Is there such a thing as the quintessential "Dive Bar?" If so, Koots fits the bill. A dark maze of fun-filled rooms, a sassy bartendress and a brooding crowd. (Chef's kiss ) read more

Koot's - Girl's Night Out - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

This place was very interesting. I spent 4 years of my life in Anchorage before visiting koots. I feel like Koots is somewhat of an institution to the town so I was definitely curious about the bar. I'm glad I went to check it out, but outside of going there for a show I don't see myself going back. Seriously gave me college bar/frat house basement party vibes. Considering I went to a Big 10 school in the middle of Illinois I'm very well versed in that type of establishment/vibe. It's not exactly the kind of place I want to go to as a 30 something year old. I went there for a burlesque show. Shout out to Pulse Dance Company! The show was amazing and tons of fun. The bar itself I don't think has had any updates since like maybe 1995, and that estimate is probably generous. This bar was probably the place to be when it first opened, but now it's kind of just tired and sad. It could probably be better if they took the time & money to renovate it, but they don't really have an incentive since people go there regardless. Koot's kind of just exists, but considering Anchorage is the biggest metropolitan area Alaska has it's a confusing type of establishment to find here. If you're looking to party though it seems to be the spot! read more

We had a blast at this bar with 6 different bars inside to choose from! Different vibes in each one. The door says Chilkoot Charlie's but locals call it Koots. We had a blast ...Live music each day. So good! read more

See all

I'm giving it 5 stars just for the wacky layout and the numerous areas throughout the place. I'm guessing it's like 10,000 sq ft with a several bar areas. I went at 6 on a Friday just because I was in the area and wanted to check it out. I'll have to go back when it's hoppin. I was told it would be packed by 10:00. I don't doubt it. read more

See all

This is the coolest bar I've ever seen. It's been featured on lots of TV shows because it's not just one bar. It's a bunch of bars under the same roof with different themes. I don't know how to explain this place other than to say you must see it to believe it when you first walk in there is a regular bar and from there you walk through a cool old arcade, then you're in a show and just behind our pool tables rooms include banquet room, and small themed bars. One of them includes a small bar with underwear all over the ceiling. I love this place and I recommend it to everyone!!! read more

Known as Chilkoot Charlie's when I grew up here, the sign remains the same! Perhaps the 'creator'... NM, just inquired with the bartender it's known still by both names. Tonight is a very reasonable Mystery Beer on Tap (1 of 3 locals from the Alaskan Brewing Company). I was told ahead of time it's the Icy Bay IPA so not so much of a mystery ha ha. Friendly crowd of 9 at 7:10p if you are also friendly. Security guard came in at 7p. This was 'the bar' growing up that I was too young to patron. I left to attend ASU at 19. Darker lightning - real wood and 3 equally separate screens playing MNF. John Cougar Melancamp on the juke. Poker, live stage, arcade n food. Nice. read more

Koot's - Signage / Front of establishment - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

See all

If I could 0 stars I would. My friend, who is from Illinois, is of age and got denied at the door and threatened to get put in handcuffs. They literally counted down from 10. Mind you this is a REAL government ID that she needs to get on the plane to get back to Chicago. They refused to give it back to her, and we had to call the police to get the ID back. She pulled up a photo of an old expired ID, and the security men couldn't even read it correctly - they thought the issue date was her birthday - which would make her less than 10 years old. Genuinely, they were just a bunch of dumb men who don't know how to read a real government ID. It's a bad look, and I will gladly never return. Hopefully they can figure out their issues and lack of knowledge because it's just losing business from people who are of age and trying to have a good time. read more

Koots is great, but DJ Blaque harassed my friends and I. My friend was forced on stage and humiliated in front of the crowd because she requested a song from her phone. Thanks for ruining the night and being a terrible DJ...learn how to mix tracks and be nicer to your crowd. read more

Sheesh, wow. I don't get want to get personal, but I'll just say that one of the bartenders on the weekdays here is comically bad. To the point where I sometimes wonder if I'm on a hidden camera reality show. I've said "house red" about 30-40 times over the past year, and half the time the bartender will respond with "we don't have any red ales". When I'm able to convey I mean red wine, the bartender is never able to find the red wine listed on the menu or simply doesn't have a house red wine. Despite a situation that has happened dozens of times, from myself alone, there always seems to be confusion and chaos behind the bar. This happens nearly every time. This whole dog and pony show only begins after I've waited for service for 10 minutes while only 2-3 other people are sitting at the bar. I'm not into ragging on places for a one-time mistake that happens when they are busy. But this is just a repeated lack of service that happens almost every dang time. And to repeat, this happens when they are DEAD. Also, the last time I was here the bartender told me they were doing steak night. When, after 20 minutes, no one came to take my order, I walked over to the kitchen where they told me "we aren't doing steak." with no explanation. So I chugged my stale house/not-house red and then left. Now I'm told that people that do the food for Koots are leaving. Goodbye Koots, and good luck. read more

