We wanted a beverage before lunch and enjoyed sitting at the bar since the patio was being used for a commercial. Friendly staff and local beer. Love the happy bears statue, especially inside, and haven't seen a cigarette dispenser in forever. Fun atmosphere after the cruise ships leave! read more

Arctic Bar - Happy Bear Statue - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

This bar visit was must for us. Arctic Bar has the claim to fame of being the oldest bar in Ketchikan and my friends and I knew we needed stop by for a drink. We decided to get a round of duck farts, which contains Kahlua, Baileys, and whiskey. The shots were perfect and they know how to make them. This is a great dive bar decorated with wood carved bears locally known as Happy Bears. They have some branded products for sale and I regret not purchasing at least one item. The bar vibes are relaxed, friendly, and welcoming. They have a waterfront patio and a perfect hang out spot to enjoy the views of the water. This bar does get busy with the influx of cruise ship passengers. I do recommend stopping by just to experience the drinks and wonderful energy. read more

Arctic Bar - Cheers! - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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It's the oldest bar in Ketchikan that was established in 1937. It also happens to be the only one with a waterside view. Don't let the cruise ships, docked at the berths in front of it, discourage you. There's still a partial view that isn't covered by these monstrosities. The Happy Bears greet you before you even enter. You can definitely see why they are happy. This was our 2nd stop during our pub crawl. It was hopping with tourists (like us) that day. I'm sure there were some locals in the mix. It's a popular place to be. There's off-color humor mixed with historical murals, and lots of bar merchandise. It has its own charm. It was a great place to try something local while learning about the history of the bar. The Wildness Alaskan Cold Beer was so refreshing & light. I really like the marketing for it as it's "brewed where there's no roads in." Kind of catchy! My husband wanted to try their version of the Bloody Mary, but there wasn't enough time left. We definitely needed more time in Ketchikan. It's such a fun place. We would definitely return if ever in this area. It's popular for a reason. read more

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Nice local bar with a good beer and swag selection. Right on the water and in the heart of Ketchikan! Indoor and outdoor seating and the themed bears are hysterical! We would definitely go back! read more

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Stopped into the Arctic Bar while visiting Ketchikan. It definitely has that old-school dive bar vibe, dark, lively, and full of character. The drinks were reasonably priced and strong, but the service was hit-or-miss depending on who you caught behind the bar. Fun spot if you're looking for a no-frills, local watering hole, though it's not exactly the most welcoming or polished experience. Worth a stop for the history and atmosphere, but not a must-do. read more

Arctic Bar - Cheers - beware of beers, er, bears. - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

What a fun little bar in Ketchikan! We stopped inside because we saw a sign for $3.50 beer. Turns out it's only for Happy Bear beer (which isn't terrible, but super light). Arctic bar is your typical dive bar with indoor and outdoor seating. They also have billards and a store for merch. I loved the decor and the beer they have on tap. It was a great stop before getting back on our cruise ship. Highly recommend! read more

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Ketchikan has several dive bars but this one was my favorite. It's got a pool table and is very spacious. It is really a must see. read more

Arctic Bar - Outside - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

Draft beers were very good here, ambience was old town Alaska wood bar scene, people are cool, service was cool...

Stopped in to check out their merchandise, located immediately to your left as you walk in. There were two people inside: the female bartender and a guy at the bar. The bartender saw us come in (I mean, how could you not?!?) but didn't acknowledge us, not even after standing there for several minutes. She and the guy kept chatting completely ignoring us, like we didn't exist; like we were standing there for our health. Finally, after several minutes of waiting, my husband walked over to the bar and said, my wife would like to get a shirt. The female bartender's response was: it's cash only over there, there's an atm over there, but but made no motion or effort to leave the bar and help us out. So we asked if we just go and look at the merchandise and she said "no, you wait for me, I'll come over there." So that was that. We decided to leave. For a place that advertises "come drink with the locals" this bartender is one unwelcoming, unfriendly, and rude local. Don't waste your time here. They don't welcome your business. There's no shortage of places to eat, drink, shop, and be merry in Ketchikan and this place isn't it. One star is being generous. read more

