Juneau’s nightlife is lively with entertainment hotspots, bars, and pubs. You’ll find something to satisfy your cravings while enjoying fun entertainment. Learn more about the best seafood locations, unique cuisine opportunities, and more.
As you transition from daytime hiking and sightseeing to the lively nightlife in the city, be sure to plan stops at these exciting locations.
Live music frequently streams out of this bar where you can find unique signature cocktails. Go from shopping in the downtown Juneau stores to enjoying the nightlife as darkness falls and the atmosphere shifts.
Reviewers enjoy the craft cocktails and late-night hours this bar is open. You’ll find it open from 5 p.m. every day until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The Food Network named it the Best Cocktail in Alaska. It has also been featured in the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Thrillist, and the Washington Times.
This sports bar is open from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until 1 a.m. on weeknights. It’s a popular place to watch sporting events and where locals go to unwind. That means that it can be a little less crowded compared to the more well-known tourist areas.
The food is excellent bar food, including a crunch wrap that many reviewers mention in their assessment of the place.
While it’s more of a dive bar, Lucky Lady Pub is a fun place to go with activities to keep you entertained, such as pool and darts. You’ll find great local beers there and enjoy good service even late into the evening.
You’ll find locals at this bar too, which can be fun to listen to their stories and hear about the average day in the life of a Juneau resident.
Not only is this a great place to experience the nightlife, but it is also a good place to get a bloody Mary first thing in the morning or to experience Juneau when you first get off the cruise ship. That’s because it opens at 9 a.m., which is rare for similar establishments.
Travelers also note that the bar has a great view given its downtown location. It offers classic food options, such as hot dogs. The Moscow mules also get good ratings for this bar.
Don’t plan to be at this restaurant super late as it closes at 9:30 p.m. But just the same, it is a delicious place to get a meal or choose from the 100+ beers available on tap. The food is excellent with a large seafood menu as well as hand-cut steaks and crab.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island Mountains. The staff is friendly and hospitable, with many reviewers saying the team was willing to answer questions about the menu. The restaurant has been a mainstay on the docks since 1996.
SEEKING ACCOMMODATION IN JUNEAU?
This is a unique bar because it is open-air. That means you won’t be inside a building. You’ll be breathing the fresh Alaskan air as you enjoy beer, cider and liquor. It’s near the cruise docks making it an ideal first stop when you arrive in the area. Enjoy a cozy firelit evening as you take in all that Juneau has to offer. Just be sure you’ve layered up because the air in Juneau can get chilly at night even in the “heat” of summer.
The bar is only open until 10 p.m. so don’t wait too long to visit. You should start your evening there to make sure you don’t miss it when exploring Juneau nightlife.
Many reviewers talk about the nachos at McGivney’s Sports Bar & Grill. They’re topped with a nice helping of meats, veggies and cheese. With hours until 10 p.m., you can get some classic bar food until late. The burgers and fries also get great reviews, and many people say that the wait staff is friendly and attentive. Helpings are generous and the menu has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a great combination of food, drinks and entertainment, The Crystal Saloon is an outstanding option. It is open late until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Enjoy live shows alongside other entertainment, including an arcade with pinball, darts and a pool table. The pizza is unique as it is cooked in a 900-degree oven. The atmosphere and decor are unique and there’s far more to do than just drink and eat, which is nice when you’re looking for a destination.
You’ll find traditional bar hours here with the opportunity to visit until 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar has a pool table so you can stay entertained during your visit. Just know that the bar is fairly loud.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of tourists, students from the nearby school and locals. Come back day after day to experience various specials. And be sure to ask for a table with a view so you can enjoy the view.
Admittedly, the distillery hours are more limited compared to other options on this list. But if you can look past that, you’ll find an outstanding selection of cocktails and food. The handmade spirits use local ingredients. You can stop in for a quick tasting amidst your other activities or enjoy a nightcap. If you’d prefer, you can also take the spirits home with you to enjoy the tastes of Juneau.
Many travelers are pleasantly surprised at the locally made spirits and the fun cocktails available. You can also purchase pre-made canned cocktails to take back to your Juneau hotel to relax and enjoy if the nightlife scene isn’t your style.
Much like other aspects of the area, the Juneau nightlife is livelier during the tourist season of May through September. But if you want a more relaxed environment, the fall, winter and spring months offer a more casual introduction to Juneau and its nightlife. October-April, you’ll mostly be with locals at the bars and entertainment venues. But you might also have a harder time finding live entertainment and the service might be slower as staffing decreases that time of year.
It’s all about your preferences and what you hope to do during your stay in Juneau. Another key to a good experience in Juneau is booking the best hotel.
Most of the nightlife in Juneau is downtown. If you want to be able to walk to and from the best bars and restaurants, stay at Juneau Hotel. You’ll have all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen and washer and dryer in every suite. Live like you do at home while walking to and from the best bars and restaurants.
Book your stay now to enjoy the Juneau nightlife and be at the center of sightseeing and activities in downtown Juneau.
Further reading:
Learn all about how to plan a visit to Eaglecrest Ski Area and the best hotels nearby to prepare for your experience in the winter wonderland with regular fresh powder.
Find the best photos of Juneau, Alaska, and learn the seasons when you should snap these great photos. Here’s your complete list.
Considering running through Juneau to see its wild beauty? Here’s a listing of the Juneau marathons, half marathons and fun runs for the year.