Everyone knows that sometimes the best way to experience a place is to eat the local food, but what about the local libations? For those who like to do pub crawls while traveling, here’s a guide to where you can find delicious local brews and cocktails, from one end of town to the other.
Halibut Point Crab and Chowder
Starting at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal is Halbut Point Crab and Chowder’s Wheelhouse, their bar located on the second floor of the restaurant. In addition to a variety of Alaska beers on tap, they have a fun selection of cocktails like the Kruzof Island Huckleberry Margarita or the Strawberry Basil Smash. Order a basket of local lingcod and chips while you wait to drive, or call a taxi to get you to the next stop.
Cheers from Halibut Point Crab & Chowder!
Harbor Mountain Brewing Company
Sitka’s only brewery uses traditional techniques and local flavors to craft their small-batch brews. Try one of their regulars, a Czech-inspired Amber Lager called “Skiff Life,” or maybe a seasonal brew like “Muskeg Madness,” a Sitka Apple and Cranberry Saison. And even though this post is a pub-crawl guide to Sitka, Harbor Mountain Brewing Co. has some excellent non-alcoholic drink options, like their housemade Root Beer or Orange Sprucetip Bubbly. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a wood-fired pizza before making it to your next stop.
Zach, owner of Harbor Mountain Crewing Co., showing off the suds
Pioneer Bar
Also lovingly called “The P-Bar” by locals, the well-known Pioneer Bar has an Alaska Maritime theme shown in the thousands of framed fishing and boating pictures placed throughout the bar. Shoot some pool and embrace the laid back vibe; if you’re lucky, someone might ring the bell and you’ll get a free drink! The Pioneer Bar’s location also makes it easy to continue on foot to the next spot in your Sitka pub crawl.
Ernie’s Old Time Saloon
A short walk down Katlian and Lincoln Streets will lead you to Ernie’s Old Time Saloon, Sitka’s cash-only local saloon. In addition to pool and darts, you can also enjoy live music Friday and Saturday nights (or participate in some karaoke). If it’s not too busy, you can chat up one of the bartenders to hear all about the history of this dive bar located right in the heart of downtown Sitka. This can be a convenient last-stop of your pub crawl, as now you can easily walk to the Sitka Hotel, Southeast Resort, Aspen Suites Hotel, Baranof Lodge, or downtown rentals and call it a night. You might even be able to get a nightcap from the hotel bar before making your way to your room.
Cold Water Bar & Grill
If you need a little bit of the hair of the dog the following morning, or just enjoy a mimosa with your breakfast, visit the Cold Water Bar & Grill for breakfast with morning-inspired cocktails. Get your energy going with a Baileys & Coffee or enjoy a savory Bloody Mary. If you’re lucky, you might get to chat with one of their bartenders, Ramon, who is the real-life version of the character Ramon in the movie The Proposal.
Ramon serving up shakers and a smile
After a night out on the town enjoying crafted brews and delicious cocktails, you will definitely feel like you got an inside look at Sitka. Even more memorable than the specialty drinks will be the conversations you have with locals along the way. After all, isn’t that what traveling is really all about?