Arctic Bar - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

The Arctic Bar is as rugged as Ketchikan itself. No gimmicks, just stiff drinks, salty locals, and a view that'll stop you in your tracks. It's the kind of place where the weathered walls could tell stories, and nobody cares if you're fresh off a boat or born here -- everyone's welcome. Grab a seat on the deck if the rain lets up, and soak it all in. This is real Alaska. read more

Lovely staff, very accommodating. Thank you Coleen! Justin at the bar made a perfectly spicy bloody Mary that I've been craving for, but never knew it. (The bloody marys on the princess cruise have been very lackluster, bland, and only memorable for being as such). Plus, the "ahoy fuckers!" And the happy bears logo is something to etch Ketchikan into my memory. Thank you. read more

Arctic Bar - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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Fabulous cozy bar with a lot of local history. You must visit the "happy bear" shrine, you'll understand when you visit. A favorite of the locals located right at the port. The spicy Bloody Mary is a fan favorite and pub prices are good too. Since it has a little history you can purchase shirts, stickers, etc. Worth a visit! read more

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Good selection of drafts. We had an amber and a pilsner. Very tasty at 10 AM. The happy bears out front will welcome you in!

Did a mini pub crawl and I liked most of the bars I visited, but this was my favorite. It is great dive bar with a pool table and a lot of funny decorations built around their happy bears theme. They have a friendly staff and a nice beer selection with reasonable prices. I sat on the covered patio and took in the beautiful view overlooking the harbor. read more

Arctic Bar - View from patio - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

OK, the graphics of two bears may be a bit much for some....but this is one of the oldest bars...right next to the main port in Ketchikan. The owner, a lady who's worked here 35 years and has owned it for 25 years May well stop by your table to chat. She is very nice and welcoming like you'll find in many Alaskan ports. We had some of the ice cold drafts from Alaska Brewery. Great views, environment and prices! read more

Arctic Bar - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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A very easy walk from the cruise ships with a good variety of craft beers on tap. There were a few locals and a few tourists. It wasn't crowded at all. Good break from the cruise. read more

Good bar, Tiger, Paula and Alisha excellent bartenders. Good WiFi but lousy local cell service. Easy walk from all the cruise ships. NO FOOD SERVED HERE ANYMORE! read more

Nothing special about this bar other than the two bears outside getting it on. I was expecting more since a few ppl recommended this spot. The vibe is definitely more boring here than at the Totem Bar. Bartenders weren't as friendly as they were at the other bar. But it's definitely a bar you have to check out if you're in Ketchikan. Grab at least 1 beer and go bar hopping. Apparently they have 9 bars in the area. read more

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The bar is right next to the cruise terminal. It has a fun level of crude, adult humor. It's a great place for some memorable vacation photos and souvenirs. read more

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We visited this bar on our first stop during a Ketchikan pub crawl. It is the oldest bar in the city and full of history and good stories. We tried the Happy Bear Brew which was an average beer. My husband also had an "Irish Death" which was similar to a Guinness and quite good. We next tried a "Duck Fart" shot which is apparently the shot to have when you're in Alaska. It's made with Crown Royal, Kahlua, and Bailey's......stronger than it sounds. The bar tender, Willy, was talkative & friendly. (and supposedly he makes the best bloody Marys in town.) It's a small place and built up on pilings right on the edge of the port. There is a patio with great views of the cruise port where you can drink & smoke, but you need to order drinks inside. There are cute (adult) comical T-shirt's and novelties for sale that picture the famous "Happy bears" statue. Great touristy place, but also a local favorite. They start serving at 7:00 a.m.! read more

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Awesome spot to hang out out in Ketchikan and have a tasty spicy bloody mary or a mystery shot! Loved this port during our half day port experience. Wished we were in Ketch longer. Definitely recommend this cool dive bar, right on the water and be sure to take a picture with Paula's Happy Bear read more

Everyone should be like us and stumble upon this place! Bartender was gracious, welcoming and didn't short us on our drinks! Not everyone has to overcharge and underdeliver. Thank you for a great people watching spot without breaking the bank! read more

Staff was super nice. Awesome bloody Marys! Not to be missed. Hope to return one day.

