Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant is a long-established, iconic restaurant located in Anchorage, Alaska.
What Makes it Unique & History
- Atmosphere and Decor: The restaurant is known for its distinctive and memorable “Alaskana” décor, which many find to have a real rustic Alaskan feel, or, as some describe it, strikingly kitsch. This includes mounted animals, a mix of faux Asian and Alaskan themes, dozens of pictures of the original Anchorage tent city, and photos from the aftermath of the 1964 earthquake. It’s often recommended to tourists for this historical “Alaska feel.”
- Building History: The restaurant is located in a three-story building at its current location, which was originally the Pagoda Restaurant in 1973. The Pagoda was known for its quirky architecture, mimicking aspects of Asian pagodas with curled eaves and tiered structure. When the restaurant was relocated and took over the space in 1979, the new owner made changes to the exterior, replacing stone dragon heads with carved walrus heads and adding a stylized mural depicting a totem pole and mountain scenery.
- Original Founder: The restaurant’s legacy began with Gwennie Thorton, who first opened Gwennie’s Diner at a smaller location at 2915 Spenard Road in the late 1960s and operated it until 1979. She also opened an earlier iteration called the Old Alaska Restaurant in 1979 at the current location. She sold the business in 1980 and is no longer involved in its operation.
Highlight Menu Items
The restaurant is known for serving large portions and all-day breakfast. Highlighted menu items often mentioned in customer discussions include:
- Reindeer Sausage: Served all day, it is a very Alaskan offering that is popular with customers.
- Sourdough Pancakes
- French Dips
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Reindeer Sausage Omelet (though some noted it comes with canned cheese sauce)
- Chicken Fried Steak (a favorite at a later Gwennie’s location)
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback is mixed, with the restaurant’s reputation built over a long history:
- Positive: Many enjoy the nostalgia factor and the Alaskan atmosphere. It is considered an Anchorage favorite, a “classic frontier eatery,” and a popular spot for a big, filling breakfast. Some find the food “delicious” or “good old home cooking.”
- Negative: Other customers describe it as an “overhyped restaurant,” with some stating the food and service have been bad or that the establishment is “disgustingly filthy” or a “gross grease-pit.” Some feel the food is not “anything special” and is comparable to a chain diner but with an Alaskan theme.
Significant Events
- Relocation and Renovation (1979): The current location at 4333 Spenard Road was taken over by Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant, moving from its smaller original diner location. The building was significantly renovated to change its image from its previous use as the Pagoda Restaurant.
- Original Gwennie’s Sale (1980): Gwennie Thorton sold her restaurant business in 1980, though she later opened other establishments in Alaska and one in Sequim, Washington.
- Pandemic Restrictions (2020): During the 2020 pandemic, the restaurant’s owner, Ron Eagley, expressed shock and anger after the city shut down dine-in service, stating the business was not equipped for to-go orders and would likely not survive without the ability to offer indoor dining.
Location and Contact
- Address: 4333 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517-2900
- Phone Number: (907) 243-2090
