I visited the Williwaw rooftop bar in August. The decor is very hip and trendy. Seating was spread out, which was nice and roomy. Great views of downtown Anchorage. The beer selection was pretty great. A good mix of generic domestic beer and local craft beer (if I do recall). There was also a fire pit and some heat lamps. Hopefully these allow the rooftop bar to stay open well into the fall. I don't live in Anchorage so I haven't been back since. I would recommend this place to anyone who is seeking a "beer garden" type atmosphere. read more

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An overserved man kept following me and harassing me, I told him to leave me alone, I tried to tell him to stop, I tried walking away, he kept following me and started calling me names. I told him off and security immediately jumped in to tell me I need to stop and saying I'll be kicked out. I asked what about him, he's the one that started making a scene and keeps harassing me, they said he hadn't done anything. I tried to walk away, he was so drunk he followed me yelling at my right in front of security. I told him to F off and security immediately jumped in telling me I need to leave Williwaw. After they witnessed him following me and harassing me when I tried to remove myself from the situation. I went to another floor and he followed me. At this point he started threatening to physically hurt me and told me I "was lucky there were so many people around". Many people heard it and told him he needed to chill out and we're on my side. Security came over to see what the commotion was. I told them he had been threatening me and harassing me. Security asked him if he'd been bothering me and he lied saying he hadn't spoken to me even once. Security told me there must've been a misunderstanding, I needed to calm down, and then told me I was going to get kicked out if I didn't stop making a scene. Even though other people were agreeing with me. read more

I was trying to go to the Speak Easy and I was informed that it would cost $5 to walk through the Williwaw Social to get to the Speak Easy. The Speak East's drinks are quite exceptional but high priced, $5 on top of that was ridiculous. The young girls at the front of the social were rude and didn't want to listen to why we were there. I recommend going to Ginger for some high scale cocktails without the fan fare and rudeness. read more

I would review the meal I ordered, but I never got it. We arrived at 11 AM on a Saturday for brunch. There were 2 other tables of customers, one of which had just gotten their order. It was 7-10 minutes before they came and took our drink order, and another 10 before they took our food order. Finally about 12:20 we got 5 meals out of 6 ordered. Mine was simple - a scrambled egg with cheese and a side of bacon. But no show. So the waiter goes back to see where it's at, and he comes back saying someone gave it to a kid in the other room, but they'll make me another order. Then they come out another 15 minutes later and say they aren't going to make my order. We finally left at 12:51 - nearly 2 hours after arriving, and it didn't take long to eat the food they finally produced , since my friends shared with me, as I never got mine. Definitely won't be going back there. EVER!! If I could leave 0 stars I would. read more

Casually strolled in attracted by the live music and the place didn't disappoint! We were happily dancing most of the time!

It was an interesting experience, we went with some friend that where here on vacation and they didn't let them in because they don't accept Puerto Rico Id or at least they don't accept them as a "legit" id form because is not a US I'd...... I thing Williwaw should train their employees and give them a little of US history as well. I couldn't believe that they told us that like the most normal thing. So in case the administration of Williwaw don't know Puerto Rico is part of the US since 1898, we are American citizens and Puerto Rico ids are a federal form of Id. You can use it to travel, and to get in on federal building and installations. I hope this is just plain ignorance because would be really bad is was discrimination. I am a Williwaw costumer and go all the time. But this may be my last time there. read more

The thai chicken says there was some spicy lime used but I dont seem to taste the spicy. I seems like more of a soy sauce base. The food was good though. If you are expecting a lettuce wrapping the food, that is not you will get. You will get 5-6 lettuce leaves and you will wrap them yourself and eat it. If you have ate Korean BBQ before and have seen how we use the lettuce, that is how you will have to eat it. That is how I ate it. I wish it was more spicy. read more

Williwaw - Thai chicken lettuce wrap - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Went for lunch ordered their TBTC. It was soggy and filled with too much cheese. There was not flavor or taste to it. This is my 3 Rd bad food experience. Previously I had ordered short ribs which were extremely salty. The waiter exchanged that order with pulled pork sandwich which was ALSO SALTY????? Not sure if the cook smokes cigarettes because that affects the taste buds but how can you have two different recipes with too much salt. Never going here again for food. Caution others from going here as well. Sad to see such a descent place to serve such bad food. read more

