Chilkoot Charlie's, Anchorage

Nestled in the heart of Anchorage's historic Spenard district, Chilkoot Charlie's—or simply "Koot's" to locals—opened its doors on January 1, 1970, in what used to be The Alibi Club. Initially a small piano bar in what is now the South Long Bar, it quickly grew in character and renown. Spearheaded by Mike Gordon, who worked at KHAR radio and New York Life Insurance on the side, Koot’s thrived by embracing a distinctly Alaskan theme, inspired by a character created by local radio personality Ruben Gaines. This partnership brought Chilkoot Charlie to life as the bar’s namesake, launching it as a unique venue with a hearty mix of local flavor and eccentric charm.

In its early years, Anchorage's rapid growth, fueled by the Alaska oil boom, allowed Koot's to expand its space and entertainment offerings, soon becoming Alaska’s go-to bar. Known for its lively atmosphere with outrageous costumed bartenders, Koot’s entertained customers with signature antics and a live band, The Rinky-Dinks, followed by local icon Mr. Whitekeys. Over the decades, the bar became a destination for live music, hosting iconic acts from Metallica and Aerosmith to Blues Traveler and Bon Jovi, earning it the title of “The World Famous Chilkoot Charlie's.”

The bar is a visual and sensory ode to Alaskan culture, with sawdust floors, rustic décor, 3 stages, 3 dance floors, and up to 11 bars during summer. Visitors can enjoy padded tree stumps, beer kegs for seats, and walls adorned with autographs, beer can collections, and Alaskan memorabilia. For many Alaskans, Chilkoot Charlie's is a "rite of passage," and for visitors, it’s an essential stop—a place as much a part of Alaska’s identity as its landscapes.