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This place is what I call punny. Bar is near the cruise port so it is walking distance. Unless you're on NCL but the shuttle from ward cove drops you off near by. It's just a longer distance. Didn't order any food just had drinks. The drinks were great. Since it's near the cruise port this bar does get busier. But the service was ok. Good place to vibe and have a drink.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
We popped into the Arctic Bar while in port during our Alaskan cruise, specifically on a mission for a Bloody Mary...and wow, did it deliver! It was honestly one of the best Bloody Marys I have ever had in my life. Beyond the great drinks, the bartender was an absolute superstar. The place was packed to the brim, and she was handling the entire crowd like a total pro. I was blown away by her speed and efficiency; she was pouring multiple beers at once, whipping up cocktails in record time, and even tackling her own dishes alongside another lady who was helping wash glasses. She didn't miss a single beat. The atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and genuine. We ended up chatting with fellow cruise travelers at the bar, swapping stories, and just enjoying the great energy of the room. It's an authentic local gem with unbeatable character. If you're stopping through Ketchikan, do not miss this place. Grab a stool, order a Bloody Mary, and enjoy the show...highly, highly recommended! read more
27 days ago
The Arctic Bar is one of those "gotta stop" at locations on the dock area in Ketchikan. When the cruise ships pull in, they tend to blast the music and over their intercom, they will advertise to the tourists getting off the ship to come visit and join in the fun times at their bar. To start, they have two lovely Alaskan wooden carved bears peeping through the front entrance. Once inside, those bears look a little different. IYKYK! the staff inside is plenty rowdy and you cannot help but laugh at the scenery. The best place on a nice day is their back waterfront deck. They will bring you a Bloody Mary that might just knock your socks off. Just DON'T RING THE BELL ON THE BAR!! read more
Convenient location right next to cruise port. Very friendly people. Attentive staff and nice!!! Bar vibes and moody inside. There's a deck overlooking boardwalk and where the ships park. Actually saw a whale feeding from the deck. Beers were good. Cocktails were medicinal in taste. Would not recommend those. Terrific slogan and they sell shirts, hats, glasses, etc. We had a couple of people grab shirts. Great statue for their mascot as well. Just a super friendly place that has good beer! read more
This place is what I call punny. Bar is near the cruise port so it is walking distance. Unless you're on NCL but the shuttle from ward cove drops you off near by. It's just a longer distance. Didn't order any food just had drinks. The drinks were great. Since it's near the cruise port this bar does get busier. But the service was ok. Good place to vibe and have a drink. read more
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
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
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
1 month ago
Stumbled into this bar and wound up sitting next to the owner at an outdoor table. A sweet and powerful woman. Had a great time chatting with some of the welcoming locals. Be sure to visit! read more
4 months ago
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
4 months ago
2 years ago
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
1 year ago
1 year ago
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
2 years ago
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
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
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
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
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
1 year ago
3 years ago
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
2 years ago
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
2 years ago
8 years ago
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
3 years ago
4 years ago
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
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
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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Kara J.
Thank you so much for the review. My deepest apologies that we were…
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509 Water St
Ketchikan, AK 99901
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(907) 225-4709
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