by Cynthia Wall

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2010

If you believe as the British do that a gentleman doesn't drink until the sun sets, you may have a problem in the Anchorage summer. However, in the winter, you can visit watering holes 24/7. Fortunately, the people of Anchorage follow the clock instead of the sun, and when it's time to have a drink, they have lots of choices.

Because having a drink should be fun as well as quenching, Chilkoot Charlie's at 2435 Spenard Road (907-272-1010) tops the list of bars to visit in Anchorage. Actually, Chilkoot's is a series of bars taking up the Spenard block. Started in 1970, the original bar grew right along with the oil boom. It gained its name from radio personality Ruben Gaine's fictional character, Chilkoot Charlie. By the end of its first year in business, Chilkoot Charlie's became Anchorage's favorite bar and the popularity continues today. The complex includes multiple bars and live music every night. One of the most interesting is The Russian Room and Soviet Walk where a visit for a drink is a trip back to Czar-ruled Russian, complete with authentic memorabilia.

Chilkoot Charlie's has been on Good Morning America, David Letterman, ESPN, and the Johnny Carson Show. It's been awarded Best Bar in Anchorage year after year. Now with 3 dance floors, 3 stages, 10 bars (11 in the summer); Chilkoot Charlie's is considered a rite of passage for Alaskans coming of age and a must see stop for tourists.

The Moose's Tooth Pub and Pizzeria, 3300 Old Seward Highway (907-258-ALES-2537) turns out delicious pizza served up with cold fresh beer from their own brewery, Moose's Tooth Brewing Company. If you like entertainment with your food and brew, you'll enjoy the Bear Tooth Theatre adjoining the pub. The theatre holds 297 on the main floor and 100 in the balcony. Every other row has been removed and replaced with tables allowing ample room for your food and beverage and of course, the famous Turtle Pie Dessert. Bear Tooth is a name of the mountain right next to Moose Tooth in the Alaskan Range, and the two fit comfortably together providing a fun evening for Anchorage residents. While pizza and beer is their trademark, they also serve up burritos, salads, wine, and margaritas.

Rumrunners Old Towne Bar & Grill is back under new ownership at the corner of 4th & E Street. The addition of the Black Pearl Lounge for private parties or just a few minutes away from the main room gives the ambiance of VIP service and decor. The dance floor comes to life on Thursdays with DJ

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