Ice In Koots - Anchorage

We had a blast at this bar with 6 different bars inside to choose from! Different vibes in each one. The door says Chilkoot Charlie's but locals call it Koots. We had a blast ...Live music each day. So good!

I'm giving it 5 stars just for the wacky layout and the numerous areas throughout the place. I'm guessing it's like 10,000 sq ft with a several bar areas. I went at 6 on a Friday just because I was in the area and wanted to check it out. I'll have to go back when it's hoppin. I was told it would be packed by 10:00. I don't doubt it.

Known as Chilkoot Charlie 's when I grew up here, the sign remains the same! Perhaps the 'creator '... NM, just inquired with the bartender it 's known still by both names. Tonight is a very reasonable Mystery Beer on Tap (1 of 3 locals from the Alaskan Brewing Company). I was told ahead of time it 's the Icy Bay IPA so not so much of a mystery ha ha. Friendly crowd of 9 at 7:10p if you are also friendly. Security guard came in at 7p. This was 'the bar ' growing up that I was too young to patron. I left to attend ASU at 19. Darker lightning real wood and 3 equally separate screens playing MNF. John Cougar Melancamp on the juke. Poker, live stage, arcade n food. Nice.

This place was very interesting. I spent 4 years of my life in Anchorage before visiting koots. I feel like Koots is somewhat of an institution to the town so I was definitely curious about the bar. I'm glad I went to check it out, but outside of going there for a show I don't see myself going back. Seriously gave me college bar/frat house basement party vibes. Considering I went to a Big 10 school in the middle of Illinois I'm very well versed in that type of establishment/vibe. It's not exactly the kind of place I want to go to as a 30 something year old. I went there for a burlesque show. Shout out to Pulse Dance Company! The show was amazing and tons of fun. The bar itself I don't think has had any updates since like maybe 1995, and that estimate is probably generous. This bar was probably the place to be when it first opened, but now it's kind of just tired and sad. It could probably be better if they took the time money to renovate it, but they don't really have an incentive since people go there regardless. Koot's kind of just exists, but considering Anchorage is the biggest metropolitan area Alaska has it's a confusing type of establishment to find here. If you're looking to party though it seems to be the spot!

When I informed the bartender that a chair was about to come apart, I was informed that since she didn't sit on that side of the bar it wasn't her problem. I remember when bartenders used to look out for you, but I guess those days are gone.