Not a crazy gay bar full of fabulousity, but a kinda quite spot with a good juke box & fun for out of towners to people watch. Â But this was a Wed so I can't speak for the weekends. We ordered The $4 'label special' which lets the bartender make you a big drink of whatever he feels like. That's fun. There was some mild cruising going on, but we are a hetero couple and it was nothing that made us uncomfortable (I have a keen eye).
The neon signs in the window of this, unassuming to say the least, building - will make you think it's closed. Its not. There is a sign to 'enter in the rear' (pun intended I'm sure).
I don't have much to compare this to, but I have a feeling this is the entire gay scene in Anch. Better than the touristy bars closer downtown.
I wish I could provide glowing details on how much fun I had at Mad Myrna's, but...
I was THE AMATEUR on amateur night aka New Year's Eve and found myself in the arms of a red-headed sweetheart (thanks for putting up with me young man!) that just happened to be working the door that night, bawling my drunk-ass eyes out for god knows what reason.
Just one of those built up cathartic things I guess...
From what I was told, and from the still-vague memories that flash like pictures from a wicked old and blurry view-master, the folks at Mad Myrna's treated this fool with dignity. And that says something.
Oh Mad Myrna! I wish you could've met me as a dancing fool instead of a wasted one! We would've had so much fun together!
Maybe we'll meet again after sufficient time has passed when remembrances of NYE 2012 don't cause me to wince to the point of pinched nerves...
Until then,
XOXO
Drunk No More Large Black Broad
Thank you Mad Myrna's! There is a whole room for Karaoke, pool tables, awesome patio and dance floor. Â It's the biggest gay bar in Anchorage and is totally worth going to if you want to see what the local scene is like. Â It actually was pretty mixed gay/straight when I went and EVERYBODY was having a good time. I will be back next time im in AK.
Review Source:Yep, the place is MAD...but not in a bad way! More like Mad Hatter mad (which might be the reason for the top hat in the logo). They have their own ways of doing things at Mad Myrna's, and until you figure this out you'll be wondering if they even know what they're doing.
First, you enter in the rear. OK. It is a gay club after all. The big rooms connect through a doorway in the middle of the room (not at the end, not down a hall) so the sounds/people/activity going on in one room spill over into the other, and vice versa. This can be a bit disconcerting at first, but this keeps patrons moving freely between the spaces, rather than feeling tied to one place or the other. I was there on a weeknight and the place still had a circus feel to it. If you're not sure what's going on, and you really want to know, ask someone! 'Most everyone will be happy to fill you in, unless they are a clueless as you are. And in that case, you've found a match, or at least something in common.
And don't believe the "$$" moderately priced rating above! The drink prices, at least, aren't really even "$" inexpensive--they're downright cheap! About the only way to get more booze for your buck is to get someone else to pay (I know that when I find drink prices this low, I start buying drinks for everyone around me--but, hey, I'm used to well drinks for $8 and up).
It's been a good experience overall every visit at Myrna's. The atmosphere is nice, it's very chill. Based on observation and the statements made by fellow patrons(sober) throughout multiple visits, the only concern is that frequently it feels like the DJ favors particular patrons on karaoke night, tending to gravitate toward regulars and the like. Example being you hand him the slip of paper with your song choice and your name very early on, and individuals who have come in much later coincidentally get on stage rather quickly, and you're pushed further back on the list, along with some other people who were in a similar position to you, who are equally as puzzled. Or sometimes they just skip you altogether. Also sometimes he's kind of an ass, when you hear some of the wise-cracking in-between performances. I'm sure he's a decent person outside of work(one can only hope.) It's just slightly disenchanting and a bit unprofessional to hear the DJ, the supposed promoter of good vibes who keeps the train to funkytown on course for arrival with refreshments along the journey, acting as the monarch of douchey bros . There have been occasions in which someone will request a song and the guy will flat out announce that he's not going to play said song because he doesn't want to hear it/'claims no one in the audience wants to listen to it, "so we're gonna skip it." But overall the staff is very personable and good company. It's wonderful that there is a establishment such as this for people to be comfortable in, and for that I applaud Myrna's.