If you want to go to a fun bar. Here it is. The drinks are good and the atmosphere is crazy. Be sure to buy a tee shirt before you leave. Prices are reasonable and service is great. read more

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We enjoyed a great view on the patio just hanging out. I did NOT enjoy all the smokers- I'm definitely not used to that. The bar was packed and they had no waitstaff, so you had to wait at the bar & get your own drinks, which was very slooooww. My cocktail was just okay. We ate burgers, which were decent. They had live music at 7pm, so we enjoyed the tunes & the sunset. I really didn't like all the smokers - just sayin'. read more

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Stopped in during our stop in Ketchikan. This is a really cool bar. The owner is super nice and struggling with the same thing anyone is these days on getting people to show up for work. There were 3 cruise ship in port and bar tender was a no show. She was trying to run the entire bar by herself. Service was on the slow side but she was very apologetic and friendly. Beer was nice and cold. If you not easily offended the T-Shirts rock in this place. Make sure you take a photo with the bears by the front door. Definitely worth a stop if your looking for a beer and a few laughs! read more

In my opinion, absolutely the best thing happening in Ketchikan! I like going to places that are filled with local color! I'm sure this place was swamped because I was here off of a cruise! I liked the idea of dedicating my money spent in Ketchikan to the Arctic Bar and I was glad I did. I even came home heavy one collectors T-shirt. read more

Ok so this place was a must stop JUST because of the "Happy Bears" statue up front! Bought a pint glass and a few drinks...great spot! read more

Arctic Bar - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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YES!!! Love this bar!! Definitely if you are looking for a great dive bar in Ketchikan, you need to check this one out. The bar's two bears in a precarious pose (humping, actually) is what lured us in to check it out... but it was pretty darn cool inside!! Plenty of beers on tap and a full bar with typical dive bar bartenders. And, I believe her name was Paula, she was awesome and made us giggle quite a bit with her "argh" attitude. Perfect! They sell shirts too, so if you are interested in one.... The back deck/patio overlooks the water and the ships. Rustic, cool and definitely this is a watering hole to check out. CHEERS!!! read more

Arctic Bar - Arctic Bar.... - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

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Filled with Happy customers... locals and tourists. Drinks were served as you wished and food, even though I didn't have any, looked appealing and yummy. Simple and none assuming yet fun and lively, in a good times kinda different. This bar had its own souvenir shop, and even though it's relatively not a huge place, they have managed to fit in a bit of outdoor space, a pool table area, and some space to set up a band. I was told: Town has 29 churches and 30+bars therefore "therefore residents pray to drink". Extremely happy with my drink (and the great background music mix of country & rock) and to have been able to visit the oldest bar in Ketchikan and the 9th oldest in Alaska. Only downside: a friend wanted to purchase a t-shirt and they didn't carry all sizes. She was disappointed and insisted I mention it. read more

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Great bar - so fun! Definitely worth stopping in. Friendly service, indoor/outdoor seating. Great location. Say hi to the bears!

Local bar to hang out at. Cruise ship stop over to avoid crowds with a home town vibe. read more

This bar is awesome, and the woman who owns it is absolutely hilarious! Strong drinks, good prices, talkative and friendly staff. I had the honor of attending a local fund raising event where Paula (the owner of Arctic Bar) played as the auctioneer. She had hundreds of attendees laughing, and most importantly, opening their wallets. I absolutely loved having a front row seat to watch the way this awesome community pulls together. It. made me feel like I was part of something special....even if I was only a tourist for a few glorious days. This is a unique place owned by someone with a beautiful heart. Stop in and show support when in Ketchikan. *WE LOVE LIBBY! read more

I am 19 years old. I asked for a beer and the bartender gladly served it to me (with horrible service). AFTER she served me the beer, she asked for my ID. I asked her why she didn't ask me for it before and she ignored the question and asked for my ID. I gave it to her, and she kicked me threatening to call the police. Absolutely horrible. read more

Alaskan Warmth through and through. Love the deck, drinks, water view, fun atmosphere and great music venues.

