Best Gay Bars & Bathhouses In Anchorage
Anchorage is the undisputed hub of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Alaska — the scene is compact but it is genuinely here, concentrated in the downtown and Midtown corridors, not scattered across a distant metro. If you are looking for a dedicated gay bar, a drag show, or a place to meet the community, you will find it within the city limits rather than driving to another state. That said, the overall number of dedicated queer venues is small, which means the community and the bars know each other well.
The Anchorage LGBTQ+ Scene
Anchorage was one of the first cities in Alaska to successfully push for LGBTQ+ rights. The north side of downtown has been unofficially taken over by the community and boasts different forms of entertainment for LGBTQ+ people, including the well-known Mad Myrna's. There is no formal gayborhood with a name and a neon arch, but the blocks around East 4th and East 5th Avenues function as the de facto queer pocket of the city. The overall scene is quite small, which pushes a lot of social life into apps, house parties, and community organizations — but the two dedicated gay bars that anchor the strip are real, well-attended, and have been running for decades.
Top Gay Bars & Bathhouses for Anchorage Locals
Mad Myrna's
Type: Gay bar / Drag venue / Club
Location: 530 E 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Features: A popular gay bar and social club in the northeast area of Anchorage, the venue features resident DJs who fill the spacious bar with dance music, and also hosts cabaret shows and karaoke nights on a regular basis — the weekly drag shows are not to be missed. The interior includes a dance floor and a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. There is also an outdoor space with bonfires and games.
Website: https://madmyrnas.com
The Raven
Type: Gay bar / Neighborhood bar
Location: 708 E 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Features: The Raven has been Anchorage's neighborhood gay bar since 1982 — it self-describes as the northernmost gay bar in the United States. The bar has a large outdoor patio, pool, jukebox, darts, and pinball, with lots of friendly regulars. It offers genuine and kind service, and is a solid spot for a game of pool, a Pride BBQ, or just a low-key beer during the day.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheRavenAK
Bernie's Bungalow Lounge
Type: Gay-friendly bar / Cocktail lounge
Location: 626 D St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Features: A gay-friendly martini lounge offering live music, DJs, sushi, and inventive cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting. LGBTQ+ visitors can enjoy outdoor seating and intimate indoor spaces. Not exclusively a gay bar, but it draws a consistently queer-friendly crowd and is a regular pre-game or wind-down stop.
Identity, Inc. (Community Center & Events)
Type: LGBTQ+ community center / Event space
Location: Anchorage, AK (check website for current address)
Features: Home to Anchorage's only LGBTQ+-focused community center, Identity empowers LGBTQ+ youth and engages the community in LGBTQ+-centered programs, providing resources and information to hundreds of LGBTQ+ people and allies every year. Identity Health Clinic opened in spring 2021 as Alaska's first-ever nonprofit LGBTQ-focused clinic to address the gap in sexuality-affirming and gender-affirming healthcare. The organization also hosts Pridefest, a week-long celebration of diversity in Anchorage, and the Fall Pride Conference, a full day of workshops, speakers, and vendors.
Website: https://www.identityalaska.org
What to Expect
Both dedicated gay bars — Mad Myrna's and The Raven — are 21+ venues, so bring valid ID. Mad Myrna's charges around $10 entry for ticketed shows. Free nights and karaoke are common mid-week. Dress codes are essentially nonexistent; Alaskans tend toward casual, and no one will turn you away for wearing fleece. Mad Myrna's opens at 6 PM most evenings and stays open until 2 or 3 AM on weekends. The Raven opens at 3 PM daily, making it a good option for afternoon drinks or an early-evening gathering. There are no dedicated gay bathhouses or cruise clubs currently operating in Anchorage — those looking for that type of venue will need to plan a trip to Seattle. Apps