A dive bar around the corner from our hotel. Limited offerings and no draft beer. A friendly bartender. Salt of the earth. Tight quarters around the rectangular bar. A local hangout as folks seemed to know each other. Nothing memorable or anything else really worth saying. Ok but we would not return. Mark & Nancy. read more

Great dive bar in downtown Anchorage! Would def recommend going here. Everyone's warm and cool and treats you like family. Free popcorn, juke boxes and great selection of local and imported beer. Our bartender was lovely and recommended the panty peeler (yes that is the name) which is a Belgian tripel and was really good. They only have bottled beer btw. Overall we were there only for a short time but would def be back. Great place to chill and relax and meet the locals, and also a short walk from the museum. read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I quickly found out why this is rated the #1 dive bar in Anchorage and I can NOT say enough good things about this place!!! Dalena makes everyone feel welcome and creates such a fun atmosphere. Order a Red Hot and hang with the locals, you won't be disappointed! read more

Darwin's Theory - a can of blueberry moto on a bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Locals, beer, smiling waitstaff. No frills, and fresh popped popcorn. I was walking past on my way back to my hotel and slowed down to try peer in from the street. The door cracked open and the waitress smiled and told me not to be scared - and get inside. How could I say no?! A couple of beers to wash down my popcorn lunch, entertained all the while by the boozy locals' banter. No photos. Who takes photos in a place like this?! read more

Awesome spot and the people are super nice! Visited Alaska and found this spot thru yelp. Bartender always attentive and friendly. Didn't try any special drinks but my norm vodka and pineapple it's a must try if you're around. You meet nice friendly locals and tourists. read more

Every local we told we went here said "holy crap...you went to DARWINS?!?!?" We had a blast and were welcomed by the local wildlife. Its definitely not the kind of place you take a tour bus, but for a couple of people looking for an adventure it delivered! Within minutes we had made a few friends, had a group drink, and were invited to come back any time. Our local friends were surprised we didn't hit the more common tourist bars. read more

Great locals spot to get a drink without any pretense. Beer is cold and cocktails are strong. Definitely a place with lots of personality

For starters, Shannon was the best bartender I have EVER had !!!! I was a girl coming from New Jersey, to a little old bar in Alaska. She was SO welcoming. Helped me figure out what was "signature" to here. She was such a kind woman. She then offered me free popcorn. A plus just because. Her drinks were also amazing. As well as the whole vibe. Visiting or not, I would highly recommend read more

Small cozy dive bar in the middle of downtown. Popular for the locals. There's additional seating towards the back next to the jukebox and popcorn machine. The drinks were reasonably priced and if you link your card on Yelp you can get 7% cash back! The jukebox songs were limited but had a good choice of oldies and Carly Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe'...which is all i need in life. The woman's bathroom toilet position was very interesting which made for good conversation... overall a good bar to meet up and hang out before hitting the next! read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

What can i say, it's Darwins! Great staff, good drinks, fun crowd, stays open late. Thumbs up!

The owner (Mr. Darwin) sat and drank beer and held conversations with everyone in there. We had a blast swapping stories. I will definitely return every time that I get to Anchorage between hitches up above the arctic circle!!!! read more

Amazing friendly bar!! Amazing drinks and locals are sweet & friendly to talk up conversations. Alaska Blonde was so good!!! Bartender - Cheryl was the best! If you are in Anchorage looking for a bar to grab drink- this bar is a must! read more

Divey locals spot with friendly bartenders, chatty locals and free serve yourself popcorn. Mmmmmmm

Great bar in Anchorage. Healthy pours and friendly bartender. Popcorn is a plus. Stopped early evening before things get rowdy

Amazing place! Great people. Got to meet Darwin on my last visit. Darwin's Theory came highly recommended to me years ago by my wife's family who are from Alaska. I was not disappointed. Great place to hangout when in Anchorage. I always make sure to visit Darwin's Theory when I get to Anchorage. I highly recommend Darwin's Theory to anyone looking for a great bar with a friendly atmosphere! read more

