Blues Central/Chef's Inn

Blues Central / Chef's Inn is a blues club and bar that has been around in Anchorage for nearly as long as Alaska has been a state.   Located near the corner of Arctic and Benson the exterior of the club tends to look a little seedy/shady but over the course of its many years in business it has made a name for itself for perhaps some of the best burgers and French dip sandwiches in all of Alaska.  And given it had been well over a decade since I was last there I decided to join a friend for lunch today to rekindle my relationship with it.

I had known going in that the choice of lunch was going to be either the Alaska Blues Burger or the Pepper Dip sandwich which is their classic French dip sandwich topped with swiss cheese and sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms.  In the end it was the blues burger that won out as I love a good blue cheeseburger.  

To many that visit one quick question that usually arises is, "Where do I park?"  While there are a few spots that do exist in front of Blues Central / Chef's Inn the building houses a much bigger parking lot behind the building and it allows for much easier access to Arctic Blvd.  If you do chose to enter the building from the back doors you will be entering from the back of the restaurant.  It can cause a bit of confusion with some.  Seating is on your own so don't feel the need to wait around for a staff member to seat you.  We quickly grabbed one of the last remaining tables at the back of the restaurant.

Our server came over and welcomed us within just a few scant seconds of sitting down and asked us if we wanted something to drink and if we already knew what we wanted.  But she was certainly happy to give us a few minutes so we could look over the menu.  By that time my friend began looking around and noticed we were the only females in the place.  She actually took a minute to ask if we were in a guys club.  I chuckled and said no, guys just know where to find the best food.  

The server took that moment to return and I ordered a Alaska Blues Burger hold the mayo with fries while my friend ordered a Denali Burger with fries.  We took a few minutes to catch up and a short time later our burgers were brought out.  I did see a couple of the French dips come out of the kitchen and they looked great.  Definitely on the list for next time.

When I received my order I was surprised at how big it was.  The blue cheese was already beginning to melt and as I assembled my burger I nibbled on one or two of the fries.  The fries were thin cut and served with skins but they were limp.  They would have been much better in the fryer for a few more minutes.  I like my fries crisp and ready to stand up to my side of ranch dressing I usually order to accompany them.  The burger however was great!  It was as good as I had heard.  Cooked to perfection and the tang of the accompanying blue cheese hit the spot.  

If you are looking for a great night out it is beneficial to note that they hold a variety of live music including a Sunday music jam.  They also tend to have a special each day of the week with Mondays being London Broil with Mashed taters and gravy and Chili with Homemade Cornbread on Wednesdays.  It looks like a great place to stop by!  

If you find yourself having a hankering for a good burger then Blues Central / Chef's Inn is right up your alley.  It definitely won't leave you singing the blues.

Great little club with neon lights, old vinyl booths, small space between tables, loungish bar, any drink you can think of, all topped off with a bit of live music and eats make this a great evening with friends. Kenny Blackwell has been a long standing feature at this joint and people all have a roaring good time.

There is one audience involved song the band plays and the lead singer will get off stage, walk around, and get people to sing with him; you can't really escape from the microphone, there is no where to go. So, if you have a bit of stage fright, and hear the tune "I got my mojo working" duck out to the bathroom, or bring a friend to sit next to that will take one for the team. I did the latter. Good times.

Great music and bar.