Alaska Spotlight: Gumbo House

The Gumbo House, located in Anchorage, Alaska, is a unique establishment known for bringing authentic Cajun and Creole flavors to the far north.

What Makes It Unique

The restaurant’s primary distinction is offering genuine Southern-style Cajun and Creole cuisine in Alaska, a region not typically associated with this culinary tradition. It prides itself on being the only Cajun restaurant in Alaska and focuses on creating a family-like atmosphere for its customers.

History

• Origin: The Gumbo House was founded on January 5, 2006, by two brothers, Gustavo and Roberto Del Real. They decided to transform their existing Mexican restaurant into a Cajun one, starting with just a few items on the menu.
• The “Pink House”: For nearly 20 years, the original location, a small pink house on 9th and F Street in Downtown Anchorage, became a local staple.
• The Move: On December 1, 2022, the Gumbo House moved to a new, larger location at 508 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, to accommodate growth and development.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is centered around traditional Cajun and Creole dishes, with a variety of seafood and meat options:

• Gumbo: The signature dish, offered with various fillings such as chicken, shrimp, oyster, crawfish, or the “Kitchen Sink” (all of the above).
• Jambalaya: Smoked andouille sausage, shrimp, and chicken cooked in a Creole, tomato-based sauce, served over rice.
• Po’Boys: Prepared on soft French bread with house-made remoulade or BBQ sauce, and a choice of fillings like fried catfish, fried shrimp, blackened catfish, or andouille sausage.
• Seafood & Meat Dishes: Including the Gumbo Seafood Platter (fried catfish, calamari, shrimp & oysters), Blackened/Fried Catfish Dinner (served with red beans and rice), BBQ Ribs, and Shrimp/Crawfish Étouffée or Creole.
• Appetizers: Popular items include Hand Formed Crab Cakes, Fried Calamari Remoulade, and Fried Okra.
• Dessert: The bread pudding is often highlighted in customer feedback.

Customer Feedback

Generally, Gumbo House receives positive reviews, often praising the authenticity and flavor of the food.

• Positive Feedback:
  • Reviewers frequently commend the gumbo, jambalaya, and fried catfish for being delicious and authentic Southern cuisine.
  • The restaurant’s drinks, such as the blueberry lemonade, are also often mentioned as phenomenal.
  • The staff is generally described as friendly and providing fast service.
• Areas for Improvement (less common feedback):
  • Some delivery orders have occasionally had missing items or noted temperature issues.
  • There have been occasional mentions of portions or unexpected automatic gratuity policies.

Significant Events

While the restaurant’s history is mostly tied to its growth and relocation, one of the most significant recent events is the move to its new, larger downtown location at 508 W 6th Ave in late 2022. This allowed for increased capacity and the ability to host special events and private parties. The venue also occasionally features live music and has hosted events like stand-up comedy as part of local festivals.

Contact Information and Links