Tent City Taphouse is a popular gastropub located in downtown Anchorage, Alaska, offering a unique blend of local history, Alaskan cuisine, and an impressive tap list.
What Makes it Unique & History
- Name & Concept: The restaurant’s name, “Tent City Taphouse,” is a direct nod to the humble origins of Anchorage. The city was originally settled in 1915 as a “tent city” to house the employees of the Alaska Railroad. The taphouse’s decor, featuring historical photos, honors these roots and the hard-working pioneers who established the community.
- Local Focus: The establishment is dedicated to supporting local talent and ingredients. It features 24 rotating taps showcasing a broad selection of the best of Alaska’s homegrown micro-brewing talents. The menu also hyper-sources local seafood, meats, and produce from sustainable Alaskan farmers and fishermen.
Highlight Menu Items
Tent City Taphouse features a diverse, eclectic menu often described as high-quality dining without the excessive price tag. Some highly praised and notable dishes include:
- Award-Winning Chowder: A blend of salmon, halibut, and clams with Alaskan herbed cream and dry sherry.
- Alaska Halibut & Chips: Gluten-free house ale battered Alaskan halibut served with fries and a raspberry & blackberry tartar.
- Specialty Fries: Particularly the Duck Fat Fries (available in traditional, garlic cilantro, or truffle parmesan) are a customer favorite.
- Specialty Burgers: Creative burgers like the Downtown Style Burger (caramelized onions, port reduction, truffled garlic mayo, arugula, cambozola cheese) and the staff-favorite Tent City Burger.
- Artic Cioppino: A pescatarian dish with Alaskan king crab, shrimp, halibut, salmon, and a lemon & tarragon cream sauce.
- Brunch Items: Highly recommended items like Chicken & Waffles and French Toast.
- Beverages: The extensive tap list of local Alaskan beers and the popular Mimosa Flights (four flavors) are also highlights.
Customer Feedback
Generally, customer feedback is very positive, praising the restaurant for:
- Food Quality and Variety: Diners appreciate the use of fresh, local ingredients, the visual appeal of the dishes, and the generous portions.
- Ambiance and Service: The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, and casual, and the staff is frequently noted as knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive.
- Accommodations: The restaurant is known for being kid-friendly with a dedicated children’s menu, and it is also accommodating to various dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Significant Events
As a relatively new establishment (opened in 2019/2020), there are no major historical events tied directly to the restaurant itself. However, being in downtown Anchorage, it is a prime location that benefits from the city’s major annual happenings:
- Proximity to Events: The location places it near the ceremonial start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race (on 4th Avenue) and the numerous events of the winter festival, Anchorage Fur Rendezvous (Fur Rondy), making it a popular spot for visitors and locals during these times.
- First Friday Art Walk: The restaurant often participates in the monthly First Friday Art Walk, showcasing local artists and adding to the community’s cultural scene.
Location and Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 343 W 6th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA |
| Phone | (907) 644-8368 |
| Website | While they use a Facebook page as a main online presence, their direct ordering link is: https://tentcitytaphouse.toast.site/ |
| Social Media | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tentcitytaphouse/ |