The place is a great dive bar but the my dad and I ended up getting drugged with fentanyl in our beer from being an out of towner I'm assuming. After finding out the bartender did help us get to safety in a Lyft to our hotel without being robbed or worse. read more

When I informed the bartender that a chair was about to come apart, I was informed that since she didn't sit on that side of the bar it wasn't her problem. I remember when bartenders used to look out for you, but I guess those days are gone. read more

Jj was the absolute best part of this amazing Labyrinth of many bars and entertainments. Thank you for everything! I'll be back just for you it meant so much! read more

The night went well until it was near closing. Some random girl tries to force herself on me that clearly worked for the company. They try to be sneaky and over pay my cheap drink with $20. The bartender Meagan said "score!" Which showed me that I was not their first! I let it fly because I generally tip high anyways. However, she assumed I was wasted but I was very much pretending just to see where this would go. She proceeded to ask me about my job and pry into my life all to attempt to distract me and have me tip a ridiculous amount when I closed my tab. I still tipped higher than I normally would have, even though they clearly attempted to con me and take advantage of an "intoxicated customer" and that was after she had kissed me to try to bend my will even more using infatuation. The final straw was when she went around the bar telling everyone I was cheating on my wife when I am a happily divorced man. With this she was no longer just attempting to take advantage of a man she thought was intoxicated. She now attacking my character as a man. This was absolutely unethical as a business and the fact they got girls out there doing this is more than enough for me to refuse my to give them another penny in business. There are plenty of ethical establishments out there. Don't waste your money here! read more

Love this place for its ambiance, variety (of bars and entertainment), friendly/interesting wait staff, and now STEAK?! Went here for the millionth time last night to give "steak night" a try- $12 bucks for a pretty good ribeye! Cooked perfectly and really juicy! I even went the extra mile and added the onion and mushrooms for a buck - sooo worth it! The only thing I don't like is that all of the sides are an additional cost... why not just make it $15 and include one? Seems silly when everything is separate. That said, I'll definitely be back for some free pool and steak! read more

Koot's - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Koots is a must see to understand kinda place. If you come too early you get to see how dirty the place really is. I'm not a huge fan of having to pay a cover so I don't frequent here often. Then offer a lot of live music. Cold drinks and many different rooms to chose from. read more

Cute, old, fun and nice during the week. I do like how people are allowed to practice comedy; even if they are new. But oh man; the worst mixed drinks...ever. Only get a glass of wine or beer; not worth buying a cocktail. It's better if you go to a gas station and get a fountain drink and pour some Night Train in it and sip in the parking lot before paying $12 for a martini. read more

Alaska is not a party town, more so for the views and the eats. Snow life. But the vibe was nice and chill with friendly people. Would recommend. read more

They try'na turn up on Saturdays! Koots still pretty decent..it's still a good place to pregame at.. read more

Koot's - Koots bar is still decent.. - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Best 5 bars in 1 in Alaska minus the crappy staff! I would LOVE to give this place 5 stars but after a night there, my initial 5 dropped to a 1... the original Koots has been bought out by former employees... while admirable, clearly their discombobulated approach to management is why the are in the red... 2 of our bartenders were GIGANTIC assholes, they barely acknowledged a group wiling to spend money and seemed more interested in themselves. This could be an incredible place, incredible potential.... I hope the owners pull their head out of their asses and realize what they have read more

See all

An institution in Anchorage. A fun little dive bar with dancing , karaoke, and a bit of Alaskan history.

6/17/21 - 10p: Sat at the bar in full view of two bartenders for 15 mins. I was completely ignored, while otger patrons who came-in after me were served. I will never go back. read more

This bar is world famous. I first came here about six years ago, when Viva Voom Burlesque was performing their Star Wars routine. I find Koots to be very creative. What's cool of this place is they have different themed bar areas. The rock and roll room, which is the first bar you walk into when you literally walk into the bar is one of my favorites. The other two are country and R&B themed. They also have this area called the Bird House. There, you can get a free drink if you trade a bra or pair of underwear right where you stand. You have to staple said bra or underwear to the wall. Two of my friends have done it. I'm too modest to do something like that. LOL! The drinks are decently priced, and the staff is happy to answer any questions. Some of their soda can taste a little flat, but that's an easy fix. read more