Review Source:Ah, Hell Yeah Mad Myrna's!
Pop in and get ready for a good time. Karaoke for all. Shows for all. Pool for all. It's whatever you want...for all!
Docked a star because we put in our karaoke songs at the same time, my friend's comes up, but mine never does? What's up Myrna? Can't handle 5:55 minutes of my EPIC rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody? Afraid I'd dazzle you into oblivion? Afraid I'd shut the party down because no one could possibly follow such a performance? It's magical I tell you, MAGICAL! You stand there and shiver in your glitter boots Myrna, I'll be back. I'll show you.
P.S. Go in through the back door.
P.P.S. I'm serious. You do.
I don't frequent many bars, thre are very fews bars tht I'd go to and I love the atmosphere here. The music, clientele, dance floors, live shows and genre is always great. It is totally 'straight' friendly, never felt hasselled or harrassed like at the typical bars...I usually go with friends, family....they have never felt out of place, unsafe nor awkward. The drag shows are grand.....never made it to the Fetish Ball but will find my way their again here soon, it's a smash!!!
Review Source:Wow, this place is AWESOME. I'm normally afraid to go into gay bars alone (in the "lower 48," as they say in Alaska) and brave the unfriendly attitude. But when I walked into Mad Myrna's on a Thursday night, I instantly knew that wasn't going to be a problem. I walked up to the first group of people I saw, said "I'm new here," and before I knew it I had been introduced to 20 awesome Alaskans, was singing karaoke duos and getting offered free beers. Mad Myrna's is a BLAST, whether you're gay, straight, or anything in between!
Review Source:This was a fine place to dance, drink, and enjoy the evening. Â There is a definite need for a safe place to be free and open in Alaska. Â Mad Myrna's is Anchorage's answer to that need. Â Being that I'm from San Diego, I am biased. Â The small, low ceiling bar is a mish mash of people all seeking the same thing, an escape from the narrow-minded-ness that is outside the doors of Mad Myrna's. Â But, inside, the music is loud, the beer cold, and the people generally friendly. Â If you're in Anchorage for only a short time, you probably don't NEED to go to Mad Myrna's...but if you live in Alaska, you'll NEED to go to Mad Myrna's now and then to let loose and be free!
Review Source:I love this place. Â Great drinks, the weekend shows are great, great music and an actual dance floor. Â This place has an almost corner bar feeling to it during the week, which is nice to stop by and destress. Â If you have no plans during halloween, please stop by. Â This place will blow you away and you have no choice but to have fun. Â Make sure you have your dollars ready for the weekend shows.
Review Source:Holla ladies, gents and trans genders!!! Â This place is off the hook. Â Officially, the site of my first Drag Queen and King show.
The drinks here are just as strong as any other aforementioned place in Anchorage. Â Because you are coming to see some performances there is a cover at the door but it's only 5$ and well worth the cost. Â Seating is comfortable ranging from small round tables to tall booths and tall bar type tables in the back.
Once the host and hostess start talking, it's time to shut yo trap! Â They will call you out so only be rude and talky if you really want to be in the lime light! Â You've been warned.
They are a funny duo with great chemistry to boot and a riot to watch. Â I believe the main host or as you might say "hostess", changed "her" shoes three times during the show....fabulous shoes by the way!! Â Each performer lip sang to songs of their choice while donning outrageous costumes to emphasize their stage presence. Â As they performed, they would walk off stage and collect money in their bras, panty hoes and anywhere else you could fit a dollar bill....well...anywhere appropriate! ;)
It was a blast and one of the highlights of my visit to Anchorage. Â At one point, the MC started to talk about a friend of a friend who had come in, it was her first time, she was out of town....and at this point I'm looking at my friend like "oh no, you did not!" and yes, she did. Â Suddenly the spot light was on me and I was getting pulled on stage while being congratulated on "coming out". Â If I ever wanted to cut a betch...then was the time! Â But I got over it, wiggled the bewbies at the crowd (got some dollas) and went back to sit down with said friend. Â What a night! Â I've got pictures and they will be posted asap.