, and explore a local treasure that tells a long tale of natural and human history. Skirt the fault line of the '64 quake, stroll through scented forests, look for moose, and take in sweeping vistas where you can spot beluga whales and North America's highest peak, Mount McKinley also known as Denali all in a single view.
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Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation; the trail gently winds along the coast eleven miles from downtown to the chalet at Kincaid Park and is by far Anchorage's most popular trail. Leave the bustling city behind, and explore a local treasure that tells a long tale of natural and human history. Skirt the fault line of the '64 quake, stroll through scented forests, look for moose, and take in sweeping vistas where you can spot beluga whales and North America's highest peak, Mount McKinley also known as Denali all in a single view.
1,400 acres of rolling, forested hills and beautiful scenery. Views of Mt. Susitna across Cook Inlet; Fire Island to the Southwest; both Mt. Denali and Mt. Foraker to the North; and arguably, the best sunsets in Anchorage! Many species of wildlife roam free within the park.
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Kincaid Park
9401 Raspberry Road1,400 acres of rolling, forested hills and beautiful scenery. Views of Mt. Susitna across Cook Inlet; Fire Island to the Southwest; both Mt. Denali and Mt. Foraker to the North; and arguably, the best sunsets in Anchorage! Many species of wildlife roam free within the park.
Hillside and Hilltop park is a part of Far North Bicentennial Park system. Both parks are located on Abbott Road. Hillside Park is located on next to the Hilltop Ski Area sign or park at Hilltop Ski Area. Hilltop Chalet is open year around. http://alaska-outdoors.org/wordpress/?page_id=342
Hillside Park
Hillside and Hilltop park is a part of Far North Bicentennial Park system. Both parks are located on Abbott Road. Hillside Park is located on next to the Hilltop Ski Area sign or park at Hilltop Ski Area. Hilltop Chalet is open year around. http://alaska-outdoors.org/wordpress/?page_id=342
AWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through public education. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. The Center maintains over 200 acres of large spacious habitats for animals to feel at home and display their natural “wild” behavior. Visitors may see brown bears cooling off in the water, a bull moose strutting, wood bison roaming on pastures and more.
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward HwyAWCC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through public education. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Animals that cannot be released into the wild are given a permanent home at the center. The Center maintains over 200 acres of large spacious habitats for animals to feel at home and display their natural “wild” behavior. Visitors may see brown bears cooling off in the water, a bull moose strutting, wood bison roaming on pastures and more.
This 191.7 acre Anchorage park, which was created in 1994 as Municipal dedicated parkland, is highly valued for its wildlife habitat, coastal tidelands and recreational value. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs through it and the area has spectacular views of the inlet and surrounding mountain ranges. You can spot whales in the inlet and watch the jets land and take off from the Ted Stevens International Airport. Point Woronzof got its name from Lt. Joseph Whidbey, a member of a 1794 expedition after the Russian ambassador Count Simon Romanovitch Woronzof.
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Point Woronzof
Point Woronzof RoadThis 191.7 acre Anchorage park, which was created in 1994 as Municipal dedicated parkland, is highly valued for its wildlife habitat, coastal tidelands and recreational value. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs through it and the area has spectacular views of the inlet and surrounding mountain ranges. You can spot whales in the inlet and watch the jets land and take off from the Ted Stevens International Airport. Point Woronzof got its name from Lt. Joseph Whidbey, a member of a 1794 expedition after the Russian ambassador Count Simon Romanovitch Woronzof.
The organization aims to provide connections to nature through education, resource protection and outdoor opportunities. Hiking, cabin/yurt rentals, education & workshops. Great place to get away from it all!
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Eagle River Nature Center
32750 Eagle River RdThe organization aims to provide connections to nature through education, resource protection and outdoor opportunities. Hiking, cabin/yurt rentals, education & workshops. Great place to get away from it all!
The property was acquired as a patent from the United States Government for a park in 1917. The park is located in Block 35 of the original Anchorage town site. The park has access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and a view of the train tracks and the Cook Inlet.
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Elderberry Park
1297 W 5th AveThe property was acquired as a patent from the United States Government for a park in 1917. The park is located in Block 35 of the original Anchorage town site. The park has access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and a view of the train tracks and the Cook Inlet.
Potter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an ideal place for birders and other wildlife viewers. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings and sedges, perfect habitat for a rich variety of birds.
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Potter Marsh Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk
2999 E 154th AvePotter Marsh, at the southern end of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, is an ideal place for birders and other wildlife viewers. A wooden boardwalk winds 1,550 feet from the parking area through the marsh and across watery openings and sedges, perfect habitat for a rich variety of birds.
