15 Dive Bars In Alaska With Irresistible Rustic Charm

In Alaska, everyone seems to work hard and play harder. After you power through the work week, many choose to find one of these dive bars for a cool drink with their friends. There is a particular brand of rustic charm associated with Alaskan dive bars. Don’t be surprised if they seem 50 years behind, where the bar only takes cash and there is no cell service or wifi. While you travel across the state, look for these dive bars and take a break for a cool drink. These dive bars in Alaska will charm you with the characters you will find and the popularity of free popcorn.

Fairview Inn Official Facebook

An amazing place in the center of Talkeetna, the Fairview has been hosting the best Alaskan parties since 1923. Talkeetna is a village a few miles off the Parks Highway with a killer view of Mount Denali. When in Talkeetna, make the Fairview your first stop to figure out what kind of insanity they are serving up that evening. This is a destination for weddings, parties, fundraisers, and great live music all the time.

Katdog1973 | TripAdvisor

A delicious restaurant earlier in the evening, this place turns into a perfect fisherman's dive bar after hours. Grab a cold one and chill on the porch, or enjoy live music inside on special nights.

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Stany_VE | TripAdvisor

A hot spot in Anchorage, this tiny bar manages to have nooks and crannies, stays dark under the midnight sun, and also constantly maintains a fun party atmosphere. Plus, there's free popcorn! Stop by and see the random mix of Alaskans and visitors at this downtown Anchorage mainstay.

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Rick Webb | Flickr

Fairbanks beloved Irish pub is a center for the downtown community. Watch sports or play pull tabs in the evening, stay around for a rowdy live music show on the outdoor stage, or just sip a cocktail at the dark wood bar and chat with the bartenders. Saint Patrick's Day is legendary here, and wearing green is always in style.

Mr Hicks46 | Flickr

This tiny spot is filled to the brim with rustic charm. Check out the wide selection of liquors, the old-fashioned jukebox, and the interesting decor. The famous Chicken "panty cannon" blasts underwear into the sky nightly. The charred remains of many are stapled to the ceiling along with bras and dollar bills with notes left for posterity.

DianneRoberson | TripAdvisor

Touted as the "only real saloon is Wasilla," this dive bar lies right along the Parks that runs north to Denali and the Interior. Stop at this classic Alaskan bar for live music and cheap beer, a perfect combo.

Ruth Rainey | Flickr

This Homer seaside bar is on the end of the Homer spit and is one of the classic Alaskan fishing bars. They have an old jukebox, lots of corners to hide in, and a fun, festive atmosphere. The entire interior is covered with dollar bills left behind by patrons, with notes scrawled on them for you to read.

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Fogcutter Bar Official Facebook

The bar is stocked with a wide selection of local brews and tons of chatty regulars. The menu is complete with pizza, chicken strips, and lots of ranch dressing. Often the only place open at nights for food if you get into Haines after hours.

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Board of Trade Official Facebook

An institution in Nome, this is a rowdy night spot and a required Nome landmark for visitors. This claims to be the oldest bar in Alaska, but who can say really. The party is especially hot when the Iditarod mushers cross the finish line in the springtime.

The Boatel Official Facebook

The Boatel used to be the boathouse for a riverboat bar that headed up and down the Chena River. Now, folks arrive by car, taxi, canoe, inner tube, or raft to the sunny outdoor porch. They have live music year-round and this is the perfect dive bar, summer or winter.

Hole In the Wall Official Facebook

A tiny spot down the road in Ketchikan, this laid-back local watering hole has everything you look for in a dive bar. Only open in the summertime, the doors open right onto the water in dreamy seaside Ketchikan.

management | TripAdvisor

In Alaska's capital, this bar is located in the center of the action. Politicos and aides, locals and visitors all flock to this tiny, lived-in saloon that is at the center of it all in Alaska.

Melchior O | TripAdvisor

On the pier, this is a tiny, dark, hole-in-the-wall dive bar, just the way you want it. A hidden spot for pool and darts, and definitely a locals hang out on the touristy main drag.

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Matias R | TripAdvisor

Cocktails on the main drag in Seward and a great bar for live music. Head here for a dose of Alaskan history, friendly folks and cold beer in this beautiful seaside town. They have memorabilia and store next door so you can take some local brews home.

Dan Love | Flickr

A recent addition to the bar scene in Anchorage, this spot has gained popularity for the sweet pool table, regular live music, and lively nights in Anchorage's biggest city.

If champagne is more your style, head to the city where This Mermaid Themed Oyster Bar In Alaska Is An Ocean Lover’s Dream. If rustic charm is what you prefer, You Will Fall In Love With These 8 Beautiful Old Barns In Alaska.

How many of these dive bars in Alaska have you been to? Tell us about it in the comments below.