Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Anchorage, AK — 23 LGBTQ+ Spots

Drinks come in glasses so oversized you might only need three all night. Mad Myrna's, Alaska's self-proclaimed drag queen capital, has been anchoring Anchorage's gay nightlife since 1998. Drag shows here feature both Queens & Kings, and there's karaoke seven nights a week. The dance floor, pool, and darts keep a mixed crowd of 20s through 40s entertained. Friday night drag is the big draw. The outdoor patio offers a breather between sets. It's adults-only, and the vibe is lively.

If you're looking for a no-frills gay bar in Anchorage, The Raven fits the bill. It's known as the northernmost gay bar in the United States, a neighborhood tavern owned and operated by Scott and Roger since the previous owner passed away. Expect a dive bar vibe with pool, darts, and a large patio for summer nights. The crowd leans local and bears, according to regulars. They open at 3pm daily and stay open until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. With a full bar and outdoor seating, this is a relaxed spot to grab a beer and unwind. If you want a more lively scene, Mad Myrna's is just a few blocks away.

Candlelit tables in a historic 400-seat theatre, where dinner and a movie happen at once. Bear Tooth Theatrepub Cafe & Grill in Spenard is actually two restaurants in one: the Grill serves gourmet burgers, seafood, and Mexican dishes with a full liquor bar, while the TheatrePub Cafe offers pizza (from sister location Moose's Tooth, often called Anchorage's best), Tex-Mex, and sandwiches. You can eat in the casual dining room or have food delivered to your seat during the film. It's an LGBT-friendly spot that annually partners with a local organization to screen a queer film during Pride Fest. The beer list features Moose's Tooth brews exclusively. If you're in the neighborhood earlier, Snow City Cafe is another local favorite for breakfast. Check hours before heading: Sunday closure time is unconfirmed.

Snow City Cafe stands out among Anchorage brunch spots by serving breakfast all day, seven days a week, with a menu crafted to order. It's a community-oriented, artsy spot that's been a local favorite since 1998. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, attracting a mixed gay-straight crowd. They offer lots of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, plus fresh baked goods and local Kaladi Brothers espresso. You'll want to try one of their famous benedicts or a hearty sandwich. No reservations are taken, but you can join the same-day online waitlist. The cafe is in downtown Anchorage, making it an easy stop for a filling meal. If you're exploring nearby, you might also check out Bear Tooth Theatrepub Cafe & Grill for a different vibe.

Still lively at 1am on a weeknight, that's a good sign for any bar. Bernie's Bungalow draws a mixed gay-straight crowd with live music, DJs, and a menu that includes sushi — unexpected for a hipster hangout in Anchorage. Outdoor seating fills up when weather permits, and the indoor space is more intimate. Happy hour and full bar keep things casual. Thursdays through Saturdays are the busiest nights, with hours stretching to 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.

Open since 2007, Ginger serves Pacific Rim cuisine in downtown Anchorage. The menu blends Asian and American influences with fresh seafood. The warm, modern atmosphere includes a hip lounge with craft cocktails, local microbrews, and a curated wine and sake list. It's a popular spot for dates, and the small plates are a highlight. Ginger can get loud, and some reviews note the food is overpriced for the quality. Reservations are accepted. Happy hour is available. Head to Snow City Cafe for a different vibe.

The hum of the atrium blends with quiet conversations as visitors explore Alaska's largest museum. The Anchorage Museum opened in 1968 with just 60 borrowed paintings. Today it spans over 140,000 square feet of galleries. You'll find art, history, and science exhibits that tell Alaska's story. The museum includes the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center and a planetarium. It's dog friendly, so you can bring your pup along. Plan to spend a few hours here. Weekday afternoons are quieter. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from noon to 6pm. It's closed on Mondays. If you have time, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is nearby and offers another perspective on local culture. No cover charge, which is rare for such a comprehensive museum.