Williwaw - (Soggy) TBTC - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Eek Methinks not! (Just a food review; one visit) $$$ First off, Williwawt is grossly over priced and the menu options did not jump out at me. The appetizer selection is kind of meek. But this makes perfect sense to serve sub- pare to below average food, why - because Williwaw make much of their revenue on the weekend bar scene, patio, weekend brunch and the Steamdot around the corner.. Maybe they feature good live music which would be a redeemable quality.. So about the food: The sandwich and the entree my partner had were disappointing. We had two mixed green house salads on top of our meal, which had no depth. Balsamic was poor and the olive oil seperated. Note to kitchen: emulsify your balsamic. A final note: going out to eat can be an utter waste of time and money. Price range for this place after lunch is between $60-70 for two people, without beverages!! read more

Amazing mimosa bar. Great breakfast! Opens at 8am for breakfast on the weekend. Hard to find that downtown. read more

Bad food and absolutely the worst service in the world. Don't waste your time, there are too many other places to go in Anchorage for evening entertainment. read more

Agree with another reviewer who said staff was confused. Also innattentive/MIA. The place looks nice - but it's all surface. Brunch was sad and gross. They served me the thinnest layer of uncooked hash browns. When I returned the plate - and this is only the second time I've ever sent food back - it took 20 minutes to get it back. They returned it with the leftover bacon and egg (stained with the Tabasco I'd put on much earlier). Sorry but I don't want to eat a 30 minute old egg. You served me bad food spend 33 cents to send out a new egg. Only in Alaska. read more

Williwaw - Returned egg :( - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

tourist are not welcome here they are awful. Being from Alaska, I took my friend out from D.C. And we stopped at this bar thinking it'd be a good spot for drinks. They rudely rejected his Washing DC drivers license because he, a US citizen, didn't have his passport. Maybe this is protocol? No. We had entered through the other side just before and had no problem. read more

A great place to eat, drink, and, enjoy a great concert. The booking staff puts together an amazing show. The cooks make an amazing meal. And the bartenders are top notch! A new regular spot for me read more

Williwaw - Blues central - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Ate here on the 4th. The stuffed chicken was the moistest we have had in a long while. I had the Cubano and it was spot on. Kid had the kobe beef sliders, very good but no side. Great suprise, not cheap but Def worth it for something different and original. Just a short walk away from hard rock... read more

Williwaw - Denali ipa. 6 bucks on tap. - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Had food and drinks here and neither are great. The events are fun. Beer and yoga, h3. Absolutely love all of these events. Hate that they took away the speakeasy but still a cool place to go have fun with friends. read more

Ray the manager is the most disrespectful person I have ever dealt with in the service industry. He refused to listen to my requests that were both calm and reasonable. He refused my service and treated me like scum. I will never patronize this establishment again and I encourage anyone to look for greener pastures. read more

Came for drinks on the roof top patio Saturday night. It was very crowded but our server Grant was AWESOME and very responsive. Would definitely come back read more

A week ago I would have given Blues Central 5 stars--fun experience, great drinks, friendly and attentive bar tenders. After our recent experience I have to change that rating. On Friday night my daughter and her husband who were visiting from out-of-state, invited my husband and I to join them at Blues Central aka the Speakeasy. A friend offered to babysit and we looked forward to an adult evening out. Both couples have been to Blues Central previously and have recommended to others to try it. After our experience Friday night, not only will we not return, we will no longer recommend it to others. The sliding door (which we had not known existed) was open and "music" and "singing" were blaring throughout the venue at an uncomfortable volume. We could hardly order our drinks, never mind have a conversation. In retrospect, we should have left immediately, but the drinks are phenomenal and we decided to stick it out in hopes that the "performance" would soon end. The bar tenders were clearly frustrated but unable to do anything about it. My daughter and I went to find someone who could perhaps help. The bar tender downstairs said that the performer had been asked many times to turn down the volume to no avail. She tried again, but it made no difference. We stayed for one drink and decided to move on to another bar. We were told that this performer is invited on a regular basis so will not take another chance and will take our business elsewhere which is too bad. read more

Awesome service & the food was great! The waiter was accommodating and like I said the food was good. I'd recommend this place 100%. read more

Williwaw - The menu - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Went there for the first time for their advertised Family Night (dinner and a kids movie). We had two hungry kids with us. It took 1 hour 10 minutes for the food to arrive. How lond does it take to fry two corndogs and throw together a Ceasar salad? After 40 minutes the waitress came over to re-take the order "to make sure she got it right". Ridiculous. I don't think I will be going there again. read more