We made our way from the docks on a very wet and windy day. Immediately met our hostess Paula when we walked in the door. We also immediately became aware of Paula's no holds bared tell it like it is powerful personality. Guinness and a Jamison started off our visit with food delivered from the Burger Queen . Wrapped up with the special Homemade Bloody Marys. read more

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Stopped in two weeks ago, first port on an Alaskan cruise. The beer selection wasn't overwhelming, the Willie made bloody was good...I opted for the mild due to sailing. Although he did offer to make it medium or spicy too! The locals were friendly...with all my chattyness! Spent my entire time in port here...as I once asked to everyone in general "is there anywhere else I need to go while here?" All answered: you just need to be here! The beertenders... Justin and Willie were super friendly and funny. Definitely worth the short jaunt from port! Thanks Arctic Bar for making my FIRST ever stop in Alaska so fun & memorable! Cheers!! read more

Arctic Bar - be sure to buy this AWESOME shirt!! - Pubs Near Me - Ketchikan, Alaska

This bar is absolutely the best!!! Get the Bloody Mary and a beer your choice they taste great together. The staff is the best!! We laughed until we cried. The staff keeps it real, it makes you feel like home!!! Happy bear hazy is amazing! read more

A nice place to come and just have a drink. Bartender looks like she just fought her best friend and takes it out on everybody.sept 29th 2023. Hope she is not the owner. We went across the street to the ( The Asylum ) met the bartender Adrian who welcomed us with open arms. I bought 2 rounds of drinks for everyone there and gave her a very large tip. read more

So you know, I do lots of positive reviews. This is only my 3rd 1 star review as I take giving a negative review very seriously. Walked in, thought "this will be fun"! (See pics)....Eclectic fun environment, history surrounds of this 1930's bar with outdoor seating overlooking the beautiful marina. Saw a school of pink salmon swimming below us. So cool! Sadly.... If I could give it a zero I would. After thinking we were going to have a couple great hours here.....Stood at the bar, after my man was served awhile before me.( I hadn't made up my mind yet on what I wanted)....but both ladies working became super rude as soon as I walked up. Kept serving men, friendly to them. Cleaned glasses the whole time right in front of me repeatedly, around stopping to serve others (men) but wouldn't give me eye contact so I could order. I was the only one at the bar for a moment and still continued to not "notice" me. Asked twice to order a drink "please". Response without eye contact "it'll be a few minutes". Me..."ok, thank you". Then serves another guy. I ask again. Again "it'll be a few minutes". Finally I walked away. Helped my decision to walk away as I watched the one woman (owner?) take one guys glass he had the previous drink in, used it to fill from the (clean?) ice bin instead of using an ice scoop to fill it up. All the while with the other hand holding his straw from the drinking end. I'm an RN, notice these things as sensitive to clean ways of doing things when it can effect our health. Went and told my husband I tried to order two times, don't want anything now from this place, he goes in anyway to see what they do, say and they tell him they were looking for something needed to make my drink.....I had not ordered specifically yet, just asked to order a drink (they were in front of me at the bar the whole time making a point to ignore me). Yeah, right. They were very welcoming and service oriented during the rush of people from the cruise ship. Heard her ask them to give good reviews on the Facebook page for other cruise people to see. Guess us people here for longer vacations don't matter. Also, FYI.... Heard people asking about price of t shirt, hat etc. Again, guess it's who you are. Heard $25 as an answer. Then $15 for the same item. Skip this place people!!!! We went across the street to the Asylum and had a great drink, time and friendly service. Go there!!! read more

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