One review notes that Mo's O'Brady's on Huffman sells more Jameson than any other bar in Anchorage. This pub and sandwich shop offers burgers, salads, entrees, and a small selection of traditional Irish dishes. The bar is well stocked with Irish whiskies, and they're known for their house specialty Irish Car Bombs at the best price in town. There's a large assortment of draft beers, including Guinness and Bass, plus many bottle options. The crowd and staff are gay friendly. Hours are daily until midnight, though unconfirmed. It's a good spot to grab a drink or eat with friends in the dining area. If you're exploring Anchorage's dining scene, Snow City Cafe is another local favorite nearby.

This B&B is best suited for travelers who value a personal touch and a connection to Anchorage's LGBTQ scene. Owners Larry and Allan run both A Wildflower Inn and the Arctic Fox Inn, the latter located within blocks of the gay bars. Guests consistently praise the great varied hot breakfast every morning. One review mentions the owner even met a party at Mad Myrna's and gave them a ride back to the B&B. Both inns are tastefully designed with all the amenities you need, including free WiFi. The location in South Addition offers a beautiful walk downtown. If you're looking for a welcoming, hospitable base for your Alaskan stay, this is it.

Millennium Alaskan Hotel sits on the shores of Lake Spenard, a family-friendly hotel with a sauna. It's a few miles from the airport and downtown Anchorage, with a free shuttle service connecting both. The hotel is in the Spenard neighborhood, known for its local character. With 51 photos and 2 ratings, it's a straightforward option for travelers wanting lake views and easy transit.

Reviewers note this is not an exclusively gay bed and breakfast, but the mixed crowd and staff are super friendly. Originally built by one of Anchorage's early doctors, it was the first architecturally designed home in the city. Converted to a B&B in 1989, it offers 14 rooms with comfy beds and privacy if you want it. The inn was voted Alaska's Best B&B by the Anchorage Daily News. Your stay includes a continental breakfast. There's a small shared kitchenette in the rear building. The downtown location is steps from restaurants and the Coastal Trail, with a bike hire place right outside. It's less than 15 minutes from the airport. The inn is open 24/7, confirmed on Yelp.

In Anchorage's Midtown neighborhood, Planet Fitness operates as a mainstream gym chain that explicitly brands itself as a Judgement Free Zone®. With 21 photos online and a Yelp rating of 2.6 from 41 reviews, it offers basic gym equipment and a stated philosophy of welcoming all fitness levels. Hours are unusual here: Tuesday through Thursday, the gym stays open overnight (12am to 12am), making it a rare late-night option in Anchorage. Friday closes at 9pm, weekends at 7pm. Member-focused but not explicitly LGBTQ+, it's a budget-friendly choice if you just need the basics. For a more locally owned alternative, consider Captain Cook Mens Athletic Club.

The Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa is open 24 hours daily, making it a flexible base for exploring downtown Anchorage or the Alaskan wilderness. This 370-room hotel has operated since 1998 and features a full-service ICE Spa plus a 24-hour fitness facility. It's dog friendly and offers free WiFi. You'll find room service and a 42-inch flat screen TV in every room. The Yelp rating is 2.9 out of 5 from 182 reviews, so manage expectations. For a more intimate alternative, consider the Copper Whale Inn Bed & Breakfast nearby.

Seven Yelp reviewers give it a perfect 5 stars. City Garden Bed & Breakfast is an LGBTQ+-owned B&B located just off Delaney Park, with beautiful garden grounds and welcoming hosts. The rooms are small, but everything is kept bright and clean. The vibe is relaxed and homey, welcoming a mixed crowd of guests. You can check in any time since the property operates overnight hours daily. Free wifi is included. For a different Anchorage stay, the Copper Whale Inn Bed & Breakfast is another locally owned option nearby.

Anyone curious about Alaska's Indigenous peoples will find this center a thorough introduction. It represents all 11 Alaska Native cultural groups through live demonstrations, storytelling, and dance. The 26-acre site includes six life-sized traditional dwellings around Lake Tiulana. It's a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ visitors interested in cultural learning.

Cafecito Bonito is a women-led cafe in Anchorage that stands out by blending Mexican-inspired baked goods, coffee, and American comfort food in a space built for the LGBTQ+ community. Its warmth is deliberate: trans-friendly, family-friendly, and welcoming to a mixed crowd of locals in their 20s and 30s. The calendar includes drag bingo nights, adding a lively twist to the usual cafe routine. It's fast-casual with an upscale-luxe feel, but still casual enough for regulars to linger over a sandwich and pastry. Open only Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7am to 5pm, so plan accordingly. If you're nearby, Snow City Cafe is another local favorite for brunch.

