10 Best Bars in Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska, Alaska

A sign frequently placed outside this historic bar reads: "Have an Alaskan with an Alaskan at the Alaskan," referring to the locally made beer, the clientele, and the bar itself. And it's true that this triple convergence can be found here any night of the week—the bar always has at least one type of Alaskan Brewing Company beer on tap, and the crowd is primarily local, even in summer. On the ground floor of the Alaskan Hotel, this is Juneau's most historically authentic watering hole, with flocked-velvet walls, antique chandeliers, and vintage frontier-brothel decor. Just keep in mind that in recent years the vintage charm has begun to look decidedly worn out, but it's still worth visiting just the same.

With 30 beers on tap, including many regional varieties, this downtown favorite has four indoor and outdoor spaces and free Wi-Fi. Hungry patrons can order food from the Burger Queen and have it delivered to their table.

Beer lovers will want to check out the brewery's taproom, open daily from 2 to 8 pm. Under state law, patrons can only consume up to 36 ounces in one visit (that's for breweries only).

In addition to its selection of Alaska and Pacific Northwest craft beers, "The Pub" serves burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and fish-and-chips. There's a stage for live music; nonmusical diversions include two pool tables, a dart area, and plenty of wide-screen TVs—and there's a great view.

Young locals pack into lively, informal Fat Stan's, a cute spot with a decent selection of beers, wines, and spirits. You can snack on pizza as you sip.

A friendly spot to grab a beer and a snack while checking email—or visiting with the locals—the Fogcutter epitomizes the laid-back, unpretentious vibe for which Alaskans are known.

With ships' wheels, nautical pictures, and a mounted red snapper, the Harbor Bar's decor stays true to Petersburg's seafaring spirit. The bar's liquor store has a separate entrance.

A remodeled former dive where locals like to drink, shoot pool, and meet singles, the Imperial retains mounted moose and bison heads and other vestiges of its divey decor. Other noteworthy features include the original pressed-tin ceiling and what is reputed to be the longest bar in Alaska. The Imperial Grill, located within the bar, serves food until 11 pm on weekends.

As far as the locals are concerned, the few green-and-white-vinyl booths at this bar across from the harbor make a fine destination. The Pioneer is vintage Alaska, with pool tables, rough-hewn locals clad in Carhartts and XtraTuf boots, hundreds of pictures of local fishing boats, and occasional live music.

Skagway was once host to dozens upon dozens of watering holes in its gold-rush days, but the Red Onion is pretty much the sole survivor. The upstairs was Skagway's first bordello, and you'll find a convivial crowd of Skagway locals and visitors among the scantily clad ladies who represent the building's former illustrious tenants. A ragtime pianist tickles the keys in the afternoons, and local musicians strut their stuff on Thursday night. Pizza and nachos are available in the bar. The saloon closes up shop for winter.