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While Alaska is better known for its glaciers and mountains, wildlife and cultures, it is also famed for its award-winning locally brewed beer, which includes Alaskan Amber and Alaskan Summer Ale.
If you are heading on one of our Alaskan cruises, then you will have chance to try some of these tasty tipples as there are lots of beer tours from Big Swig Tours available in Alaska. So with this in mind and to celebrate International Beer Day, which took place at the start of this month, we guide you through some of the best pubs and bars in Alaska.
49th State Brewing Company
This authentic Alaskan bar is renowned for serving great beer and for boasting a menu that features a variety of local ingredients.
It is the only brewpub restaurant that serves the traditional Alaskan yak burger, but it is also one of the top places for you to visit to try local beer. The 49th State Brewing Company is home to award-winning beer and this includes small-batch, handcrafted artisan ales and lagers that are brewed in Alaska and on site.
The brewpub is based in both Anchorage and Denali, but the Anchorage location is a particularly popular destination thanks to its rooftop patio overlooking the Cook Inlet and Alaska Range mountains.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
Baked Blonde is an unfiltered golden ale that boasts some fruit, floral and honey notes. This sweet ale would be lovely alongside a Yak burger.
Glacier Brewhouse
The Glacier BrewHouse serves up a spectrum of homemade beers, which the bar is famous for. There is also a mouth-watering menu on offer with burgers, steaks, seafood and snacks that are roasted in the only alder-wood-fired rotisserie in Alaska.
The Glacier BrewHouse, which is based in Anchorage’s trendy downtown area, specialises in craft beers and oak-aged beers. In total, there are seven signature beers as well as a rotating menu of seasonal brews such as cherry wheat and stouts.
From seafood to the meats roasted on the alder-wood-fired rotisserie, there are lots of delicious meals you can enjoy alongside the signature beers that are on offer.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
Despite the name, the Bavarian Hefeweizen is a favourite locally-brewed beer and its fruity aromas of banana and clove, mixed in with premium German Pilsner Malt and German Tettnang hops, make for a tasty concoction. This refreshing and smooth beer would go nicely with a seafood dish.
McGinley’s Pub
If you’re after a fun night with great food and drink, then McGinley’s Pub is the place to go.
Here you can experience fun “happy hours” and enjoy a drink with some famous locals as Anchorage’s mayor, Dan Sullivan, is a co-owner.
McGinley’s is known for its great atmosphere and just like all good Irish pubs there is lots of live music for you to enjoy. Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday there is live music that ranges from Irish music to rock ‘n’ ‘roll.
The pub is renowned for its food offering and popular dishes include mac and cheese, beef and Guinness stew and corned beef with cabbage and potatoes.
With its 12 beers on tap, a selection of Irish whiskey, great food, music and sport, this pub is a the place to rub elbows with the locals during your Alaska holiday.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
It is also the only pub in Alaska where you can get a pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout, so make the most of it. Why not enjoy your Murphy’s Irish Stout with McGinley’s mac and cheese?
Bonanza Bar & Grill
The Bonanza Bar & Grill in Skagway is a restaurant that is a combination of an Irish pub and a sports bar.
It serves traditional pub grub like burgers and fish and chips, but it is renowned for boasting a great atmosphere. With its enormous horseshoe-shaped bar and dance floor, it really does have a lively atmosphere.
The bar and grill is a popular destination for the locals who come to taste the five Alaskan-brewed beers that are on tap, including the Alaskan White Ale. There are also a selection of cocktails to try as well as karaoke, dance parties and regular live music to enjoy.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
The Bonanza Bar & Grill is famed for its Alaska Chowder, which comes with a delicious tomato basil dipping sauce, and you can wash it down with an Alaskan White Ale.
Base Camp Bar
The Base Camp Bar in Denali has Alaskan beers on tap, an array of wines and lots of spirits from the Alaska Distillery, making this a great place to go for a drink from the region.
The bar is home to a large outdoor area and the views of the Alaska Range are stunning. The bar also offers pub-style food and fresh seafood.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
Try the Alaskan Summer ale, which has been based on the traditional brewing style of the Cologne beer, Kölsch. The Alaskan salmon BLT would go very nicely with the Alaskan Summer ale as the ale’s freshness will complement the salmon.
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
This a local favourite in Anchorage and whilst it is known for serving the best pizza in Alaska, there is plenty of locally brewed beer you can try as well.
The Moose’s Tooth was founded back in 1996 and now the Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria has expanded and offers a Theatrepub and outdoor concerts.
When you head to Moose’s Tooth you can choose from 25 beers. If you want an experience like no other, then you should head to the Bear Tooth Theatrepub where you can enjoy a classic Alaskan ale and watch a Hollywood movie or a local play at the same time!
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
You just have to try one of the Moose’s Tooth’s iconic pizzas such as the Club pizza, which combines mozzarella and provolone cheeses, shredded romaine lettuce, diced roma tomatoes, turkey, smoked ham and bacon. Alongside your meal you should drink the classic Moonflower beer as its mellow, malty body and citrusy character is delicious with pizza.
McGivney’s Downtown Sports Bar & Grill
The McGivney’s Downtown Sports Bar & Grill is a typical North American neighbourhood sports bar tucked away in Juneau.
Although many locals will head to the bar to enjoy a drink and watch their team play on the TV, McGivney’s is well-known for its top-quality food.
From salads and appetisers to grills, seafood and burgers, there is lots of choice.
The bar is fully-loaded with well-known beers, Alaskan ales and signature cocktails. What’s more, you can enjoy a range of special offers such as its burger and beer Monday night special offer.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
The grilled rib eye on offer at McGivney’s is a very popular dish. The 14 oz. dry-aged Angus beef comes with seasonal vegetables, baked potato and chimichurri sauce. After a large meal like this you might be best trying one of the cocktails that McGivney’s is famous for, such as its new signature cocktail, The Shipwreck.
Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon is a world-famous saloon that opened during the heyday of Juneau’s Gold Rush mining era. Since its early beginnings the bar has expanded and now even sells merchandise.
The saloon is now owned by local Juneauites, but it still serves great food and great local Alaskan brews. There is live music every day and there is no reservation required.
The local beer on tap here includes Alaskan Summer Ale, Alaskan Amber and Alaskan Icy Bay. The food menu is also extensive with food such as Klondike ribs, Cold Bay crab cakes and North Slope pizza.
Our favourite tasty treats and what to wash them down with
The Klondike ribs are nearly a pound of pork ribs that are covered in BBQ sauce and come with chips or potato salad. A nice drink to go with the ribs is the Alaskan Amber ale as it is known for being well-balanced and not too heavy on the stomach.
Image Credit: slgckgc, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Antti T. Nissinen, Cathy Stanley-Erickson, Bernard Spragg. NZ (flickr.com)
