Anchorage is a notable place for beer and food, but which breweries offer full menus when you’re craving a real meal to go with a pint? Every brewery here has its own vibe, and that variety keeps the scene lively. The same is true for the food. Let’s do a deep dive into brewpubs around Anchorage that have full kitchens, not just food trucks, and highlight some of the best pairings.
Midnight Sun Brewing has been a pillar of the Anchorage beer scene since 1995, and in 2009 it opened the Midnight Sun Brewing Loft: a classic tasting room with a real kitchen and food offerings as memorable as the beer. Big appetites will find satisfaction in the BLT or the Sweet Cheeks pulled pork sandwich, both hefty and flavorful. The weekly specials, pozole on Thursdays and Taco Tuesday, are local favorites. Lighter options include the poke bowl and a substantial dinner salad.
Pair the pulled pork sandwich or pozole with bold beers like Termination Dust, a Belgian-style barleywine, or Monk’s Mistress, a Belgian-style dark strong ale. If those aren’t on tap, Panty Peeler, their Belgian-style tripel, and the crisp Wolfpack pilsner are excellent with the poke bowl or salad. The kitchen often leans into Mexican-inspired flavors, and when the chef fires up the smoker, whatever lands on the plate is worth ordering.
Since 1996, Glacier Brewhouse has been a solid dining scene.
Known for dishes like seared ahi tuna, Hungarian goulash, wood-fired steaks, and hand-tossed pizzas, it consistently draws locals and visitors alike. Chef Budda Bej, originally from India, brings creativity to the menu with specials highlighting Alaska ingredients like real Alaska king crab, troll-caught Alaska king salmon, or lamb. Be sure to quiz your server about the specials.
The beer lineup includes standouts like Raspberry Wheat, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Imperial Blonde, and a range of award-winning IPAs. One of the most anticipated events each year is the “12 Days of Barleywine,” starting the second week of December. Each day features barrel-aged releases of Big Woody Barleywine, Eisbock, and Imperial Stout, all clocking in above 10 percent ABV. Head Brewer Drew Weber has hinted at a fruited strong ale known as the Razz XXX as well.
When I interviewed Weber and Bej, they mentioned plans for specialty dinners featuring Indian food paired with the award-winning IPAs from Glacier Brewhouse. I find this intriguing, as it will be a true East-meets-West meal. I like to imagine British and South Asians of the past sitting down to similar meals. Of course, our idea of an IPA today is very different from what the Brits were shipping to India 250 years ago. Pairings at Glacier Brewhouse are thoughtful: Big Woody with salmon, Eisbock with red meat like steak or prime rib, and Imperial Stout with decadent desserts such as chocolate torte or peanut butter pie. The tuba band Tuba-palooza kicks off the 12 Days of Barleywine on day one with a Bavarian flair. Regulars chase the punch card challenge: Attend all 12 days to earn a collectible gift, from gilded mugs to stainless growlers.
A relatively newer player in Anchorage’s brewpub scene, 49th State Brewing revitalized the historic Snow Goose building in 2016. Originally built in 1917 as an Elks Lodge, the space itself is steeped in history, and the two upper decks are prime spots for summer dining with a view.
The food menu is anchored by the famous yak burger and giant Bavarian pretzel, but there’s much more to explore. The beer list is extensive, often featuring nearly 40 taps. Highlights include Seward’s Folly Imperial Stout, Outlander Barleywine, Solstice IPA, and 8 Star Lager. My personal favorite is Spruceplosion, a spruce tip IPA that debuts in October. With so many beers available, ordering a flight is the best way to experience the breadth of the lineup.
You can’t talk about Anchorage dining without mentioning Moose’s Tooth, founded in 1996 and still one of the city’s most beloved restaurants. Their Pipeline Stout, a 6 percent beer as dark as Alaska crude oil, is one of my personal favorites. Pizza is the obvious star here, and the rotating tap list always keeps things interesting. I often go for the Avalanche, a barbecue chicken pizza with spicy sauce, mozzarella, provolone, and bacon.
Broken Tooth Brewing supplies beer for Moose’s Tooth and its sister restaurants. The Bear Tooth, which took over the old Denali Theater in 2001, combines dining with film. There’s nothing like enjoying a pint with a slice of pizza while watching an indie flick. The adjacent Bear Tooth Grill expands the menu with burritos, Mexicaninspired plates, and classic pub fare.
The newest addition is Eye Tooth, located in South Anchorage. It serves Broken Tooth beers alongside pizza that pushes beyond the classics. Options include Detroit-style pizza pies and an ultrathin sourdough crust designed for those who prefer less bread.
These brewpubs let Anchorageites and visitors experience exceptional food and beer under one roof. Summer crowds can make them tough to get into, but in winter the pace slows, making it the perfect time to enjoy a hearty meal and a fresh pour while the snow falls outside. If you haven’t explored these spots, now’s the season. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, steak, or seafood, you’ll find a beer and a meal worth savoring at one of these Anchorage institutions.