So I just heard that the music manager Susynn (or the lady in charge of hiring bands)finally got busted for pocketing all the door money which is supposed to be split with the acts that perform there. We played there this summer and took our "guaranteed" money in a check, but there was a cover of $10 at the door which we agreed to receive half. Close to 300 people came out on this Saturday night and let's just do the math. 300x$10 is $3000. Sooooo, she says "I can't split it up right now" because she doesn't know how much money is in the bag. Basically, subtract what was in the bag in the beginning, then count all money and divide by 2!? She said she'd call us in the morning before we left town and she will get us our money. No call and she blew us off! Didn't return phone calls even! Heard she's done this to many bands and I'm hoping she goes to jail for embezzling from this business and stealing from local and traveling artists. As a band or musician I can say AVOID THIS PLACE! It's not the "premier" music showcase it claims to be and the people who run it are shady AF. read more

I ordered a drink upstairs and brought it downstairs. This is my first time here by the way. I saw the sign stating "no service here, table service only," so I sat and waited to be served. When I'm entered the downstairs bar there were only a few people, but after having been sat awhile and seeing that others were being served I decided to go to the bar. I made this choice because I thought maybe they were not strict on the table service only rule because I did see others go to the bar. When I got to the bar I was told by the bartender that there is table service only in the most mean and rude way possible, and was then told that I was skipped for table service because I had brought a drink from up stairs and "probably had a tab open up there." Things only escalated from here after trying to explain myself to the bartender, in which I opted to leave because he clearly did not care about me as a customer and didn't care about the business either by the way he chose to explain how the bar operates. Zero stars if I could. But with a long pony tail if you care to know. read more

Cool environment, mediocre food, pathetic service! We waited 45 minutes for two sandwiches and tomato soup, turns out they were out of tomato. Rather than ask if we preferred a different soup or perhaps a bag of chips, they decided we would rather have mushroom soup and a sandwich that was used to soak up the spilled broth. It was a huge disappointment, we ate it because we were starving and had already waited 45 minutes. read more

It appears everyone is having the same experience. I wanted to check the reviews to see if maybe I was crazy, but like I said as my food was being sent back to be reheated, "the jury is still out" Ordered the Pork Yakisoba... came with cold Pork and uncooked noodles. Another person with our group had the Shrimp Yakisoba... same thing, it was sent back with mine. The plates were warm tho so the heating lamps are working. Stay away from this place... I have more I could write but this place doesn't deserve the time. Please learn from my mistake of going here. All the reviews here are trying to help people avoid a waste of money and time. read more

The crépe was awesome food. Good beer selection. Then as we were waiting for our check, a long, long, long time.. They approached us and told us that they were turning our obscure booth into a V.I.P. section. Looked at us like we were crazy because we were waiting to pay. Currently still waiting on said check. That was a while ago. Would have upped it to a two but haven't gotten the bill yet. read more

The French Dip and au jus were really tasty and my hot toddy was perfect for Alaska's cold weather. The service was helpful and the venue depends on the night. read more

Went there TWICE and both times they were out of over half the menu items. How is that possible? So, I've never actually eaten there. Just frustrating. We won't give it a third chance. read more

Went to Williwaw for Mother's Day buffet brunch. We arrived 5min before our 10am reservation for 6, and we were seated right away. While we were welcomed, we were never given instructions (being that it was our first time there) so we just people watched and did what they did. Drinks took a long time to come (2 coffees, 2 kids juices 1 orange juice). $40/pp was for the food only which was delicious btw, but the early birds do not catch the worm here as set up was still happening. There was crab legs but not the proper utensils to crack them open etc. We were charged separately for mimosas, so while the bar idea was cute, it was weird that you paid per mimosa but had to get up to "make it yourself." I didn't much mind that, it was the wait to get your glass of champagne that was annoying. Not to mention garnishes for both the Mimosa and the Bloody Mary bar didn't appear till closer to 11am. Long waits for refills of any kind etc. I think a lot of that had to do with them still trying to set up from 10am-11am. By the time we left (11:15am) we were getting up to grab our own coffee and refill our orange juices at the Mimosa bar rather than wait again. Lastly, it was advertised all moms would receive a special gift. We were given nothing and I saw another mom leave 15-20min before us without a gift as well. Maybe the moms who had reservations with later times were able to get their gifts? Next time we will try Kinleys buffet brunch. read more

I was initially excited about going here. The location and atmosphere was great. But the service was awful. They needed at least one more server on the rooftop deck--it too is nearly 30 minutes to get our check after having to chase our server down for both rounds of drinks. read more

Would have given this bar five stars but I was honestly shocked at what I witnessed from the staff! The bartenders and bar backs were AMAZING , and attentive. The issue was that my group and I witnessed the "manager" scolding her employees within plain view of guests. I've been in the industry for a long time and I understand management but this was over the top and coming from a "manager" with a hoodie and a skull cap on. All other employees were in perfect uniform, and for a speak easy you would assume the manager would be in appropriate attire, not at all! As far as I was concerned there was a random person walking behind the bar with a hoodie on talking down to the bartenders who were awesome! I was disappointed. read more