Tiny little dive bar downtown. Probably only seats about 30 people (somewhat uncomfortably...) Had quite possibly the most horrible mixed drink I've had in my life there, but didn't complain because the very cute bartender was generous with the booze. I also loved that they had Lambic and Samuel Smith's, so all was forgiven. Fabuloulsy clean bathroom for a dive bar. Major points for that. Free popcorn. Quiet enough for a conversation. Kind of a granola kinda place. Mostly retro 70's rock in the background, one TV. No bums and no kids. Darwin's is A-OK. read more

Fun atmosphere, good popcorn, great beer and really good service! And a tiny little bathroom

This place is an awesome, little hole in the wall, dive bar downtown! I'm pretty picky when it comes to dive bars. A few of my dive bar requirements are: 1. Carpet 2. Some sort of wood paneling - CHECK 3. Dark, dingy, and possibly a faint weird smell - CHECK 4. Neon signs - CHECK 5. String lights - CHECK 6. Crazy/interesting locals - CHECK 7. Cozy/forced to be uncomfortable in a small space - CHECK 8. No food - CHECK (but BONUS points for free popcorn) 9. Juke box with decent music - CHECK 10. Decent but more on the side of standard/poor beer choices - CHECK, however they had a better selection than I thought 11. Bartenders who can hold their own - CHECK, there is always a crazy that makes everyone uncomfortable and they aren't afraid to lay down the law so their more sober paying patrons are comfortable Please Note: that if you plan on using the women's restroom you will have to sit/squat sideways. I'm not a tall person but there is no possible way you can sit/squat on that toilet, there is barely 3 inches of space from the front edge of the toilet to the wall. Just another random quirk to add to my list of requirements for awesome dive bars! read more

Darwin's Theory - In the back room; where the juke box and pop corn machine live! - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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My boyfriend is an avid regular of this place, and was actually the one to introduce me to it. He's in the military and doesn't like visiting places 'ridden with Joes'. This isn't one of those places. Darwin's Theory is a local bar filled with all types- but mostly scruffy men, middle age women, and an eclectic array of characters that like that kind of scene. I guess I'm one of those characters, because this place definitely appeals to me as well. It's a small bar with very limited seating, so if you're unlucky enough to get there at a crowded moment, you're going to have trouble finding a place to sit your butt down (or even walk for that matter). With that being said, it's rarely overcrowded, and on your typical weekend night it's going to be a semi-quiet, but fun place to grab a drink and just hang out with some interesting people. Almost everyone who goes here has an interesting story. There are a lot of older, scruffy, single men. A lot of fisherman, pilots, slope workers (oil workers), and rural-living Alaskans who just want to come into town and grab a drink. The people are interesting, friendly, talkative, and willing to tell you their life stories at a moment's notice. The drink selection is good. I'm a wine drinker- and I think they have like 7 wines total. With that being said, that's fine for me. I like the crowd and I'm not usually too worried about drinking. They have a good selection of beer, but nothing on tap. They also carry just about every other hard liquor you could ask for and the bartenders are pretty good about making your drinks strong if you like that sort of thing. The bartenders are all female (I've never seen a male bartender here) and are ridiculously friendly. I appreciate bartenders who even amidst a hectic crowd can smile and be courteous. The bartenders here are exactly that. By far the sweetest bartenders I've found in Anchorage. They also make a point to get to know the regulars and treat my boyfriend and his 'buddies' really well. As other reviewers have mentioned there's free popcorn from a popcorn machine. I don't know what it is about that popcorn, but it's by far the most delicious popcorn I've ever had. You have to have a bowl. There's also a jukebox with an array of songs. Everything from Johnny Cash to 90's hip hop. A fun collection that's worth spending a few bucks on (and you can get a couple dozen songs for a few bucks!). The place is usually kept semi-clean, but has that rustic home-town small bar feel that can get a bit grungy. With that being said, I like it. I love the quirky people, the nice staff, the laid back attitude, and the stupidly good popcorn. read more

