Anchorage’s coffee roasting scene is so diverse and thriving that you don’t need to head to Starbucks for your morning cup o’ joe. A variety of coffee shops offer locally roasted blends, unique drinks, and delicious food to go along with them.

Aside from the fact that Anchorage is a mainstay for coffee lovers, The Guardian calls Anchorage, with its “most caffeinated place in the country,” a place where “coffee carts are as common as roadside moose.” 

The coffee culture in Anchorage is as rich as the blends of java that it offers. Here are some local favorites in Anchorage for a fantastic cup of coffee!

 

Dark Horse Coffee Co

Website | (907) 279-0647 | 646 F Street, Anchorage, AK

If you’re looking for a great cup of joe in an awesome, quirky atmosphere, Dark Horse is the place to go. Family-owned and operated, this coffee shop serves delicious drinks with coffee puns galore. If you need a serious pick-me-up, check out their Red Bull smoothie! Breve lattes, cappuccinos, and macchiatos are all great choices. As well as providing quick-bite-type snacks, they use incredibly fresh ingredients.

They serve organic food along with their heritage coffee and have a certified barista on staff. In addition to energy bars, bananas, and granola, there also are pastries, quiches, sandwiches, and egg sandwiches on the menu. Wacky Wednesdays, Frappe Fridays, and Manic Mondays all feature specials.

 

Jitters

Website | (907) 694-5487 | 7700 W 6th. Ave. Anchorage, AK 9950

The interior of Jitters cafe, located in Anchorage, is probably what most people envision when they think of a coffee shop. There are different artists’ works on display each month at Jitters, giving it a perfect low-key feel. In this quaint, small-town cafe, you’ll find comfy couches, a fireplace, and tables to enjoy a book. 

This is a real community center where the baristas know the names of their regular customers and where students meet to do school work or to meet friends. The cozy atmosphere of Jitters will make you feel like you’re in a community coffee shop. 

The coffee there is delicious! They make an excellent cappuccino and a great chai tea latte. They serve a huge portion of delicious pumpkin bread, which is homemade. Additionally, they serve delicious quiches for breakfast. To start the weekend, jitters ham and cheese croissant with a cappuccino is highly recommended!

 

Side Street Espresso

Website | (907) 258-9055 | 412 G Street, Anchorage, AK

Certainly not your average coffee shop, Side Street Espresso stands out from the rest. The Side Street coffee shop contrasts with the sleek modern lines of newer coffee shops by displaying an eclectic collection of mementos from Anchorage’s past. 

Locally owned and operated, Anchorage’s coffee shop is a great place to get your java fix and discover the city’s unique community. Get a real caffeine rush with any of their mochas, lattes, or Captain’s Midnight when you’re in Downtown Anchorage.

Founded more than 25 years ago by George Gee and Deborah Gee, this espresso bar serves coffee from all over the world. On a whiteboard outside the shop, George has been illustrating his thoughts and announcing daily specials for the past 20 years. After customers became angry that he erased their comments every day, he agreed to publish a collection of responses in a book titled, “Flutters from Side Street”.

 

The Kobuk

Website | (907) 272-3626 | 504 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

You can find The Kobuk coffee shop in the Kimball building, a fixture of Anchorage since 1915, for a taste of hometown coffee with an industrial, historical flair. The cafe itself is located in the former kitchen and living room of the proprietor, making it remarkably homey and historic. The unique coffee blends served here are complemented by the antique flooring and displays.

This shop is known for its eccentric blend names – golden pecan, snickerdoodle, Seville orange, etc. In addition to their award-winning old-fashioned doughnuts, they also offer delicious snacks and pastries. 

You should also check out their gift shop, which is owned by the same family and features locally-made products. The coffee shop has been in business for over 50 years so you can delve into Anchorage’s history and culture! Must visit!