I've been a patron of the Blue Fox for a long time. In recent years, I've found myself visiting…read moremore and more regularly. This has been because of the amazing bar and entertainment staff - great drinks, great service, fun and friendly. The trivia and karaoke were the best I have seen in Anchorage, with a charismatic host and fun atmosphere. These days are, apparently, gone. I have visited twice in the last month, and both were some of the worst bar experiences I have ever had (and I've had some baaaad experiences in my life!). I'm not sure what happened to the staff that worked hard to make the Blue Fox a welcome, classic dive with chill and solid vibes, but whatever the mess is that's in place now is....something else. None of the serving staff seemed to know how to do...well...anything. On one visit, I ordered draft beer - pretty basic. After first returning to ask me for a reminder on what drink I ordered, they still brought me the wrong pour, and after what seemed like an excessive amount of time. I was going to order food, but someone at the table next to me leaned over (unsolicited) and told me I'd be better off skipping it. His actual words were "Don't. Save yourself". Yikes. On my other visit, I ordered an old fashioned. Whatever it was that they brought me, it wasn't anything even close, and it was undrinkable. I sent it back, and never saw a server again. On both visits, noone seemed to know how to use the computer system to get me a bill. I will also note that it was very empty there on both occasions. There is nothing I can think of or that I saw to justify or speak to the combination of slow service and level of bumbling chaos that happened. The place was dead. Not sure where the great entertainment guy went - he wasn't there on either visit, and it looked like no fun was being had by anyone. Something changed, folks. I don't know what, but hear me when I say that VIBES ARE OFF big time. In the words of the fella at the table next to me that night: Don't. Save yourself.

Man twice in the past few weeks we went for Tuesday night trivia. The first time the new trivia guy…read morewas really bad. We noticed we didn't recognize any of the staff. We went again last night. They changed the trivia company and all new staff. We were told 2 hour wait for food. The place was half empty. What takes so long to fry something or cook a burger? The sandwich was very dry. The trivia format sucks and the emcee was unfunny. Our group of 7 that went every other week will be a group of 0 moving forward. Bummer because it was a perfect place for a casual night of fun trivia. Now we would rather go home and do nothing if we can't find a new place we like.

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

This place was very interesting. I spent 4 years of my life in Anchorage before visiting koots. I…read morefeel 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!

"True Dive Bar Vibes in Anchorage"…read more October 2023 - Van's Dive Bar really puts the dive in dive bar -- and I mean that in the best (and sometimes worst) way possible. It's small, dark, and a little sketchy, with writing covering nearly every wall and a tiny stage where local bands play -- some decent, some not so much. The drinks are very reasonably priced, and the service is friendly and quick, which goes a long way here. You'll find regulars who clearly know each other, and the atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect from a true neighborhood watering hole. If you're looking for something polished or upscale, this isn't it. But if you want a no-frills local spot in Anchorage with cheap drinks, good service, and a ton of character, Van's Dive Bar is absolutely your place.

Trivia: What brass instrument is unique due to its slide feature?…read more The parking might be the first thing that stumps you. If you don't park in the front, you might wonder, like I did, whether the side of the building is an okay place to park. Then you'll wonder if you should park sideways, angles, or straight on. By then you'll be to the back of the place and down a short hill and trying to figure out where to park or where to turn around. You may even decide to just leave. But don't. Vans is a cozy spot. Due to the hum of the ice machine, and the friendly conversations, you'll not be able to hear any of the street noise so close to the entrance. Five beers on tap, and probably 30-40 cans and bottles in the cooler. Plenty of liquor, though they didn't have any scotch I would want to drink. Maybe four bottles? As advertised, a dive bar. Both in look and smell (which wasn't bad, per se). There was a blue grass group starting to jam a little after I got there. The patron next to me said they were part entertainment, part jam session. Which sounded pretty darn cool to me. Basically everyone in the place was there to hang and/or play. I was asked if I was a musician. Not since high school. When I played it was the answer to the trivia question.

Great service. Everything we ordered was delicious! Portions are very generous. Thank you!read more

Ok this place is a definite must try. We came in for lunch and wow was it amazing! We ordered the…read moredragon special and tempura bento box. That dragon roll was out of this world. I also appreciated that they had amaebi which wasn't actually on the menu. But if u know u know and they will make it for you upon request. We will definitely be back!!

Highly recommended! I enjoyed hanging out with friends at this spot. We didn't try the food but it…read morelooked really good! The bartenders are cool and friendly! The drinks we tried were good and they have a great selection. Plenty of tables and seats to lounge. All gender bathroom. I loved the overall ambiance! There is limited parking. My friends and I came in early evening and found parking easily. We also weren't charged a cover.

You know, I started to come to Myrnas, what feels like forever ago!…read moreBefore covid and after (They spent their PPP $$$ real good) Always a blast to come here whether its for a birthday, a show (which are amazing!), holiday, or event! Dress up! Say less! The shows (weekend or specials) are so well put on, after Wizard of Oz and Rocky Horror! I'm hooked and im on pins and needles waiting on their next!

This was my first time coming in after work and I was able to get a cold PBR, I ate some good…read morepopcorn and the nice bartender allowed me to change the station on the tv I was watching. She even gave me a charging station for my dying iPhone. She was great. Pool tables were being used. The TouchTunes June box played great tunes. I will stop by again.

Was done with a client and had like 30 mins to kill before my wife's flight landed. So I've always…read moreseen this bar beside a hotel off International Airport Drive and decided to check it out grab a cocktail. With only time for one quick drink, I was happy it has a full bar. The bartender said she's been upgrading the place having the owner make needed changes like new pool table felts and dartboards. The place has some older style tables and chairs but it has a large bar and nice display coolers, nice beer taps and a new jukebox it's a cool joint. I got my standard double Makers Mark and soda and not 5 minutes into relaxing Judy calls and says I've landed. That's Alaska Airlines for ya! They like to be 10-15 mins early. I'm going back. This will be the place I come to if early waiting on a arrival. The bartender was super nice and friendly.

Nice little dive spot in Spenard! I actually really like…read morethis place, free pool on Mondays a great rotation of Karaoke nights, you'll often find a live band playing on the weekend and they have a FREE taco bar on Tuesdays!!! Super friendly bartenders, and quick to get service. Not a huge selection on tap but let's be honest you're not hitting up a dive in Spenard for the craft beer....its for the Spenard "Ambiance" *pro tip* Keep your eye on their socials for great party events!! This year (2025) they served up a free complete Thanksgiving dinner for folks.

Got to love me a nasty bar with carpet that looks like the from the 1980s but in argyle pattern…read more... This place is great love the karaoke Love the small town atmosphere!!!