After reading reviews, I was confused  didn't know what to expect.  The entrance is at the patio gate with all the tables and chairs where people hangout drink and smoke. It's open no tent or ceiling  and since it's summer, it was really bright something I am not used to but it's pretty coo I. like the setting.  There's a DJ spinning some good music outside also. Then we went to one of the open rooms and got a hookah.  Drinks were good, it was packed, everyone seem to really enjoy this place then we headed upstairs to the dancefloor and it was packed also.  This place is not my cup of tea but I found myself enjoying it.  So I highly recommend this place if you're looking for a place to hangout with friend, this is it.
Review Source:If you just want to hang out on a deck this is the deck to do it. Â The menu change and they took off the Potato Nachos (why I gave the 4 starts) and there drinks are more expensive then the average, but you are paying for the awesome patio.
They do have some live music and some good indoor space. Â If you get the chance they rent hookahs with your choice of flavors. Â It is just very energetic place with a good vibe!
One of my favorite spots downtown, but it has been bumped from "absolute favorite" by the Bubbly Mermaid. I love the laid-back vibe and the wedding cake martinis. I've read a few reviews that say it tries to hard too be "cool" or "urban" or whatever, but come on now, this *is* Anchorage. Anything that makes an effort gets kudos in my book. If you come here make sure to go next door and rent a hookah (although the experience is much more enjoyable when the weather's warm and you don't have to sit outside under heat lamps!).
Review Source:I love that anchorage is full of micro-breweries. Had a friendly bartender and good food. Hangover burger and halibut fish and chips were done very well. Â I heard from some locals that the food used to be better and that the place has become 'touristy' in recent years but I was a tourist so I enjoyed it.
Review Source:Bernie's kind of seems like the place that tries to set itself up as the cool, urban, chic, cosmopolitan hotspot with a snobby attitude that'd fit right up there in LA, but definitely not in Anchorage. It seems like they were confused half-way through decorating the place, so you've got a funky back room with couches and loudly-painted walls, then a quarter-ton stone dragon fountain-thing in the middle of the courtyard and minuscule bathrooms with stall doors that don't always lock properly. Complement that with spotty service, weird-tasting cocktails, and a security team that acts like they're guarding the Fort Knox of nightclubs (which Bernie's certainly is not) and you have Bernie's.
It's pretty awesome in the summer, since they can have a lot more people out there, hanging out in the courtyard. The hookahs are a cool touch, too. They get uppity if you order one drink, because if you didn't notice all the signs posted, you'd know it's a $10 minimum on credit card -- a practice which I'm pretty sure violates their merchant agreement with Visa/MC.
This isn't my "OMG I GOTTA GO HERE" place, but it's nice now and again. It's a popular gathering spot, so I'm pretty much guaranteed that I'll see someone I know at this place. Alright drinks, depending on what you get. Service is hit-or-miss, but all-in-all, a place that is usually the happening place at night.
Well.......I won't up it another star from my previous review simply because of the service...again. The bartenders have always been pretty rude to us (I've been told that you have to know them to get any decent service, which actually made sense when someone mentioned that) and the servers just seem overwhelmed on a sunny day(drinks and food were coming out on a snails pace).
However, the food has definitely made an approvement. I normally never get something to eat here - it was always more of a lounge and drink outside type place for me, but we went for it one sunny day and quite liked it. My only issue was the over-battered fish & chips I had. Very very dough-y. I like my friends pad thai better.
Good prices too.
Bernie's has really only one thing going for it. It is one of the few places in Anchorage with a nice open court yard. And I hate to be a geezer and recall the good 'ol days, but I think that when Bernie paved over the awesome yard back there and replaced the bocce ball area with cold stark modern patio, it marked the decline of Bernie's.
Now it's an uber hipster hangout, which normally I wouldn't care because it's its own flavor, but the service is terrible! The last few times that I have been at Bernie's we ended up leaving before we could order anything because we sat around for 45 minutes and nobody even came to take our order.
When I actually can get a food or drink order in I find that they are pretty good. I like the tuna tartar that they have on the menu and they make a pretty mean mojito.
This place is one of my favorites in town. There are tons of places to sit down and hang out with friends, the staff is really nice, and the overall atmosphere here is great. If you wanna hookah, they've got that. If you want to eat some tasty, cheap food, they've got that. If you wanna dance, go upstairs dance! I highly recommend this place!
