Alaska Spotlight: 49th State Brewing

The 49th State Brewing Company is a well-known brewpub in Alaska, offering a distinctly Alaskan experience with a focus on craft beer, local flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere, especially appealing to both locals and tourists.

What Makes It Unique

The brewery’s uniqueness lies in its commitment to the “Last Frontier” experience:

• Alaskan Cuisine: The menu prominently features meats unique to Alaska, such as yak, elk, and reindeer, alongside wild-caught Alaskan seafood like halibut, king crab, and salmon.
• Brewing with a View (Anchorage): The Anchorage location is celebrated for its multi-level facility, including a notable rooftop deck with views over the Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains, providing a quintessential Alaskan summer experience.
• Denali Location: Having a significant outpost near Denali National Park & Preserve positions it as a major stop for travelers exploring interior Alaska. The Denali location is also known for hosting outdoor beer festivals and live music acts.
• Variety of Offerings: Beyond beer, they produce ciders and a line of “Frontier Soda” with unique Alaskan-inspired flavors like Spruce Tip and Wild Blueberry Cream.

History

While specific opening dates for each location are less prominent in the snippets, 49th State Brewing has established itself as a major player in Alaska’s craft beer scene. Its evolution includes expanding into multiple locations, including Anchorage (downtown and the airport), and its original or major destination in Denali Park. The company emphasizes sharing the “unique flavors and stories of Alaska” through its products and venues.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is a celebration of Alaskan ingredients and elevated pub fare. Highlights often mentioned include:

• Alaskan Meats: The World Famous Yak Burger (locally raised Alaskan yak, bacon, smoked Gouda) and the Elk Smash burger are popular, as are pizzas with reindeer sausage.
• Seafood Specialties: The 49th State’s Famous Halibut and Chips (wild Kachemak Bay halibut) and The 49er’s Famous Halibut Tacos are highly recommended.
• Unique Appetizers: Items like Thai Peanut Tots, Award Winning Smoked Wings, and the 49th State’s Handmade Bavarian Pretzel with beer cheese sauce are common favorites.
• Vegan Options: They have made an effort to include substantial vegan offerings, such as the Herbivore Vegan Burger and various vegan pizzas and bowls.
• Craft Beer: Award-winning beers include the popular Golden Dall (Belgian Tripel), Solstice IPA, and the smoked beer Smōk.

Customer Feedback

Customer feedback is mixed, often reflecting the challenges of a large, popular establishment, especially in a tourist-heavy market:

• Positive: Patrons consistently praise the quality of the craft beer, the rooftop deck and views (in Anchorage), and the generous portions of food. The inclusion of unique Alaskan-sourced ingredients and a wide variety of vegan options are also highly noted.
• Negative: Common complaints revolve around inconsistent service and high prices, which are often attributed to high staff turnover and the generally high cost of living/tourism in Alaska. Some customers have noted a perceived decline in food quality over time, particularly in popular dishes. The Anchorage location is often described as large, loud, and noisy, reflecting its high volume of business.

Significant Events

49th State Brewing is a frequent host for a variety of events, leveraging its large venues, especially the Heritage Theater and outdoor beer gardens:

• Live Entertainment: They regularly host live music, including their “Garden Grooves” series in the summer. They have featured national acts like The Wailers and Reverend Horton Heat at their Denali beer festivals.
• Concerts and Shows: The Anchorage location’s Heritage Theater hosts various performances, including Candlelight Concerts (tributes to artists like Queen and Coldplay), comedy shows like Scared Scriptless Improv, and seasonal events.
• Seasonal Celebrations: They host holiday events, beer releases, and larger community events like Oktoberfest and a Holiday Market.

Contact Information and Locations

49th State Brewing Company has multiple locations: