About Our Neighborhood

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Anchorage’s Downtown Improvement District covers 120 square blocks, from 9th Avenue to 1st Avenue, and from Gambell Street to L Street.

Simply put, property owners created the assessment district to transform downtown into a clean, safe and vibrant neighborhood.

In 1996, downtown property owners successfully petitioned the Assembly to create the DID, funding the District through an assessment the Municipality collects of 1.5 mills of assessed value (or $1.50 per $1,000) on all property, excluding government property (city, state, and federal), churches, non-profit religious, charitable or educational organizations exempt from property taxes, and owner-occupied single-family residences. Downtown property owners created the improvement district to help improve the cleanliness of downtown, decrease crime, increase investment values along with occupancy rates and lease income, and to stimulate economic development, improving the quality of life in downtown. The exemptions for federal, state, and municipal properties reduce the total assessment by over 33%; however, some exempt property owners with major holdings within the DID pay a fee-in-lieu of assessment, which is critical in ADP’s financial sustainability and ability to provide services throughout the downtown improvement district.

Anchorage’s Downtown Improvement District was the first in Alaska, although thousands of others exist in the United States and throughout the world. In 2010, the DID was expanded to include the two western-most blocks from I past L Street.

Food is important, but no one needs their coffee quite like an Anchorageite does. Across the entire city, we have over 170 coffeehouses and coffee huts to choose from. Here are some places in the neighborhood from which we recommend getting your daily fix:

Dark Horse Coffee
646 F St.
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 6:45 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CLOSED Sat. – Sun.

What we’re excited about: This family-owned coffee shop has stayed in the same place since it was founded in 1998, and is operated by a mother-daughter duo with deep roots in the city. From their delicious coffee menu, to their selection of cafe bites, to the relaxed atmosphere and learning their customers’ names, these ladies know what it means to run a coffee shop that truly builds community. Visit and see for yourself why they have such a wide base of repeat customers.

Kaladi Brothers Coffee
ConocoPhillips Tower Atrium (700 G St.)
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 6:45 p.m.
CLOSED Sat. – Sun.

What we’re excited about: We were sad to see Kaladi Brothers’ old location in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts go in 2023. But Kaladi Brothers Coffee Company still maintains their loyal customer base inside of the renovated atrium of ConocoPhillips’ landmark golden office building (which happens to be Downtown Anchorage’s second-tallest).

That Feeling Co.
718 K St.
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
           Sat. – Sun., 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

What we’re excited about: Coffee! Plants! Cozy atmosphere and seating! And quick access to Fire Island Bakery and Johnny’s Produce in the same building! Be forewarned, though: seating comes at a premium. It is perhaps one of the neighborhood’s most popular meeting spots.

The Kobuk
504 W. 5th Ave.
OPEN Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CLOSED Sun. – Mon.

What we’re excited about: This establishment has a long and storied history in the neighborhood; just read our profile of them back from Nov. 2023! This gift shop is full of unique knick-knacks that all ages are sure to enjoy. When you walk in, you’ll simply be entranced by the scent of samovar tea. Walk further in, and you’ll see even MORE tea. Walk further back, and you’ll see the quaint coffee shop area. On a good day, you’ll smell their national award-winning doughnuts baking; grab a cup of coffee while you wait to sample their samovar donuts, or fireweed samovar donuts. You won’t be sorry for spending an hour or two in this historic building.

Food is culture, and part of what defines a neighborhood are the opportunities it provides for people to gather and eat. As a team of seasoned locals, here are our choice recommendations for where to eat and drink around Downtown Anchorage’s world-class culinary scene:

Crush Bistro
328 G St.
OPEN Tues. – Sat., 5 -9 p.m.
CLOSED Sun. – Mon.

What we’re excited about: An absolutely vast array of fine wines, and a dining menu that rivals a Michelin-designated restaurant. Make your reservation today.

Biscuit Club
333 W. 4th Ave.
OPEN Tues. – Fri., 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sat. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CLOSED Mon.

What we’re excited about: The menu probably looks a lot like your dad’s Spotify playlist. And that’s not all that’s in good taste: all of their sweet and savory options are beyond compare. It’s truly a hidden neighborhood gem.

The White Spot Cafe
109 W. 4th Ave.

OPEN Mon. – Sat., 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CLOSED Sun.

What we’re excited about: It’s a tried-and-true fixture in our neighborhood, and for good reason; in operation since 1946, our neighborhood’s oldest continuously operating restaurant still serves up classic greasy spoon fare that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Snow City Cafe
1034 W. 4th Ave.
OPEN Mon. – Sun., 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

What we’re excited about: Get a reservation, for if you walk-in, you should expect a long wait. And there’s a reason this restaurant is chock-full throughout the year, especially during the summer tourist season: their unique and quirky menus offer a variety of both traditional and healthy options to choose from for your weekend brunch plans.

The Crow’s Nest
939 W. 5th Ave., top floor

OPEN Mon. – Sat., 5 – 9 p.m.
CLOSED Sun.

What we’re excited about: A high-end restaurant serving French and new American cuisine, this top-floor restaurant offers scenic views of the Cook Inlet. This restaurant is reservation-only and requires a business-casual dress code, but don’t let that scare you, because it’s absolutely worth it for their multiple-award-winning (and mouth-watering) menu.

Kumagoro
533 W. 4th Ave.
OPEN Wed. – Mon., noon – 9 p.m.
CLOSED Tues.