Darwin's Theory - South side exterior of Darwin's Theory. There is a second entrance down the alley by the ape mural. - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

This is a great local place to go and hang out...its small, quaint and fun. Crowd changes as the day passes but always fun and cool. Love popcorn, occassional pizza freebies and drink prices are fine. Its snug and if you have issues with personal space I would recommend another venue. Also, bar tenders are all about biz which I can appreciate... I try to stop in every trip to ANC...especially with good friends. go go go... read more

Dive bars are always the way to go. This is a fun, somewhat kitschy, small, dive bar in downtown. It's got seating around the small bar, a couple of high tops, and then a few tables in the back. There's no smoking. The only food option is popcorn. It gets tourists when there are events downtown. But otherwise, it seems to be primarily locals. Isn't too crowded when there aren't big events downtown. Beer options are far from plentiful. But they've got enough options to keep you drinking. All in all, a good place to grab a beer. read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Darwins is the local staple in Anchorage dive bars. It feels like it has been around forever and and the patrons are mostly locals. The staff is friendly and surly and the best part is that they let me bring in my dog! Drinks are decently priced and the ambiance is shitty, which is their intention so it keeps the yuppies out. Definitely worth checking out! read more

And how do I begin this tale of joy so far away from all that lifts me up but with the simplest of mental toys that breaths its liquid measure into cup? The wonders who did open up a tour for one plain person showing up to gawk, Alaska's best they with each breath conjure and warmly welcome every growing stalk. So brusque with Spring and caring for us all, unfurling fern leaves grasping open spring, they open up the depths of heart's pure hall, and show the world equality's upswing. On this review I sat and do no justice still. I found myself at home here begging quill. Imagine a place where you walk in and you sit in the smallest living room you've never had with the best friends you haven't yet met. This is Darwin's. Passers-by are not dismissed. Regulars are well-loved. There is discussion of love, life, engines, Cancun, and snowmobiles in the same few sensible minutes before you're even served your first drink. GIS? Yes, with a side of smothering and happiness. Words fail this place, but not lowly me. I could ramble on and speak of so many stories even after so few nights. But no words can encompass Darwin's. Utter welcoming is on display every night. It's as beautiful as its people. I fought writing this review because I don't want to let go. Then I realized I never should, and it's up to me. read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Cheap beer and free popcorn... what could go wrong?? It is outdated and a true dive bar, but a nice little gem. Filled with locals. The pizza place next store makes for a solid stop afterwards ha ha read more

If you're someone looking for an exceptional glass of wine and a view, don't go here! I'd you want a beer or a cocktreal and meet real people, this is your place! Seats 15 at the bar and another 15-20 along the boarders. Of nothing else, you GOTTA stop in for at least 1 drink!!! read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

I do love this place, but there is one particular staff member that I've learned to avoid. It's a great local spot and we often run into people we know there. Literally every staff member except one has always been great. My boyfriend and I had a couple of drinks here one evening. We started a conversation with another regular, and he bought us a round. Everything was fine--until my boyfriend went to the restroom and I to the jukebox. The patron came up behind me and groped me in front of a handful of people. I yelped, shoved him away from me, and said "Do not touch me!" Very loudly. The man walked towards the restroom, and I went back to my seat at the bar to inform the bartender. She told me "Oh, he doesn't mean it." She then ran to my boyfriend as he was coming back around the bar and said dramatically, "Don't fight him, please!" before he even knew the situation. I said that I wasn't trying to cause a scene, and that if they weren't going to do anything, we'd like to cash out please. The second bartender came over and promptly asked him to leave. The first bartender was really mad, and kept coming back over saying things like, "that's what happens in a dive bar," and "just so you know, he's really sorry." I frequent dive bars, and was a bartender at one for years myself--and I'd never allow one customer to touch another like that. I was made to feel like I was overreacting--but I'm glad the second staff member was there and came to my defense. Proof that staff can make or break the atmosphere. read more

I love Anchorage only because I like coming to Darwins the drinks are cheap the women are easy and life is simple read more