Review Source:In the SoNo district of Anchorage, Bernie's is a little island of enjoyment. Â There is an incredible mix of people that frequent Bernie's. From the first moment I stepped into the yard I felt welcome and at home. Â Regulars can be found outdoors year around, and not just to have a smoke, but because we enjoy a clear sunny day -snow or no snow; and can kick back and unwind looking at the Chugach mountains to the east.
A little secret is that there is a kitchen which prepares food made with good ingredients. Â Homemade from scratch soups every day. Â The coconut curry chicken is my favorite.
In Alaska, actually anywhere, Bernie's is a unique, inviting, relaxing, and welcoming place to chill alone or with as many friends as you bring.
This place is fantastic. I wish my husband and I discovered it sooner. It was right down the street from our apartment and one of the top places on my list that I'd love to bring back to Boston with me.
I am a huge fan of places you can drink & be outside. Their outside area is big, has a good amount of tables and a kick-ass kind of random fountain.
Bernie's was actually the first (and only so far) hookah bar I've been too. I never actually got to try the hookah but I still think it was pretty rad that they had it.
We almost always went here strictly for drinks but I did try their Thai pizza and it was yummy.
They have three different bar areas which all have different feels to them, all awesome. (note: see first review for great description of each area).
One afternoon a friend and I stopped here for some mimosas and it was just so relaxing and comfortable. I always felt welcome and the atmosphere is so chill, during the day and at night.
To sum, I miss this bungalow and Anchorage dearly. If you are ever downtown this is a place I highly recommend you check out!
I dig Bernies. The atmosphere is chill, the drinks are good and it's just a great place to go and unwind. I haven't been in a while (le sigh) however, everytime I have been there it's always been a good time.
In fact - the best fight I've EVER seen was at Bernies. Beer bottle cracked over a girls face and a guy being stabbed in the head with the broken beer bottle!
The most unique bar I went to in Anchorage.
Bernie's has a huge outdoor patio perfect for summer carousing. Â The place was packed with people when I was there, so if you're looking for a quiet spot to chat with your buddies, this isn't the place.
There was a cover band playing some pretty uninspired classic rock, but my friends tell me Bernie's usually features some pretty good live shows.
I like Bernie's if only for the prices. Â I met some decent people in here, but they were visiting from away. Â The rest of the crowd was polite enough, but not overly friendly. Â I chalk that up to them being youngsters. Â
I'll be back again sometime, but I don't think that I'll make this a regular destination. Â I'm torn because Bernie's offers a better bang for your buck than a few places in the vicinity. Â The johns need to be cleaned more regularly and better maintained, though.
I'm not much of a barhopper so I'm embarassed to say I've lived in Anchorage for years but have never stopped by Bernie's, in spite of hearing lots of good things about the place from loyal fans. Well, I've changed my tune and I've paid Bernie's two visits in the past week, both times when I was downtown and had time to kill and needed something to eat & drink. On my first visit, I had a Hoegaarden and split the thai pizza with a friend. Both the beer and the pizza were excellent. Good prices for downtown Anchorage. And last night I had a great big tall Tom Collins and some gyoza before dashing over to the PAC to hear Ira Glass speak. Again, both the drink and the food were excellent and the Tom Collins was perfect for a sunny spring day with its ice and slices of lemons. I was there during the day both times so it wasn't too crowded and I can't vouch for what it's like as a bar on a Friday or Saturday night. But I'll be back, gladly.
Review Source:Was in Anchorage for almost a week and needed a drink. Â Bernie's helped out immensely. Â
Met two other cyclists here who shared with me fine liquors, some harty IPA's and a nice night of long distance revelry.
The wait staff was hipsterish, friendly, cool and never far away. Â They have many beers on tap including some local brews from the Kenai (Kassik's) and Midnight Sun, in addition to the Budwiserish Alaskan Amber and Ale...etc...
Its kind of a maze inside with an odd setup, but when I go back here in two weeks I hope to enjoy the patio since it is huge! Â If ever in downtown Anchorage and looking for a nice and non pretentious hang check out Bernie's.
I like it
After a long afternoon of hiking, my boyfriend and I decided to unwind  and quench our thirst with some drinks at a local bar. Upon entering Bernie's we heard live music being played by a rock band. As we were walking through the patio, there were plenty of tables and chairs being occupied with patrons who seem to enjoy their convivial moment while smoking hookahs and drinking with friends. The atmosphere had lots of high energy especially for a Wednesday night.