What we’re excited about: A true staple to 4th Ave., Kumagoro offers a cozy atmosphere with a large menu offering the best in Japanese-American cuisine and comfort food. Warm up with a bowl of spicy seafood ramen after a long day of exploring Downtown Anchorage!

Whiskey and Ramen
436 W. 4th Ave.
OPEN Sun. – Wed., 5 – 11 p.m.
Thurs. – Sat., 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.

What we’re excited about: Black sesame banana split. Miso cacio e pepe with scallops. Vegan ramen made out of sesame-peanut paste and cashew milk broth. Tebasaki chicken wings. Need we say more? Don’t even get us started on the expansive bar offerings (and yes, we’re including the cocktails with smoked bubbles).

Club Paris
417 W. 5th Ave.
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sat. – Sun., 4 – 11 p.m.

What we’re excited about: The city’s oldest steakhouse — in operation since the 1950s — survived the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, and to this day continues to peddle out the best 4″ filet mignon that anyone’s ever tasted, as well as fresh Alaskan seafood, freshly-baked dessert pies, and more.

Urban Greens
304 G St.
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
CLOSED Sat. – Sun.

What we’re excited about: With healthy, delicious salads and filling sandwiches, Urban Greens is the choice place for working professionals in the neighborhood to grab a quick lunch to power through the rest of their work day.

La Palmeira
323 Barrow St.
OPEN Tues. – Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
            Sun., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CLOSED Mon.

What we’re excited about: Downtown’s newest tropical Latin fusion restaurant hosts an irresistible menu that expands your understanding of flavor and cuisine from the Latin diaspora. We can’t get enough of their ceviche, tortas, smoothies, and tuna tostadas!

49th State Brewing Co.
717 W. 3rd Ave.
OPEN Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sun, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

What we’re excited about: Originally starting out as a small brewpub in 2010, 49th State Brewing Co. has expanded rapidly into Denali National Park, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and Downtown Anchorage. Their quite large Alaskan-American-fusion menu is as expansive and diverse as their menu of originally-brewed beers, and their Downtown Anchorage location is home to some well-attended concerts and community events, too!

Glacier Brewhouse/Orso Restaurant
737 W. 5th Ave., Ste. 110
Check the hyperlinked websites above for information on their different meal services & hours, as well as reservations.

What we’re excited about: Glacier Brewhouse offers three separate meal services and Orso Restaurant offers dinner and cocktail lounge services. You’ll need to take a look at their menus for yourselves; they each boast humongous offerings that truly set the standard for Downtown Anchorage’s fine dining scene, delivering high-end dining experiences specializing in American steakhouse and Italian-infused cuisines.

Pel’Meni
434 K St.
OPEN Mon. – Sun., 11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.

What we’re excited about: Originally starting out as a humble dumpling shop on the waterfront in Downtown Juneau, Pel’Meni has amassed a cult following in Downtown Juneau, Bellingham, Washington, and now: Downtown Anchorage. You can order their beef or potato dumplings and see for yourself why Pel’Meni enjoys a strong reputation with a barebones menu.

Gumbo House
508 W. 6th Ave.
OPEN Mon. – Sat., 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
CLOSED Sun.

What we’re excited about: Soul food so good, that the whole time you sat down to eat your meal in their restaurant, you might as well have been watching the Mardi Gras parade march past you down 6th Ave. (We’re partial to the jambalaya and red beans and rice.)

Tent City Taphouse
343 W. 6th Ave.
OPEN Sun. – Thurs., 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
           Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

What we’re excited about: This small gastropub attached to the Anchorage 5th Ave. Mall boasts large menus for lunch, dinner, and dessert, and additionally offers delicious locally-brewed craft beers on tap. You might find some of your favorite American fusion cuisine items delightfully reimagined into something that not only tastes good, but is fun to look at! Like a work of art.

Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
718 K St. at the K Street Market
OPEN Mon. – Tues., 7 a.m. – sellout
           Wed. – Sun., 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

What we’re excited about: Everything that you see behind the glass case — chocolate chip cookies, breakfast sausage focaccia, sandwiches, wide assortments of pastries — is made from scratch. Seriously. No wonder their dining area seating comes at a premium: it’s usually jam-packed with loyal customers. And if you can’t find a seat, don’t worry — explore what the rest of K Street Market has to offer!

Ginger
425 W. 5th Ave.
Dinner
Sun., Wed., Thurs., 5 – 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 5 – 10 p.m.
Bar
Sun., Wed., Thurs., 4 – 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 – 11 p.m.
CLOSED Mon. & Tues.

What we’re excited about: Ginger has been a pillar in Downtown Anchorage’s dining scene for over 15 years, and for good reason: their menu, which features Asian and Pacific Rim fusion cuisine at reasonable prices, absolutely does not disappoint. What’s more, they offer a selection of micro-brewed beers on tap and desserts that make your mouth water.

Originale
400 D St.
OPEN Tues. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CLOSED Sun. & Mon.

What we’re excited about: Move over, Olive Garden. Since 2012, this Italian-owned and -operated lunch spot imports many of their cheeses and other ingredients directly from Italy in order to bring loyal Anchorage customers a true taste of their motherland. There are no questions about what customers get when they visit their quaint little cafe: a truly unique and delicious Italian intercultural experience.

myThai
333 W. 4th Ave.
OPEN Mon. – Fri., 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
           Sat. & Sun., noon – 9 p.m.

What we’re excited about: The best of Thai comfort food, at a reasonable price.

Rumor has it…