Today was my first time to the Williwaw. Met here for a working lunch. I had the Pork Char Siu Bowl over shirataki noodles, with ghost pepper hot sauce on the side. Quite delicious and my first time to find shirataki noodles in a restaurant. They also serve delicious Steam Dot coffee. Service was very good as well. I'll be sure to come back again. read more

Not impressed. If you don't drink, or even if you do for that matter, I'd recommend looking for somewhere else to spend your money and your time. The first girl I spoke with upon entering greeted me even though they were clearly hosting a larger event in their private area. I told her I was waiting for some more people but I was early. I asked if I could just sit at the bar to get off my feet. She told me that there wasn't anyone working that bar currently but she'd come check on me when she gets a chance. I wasn't looking to drink any alcohol while I was waiting. Maybe a coke, but mainly I just wanted to sit and not take up a table for other guest. Upon sitting down some other girl came up and informed me that I was a liability because I was sitting at a bar that wasn't being tended. I let her know that I was just waiting for some other people and just wanted to get out of the entry way and didn't plan on drinking at the bar. Then she paused for a sec but instead of saying sure you can sit here but you just can't drink alcohol at an unattended bar, she decides to double down on the bullshit excuse she originally gave me and insisted I was a liability by sitting out of the way at a completely empty bar. She told me she could seat me at a dining table, but that always makes me feel bad, taking up a complete table while I wait for my friends to arrive, while people with complete parties wait for a table to open up. I didn't see an issue since they really don't have a waiting area at the front. It was now turning into a battle of wills and I could tell her attitude wasn't gonna get any more accommodating. I told her that I wasn't going to take up a table while I wait so I'll just sit on the stairs out front. It seemed like a pretty simple solution, go sit at the bar while I wait for my friends. She didn't see it that way and instead of just letting me sit there for a few minutes, she decides to make up some bullshit about it being a liability. While I sat on the stairs out front I read through the Alaska alcohol and marijuana control office regulations and no where did I see anything that stated a customer can not sit and NOT drink at a bar that doesn't have a bartender behind it. There was so many other ways to address her concerns about where I was sitting. But she chose to make a customer feel unwelcome and insult my intelligence by making up some excuse to get me to move just so she could feel that she was in control of the situation. Needless to say I will not be coming back to Williwaw and I definitely will not be recommending this place to any friends or family that are visiting or live in the area. There's many other places to patronize in Anchorage and not have to deal with bad service. read more

Williwaw - New American Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

The food and service were just ok, but the place as a music venue is absolutely fantastic!

Okay- so my boyfriend and I have been here on a few different occasion. This place is relatively new to Anchorage and obviously trying to find its 'scene'. During the summer they had a beautiful rooftop bar area where you could go, sit, chat with friends, and have a few drinks. We got the chance to stop in and visit the rooftop area once this summer. The general decor of the rooftop bar is beautiful and the view is worth stopping in for. With that being said, the servers were a little lost- they didn't know the drinks or the menus. They forgot to give us menus and were very slow to take our drink orders and deliver drinks. We had three different servers approach us, none of which knew that we'd already been approached by someone else. The drinks were served in mason jar glasses, which was a bit weird and didn't really fit the 'finer' aura of the rooftop area. Most of the people were dressed relatively nicely and it seemed like a business-meeting place for downtown working locals (as there were many people dressed in work attire, suits, etc.) Now that it's winter, the rooftop area has been closed down. The inside area is nice- but again, it's kind of confusing trying to figure out exactly what they're going for. They have a bar area and restaurant style tables. The drink selection is minimal and the menu itself is weird. There aren't really any traditional bar food options and the options that are available are so unique that you're not exactly sure what to try. It's unique- and if you want a unique dining experience, this is a place to try. With that being said, if you're looking for some place where you can just relax, have a drink, and order a small and simple meal- this may not be the right option. I don't drink alcohol, but my boyfriend does and he wasn't really impressed with the drink selection. It's your typical array- but nothing special. Some times the service is slow, other times it's a bit more on par. Because the place is new, I'll give the staff a break. But I do feel like they could be more well-trained and organized in their service. They're not necessarily prompt or very good at greeting people right away. Some servers are better than others, but none seem to have a great grasp on what's going on around them. Again- this is probably largely due to the fact this place is very new and everything within the business is still getting settled. On the weekends they have a dance floor and music. The dance floor is merely cement and I'm not sure if that's on purpose or that's because it hasn't been fully remodeled yet. They do feature local talent, which I really appreciate. Any place that supports local musicians is a win in my book, and that did earn it a higher rating than it would have gotten had it just featured DJs. The place has so many different things going on that I'm not sure what 'crowd' it's trying to appeal to. In a way it seems like a unique date-night place with the fun menu options. But at the same time it feels like a place where people go after work to settle and have a few drinks with coworkers (and in that case, the menu doesn't seem to work). But then on the weekends it turns into a dance club with live music from local bands. It's advertised towards younger crowds (I think), but I feel like older crowds would find it more appealing. It's just an overall new establishment that hasn't really found its footing yet. I'll continue to check in and watch as the business develops- and update my review once they've gotten a bit more... organized. Until then, I'm not super impressed and just overall confused by the concept of the place. read more