Holiday Inn Express in Anchorage is open 24 hours a day, making it a reliable choice for any flight schedule. The free airport shuttle is included with your stay, and you can score the lowest rates by booking direct through IHG One Rewards, the hotel's loyalty program. Located in the Spenard neighborhood, this hotel has been serving travelers since 1991. You'll get free WiFi and standard amenities that work well for a layover or a longer visit.

Open daily from 9am to 10pm, Spenard Roadhouse fits into any part of your day. This neighborhood eatery serves fresh comfort food with a focus on local ingredients, from creative cocktails to Alaska's largest selection of small batch bourbons. The vibe is casual and eclectic, welcoming a mixed gay-straight crowd of 20-somethings through 40-somethings. It's a spot where locals and visitors alike gather for tater tots, the Bacon Jam Burger, and a rotating Bacon of the Month. Vegetarian dishes are also available. The outdoor seating is a draw in warmer months. Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday are the best nights to visit. You'll find full bar and free wifi. If you're also exploring Anchorage, the same owners run Snow City Cafe nearby.

Captain Cook Mens Athletic Club is Anchorage's men-only gym with a pool, jacuzzi, and steam room. It offers cycling classes and massage services in a downtown location. The club's focus on both function and relaxation sets it apart. You can work out in the aerobic room, then unwind in the sauna. It's a straightforward spot for locals looking to recharge.

Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill is open daily from 11:30am to 10pm (until 9pm on Sunday), making it a solid choice for a late lunch or leisurely dinner in downtown Anchorage. Since 1978, this classic American grill has been known by locals simply as 'Simon's,' serving USDA prime-aged steaks and fresh seafood in an old-school, upscale setting. The panoramic views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range are a major draw, and the full bar with happy hour specials keeps the crowd mixed—both gay and straight, mostly in their 30s and 40s. Reservations are recommended, especially for a table with a view. Weekend brunch is an option, and the family-friendly vibe means you won't feel out of place bringing kids. If you're looking for a more casual spot nearby, Snow City Cafe is a popular brunch alternative. It's the kind of place where longtime friends and frequent visitors return year after year for special occasions or just a well-made cocktail.

The lobby buzzes with anticipation before curtain time. This non-profit venue, opened in 1988 as part of Anchorage's Project 80's, hosts Broadway touring productions through its partnership with Broadway Alaska. You'll see shows like Hamilton, Come from Away, and SIX in the same spaces that also serve local arts groups. The box office is open weekday business hours, and the facility is family-friendly with all-ages programming. Since opening, it's become a downtown anchor for theatergoers. If you're exploring Anchorage's cultural scene, the Anchorage Museum is a short walk away.

This B&B is open 24/7, making it ideal for beginning and ending Alaska cruises, or getting stuck unexpectedly at the airport. It's small and welcoming with a mixed gay/straight crowd. The tagline captures its location, but the real draw is flexibility: full breakfasts are served, and there's an upstairs kitchen for guest use if you need to cook your own meal. Jewel Lake is in the Sand Lake neighborhood, a residential area not far from the airport. Free Wi-Fi is confirmed, and the Yelp rating of 4.2 from 16 reviews shows it's well-liked. If you're looking to explore downtown, the Copper Whale Inn Bed & Breakfast is a nearby option worth considering, but Jewel Lake's strength is its convenience for travelers needing a layover stop.

Open daily from 10am, closing between 6pm and 8pm depending on the day, REI in Anchorage's Turnagain neighborhood is a solid stop for outdoor gear. This cooperative has been outfitting adventurers since 1979, offering everything from clothing to accessories for camping and hiking. It's a busy spot, so you might need a moment to find help. The store emphasizes stewardship alongside sales. Yelp reviews give it 3.5 stars from 104 reviews, suggesting a reliable but not exceptional experience. If you're in Anchorage prepping for a trip, it's a convenient option for gear or apparel. Parking isn't confirmed, but street parking is typical in the area. Consider calling ahead to check stock on specific items.