Great place for music and night life dancing etc.. Multiple bands on stages with at least 10 unique bars on a saw dust covered floor all under one roof. I lived one block away for a few years, this place was unbelievable, music with volume and content talented bands, music and beers always flowing. Yours! ~ Samuel F. Campbell * Patient Observation Aid 2016-Present * Administrative Executive Assistant -2013 * B-52 Tail Gunner/Aircraft Electrician -1976 * An Emerging Contemporary Artist - Digital, Audio, & Visual Acoustic Guitar, Grand Piano, Voice, Harmonica Oil Paintings 1976-resent * Computer Operator/Recycling Technician/Programming 2016-Present: Linux and MS Windows - (Linux: Ubuntu, Mate, Cinnamon, Xfce, Fedora), (Python and Pearl programming Language), * Linux samuel-Latitude-E6400, 3.16.0-38-generic, #52~14.04.1-Unbuntu , SMP Friday May 8, 09:43:57 UTC 2015, x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux [samuel@samuel-Latitude-E6400 ~ $ GNU Bash4.3 * D.O.B.: 6-30-1957 Cancer, email: samuelfcampbell2003@yahoo.com email: samuelfcampbell@Gmail.com Web Site: www.samuelfcampbell Memphis TN 38111 read more

Ah, Chilkoot Charlie's...... A Spenard institution for so many years and THE place to go for fun on the weekends.....not really. I went here for Monday Night Football on Monday and there was a sparse crowd in the bar area where it was being aired on a large projection screen. The bartender was not very friendly. He was more interested in talking with one of the drunken regulars than making a drink. Sal's Grill across from the bar has some decent pizza but the garlic knots were stale and doughy. The atmosphere was down and depressing. It was my first time back in 12 years. I'll probably come back in another 12 years. read more

It always shocks me when I see such poor reviews of Koots. I've never had a bad experience that involves the staff, only with the patrons that don't know when enough is enough. People don't realize that the staff (security especially) is incredibly protective of those patrons/guests/regulars who treat them well. You will be taken care of. I've gotten the privilege to get know a few of the staff members. They're regular people who deal really well with the feisty drunks. The bar itself is a local loved tradition, they are very community involved, extremely active in local and popular music, and they're always throwing fun events. There's so much history in Koots. (Be sure to check out the hallway upstairs that leads to the Russian Room. Super neat!) In the summer time, it's that much busier. They hold a market every weekend in their parking lot, and it's small but always pleasant to attend. They also get big name bands to come play for us. I actually got to go see Buckcherry when they were here a few summers ago. SO FUN! The prices are pretty fair, especially if you go get a a beer or a pitcher before 9 o'clock. There's several different areas to get a drink from on the weekends/summertime, so if you prefer one bartender over another, you can just go find them... If I remember correctly, there's 10 different bars to get a drink from. I'm usually sitting near the house band and I can't complain about my drinks I've had. I love coming to this bar, and I'll always love it. My ONLY negative with this place... I got cut off after only 3 beers the last weekend I was out (for Delmag) because I was with a group of friends and was not acting like my usual quiet conservative self that the staff knows me to be. I get they have a lot of people to watch out for, but I've never caused any issues. I'd like to step out of my comfort zone without getting in "trouble" for it. The bouncers are not bullies, they've ALWAYS made me feel safe and comfortable. This is a well ran bar. Gotta check it out! read more

Koot's - Dance floor in between sets - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

See all

Tons of different bars all over the building. Sometimes it feels like a haunted house up in there! The bird house is epic! read more

This review is specifically for the food within Koot's. Being gluten free I didn't have high hopes that there would be anything for me to eat at Koot's, but I was very wrong. I had a (dare I say - quite good) steak salad, with romaine, onions and tomatoes. I would for sure go back and order this dish again. The gentleman who worked there listed lots of options (not GF friendly but still looked good) that were made from scratch. The French fries looked delicious as well. To top it off there there are lots of condiment options for your meals including different hot sauces. This is quite a difference from other times I've been to Koot's and I'm super excited about it. read more

I do not feel safe at this bar and also had my car broken into. I was only at this event for an hour. Security is terrible here... absolutely ridiculous. Don't waste your time. read more

Saturday night at Koot's is fun. It's like an indoor bar mall. It caters to a wide variety of people. There's a bar in there for everyone. There's paid live music, free live music, a DJ room, areas where music is just right if you want to hang out with friends and catch up. Nobody cares what you wear or even if you can dance. Just come and have fun. Saw older women in gowns and pearls, a guy in a kilt, ladies in fur dancing the night away. Alaskans are not slaves to fashion. Alcohol prices are moderate. The pizza however did not look appetizing so I'll stay away from them. read more

