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The capital city of the United States’ final frontier has a host of spots to taste locally brewed Alaskan beers and strong concoctions to keep you warm amidst the state’s colder climate. We compiled a list of the ten best bars in Juneau, Alaska, ranging from small neighborhood dive bars to more sophisticated spots for crafty cocktails.

Alaskan Hotel & Bar

Hotel Restaurant, Bar, American, Vegetarian, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Beers on Tap at McGivney’s
© Bernt Rostad/Flickr
This bar is housed in an iconic Juneau hotel that’s been around almost as long as the state has been recognized as a United States territory. The Alaskan Hotel & Bar is a great spot to drop by for drinks and entertainment, and its casual, come as you are atmosphere makes it suitable for any time or occasion. The style of the bar itself is a bit art deco and a bit grunge, with posters from past shows gracing the walls. They have a full bar and plenty of local beers on tap, and there’s live music every day at given times, with Thursday being open mic night.

McGivney's Sports Bar & Grill

Bar, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer, Fast Food

Cocktail
© Tech Cocktail/Flickr
If you need a spot to watch your favorite football and basketball games with drinks and great food, McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect place for it in Juneau. The bar has a number of TVs and gives off a true sports bar vibe with tons of framed jerseys featured on the wall from everyone’s favorite teams. Order a beer or cocktails while you enjoy some crab bisque, fish and chips, or deep fried pickles.

The Imperial Saloon

Bar, Cafe, American, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Halibut fish and chips
© tuchodi/Flickr
As Juneau’s self-proclaimed oldest and most historic bar, established in 1891, this spot has not lost any momentum throughout its 100 plus years of history. The Imperial Saloon is one of the best bars in the city to grab a strong drink and enjoy a fun night out. The interior is festive and lively, and you can keep yourself occupied with darts, billiards, or ping pong if you don’t want to dance to the beats spun by their DJs. If all the fun you’re having works up your appetite, grab a bite to eat at their in-house kitchen, the Front Street Cafe, which stays open as long as the bar does.

Sandbar

Bar, American, Fast Food, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Irish brews
© Jasmine/Flickr
This unassuming dive bar is actually one of the best spots to come to in Juneau for a casual night out. It also has some of the best fish and chips in town. The Sandbar is an establishment that keeps things simple when it comes to cocktails and menu items, but the attention to quality and providing patrons with a good time is front and center. Hit up this neighborhood spot, order some beer, and enjoy their amazing halibut fish and chips

Lucky Lady Pub

If you’re in the mood for a night out but don’t want to go anywhere crowded or touristy, visit this iconic Irish pub that’s been a part of the city’s local scene for decades. Lucky Lady Pub is one of a few Irish-themed pubs in Juneau, and its low-key, casual atmosphere makes it a great place to go for a genuine good time. The bartenders serve up strong concoctions and spirits, and although there isn’t a full in-house kitchen, the pub provides customers with snacks throughout the night.
Address & Telephone Number: 192 South Franklin Street, Juneau, AK, +1 (907) 586-9673

View of Juneau

Timberline Bar & Grill

Bar, American, Vegan, Fast Food, Cocktails, Wine, Beer

Hangar on the Wharf
© Bernt Rostad/Flickr
The views that you’ll get when you visit this bar and grill will make your cocktail experience a full blown Instagram photo-op session. Timberline Bar & Grill, located at the top of the Mount Roberts Tramway, gives patrons astonishing views of Juneau and the surrounding greenery that makes up Alaska. Be sure to order some locally brewed beer on tap, and if you’re hungry they have a great selection of fresh seafood that’s been caught off the coast. Timberline is great for special occasions and celebrations, but it also works wonders for getting away and relaxing in Juneau’s lush, picturesque scenery.

The Hangar on the Wharf

Restaurant, American

Charming downtown Juneau
© Roger Mommaerts/Creative Commons
Located right on the water, this spot offers amazing views with even more amazing drink and meal options. The Hangar on the Wharf is one of the best places in town to have local beer, fresh seafood, and watch sea planes land and take off at the port. They have over 125 options for beer, with 25 on tap, as well as great wine and cocktail selections. For mouthwatering food options, order from their small plates menu, or get their First Mate Plate (halibut and salmon) or their fish and chips. The vibe here is always fun and welcoming, and on certain nights, they even have live music to make your experience even better.

Red Dog Saloon

Bar, Pub Grub

The Flight Deck bar
© Bernt Rostad/Flickr
This popular spot is one of the city’s oldest bars and usually a target for visiting tourists looking for a fun time. The Red Dog Saloon is decked out with traditional Alaskan decor, such as bear heads and antlers lining the walls and has sawdust completely covering the floors. The atmosphere is lively, and a lot of the time you can find live music and entertainment. They have a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and their signature drink, the duck fart shot consisting of Crown Royal, Bailey’s, and Kahlua is a must try.

Alaska Fish & Chips at The Flight Deck

Crispy, flaky fish and chips are the perfect pairing to cold, refreshing beer, so visit this spot in Juneau to get your fix with a view. The Alaska Fish & Chips at The Flight Deck is located right on the water and serves up a great selection of fresh seafood along with local brews from some of the state’s best beer companies. Their cod or halibut fish and chips are phenomenal, as well as their toasty salmon chowder. The atmosphere is casual, but the food and drinks are always on point. Mojitos | © Ines Hegedus-Garcia/Flickr

Salt

Bar, Restaurant, American

This bar and restaurant is one of a few fine dining locations in the area, but the atmosphere is still lively and great for grabbing a delicious craft cocktail or smooth glass of wine. Salt has one of the most extensive wine lists in the entire city of Juneau, and their bartenders serve up an array of specialty craft cocktails with unique interpretations of classic drinks. The sleek red, black, and white decor makes it elegant in a minimalist manner, and the steaks and seafood items solidify Salt as a luxury dining experience. For a buzzworthy night, order a mojito, wine, the Bufala Negra (bourbon, balsamic vinegar, basil, ginger beer), or their signature French 75 (gin, St. Germain, sweet & sour, sparkling wine, lemon twist).

About the author

Pauline is currently a junior at UCLA studying English. She has a strong passion for culture, music, geography, learning, and the beach. When she's not writing or studying, she's probably in a vinyl store finding records from the 90s, attending a concert, or watching the sunset in Malibu. She loves exploring new and foreign neighborhoods, and thinks sometimes you have to get lost in order to get found.

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