The security guard at the Museum of Natural History gave us a recommendation. So we arrived at your restaurant on the recommendation of Kelvin. From the time we were seated until the time we left the restaurant we were treated in nothing less than Grand fashion. Our waitress was attentive and helpful with offering recommendations on appetizers as well as entrees. Her recommendations were spot on. The calamari for an appetizer. The smoked Cherry single batch Bourbon drink as well as a blueberry mojito. They were mixed to perfection. The halibut cheeks as well as the black cod were cooked to perfection and definitely to our liking. The sides were absolutely delicious. Easily one of our better meals we had during our two-week stay in Alaska. We certainly appreciate the recommendation, we certainly appreciate the attentiveness of our server and the quality of the food served. We will definitely return when an Anchorage again
Overview
Walking into Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill feels like stepping into a piece of Anchorage history that still knows how to have a good time. I remember my first visit on a snowy evening after a long day downtown, when the warmth from the dining room windows and the smell of grilled seafood pulled me right off the sidewalk. Located at 420 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States, this spot has long been a favorite for locals who want reliable food, a welcoming bar, and a view that reminds you why Alaska is special.
The menu strikes a smart balance between classic American grill staples and seafood-forward dishes that reflect the region. I’ve personally watched servers recommend the halibut to first-timers, and there’s a good reason for that. Alaska seafood is consistently ranked among the best in the world, with NOAA fisheries data showing Alaska accounts for about 60 percent of total U.S. seafood harvest by volume. That freshness shows up here in dishes that don’t overcomplicate things. The salmon is cooked simply, the crab legs are generous, and the fish and chips arrive crisp without being greasy, which is harder to pull off than it looks.
One night, I sat at the bar and chatted with a bartender who had worked there for over a decade. He explained how the kitchen sticks to time-tested cooking methods, like grilling over high heat to lock in moisture and seasoning proteins just before cooking to preserve flavor. That consistency matters. In restaurant reviews across major platforms, repeat diners often mention that they know exactly what they’re getting, and that reliability builds trust faster than flashy trends ever could.
Beyond seafood, the grill side of the menu holds its own. The steaks are solid, especially for a downtown diner-style restaurant, and the burgers are thick, juicy, and unapologetically messy. Portions lean generous, which aligns with what many guests expect when dining out in Alaska. According to the National Restaurant Association, value perception is one of the top factors influencing repeat visits, and this place clearly understands that.
The location plays a big role in the overall experience. Being close to the water gives some tables a partial view of Cook Inlet, and during summer evenings, the extended daylight adds a relaxed, almost celebratory mood to dinner. I’ve noticed that both tourists and locals tend to linger longer here, ordering dessert or another round, which says a lot about how comfortable the space feels. The dining room isn’t trying to be trendy; instead, it leans into a saloon-style charm that feels earned rather than staged.
Service is another area where the restaurant quietly shines. On one particularly busy night, our server managed multiple large tables without missing drink refills or special requests. That kind of pacing comes from experience, not luck. Industry research from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration consistently shows that perceived service quality has a stronger impact on satisfaction than food alone, and this place benefits from seasoned staff who know the flow.
There are limits worth noting. During peak tourist season, wait times can stretch longer than expected, and reservations aren’t always guaranteed for walk-ins. Parking downtown can also be tricky, especially in winter. Still, those are more about the realities of Anchorage than flaws in the restaurant itself.
Over the years, Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill has built a reputation that feels grounded in real meals, real people, and real consistency. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch, meeting friends for drinks, or showing visitors a dependable Anchorage favorite, the combination of menu variety, experienced staff, and central location continues to earn its place among the city’s most talked-about restaurants.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great wine list ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Private dining room ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Counter service ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Cosy ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Lunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservations ✓ Usually a waitPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Has changing table(s) ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Paid parking lot ✓ Paid street parkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
This was a very good experience with fresh seafood very well prepared (king crab, cod and halibut), prices in line with higher end restaurants in town and good friendly service. The coconut shrimp with a marmalade sauce was unnecessarily sweet and the seafood dishes were very good but not excellent but the king crab was perfect and generous. Nice decor and good wine by the glass selection and great draft beers. Overall definitely worth it. M
Amazing restaurant in Anchorage. If you can’t get a reservation, you can sit open seating in the bar which we did. A lot of seating in the bar, including overlooking the water. Get there early if you want those seats. Service in the bar area was excellent. The sourdough bread that came to the table was excellent. Our waitress was wonderful and the Caesar salad was very good. A lot of lemon in the Caesar dressing, but it really turned out well. Got the halibut cheeks and I’ve never had halibut this good. You could tell it was incredibly fresh and the texture was amazing as it was prepared perfectly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Memorable Dining Experience with a Touch of Nostalgia Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill truly delivered a memorable dining experience. From the moment our party of five walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly, which set the tone for a great evening. The ambiance is something special — it carries a nostalgic 70s vibe with a touch of elegance that makes the space feel both classic and fancy. It’s the kind of place that transports you back in time, in the best way possible. I ordered the 16oz ribeye, and I have to say — it was cooked to absolute perfection. Juicy, flavorful, and expertly prepared. While the smashed potatoes didn’t quite hit the mark for me due to an unusual taste I couldn’t quite place, it didn’t take away from the overall meal. The rest of our group had a fantastic experience with dishes ranging from the fish and chips to some of the best hamburgers we’ve had in a while. One of the standout features of our evening was the window seating overlooking the water — it added a peaceful and scenic backdrop to our meal. Simon & Seafort’s is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience in Anchorage.
I came here yesterday with my husband and my friend. The food was great. The place was super busy. The wait for a table was 90 minutes but they have a bar zone where you can just sit at any available table. If you come in during busy hours like us, all the tables are likely to be occupied. You gotta keep an eye out for a group that almost finish and quickly take the table when they’re done. That’s how we ended up waiting around 30 minutes. Anyhow, I highly recommend making a reservation. And probably due to how packed the place was, we waited another hour for the food.
This was probably our best meal in Anchorage. We couldn’t get a reservation in the main room so we ate in the bar. It was a great option as we had a great view and a great server - Lacey! Don’t let the unpretentious front fool you. The Smoke&Bourbon drink was cool and delicious, and the beer and wine were great. The calamari was tasty albeit a bit heavy on the breading. Excellent crab stuffed halibut which was big enough to split! Really enjoyed the short walk to get here from downtown. This is not one to miss. VictorB