This was my first experience at Williwaw. We went to see Reel Big Fish new years eve. I can't believe the fire Marshall approved that many people in this location. With piss poor security. 2 guys started to mosh and spilled beer all over us. Security gave a warning. Okay, fine. 10 minutes later beer down my back from the same 2 guys. Security gave them a second warning. 3rd time not 2 minutes later after getting elbowed in the head, it took 4 security members to get them out. I understand it was a ska concert. But when you are in a confined space with 500 people, safety should be a number one priority. It didn't seem like it was. I think they need to reconsider having that many people in their space. We left shortly after since we were soaked in beer. We didn't even get to see the band we payed $60 to see. I was really disappointed. We had a terrible night. Thanks williwaw. read more

There have only been two times where I have been charged to enter a place to eat & both times here in Anchorage. Once at Blues Central (original closed & now ironically replicated at Willawaw) & now Willawaw this past Saturday night. There was a group of us wanting some food & drinks after an event downtown..we strolled into Willawaw at 8.30pm & according to the ticket I was forced to purchase, the band wasn't set to start till 10. I bought the ticket, sat down, ordered a drink with our table, waited about 25 minutes for those drinks to arrive (it was busy but not packed - our server seemed a bit overwhelmed...completely forgot our drinks at the bar station), had some apps, had some lovely conversations with the people I was there with & managed to leave around 9.45. Guess what?? The band never played. So, essentially, I payed to enter a place to eat food & have a drink. It worked out OK considering I gave my ticket to someone else & nobody seemed to police it whatsoever, however I will say this....... I have been to high-end, low-end, hole in the wall, wait-list for a month restaurants..HK, LA, NYC, Paris....etc.etc. Not once have I been charged to enter an establishment to eat. Until the old Blues Central...& now Willawaw. read more

Spent a delightful afternoon here with my boyfriend, drinking several of bartender David's amazing concoctions... I'd throw an "I'm in the mood for ______" and/or liquor of choice at him and he would come up with something amazing! Good drinks, yummy parm fries, and great company! David gave us all the anchorage insider info :) highly recommended, whether you want to sit out on the sunny roof or escape it downstairs. read more

Let's talk about Blues Central at the Williwaw (the reason I go to this place) I have been there now a couple of times and I am so in love with this place. As an adult woman, it's hard to find places where you can enjoy delicious drinks with friends without it being super loud or with being annoyed by completely wasted people/ loud and obnoxious patrons. Starting from the fun phone booth experience to get 'in' Blues Central, to actually getting seated. The floor manager is professional but fun. When patrons became loud or rowdy, he made sure to communicate to them that they needed to tone it down. People never were mad or made a scene, they simply cooperated. We enjoyed a plethora of drinks. My favorite for the summer is the Irish maid. Seriously, it's like summer in my mouth. I have tried the French 75, Smokey Oso (omg!), Penicillin, Blue Blazer and a couple more that I just can't recall. Prepare to have a great experience and a fun night. We never felt rushed and our waitress was super knowledgable and helpful. Looking forward to my next visit where I will play around the absinthe cocktails. read more

I had the cubano today. Food was good when I actually got it. The service here was beyond terrible. The server didn't greet the table top about 15minutes. We ordered drinks. 15minutes later ordered lunch, still did not get our drinks and we were getting up and getting water from the buffet because she the server wasn't able to get it to us still. Ordered food and it took another 45 minutes to come out and only half the table got their food and then about 10 minutes later the other half got their food. When we asked for the check I could not believe this girl took as long as she did. She literally made us wait another 15 minutes for a check. Management here's some advice- close your restaurant during the day cause it's not working and just open for concerts. And the coffee place can stay open too. Or- get better servers and invest in making sure they do their job. read more