Inside the restaurant, we were quickly greeted by a server/bartender and seated where we were able to dine peacefully from the loud music but able to watch through the windows. He recommended the special of the night: $9 of 3 flight wine sample safari. What a deal! We order 2 flights and while serving us the samples, the bartender gave us a little detail about each wine. I love it when people have a little sommelier in them, it helps to get an idea of what I'm about to drink! We also ordered the red curry chicken and boiled shrimp.
The curry was delicious. Creamy coconut milk and lots of heat! Just the way a Thai dish is suppose to be! The boiled shrimp were jumbo size and was served with corn on the cob and red skin potatos. The potatos could have been boiled longer but I still enjoyed my meal.
Our experience at Bernie's was pleasant, it seems like a good place to chill especially with friends and listen to local bands.
Going into Bernie's is like going into the video game, the Sims. There's this point when your Sims make enough money to buy the best of home furnishings, which in turn makes your Sims happy (they are very temperamental and shallow,) but the best home furnishings are all very "swinging bachelor pad" or "quaint cottage" or "art deco" and do not go together. Bernie's has a similar hodge podge of tackiness.
Oh and let us not forget the "pretty people area." No Uglos, you know who you are and so do they.
The Bungalow died many moons ago. Â I'm not mourning the "good old days" because even at its best, BBL was a cesspool of holy hipsters, but aw, the good old days... of a quaint Bungalow Lounge with eclectic furniture and a heat-lamped patio. Â Now with the courtyard and VIP villa? Â Meh.
Review Source:From the street you might just think it's someone's yard behind that fence, but you know what's lurking there? Â BOCCE. Â That makes Bernie's the best place in Anchorage to hang out, have a drink, and get in a little lawn bowling. Â It's completely chill, they have local bands play on the patio and local art on the walls, and they have BOCCE. Â Bocce, I tell you.
Review Source:A total local's joint. Â This place is great to just relax and enjoy a good drink. Â You'll inevitably run into a few people you know there. Â The age group ranges from barely legal to about 30. Â There's a dance floor now, but I love the fact that it really is what it claims to be: a lounge. Â You can just relax, listen to some music and have a conversation. Â The outdoor patio has some nice decoration and plenty of room to mingle. Â It is not a place to be trashed or to be trashy, so be aware before you go. Â The location is great because it is downtown, but out of the way so tourists don't accidental come in.
Review Source:This is the best kept secret in Anchorage, as it is really only a locals' place for Anchorage 20 - 30 somethings to party. It is a huge venue that is more like a California place like the old DV8 in SF, It has 3 bars: 1) downstairs serving the small rooms sectioned off with different decor and ambiance, from the small tabled front rooms, to the rear lounge with comfy couches for more intimate encounters, or the mirrored pool room with 2 tables; 2) Upstairs in the disco like lounge with disco lights, hardwood floor, and contemporary living room couches with throw pillows and 3) the outdoor cabana bar in the huge courtyard with aluminum stamped chairs and tables, water fountain, and live music stage in an open air setting with tiki lamps. They have a live jazz quartet with a female vocalists every third Thursday in the summer. They have special events, like the summer beach party, and serve casual bar foods like satays, mexican wraps, and burgers. It is a full bar with bottled beers, tap, and all the 20 something favorites like Patrone, Baileys, Jagermeister and all the dark and white hard liquors, and of course Red Bull. No middle aged or retired "tourists" know about this place nor frequent it. It is behind the 5th Avenue Mall parking structure and JC Pennys, caty corner to Nordstroms, filling half the small block. Bernie, part of the Chinese diaspora, is usually on premises, wearing a hat.
Review Source:
The 5 best restaurants in the 2015 Denver Restaurant Week
3,607 Views | Category: Denver
The complete list of 2015 Denver Restaurant Week businesses
1,970 Views | Category: Denver
The tourists' guide to Portillos: 5 must have dishes
3,306 Views | Category: Chicago
Pho = Pronounced "fuh" not "foe" for pho-king sake
2,904 Views | Category: Denver
Indulgery selected to exhibit at Collision Conference
2,983 Views | Category: Press Releases
Not Logged In
BUSINESSES
Local Businesses
Near Me
My Favorites
SOCIAL
Blog & News
MY ACCOUNT
Login
Register
Contact Us
Add Your Business