AKA The Park Strip by locals. The Delaney Park Strip is an 11-block park in the municipality of Anchorage. It was originally Anchorage's airfield. Features two soccer fields, six softball fields, eight tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, five horseshoe pits, an ice hockey rink and ice skating area, Memorial to Pope John Paul II, who visited the Park Strip in 1981, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Victims for Justice Tree, Purple Heart Memorial, Aviation Memorial, E.G. Fenn Memorial, POW/MIA Tree, Organ and Tissue Donor Memorial, C.A. Berg Tree & the R.O. Robertson Tree
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Delaney Park Strip
West 9th AvenueAKA The Park Strip by locals. The Delaney Park Strip is an 11-block park in the municipality of Anchorage. It was originally Anchorage's airfield. Features two soccer fields, six softball fields, eight tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, five horseshoe pits, an ice hockey rink and ice skating area, Memorial to Pope John Paul II, who visited the Park Strip in 1981, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Victims for Justice Tree, Purple Heart Memorial, Aviation Memorial, E.G. Fenn Memorial, POW/MIA Tree, Organ and Tissue Donor Memorial, C.A. Berg Tree & the R.O. Robertson Tree
Thunderbird Falls
25321 Old Glenn HighwayEasy, quick hike to Thunderbird Falls.
Trail follows cascading Falls Creek through forest as it steeply climbs to timberline. The trail peters out at the head of the valley near a small lake. Access: Falls Creek Trail-head (MP 105.6 of Seward Highway) Distance: 2.7 miles one way Elevation Gain: 2900 ft Difficulty: Moderate
Falls Creek Trail
27301 Seward HwyTrail follows cascading Falls Creek through forest as it steeply climbs to timberline. The trail peters out at the head of the valley near a small lake. Access: Falls Creek Trail-head (MP 105.6 of Seward Highway) Distance: 2.7 miles one way Elevation Gain: 2900 ft Difficulty: Moderate
From Anchorage, travel south on the Seward Hwy. After passing the Potter Weigh Station on your left, you will see a turn out for the McHugh Creek Day Use Area (MP 111). There is parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. $5 parking fee. A short walk from the parking area is a 20 ft water fall. The trail-head starts off paralleling the Turnagain Arm & there are a number of small trails that go to different lookouts. Take the trail to the left for a short distance and you will find the McHugh Trail branching off to the right. The trail zig-zags upward through the woods and provides ever better views of the Turnagain Arm and mountains. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 6.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1500ft
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McHugh Creek Trailhead
Seward HighwayFrom Anchorage, travel south on the Seward Hwy. After passing the Potter Weigh Station on your left, you will see a turn out for the McHugh Creek Day Use Area (MP 111). There is parking, restrooms, and a picnic area. $5 parking fee. A short walk from the parking area is a 20 ft water fall. The trail-head starts off paralleling the Turnagain Arm & there are a number of small trails that go to different lookouts. Take the trail to the left for a short distance and you will find the McHugh Trail branching off to the right. The trail zig-zags upward through the woods and provides ever better views of the Turnagain Arm and mountains. Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 6.4 miles Elevation Gain: 1500ft
Arts & Culture
Alaska Native Heritage Center
8800 Heritage Center DrMuseum von Anchorage
625 C StSevigny Studio
314 G StThe best art gallery in town!
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
621 West 6th AvenueDos Manos is a small gallery in Midtown Anchorage. Their offerings are mostly local and mostly handmade.
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Dos Manos
1317 W Northern Lights BlvdDos Manos is a small gallery in Midtown Anchorage. Their offerings are mostly local and mostly handmade.
Cyrano's was formed in 1995 by a loose-knit group of volunteers committed to producing professional quality dramatic works while utilizing Alaska talent.
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Cyrano's Theatre Company
3800 Debarr RoadCyrano's was formed in 1995 by a loose-knit group of volunteers committed to producing professional quality dramatic works while utilizing Alaska talent.
Zoez Window Gallery
737 W 5th AveIn Elderberry Park, located on the west end of downtown Anchorage, you will find one of the first privately built wood-frame residences completed after the auctioning of town site lots in 1915. It is the only historic house museum in Anchorage. Guided tours highlight the early history of Anchorage and the experiences of the Anderson Family.
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Oscar Anderson House Museum
420 M StIn Elderberry Park, located on the west end of downtown Anchorage, you will find one of the first privately built wood-frame residences completed after the auctioning of town site lots in 1915. It is the only historic house museum in Anchorage. Guided tours highlight the early history of Anchorage and the experiences of the Anderson Family.
Georgia Blue Gallery
3555 Arctic BlvdShopping
Locally made arts and crafts markets with a few stores you'd see in the "Lower 48" thrown in for good measure.
Spenard Farmers' Market
2555 Spenard RdAnchorage 5th Avenue Mall
320 W 5th AveDowntown Anchorage Mall
Essentials
Groceries for your Alaskan adventure!
Carrs
1501 Huffman RdClosest Carrs Grocers to the Hillside.
Costco Wholesale
330 W Dimond BlvdWho doesn't love Costco?
Closest Fred Meyer to the Hillside. Best prices and a one stop shop!
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Fred Meyer
1000 E Northern Lights BlvdClosest Fred Meyer to the Hillside. Best prices and a one stop shop!
Entertainment & Activities
For rainy days!
Century 16 and XD
301 E 36th AveBeer and cheap movies! Attached to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub is the Bear Tooth Grill, which serves Mexican inspired dishes. One of my favorite places for brunch!
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Bear Tooth Theatrepub
1230 W 27th AveBeer and cheap movies! Attached to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub is the Bear Tooth Grill, which serves Mexican inspired dishes. One of my favorite places for brunch!