See all

This place is hilarious. I visited Anchorage and was told I gotta check out Koot's. So glad we made a happy hour stop here! This place is massive and has lots of fun decor...including the saw dust flooring, lol. $2.50 for a pint of Newcastle, score. The room with the underwears and bras was outstanding. Multiple stages, must be a bumping place at night! Such a funny bar, glad we stopped in! read more

See all

This place has live music of different genres and sometimes good shows. It has different rooms playing at the same time for you to choose. Good variety of drinks and even Pizza! You can se various age groups enjoying which for menos awesome. read more

Love this bar! If you are in Anchorage, you must stop in and have a drink! There are at least 6 bars all within one location so make sure to walk around! Each bar is unique and offers something for everyone. Live music and events like karaoke and open mic are common. I also recommend inquiring about private event spaces. There are more bars hidden within the establishment that you most likely dont know about!! Make sure to chat with Wicked Wanda in the bird house if you want to hear some history read more

Excellent time! Such a cool and creative bar, so many options to have fun and enjoy yourself! I will definitely come back when I visit Anchorage again! read more

Very cool bar or I should say bars. Inside is a maze of different bars. Some use to be separate buildings that were all merged into one via small hallways and stairs. The bars have various themes but the overall feel is eccletic dive bar. Live bands play in different bars. Most important, the servers and owners are very nice. read more

See all

Delicious cocktails I have had in The Birdhouse at Koots, created by the Genius Mat Becker: - Ladyboy With an Alibi - Horny Pilgrim - Liquid Marijuana - Buffalo Bill - Captain and Tennille - Hopes and Dreams - Pot Brownie - Molly Ringwald's Butthole - Tundra Wookie - and "Gay Porn" by Autumn - it's got Triple X and it's fruity! read more

Koot's - Birds nest! - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Came with a group of buddies on a weekday. Pretty slow night but friendly crowd. Security was nice and let me know if anyone tries to mess with us he doesn't tolerate it. The first room is for drinking they have pizza on the side and you can order bar food. Second room was karoeke that night. The other was an arcade room, and a weird tucked in the back drinking bar with underwear and bras hanging everywhere. A smoking/patio area outside or just to hangout was pretty cool. read more

Koot's - The classic wurlitzer among bras and panties - Music Venues Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

See all

Rules of Limbo. A horizontal bar, known as the limbo bar, is placed atop two vertical bars. All contestants must attempt to go under the bar with their backs facing toward the floor. Whoever knocks the bar off or falls is eliminated from the contest. Do they have servers anymore? Spent an hour there and not one person tried to sell us a drink. (I don't mind, but that's money flying out the door.) read more

This place should be so much fun. A series of rooms all with different themes and music. A DJ in one room spinning vinyl record and a Nivana cover band in another room. The design and layout of the place looked like fun. The bartenders and staff were great BUT..... The clientele was disturbing. I witnessed three girl-on-girl fights and freak dancing (this "dancing" is really simulated sex acts). It was disturbing, I felt dirty for being there and left quickly. This place is not for the conservative minds. read more

It can be cool because they have a bunch of weird rooms/smaller bars. Lots of stuff on tap, lots of drinks, relatively decent prices. But bartenders can be kind of rude or bitchy. That's not cool to assume ALL of your patrons are the typical "wassup brah" lunkheads. And, anyone who passes through the front door (and metal detectors) is treated to be a potential criminal. That's really the vibe I get from this place -- it is not welcoming and it is not friendly. You are just there to give them money. Oh yeah, and remember that people have died here.. I think what makes Koot's so wildly successful is this: it is the perfect place to go to if you want to see all of the freshest meat that Anchorage has to offer (though one might want to keep in mind some of it is quite spoiled and not very palatable). It's like everybody is for sale. This is where the greatest displays of desperation and drunkenness come to a head. I don't ever really come here voluntarily, unless someone is visiting from out of town, and the general group consensus are sighs, eye rolls and stipulations of "Okay, but only for one drink." I like to say that the best part of Chilkoot Charlie's is leaving Chilkoot Charlie's.. read more

This place is pretty defining for Spenard; A huge cluster-f*** of different bars, people, dirty bathrooms, cranky bouncers, and hot bartenders. Came here for the Tucker Max and Time Bandits showing on Thursday and drank copious amounts of crap beer at $2 a pop before 9PM. Met Tucker Max, Nils, fake Sling Blade, and many different D list groupies. Epic night. At the end of the night, too drunk, I took a cab home and found myself holding some dude's North face jacket. I can't explain this at all. This place seems to suck all sobriety and conscious thought, so be careful. Whooo, you've been warned. read more