Darwin's Theory - Great place friendly service awesome fight attendance? Maybe they're just women, or monkeys? - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Nice local dive bar. Stopped in for a drink. Prices were a little high for what you'd expect out of that kind of place. Server was friendly and mostly everyone in there was a tourist. A man tried to sell everyone pictures he took, little awkward but they were nice pictures. read more

Stopped by this little gem on a random Wednesday night. The bar is a little dirty and cramped but Lonnie was our bartender and she was awesome! Great service, super friendly, would go back just because of her. Apparently if you ring the bell you have to buy the entire bar drinks....so watch out if your stumbling through there drunk, it gets expensive fast. read more

Darwin's Theory - The bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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Best dive bar in Anchorage! Tiny hole in the wall that has great bartenders and a fun atmosphere. You must not have personal space issues as this place is usually ALWAYS packed and very small (standing room only sometimes). Always fun to pop in and out for a quick drink while downtown in Anchorage! read more

Definitely a solid dive bar in downtown Anchorage. Friendly staff with a good beer selection, and lots of local options. They're open late and have free popcorn to keep you thirsty! The only thing keeping me from giving a 5-star review is the fact that they don't have any beer on tap. read more

This is a very small bar in the heart of downtown Anchorage. I think my living room is larger than the main bar area. As a result they do not have any draft beer, food or fancy foo-foo drinks. They do have a good selection of bottled beer and bottled spirits so don't think there is a lack of drink in this place. What I find most noteworthy about Darwin's is that it feels like you are over at a friend's house for a drink. Everybody in this place is extremely friendly - not in a freaky way but in a very easy going way. It's hard to describe. It must be due to the small size of Darwin's and the closeness of the regulars. So, if you are an easy going person that likes the company of others stop by Darwin's for a drink. If not, stay away. Don't F**** it up for the rest of us. read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Yep. It's a dive bar. Nope, no beers on tap. Uh-uh, No food. It's great. Just real people, chillin' and relaxing. You don't go to a dive bar looking for gourmet food and black tie service. I went in here on a late night, middle of the week. Small place, but I got a seat at the bar. Very friendly bartenders working there, polite and attentive. As far as the other customers, a little of everything. Small groups and singles, quiet place. People just relaxing after work I think. I was in a m low mood so I didn't visit too much but it's the kind of place that you might strike up conversation with the person sitting next to you but if you don't, no worries. You won't get shit for that either. Still a good selection of local bottled beers. I wasn't drinking booze that night but if you wanted a drink, the bartender was pouring stiff cocktails. Keep your expectations aligned with the type of place it is and you won't be disappointed. read more

If you are looking for a true dive bar where the locals hang out, look no further. They serve their drinks stiff and cheap. Good luck on finding a place to sit on a weekend night. Nothing goes better with a few strong drinks than the free popcorn. If you're looking to hang with the locals... look no further. read more

My first time there as a local. The bartender who was very mean. Told me to leave. The "locals" didn't stand up for me. She mistook me for another person. Didn't bother to ask my ID. I had such high hope but unfortunately fell short and felt racially indeed hate. ​​ read more

Bartender kicked us out while we were waiting for an Uber, she also walked into the men's bathroom to yell at me to leave. We didn't do anything to provoke her to do this and she was extremely rude. I've never been treated this way by someone that I spend 100+ dollars with. read more

Pretty simple dive bar, went there on a Wednesday so it wasn't crazy packed. Definitely would go back.

This is certainly is a dive bar as advertised. It's where the day drunks mix with working professionals, and the drinks are flowing. Easy to get crowded in this tiny joint. The bartenders are always female and they are as nice and sweet as they get. Truly warm-hearted. Why 4 stars? There's only enough room for one guy to take a leak at a time. So get in line. read more

Best bar in the world. I met my wife in this bar while celebrating my first Fur Rondy on my first weekend in Alaska.

Great Hangout! very friendly staff and patrons. I highly recommend this local favorite while in town read more

Darwin's Theory - Dive Bars Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska