Crow’s Nest
Hotel Captain Cook,939 W 5th Ave,Tower 3, Anchorage, AK, 99501
Crow’s Nest Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Anchorage for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
Hotel Captain Cook,939 W 5th Ave,Tower 3
Anchorage, AK, 99501 - Phone (907) 276-6000
- Website https://www.captaincook.com/crowsnest.php
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Anna K.
Love this place for really special occasions...pricey but worth it. Amazing view, great staff. We go with my boyfriends parents and they are hard of hearing, never too loud...have the bananas foster, you won't regret it
(5)Kelly H.
After 12 hours of traveling we wanted to sit down for a nice quiet dinner. We are staying one night in this Captain Cook hotel before leaving tomorrow on a cruise. So many tables with views were empty, yet our hostess, Tiffany insisted they were fully booked. Upon leaving there were 9 tables STILL empty. Essentially the restaurant was half empty! They assured me that their kitchen can't handle more people. Sound a little dysfunctional? It is. Meanwhile we sat in the noisy bar eating the same food they serve in the restaurant. FYI the Alaskan locals were singing Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen" Making it difficult to carry on a conversation. Whoever the manager is of this establishment must be a total idiot. Food was okay. The stupidity was superior. Don't waste your time or money here.
(1)Bruce B.
I was in Anchorage for 12 hours. Arrived a little after noon, had a customer meeting at 2 and left on a 1.00a flight back to Seattle. In between all the excitement, I ate a delicious dinner here. Some very fresh halibut and a some reindeer sausage. The reindeer sausage was so good that Rudolph won't be making the rounds this year. Bottom line: If you have 12 hours (or longer) in Anchorage, this would be a great place to eat.
(5)don s.
Food and wait staff were great as was the view. Nonetheless it took over 2 HOURS last night after ordering to get our food. When it came my potatoes were cold. Lots of apologies from our server who was clearly frustrated with the kitchen but zero consideration for our time. I won't be back.
(1)Elle S.
Won't be returning for anything more than dessert and sunset view. I was staying at Captain Cook and was too tired to go out for dinner so I took the elevator up to the Crow's Nest. The hostess looked me up and down as though she were appalled that I wasn't wearing heels and make-up. I didn't have a reservation, so I went to the bar to wait. The bartender IDs me and says "Texas, huh?... Well, welcome to the largest state." I give him a small smile. He laughs and looks around at the people at the bar, as though he needs their attention before he can continue, and he says "Wow, you must really be from Texas to give a response that cold." Really, dude? What did you expect me to say? I just want wine and food so I can go back to my room and sleep. My table is ready and fortunately faces West so I can watch the sun set. I'm sitting there... sitting a bit longer... watching staff walk by with no acknowledgement... finally my waitress's assistant comes by with butter and a bread plate and tells me my waitress will be there shortly. He comes back several minutes later with bread, still no sign of my waitress. She finally comes over and she's very pleasant. I start with a crab cake. Yummy, definitely try it if you go. The crab cake made me think that things were going to make a turn for the better... nope. I tried the elk for my entree. The potato whatever that is described as a side is maybe 1/8 of a cup of mashed potatoes spread over 3 little scoops. The marrow was covered in salt and bread crumbs. It was disgusting. The actual elk filet was smothered in pepper. Not the pepper trim that comes on a prime rib, but just completely drowning in pepper. I cut off the edges after attempting to scrape it off didn't make an impact. My first bite still had so much pepper on it that I immediately downed my entire cup of water. I needed more water and of course nobody is around to give me more water. I flag down my waiter's assistant and get more water. I hate my dish and am looking for the waitress, but she's out of sight. One of the managers happens to come by and ask how everything is. He goes and gets the waitress for me so I can order something else. I don't even want to try anything else so I just get another crab cake. PS- I still got charged for the elk. I had the Crow's Nest Banana Split for dessert and it was amazing. Definitely the best thing there. Don't waste your time nor money on this place. Service and entrees suck. If you really want to catch sunset from inside a building, come for the dessert. Hopefully you can do that without being ignored, receiving judgemental looks, nor hearing unnecessary comments about where you're from.
(2)Adam C.
Amazing. Fantastic panoramic view of the city as well as the mountains. Service is second to none. Highly attentive and professional wait staff will take great care of you. Look for Phoenix, the best waitress there. The food. Ah, the food. Awesome is all I can say. You will not be disappointed, although your wallet will take a hit! Treat yourself and you won't regret it.
(5)Kent H.
I have avoided going here due to the rumors I've heard about a jacket being required. Although I own many suits and sport coats, I don't like to put one on just to go to dinner. Walking home last night, I decided to ride the elevator up to the top floor of the Captain Cook to investigate. I had a nice discussion with the host, who told me that a jacket was not required. He explained that the only issue they had was with shorts and open toed footwear. Gladly, I sauntered into the bar for a drink. How surprised I was that my favorite chardonnay, Rombauer, was available by the glass. Pricy at $15, I was in a celebratory mood and imbibed. The views here are the best in Anchorage! I just sat at the bar, but I could see that the tables in this place took advantage of the city scape quite well. I looked through the menu, and I didn't think that the prices were that much out of line. I was served a free appetizer tray of olives, mixed nuts, and spicy mixed nuts...a classy touch in a heavyweight silver, triple compartment tray. A couple of glasses of Rombauer into it, I ordered the crab cake appetizer. It was very crabby and quite good. I really really like this place, and I will be going back soon!
(5)Jenny L.
After hearing all the hype about the Crows Nest, we finally decided to go. We made a reservation for 2 on a Friday night. When we arrived it seemed quite busy. However, with all the bustle we were greeted with a smile from the hostess. The wine list was a bit overwhelming, but the sommelier stopped by and gave us a great recommendation. The menu was smaller than I expected, but quite impressive. There were several fresh local options. We ordered the bone marrow for an appetizer. Then a beet salad and the king crab bisque. Entrees, I had the scallops and my friend had the salmon. The bone marrow is just that, bone marrow. Amazing. It was my first time trying it and wow! If this is your first time there and you want to be adventurous, try this. Kinda different tho. Our server was very professional. She was informative and knowledgeable. This was our first experience at the Crows Nest but it will not be our last. I felt the menu and the staff were well above my expectations. I can't wait until we get to go here again.
(5)T C.
Spectacular views! Outstanding dishes! Impeccable service! My husband brought his staff & their spouses here for dinner Friday. We were in a private room with spectacular 180 degree views of the mountain range. What a site! Impressive, extensive wine list. Too-Die-For Mushroom Risotto starter! We all ordered a variety of different main dishes - scallops, black cod, halibut, elk, steak. Each had beautiful presentations and were absolutely delicious! The desserts were equally as impressive and delicious. Don't miss the Banana Split! Decadent!
(5)Mandy C.
Recently visited the Crow's Nest to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. I RSVP'd on Opentable.com and made a note that we were there for his b-day and he likes chocolate. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, the hostess wished Jason a very Happy Birthday and escorted us to our table. Our meal, AMAZING!! Oysters were superb! Duck was fabulous! And then at dessert time, the waiter brought out a beautiful chocolate explosion, right on cue! And all I did was mention it in my rsvp, never had to say anything else, they just took care of it. Fabulous service!! Magnificent evening!
(5)Joey T.
My family and I went here for dinner to celebrate my brother graduating high school. To start off, they gave our reserved table to another party causing us to wait while they moved the party and cleaned the table. The view was beautiful and the table was set up really nicely... Until a couple minutes later when one of the servers spilled water all over a side of the table. The solution to that was just to lay cloth napkins over it... Which, as you can imagine, made the table look really classy (sarcasm). We sat there for about 5 minutes before we were handed menus and holy crap expensive! The cheapest entree was a vegetarian dish for $30. Salads and soups were an extra $10+. I contemplated just ordering one appetizer crab cake and a mixed green salad (same size as if you were to order it with dinner), which still would have came to $27. But I ended up ordering the rib eye ($44) like almost everyone else in our party did. We were given bread and butter but we were there almost two hours by the time our entrees came. We were not impressed with the food. My biggest surprise was my brother's meal. He ordered the aged steak for $58... It was tiny! About half the size of my palm. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say, he was still hungry after he cleaned his plate (and he had a salad beforehand). He said it was okay and that it had a different taste than a regular steak but definitely not worth almost $60. The rib eye was okay but it was extremely extremely fatty; and would have been better without the heavily spiced sauce they put on it. By the time we ate, paid, and left, we were there about a total of three hours. If it's up to me (or the rest of my family) we will not be choosing to eat here again. The food isn't worth the arm and a leg pricing. And to top that off, we had to pay $4.50 for parking even after the two parking vouchers the restaurant gave us (it was $14 total).
(2)Ben M.
The food was delicious, if you go get the crabby patty, de-lic-ious, And the sauce on it could have been a delicious accent to nearly anything. Most places like this (wonderful view) the high cost of the food is usually attributed to the view (i.e., Food on Seattle Space Needle is OK, but the view is amazing). Here the Food and view was a perfect combination. The Food would get this place four stars. The two stars is for the waitress we had. She was condescending and rude, and flat-out ignored us after we decided we didn't like what they were offering for dinner and only wanted to try some of the starters. "For next time, we only seat people who are ordering dinner. You should sit in the lounge or bar if just ordering appetizers" with a rude tone. I will spend my money elsewhere in town.
(2)Beth I.
This is a quaint place that serves high quality meals. My boss and I came for drinks and to catch the view of downtown anchorage. This place is at the top of Cook Hotel and boasts a 360 degree view of anchorage. On one side are snow topped mountains and the other side cook inlet and the mud flats. You really can't go wrong with the supurb service and view! It would be a great place for a special event like an anniversary or birthday!
(4)Chelsea D.
I went to Crow's Nest for a birthday dinner in May and still haven't forgotten the meal. The glass-encased restaurant boasts a panoramic view of downtown Anchorage, which even on a misty night is a gorgeous backdrop for dinner. The menu for large parties (more than 10) is abbreviated, but everything on it was amazing. In a party of 14 people, there was lots of sharing, tasting, and ooh-ing and ah-ing over different dishes. The notable appetizers were the charcuterie of house-dried meats, and the bone marrow. I had the best steak of my life, and ate all 16oz (a stunning feat, as there were appetizers and chocolate cake to be had). My friend's osso bucco was outstanding and the star of the evening. The food at Crow's Nest was memorable, but the thing that stood out the most was the service. As it is a fine dining establishment, attention to detail is expected. However, in a state where many people are transient/seasonal workers and the general attitude of service staff ranges from indifferent to unhelpful, Crow's Nest was the epitome of high service standards. Our waiter was knowledgable, attentive, and even entertaining. He never missed a beat with giving recommendations, keeping drinks filled, serving the cake we brought for the birthday girl, and even splitting our checks for us. We spent nearly 3 hours dining, but never felt like it was slow..we just enjoyed the evening, in large part due to the excellent service. As it is fine dining, and expensive, I would reserve it for special occasions. But it is absolutely worth the price and will make any event or celebration feel special.
(5)Cathy M.
Ordered the salmon, it was great. Others at the table had the elk and said it was wonderful. You have to get desert, I tried the banana split and it was amazing.
(4)Michelle W.
My favorite place in Anchorage to enjoy a nice dinner and watch the sunset over the glaciers. Start the meal with Merus & Marrow, yummy appetizer with king crab, bone marrow, and sea urchin all in one plate! End the meal with flaming Banana Foster! For main course, you really can't go wrong with any dishes on the menu. I always go for the bouillabaisse which is fresh and delightful.
(4)Barry B.
black cod,braised oxtail and gnocchi ! did they know i was coming to dinner. crazy good combination.
(4)Kelli P.
Gorgeous gorgeous city views!!! Yummy drinks!! Comfortable seating in lounge. Would recommend for happy hour but not a full dinner!
(4)Mehreen V.
Came in for dessert at the lounge and had a really nice time with a great view of the city lights. The atmosphere was quiet and chill. Tried the five cheese platter for the first time which had some really unique cheeses and flavors to it. Worth it for those that enjoy exoctic cheeses. The service was great. Our server helped me pick a dessert wine to go with the chocolate delici and it was a good recommendation.
(4)Thomas H.
The Crow's Nest has always been a landmark restaurant for Anchorage and has vastly improved its food selection, bar service, and customer service admirably over the past four decades that I've been a customer. Today, it is an upscale restaurant where people dress up for dinner and enjoy what is perhaps the best view of Anchorage, especially at night. The restaurant is wrapped in glass and warmly heated during the winter, and the view when it is snowing -- night or day -- is magical. You will find restaurants in Anchorage that may do single items (or two) better, and less expensively, than The Crow's Nest, but no restaurant in Anchorage can match the menu or its quality item for item through the entire menu. While I wouldn't class the Crow's Nest as a destination restaurant as I would the Double Musky Restaurant in nearby Girdwood, AK or Erma's Elderberry House in Oakhurst, CA, it is well worth going there for special events. The only drawback to the restaurant is the expense, which is very pricey.
(5)Emma C.
I adore Crow's Nest AND Simon & Seafort's. For fine dining, these two are my favorites in town. In my mind, they're on par (slight slant towards S&S due to atmosphere). Only downside, overpriced. Avg dish = $48, portions TOO small!! We dine here as a family and take clients and guests. We have a handful of spots we rotate, and CN and S&S are 2. I'm extremely familiar with their menu and ins/outs, so I'll break it down in a variety of ways by comparison (as you MUST try both not just one, if you haven't yet). ----- Customer Service: winner = SS - Both have amazing service. Can't go wrong with either. CN is a bit more uppity, whereas S&S is more down to earth. - You get a bit more 1-1 attention at CN. It helps there are multiple people "assisting" your table. The waitress never forgets or ignores you, they always are in close proximity and attending to you. - BUT If I had to choose between the two, I'd pick S&S. I once ordered strawberry lemonade, and they ran out of strawberry stuff, so they actually sent a waiter running down the street to a nearby shop to purchase some. I wasn't aware until the drink was presented. They said to me, "It's one thing to say, we're out of stock prior to the order, but we took the order, so we were going to make it happen one way or another." I love when restaurants go above and beyond to make your day. In turn, I'll never forget them. Menu Diversity and Size: tie - CN's menu is slightly smaller than S&S's. - CN's menu offers significantly less meat specialties and varieties than S&S's. - For meats, CN's portions are smaller than S&S's on average (unless you're ordering the lamb shank, which is huge everywhere). - For seafoods, CN's portions are slightly larger than S&S's. Appetizers: winner = SS - Both have great appetizers. I'd say for "complimentary breads," CN wins. They bring you a roll basket with 4 different loaf-types. I like the Parmesan, but enjoy the offer a variety. S&S's roll basket is standard. - Now, for bread + dips, S&S wins. Their Crab & Artichoke Dip is to die for. Once I came here and ordered 2 Crab & Artichokes to-go, for my lunch and dinner-at-home appetizer, lol. Yes, it's that good, try it! - For raw oysters, I slightly prefer CN's oysters over S&S's. S&S more specializes in Oyster Rockefellers, so it's hard to compare. CN only serves them as is, without variants. Seafood: winner = SS - Both have equally have emphasis on seafood dishes (perfect for the tourists and visitors). Both very fresh. - If I had to pick a clear winner between the two, it would be S&S, as their LOBSTER is the MOST AMAZING lobster I have ever tried. The seasoning is perfection. I'm crazy for this dish, I've brought every guest here just to try it. I force them to order the lobster, I promise to pick up the tab JUST so they can share in the amazing taste (yes, I'm a good friend, but they're equally good to me, too, in the same ways!). - S&S is amazing at seafood seasoning. Next, meats: winner = CN - As part of S&S's larger menu, they offer a larger assortment of meats. CN offers a smaller list, but prepares them perhaps a margin better (? depends on the chef's day, I guess, it's a close call/toss up). - I've noticed CN often tries to play on traditional Alaska and experiments with traditional meats, such as caribou, elk, etc. This is cool if you're hosting an experiment foodie guest! Last time, they had a prix fixe menu with elk on the list. - The duck is significantly better at CN than S&S. The sauce is a little heavy on honey, but the way it's prepared ad cooked is perfection. Perfect. I used to love S&S's orange duck, but it's been off the menu for years. CN's duck is still prepared better, but S&S's portion is more generous. Atmosphere: personal winner = SS - S&S is more casual, which probably has to do with the fact S&S isn't a sky lounge (it's not shabby either, though). S&S is on 1-floor and has a beautiful view of the ocean. I'd feel comfortable coming here in jeans and a t-shirt (although I'd probably feel better in a sweater)--I'm just saying, it's one of those places you don't feel pressure to dress up in. - CN is a place I feel a bit more pressure to do so (and I am a lazy person, so I actually personally prefer S&S for the atmosphere). It's a sky lounge, and most people dress "up" more than they do for S&S. S&S has a range of people, and some guys in jeans or slacks and button-up shirts that may be wrinkled, but most people at CN look a bit fresher, if that makes sense. Some women are in cocktail dresses here, which isn't the norm at S&S. ----- Ultimately, your preference between the 2 is going to come down to probably your personality meshing with atmosphere. Atmosphere and preference for seafood or meat will be YOUR tie breaker :) Hopefully my review helps those interested in CN and/or S&S!! Go try both, and give me feedback on my recs, suggestions, etc. Let me know what YOUR favorite was and if I was helpful at al
(4)Nicole G.
My fiance and I came here for our anniversary a couple years ago. The crab cakes were out of this world and I still to this day remeber them. The rest of the food does not stand out in my mind but those crab cakes. I use to go every mothers day for the mothers day brunch. I remeber that was so much fun and really good. The view alone up there is amazing and so worth it. Make sure to get a reservation and ask to sit by the window!
(4)Betsy W.
I wrote a review. It was negative. Why haven't I gotten a confirmation that it was even received? I wrote one to Trip Advisor and it was immediately confirmed.
(1)Ryan P.
This place is in my opinion, the crown jewel of Anchorage's food scene. The restaurant itself is exquisite with floor to ceiling wood, nice warm lighting, and panoramic views of the entire city. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and VERY friendly, the food is top notch, and the wine and liquor options are nothing short of amazing. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Anchorage! Edit: apparently the staff has an issue with profanities or people speaking what they mean.... Super disrespectful...
(4)Betsy B.
Been there for dinner but more often for cocktails and appetizers. For dinner, the meal is a bit pricey but generally good food. For the bar area, the food is ok and the cocktails are quite good. The view is really wonderful and worth a walk around the perimeter to see everything. It is more a place for a special dinner or if you want to splurge and enjoy the view. Service is pretty good. For the price, you can get a better meal but for the view, you may find it worth it.
(3)Garrett P.
Just because you boast million dollar views and prefer catering to expense-account toting business folks or slack-jawed cruise ship layover guests, does not mean the staff should be at best ambivalent, at worst rude, to the locals who come in after work for a good drink and a bite to eat. I just don't get the service here. It seems that unless you are in to order a $100 bottle of wine and a couple $50 entrees, the staff don't seem to care that you exist. Every third week or so, my spouse and I drop in on a Thur or Fri night for a couple rounds of drinks after work and to use her credit from being a member of the athletic club in the hotel. It never fails; we sit and wait for service, no one is friendly, no one asks us if we'd like to order food, and we generally feel as if its not worth coming back. I don't think we will now.
(2)Rohit T.
We sampled 4 places in 5 nights in Anchorage. This place was the least value and the worst food. Sacks Cafe - Our runaway favorite. The Brewhouse - our 2nd favorite. Loved the fish. Simon and Seafort - good view; food was decent; pricey. The crow's nest - Worst one. Good for the view. Food was very very mediocre.
(2)Becca C.
Honestly the most annoying thing about eating here? Walking around the entire Captain Cook hallway to find the right elevators to take you to the restaurant. Which is saying the restaurant is pretty awesome. The food was pretty good but the wine was excellent. I ordered the Duck Two Ways a l'orange (Seared breast, confit, croissant bread pudding, berry gastrique, Grand Marnier jus). The duck was tender, but the flavors weren't as robust as I was hoping with the sauce and berries. I loved the bread pudding. So I'm glad I tried the Crow's Nest, but probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here unless I happen to be staying at the Cook. The idea of a high-rise view seems very magical, but in Anchorage......if you're there at night, you'll be looking out to a black abyss where the Inlet is because there's no recreational boating. Perhaps a view of the mountain during daylight is really cool...
(4)S H.
I went to the Crow's Nest for the first time on New Year's Eve to have a drink in the lounge. While the view of Anchorage was fantastic, the service was anything but that. Lorrie, our waitress, was incredibly rude and unfriendly. The lounge was practically empty and it took 20 minutes for her to greet us and take our order and another 15 minutes to get a drink. She also only brought 3 glasses of water and stated she would bring a 4th (there were 4 of us) and never did, even after requesting it. I would never recommend the Crow's Nest to anyone strictly due to the service. Do not go here! There are so many other places in Anchorage with good drinks and good service.
(1)Jason R.
Very nice fine dining in a town with very few high-end options. The views are pretty at night. I had the crab cakes which are perfectly done and the prime rib-eye which was very good. My girl had the tomato bisque soup which she said was outstanding and the black cod which she liked but not as much as my steak. We finished with Creme brûlée and some chocolate aperitif. All in all very good food. What makes this place for us though is the wine selection and the sommelier who knows his stuff.
(4)Dolores P.
Just ate at crows nest 9 22 14 food was great had the crab legs they were great but the hostess that set us was not so friendly my husband and I were celebrating our 40th anniversary and there was no acknowledgement for that we made our reservation 2 months prior we did make reservations for 3 thinking our son was going to join us but his flight was cancelled it was like she got mad at us because our sons flight was cancelled and couldn't make it she made us wait for our table because there wasn't 3 of us I don't think I will ever eat there again because of the rudeness we encountered she should not be working there we were there to celebrate not to be treated so rudleyI will not recommend this restaurant to celebrate anniversarys
(4)Adam R.
Conclusion: If you have the opportunity, go here at some point. If you're on vacation, it's worth it. Come here for the view on a clear day/night, but don't go here to eat dinner if you're not spendy. Don't go if its cloudy. Get drinks and share a small plate if you're tight on money. If you shell out the $$$ you'll get great service, otherwise not so much (see ****BIG CAVEAT*** below) In my experience from living there for a few years, Alaska restaurants usually have less quality than those in the lower 48. I do think that it's a good restaurant in general, especially for Alaska. If you are really tight on money and want a good (daylight) view of Anchorage in the summer, I'd recommend eating some bar food outside at the Snow Goose. If you want better food, but a slightly worse view than the Crows Nest, eat at Simon and Seafort's (daylight for view) - it's hands down my favorite restaurant in Anchorage. Make sure to make reservations and ask for a window seat if you go that route. Food quality is better at SS and you'll likely spend less. I've been to the CN multiple times. The view here is truly spectacular. The view is about as good as it gets for a restaurant. Make sure to go when it's not too cloudy or you will just needlessly be blowing money. In my opinion, I think the view is slightly better than Seven Glaciers Restaurant in Girdwood, AK, but not quite as good as the Space Needle in Seattle, WA. Food: Small portions, pretty good (but by no means incredible), fantastic presentation, and really expensive (but it should be for the quality of food + view). The food is probably better than the Space Needle, but not as tasty as Seven Glaciers. You can't really go wrong with anything here; it has always been a pleasant experience. Service: When I came to eat, the staff was not constantly interrupting and asking if you needed anything. I like that. ****BIG CAVEAT***: I agree with Garret "I just don't get the service here. It seems that unless you are in to order a $100 bottle of wine and a couple $50 entrees, the staff don't seem to care that you exist." In my experience, they definitely do not treat the locals very good here in the off-season, especially those that just were stopping in for a few drinks and small plate. IDK why because I always tipped pretty darn good here. Locals, you should tip accordingly for snobby service, particularly in the winter ($0). I know that it's hard to do, but it's the only way for them to improve. When we dropped $100s here, the service was spectacular. When we went for drinks and a small plate, it was the exact opposite. I'm tempted to knock it down a few stars for that, but I'm holding back.
(4)Jennifer T.
One of Anchorages most expensive and fancy restaurants if not the most, but worth it. Great view of the city, I remember having the seafood dish and it wasn't what I was expecting but somehow made it still delicious.
(4)Adam W.
The view of Anchorage is truly spectacular, making this a great place to come and grab a drink. However, their food is pretentious, overpriced, and simply not very good. The staff is all dressed up, hovering about you incessantly. As if not being able to have a private conversation is actually what the customer yearns for. The food is all but served on silver platters. But if you're going to put on the big show, and charge the big bucks, shouldn't the food be good? Well, it's not. Last time I went I had a "caesar salad" that was wilty, overdressed, gross, and had overripe (verging on spoiled) plum tomatoes in it. Our whole party was underwhelmed with the quality of our food. The ultimate insult, though, is having a bad meal, and being faced down with a $300 + dollar tab. We thought the place may have changed, after getting a new chef from the (much beloved by our family) Jack Sprat in Girdwood. But months after his arrival, the food was still the same pretentious swill. Served to rich people on silver platters to try to fool them into thinking they're getting something for their big bucks. Really, you're getting ripped off. Don't go for food. Go to Crush if you want the best food in Anchorage.
(2)Kassi K.
I went here a few weeks ago as part of a large group. I appreciate the atmosphere of the restaurant, but also find it to be a little dated. I was very unimpressed with our server. She was really off-putting. I have food allergies, and my mom had let them know my allergies when she made the reservation, and I had called three times that day to make sure that they'd been communicated correctly, and to the right person. I wasn't able to reach a person on any of those calls. The server drew a lot of attention to me about my dietary restrictions, which was uncomfortable, and meant that I had to answer a lot of personal questions from some of the party after she left. She also didn't seem to know what was going on regarding my food having been special ordered. Additionally, she felt the need to shush us and then explain every menu item to our table after we'd been looking at the menu for about ten minutes. We are all literate adults, and it was annoying that she repeatedly interrupted our very dynamic conversation (even after we'd started obviously ignoring her) to do her little presentations about the menu, and then about the food as it came out. The portions were also very small. I ordered a salad as a starter, and at least a third of the lettuce in it was turning to wilted goo. I sent it back. She also didn't want to give me a desert menu to look at because she thought I might not be able to eat things on the menu (which I found to be rude, and also not the case). I ordered a scoop of sorbet that was supposedly home made. It tasted *exactly* like Haagen Dazs raspberry sorbet, so I have some suspicions that it wasn't made there at all. I wasn't full when I left, which for the price of the meal, is absolutely unacceptable. Then again, we were there for FOUR HOURS, so it was about time to eat again by the time I left. All that said, the wine that we had was out of this world fabulous.
(1)Tasha L.
Went here last weekend with a party of 8. They gave us the city view that we requested and a fine view it was! Service was good. Unfortunately, the view and service were little compensation for the outrageous prices and mediocre food. ALL of the entrees were over $30 each. For that I expect to be AMAZED. I mean, really, I've been to a few high-end eateries and their prices were not nearly as high as Crow's Nest. SO, if you're not going to give me some ornate-looking fancy-schmancy plate with all sorts of ubiquitous sauces and exotic proteins, then, for GOODNESS sake, give me some honkin' portions! One of the party was a vegetarian, but the waiter said there were no vegetarian options, but that the chef "could whip something up for you." Ah, sounds good, right? So, I order one too. *Ahem* Their "vegetarian" option was a pile of barley, two sprigs of broccolini, a carrot cut in half, and another pile of mushrooms and celery. My friend, three sides do NOT a meal make. The salmon entree was a wee bit of fish and a couple of pea pods. The steak was pretty big, but came with a couple broccolini. All meat and no accoutrement. No, no, no. The Crow's Nest throttle is stuck. Where other restaurants around here are innovating, this place still thinks the view and cloth napkins are enough to justify highway robbery. It's shocking that locals would even consider a place like this, let alone the starry-eyed tourists!
(2)Scott L.
Didn't go here for any food, just some drinks at the bar and to enjoy the view. The bar has the old wood panel look to it and just feels like a classic. The views here are pretty good and had it been a clear night we may have been able to see the sunset. It had been a while since I'd been here and it brought back plenty of memories. Next time I'm in town, I'll gladly go back.
(4)Vickie L.
I have been here several times over the last few years, mainly for the view. The bartender ignores me every time, even though I'm there at 5:00 when they open. I complained to the manager, and it was obvious he thought more highly of himself than what a patrons experience is. Go to Fletcher's instead where they are gracious and welcoming.
(1)Christian C.
I am a foodie therefor agree w/ most posters that state "Do not eat here" but drinks are fine. Honestly if it were not for the fantastic view this place would be out of business. I do not mind paying big $ for good food, but this place is beyond disappointing every time.
(2)Wil C.
I mostly just drink here at the bar which is fantastic. It is obvious you don't dive into dinner here unless you are up for $40+ entrees.
(5)Ana N.
There aren't many places with views as great as this. Perfect for date night! The elk was absolutely amazing. Truly prepared perfectly- tender, and without too many added sauces etc so that you could really taste the amazing meat. Had the marrow appetizer for some adventure. Probably wouldn't get it again but it helped me feel like I was in Africa or Mongolia again;) The bar is a nice place to relax too. The staff are excellent and attentive. Will definitely be back.
(4)Hanna K.
Being born and raised in Anchorage... I cannot believe that i've never eaten at the Crows Nest before! I went here for my birthday dinner and had such an amazing experience and excellent customer service. Our waiter was super attentive and sweet:) Soup: Thai Yellow Curry, Coconut and King Crab Soup This kind of reminded me of tom yum. It was a bit spicy with a kick of flavor. Absolutely loved it! Dinner: Honey Pepper Duck !!! It was so tender, soft, and perfectly cooked. The honey sauce was super amazing. nom nom ... Oh, and they give you these amazing truffles at the end of your meal. IT MELTS IN YOUR MOUTH! so bomb...
(5)Armen M.
Visiting from Los Angeles and found this hidden gem. Great view of downtown anchorage! Didn't spend much time, just an hour hanging out with friends but the view was worth it.
(4)Lard Belly E.
I would give the service and view 5 stars and the food 3 stars. We were seated in a booth and were not cramped by other diners, which made the whole ordeal romantic and intimate. Shared a bottle of wine, beet salad, a steak rare, and lamb chops med rare. The food was top quality, but tasted odd. The beet salad had a light vinaigrette, but was really salty and the beets were overcooked. The steak had an interesting rub that clashed with the meat. The manager stopped by and asked about our wine, which was a meritage. Lovely thank you, then he stopped by with a bottle and two glasses. He asked our opinions of this great wine, something like tate balls or whatever. That was a great wine, so tasty. We didn't get desert but I do like the banana flambe. Come to this beautiful restaurant for the service and view, you will not leave unhappy.
(4)David S.
I'd visited the Crow's Nest a few months back with friends and, while impressed with the beautiful room, we were completely unimpressed with the service. Our server was a pretentious wannabe who provided some of the worst service I've ever experienced. But, upon returning to Anchorage this trip with my wife, thought I'd take a chance and show my wife the room. We arrived with the intention of having dessert and drinks .. and our visit started off alright. We had a friendly server who took our order and we enjoyed the dessert and coffee drinks. When I tried to order another drink, she said she couldn't because it was past last call ... "oops, sorry I didn't stop by your table to give you last call and the bartender will be angry if I update your order because I already printed your bill." It was 10:30 PM. I think our server was sincere, but I am neither impressed by pretentiousness (1st trip) or sincere inefficiency (2nd trip). Let's just say, there won't be a 3rd trip to the Crow's Nest.
(1)Mary C.
If you don't mind the prices (which if you are there, you shouldn't... everyone knows that the Crow's Nest isn't for the faint of wallet) You should expect the prices, how can you put a price on that view? Went there for a Rotary Foundation Fundraiser and had a great time. The food was good, the atmosphere great and the view amazing.
(5)Jimberly W.
2 stars based on an average of 3 stars for the food (I had the New Zealand Elk Rack, which was good, but not "blow my mind" good, or even $40 USD good) and 1 star for the service. Good views of the city and the mountains, but overall atmosphere is stuffy and pretentious.
(2)Marc M.
Went here during high tourist season, but we still got in without reservations (hint: go early). It's a decent sized restaurant with the highest views of the city from both sides. Even if you don't got for dinner, there are probably 10 tables in the bar. There is also (at least) one private room in the corner. Service was good. He made recommendations and we took all of them. Started with the coconut curry soup with crab in it - yum. And then we both had the copper river salmon special as it is in season now. Finally, we split their new desert with berries - very light and tasty. Their wine list was big - I had two different glasses of wine that the server recommended. They also have a full bar, which apparently some places in Anchorage don't. We went here because afriend of ours said it was his favorite place. After our meal, I can see why...
(5)Ed A.
Was there with my girlfriend on Wednesday night, my very first night in Anchorage. The service was horrible at the bar area. My girlfriends wine pour was so small compared to the folks next to us, I felt she was being singled out. She usually go to this place during her visits to Anchorage. I do not believe she will return. Much better off going to Ginger or Fletcher's.
(1)Diane B.
The food was outstanding. The soup and oysters I had were delicious. Service was good but not memorable. Highly recommend it.
(4)B W.
My husband and I LOVE to come here for drinks and the view. The Alaskan Mermaid drink is fabulous ($10ish) and the bar snacks help with pre-dinner munchies! We did spoil ourselves with Valentine's dinner here 2 years ago, and I must say, I still dream of that meal. You ARE at the Captain Cook, so expect to pay for it. Prices are not much higher than other nice restaraunts around town and the atmosphere is very romantic.
(5)C J.
Stopped here with a friend on my last night in Anchorage 3/4/2011, before heading north. We sat in the comfortable lounge area and split a dessert called the Chocolate Trio: Apricot pecan cake, espresso tureen, and Myer's chocolate mousse. Heavenly. This dessert was so rich that one serving was more than adequate for two people. Along with a good cup of coffee and a fine view of the city lights, it was a great way to conclude my time in Anchorage. Note: I did not remember the dessert's name or details so clearly over three months later, so I called the restaurant tonight and a very helpful staff member, Lori, gave me the details over the phone. Also recall the service being both prompt and friendly when at the Crow's Nest back in March. Hope to visit again one day.
(5)Laura M.
Excellent service. Everyone was so nice. The atmosphere is formal but not stuffy. The pastry chef really knows what he's doing. I would take a bath in the panna cotta.
(5)Sean C.
We arrived at Crow's Nest without a reservation, and the hostess was very helpful in seating us in the lounge area after about a five minute wait. After being seated, the server politely asked my partner to remove his very tasteful knit cap. Up until this point we had not been informed of any dress code even while we waited several minutes before being seated. I understand the restaurant has a dress code policy, but my partner wears a cap because he is sensitive about losing his hair, and I felt that asking him to remove it was incredibly insensitive. I have to wonder what would have happened had a customer arrived who had hair loss due to chemotherapy or a condition like alopecia. How would they have handled that situation. After leaving, I called the restaurant to inform them how we felt about the situation and their only explanation and, I hesitate to describe it as such, apology was that they have a dress code. They can keep their dress code and I will be taking my business elsewhere in the future.
(1)Kimi N.
The best thing here is the view. I haven't been terribly impressed with the happy hour or the dinner here. For happy hour I've gotten the tuna tower appetizer for $16. This was quite expensive for some tuna marinaded in soy sauce that was not terribly fresh. It was fine, but just not wow, and for $16 I would expect a bit of "wow." I took my boyfriend's parents here for dinner and luckily the day was pretty clear and the view was great. But the food was just ok. I had that Bouillabaisse ($38) which was pretty tasty but the portion and dish were not worth $38. I still felt a bit hungry and stuffed myself with the delicious doughy bread they give you. Service is pretty attentive. If you order bananas foster for dessert they will make it for you at your table which is fun. But all in all the food was not worth the price.
(3)Nicole S.
This place is FANCY! I went for my husband 23rd birthday and we spent a small fortune, but we had a great time. The food was so great that we still talk about it years later.
(4)sherri m.
This was another recommendation from a friend. They recommended Club Paris and we loved it so we thought we better try this too. We should have given up with the very first clue, a rude valet. It took five minutes for him to acknowledge us even though he was not busy. Ambience is great with deep booths and a beautiful view of the city. Those are the strong points. Very small portions, high prices and minimal service. Never got a water refill. Had to ask for coffee refill and just got one. Beer pour left 1/3 of the glass empty, not foam, just empty. Had to ask for the check after sitting and waiting for about 15 minutes. They were busy in the bar but not at the tables around us. No excuse for such poor service for a $125 meal for two.
(2)Joel S.
Went again tonight, and it was superb as usual. Had fresh oysters in the half shell fresh from somewhere in Alaska (can't remember where they said exactly)and then Thai Yellow Curry King Crab soup which I've had before and day dream about on a somewhat regular basis (no joke). For my entree I went with their seafood special which was troll caught WHITE king salmon, which is something I've never heard of before. The meat was white (not pink) and some of the best fish I've ever tasted. I guess it gets its white color because it eats a different diet (plankton?). Anyway, the view was amazing, as was the food. Always a great choice for a nice evening out!
(5)Martha V.
Came in for drinks at the suggestion of the hotel we stayed at. Reccomended since the view was spectacular. It was. And the lounge was very very nice. Loved the nuts and olives on the table. Drinks were spot on. We were only planning on drinks - had other reservations for dinner. But we changed our mind and returned for dinner. A little pricey (Crab legs were $30 a lb at the market and $50 a pound here). Nonetheless, we had the crab legs, braised pork belly and a salad. Pork was delicious. Hard to ruin a basic preparation of crab legs but they were done perfectly. We got to taste compare wines and choose. Service was impeccable. We were also given a great table with a lot of privacy and a view of the harbor and mountains. A perfect last night in Alaska!!!
(5)Clarissa S.
Watched the sun set and the full moon rise. Thai curry soup and honey duck were extremely yummy. It's a fancy place for company/client dinners, date night, and the like. Always good when I eat there, but come with lots of dough in your pocket because it's pretty darn expensive.
(5)Lonny H.
My wife an I went here back in June of this year - our 1st trip to Alaska. We visited this restaurant based on a blurb in one of the travel books about the view and fine dining experience. The view was the only thing of any value at this restaurant. I had crab legs and my wife had salmon and both entrees were sub-par and everything was over-priced. We had many good meals in Alaska, including Anchorage. This was definitely not one of them.
(1)Christopher Y.
This a cute restaurant with an awesome view of Anchorage. A must-see if you are in the city for a visit. Excellent service and the king crab claws are pre-cut removing any frustration with extracting that sweet, sweet crab meat with tools.
(4)Mariecris G.
The view is unbeatable in anchorage. The ambience transports you to a different time, radiating classiness. The lamb dish was perfectly balanced and perfectly cooked. The must-eat for me, however, is the dessert! The crow's nest banana split is unorthodox in plating, yet every level of scrumptious and sophistication a banana split could ever amount itself to! and my husband loves the bar burger made with ground sirloin! He claims it's the best burger in anchorage, and I'd have to agree. :)
(4)Justin Y.
Sublime in every way. We attended their Valentines Day dinner last evening and were impressed with not only the food but the quality of service, especially considering it was one of their busiest nights. Over six courses, with expert wine pairings, chef Gary Murphy Jr. and sommlier Tom Laret showed that The Crows Nest is easily on par with any of the celebrated fine dining restaurants of New York or Paris.
(5)Chimena C.
I really like the service and the views at this place but being from an area where high end restaurants are a dime a dozen I think the food left a little to be desired. I mean if I am paying $40 for an entree without anything else (no salad, sides etc) because it is "high end" then I expect it to be a $40 entree. I want it to knock my socks off. The reason I give 4 stars is for the ambiance and the service. I think food wise there are place I would rather eat. Oh the rolls were good though.
(4)Andy S.
Great view here. The food is really good. We had the scallops and pork, lamb, and rockfish. All were really good. the scallops were perfect. the pork was kind of over cooked. Lamb didn't have that funky taste. For service, the wine dood was great. The servers were alright. Didn't seem like they liked what they did but they knew when to come and ask how everything was. Portions were pretty small though.
(4)Timmy L.
Service is the best! Food is delicious! The view is just perfect. Went here for my anniversary. GF ordered the filet mignon. I ordered the halibut. Both was cook too perfection. The yellow curry was so flavorful. As for dessert, i forgot what its called but it had chocolate n look like a house. Haha. It was so delicious. This place was perfect for our occasion. Fine dining at its best. You wont be disappointed. This is a place to impress guest from outta town or that special someone. I guarantee it! This review is for my dining experiece back in October 2011
(5)Bob M.
This review is for the ambience and view only. I typically don't eat here. But, getting some drinks during sunset (which, of course is very late in summer and very early in winter) is great way to finish or start and evening. The sunlight on the Chugach Mountains is spectacular. I consider this one of the must-do things if you get to Anchorage.
(4)Bill M.
Had a nice dinner here on our first night in Anchorage. It was nice, the food was good and the view was awesome. I won't rave about it; because, as we found out on our second night, there are better, less pricey restaurants in Anchorage. The staff was friendly and attentive and we enjoyed our dinner.
(3)Dan N.
You hear all these stories about it from all the locals, and expect so much. While staying at the Captain Cook, I went upstairs to check out the famous restaurant with a date. It is very nicely decorated like the rest of the hotel. The host was very friendly. He reminded me of lurch and he smelled strongly of wine, and was deff drunk, but was a real nice guy. The food wasn't all that great, but the wine was great and they know their drinks. (winos) haha, especially the host. Romantic, for sure. Great view. But nothing memorable. I have a much better time and enjoy the atmosphere at Club Paris or Glacier Brewhouse. *oh yeah, they have a jazz band Friday nights... I think. You'll have to check on that
(3)Benjamin H.
Enjoyed a anniversary dinner here with my wife recently. We both really enjoyed the seafood entrees we ordered. Our main server was very attentive and helpful in selecting a wine pairing. The view over the inlet was spectacular as well. It certainly is expensive, but in my mind you are paying for the atmosphere and experience as much as you are paying for the food itself. Everything was excellent and I highly recommend it for those seeking a special place for a special occasion.
(5)Sara F.
Had a schmancy dinner here recently for my husband's birthday & was pretty pleased. Reminds me of Seattle seafood staple places like Mcormick's or Ray's in quality and atmosphere. It's located at the top of the trendy Captain Cook Hotel & the views are great. We sat right by the window and started with yummy cocktails and fresh baked rolls, (the olive roll was really comforting). Husbo had oysters with vinagrette which were really fresh & delicious. I had a salad, pretty typical but still tasty. Our dinner was rockfish & scallops. My scallop dish was good but could have used more scallops! Also, the accompanied couscous was pretty uncreative but still tasted good. My husband's rockfish entree was really good, very tender and well-prepared. Our dessert was a warm apple tart and the waitor recommended a great chablis to go with everything. All in all, this is a great but spendy place if you're looking to enjoy some of the fancy Anchorage life. Will definitely go back for the bar and happy hour on our next trip, it looked really lively in there.
(4)Athena G.
Excellent food and the manager Sharon even came to our table to see how everything was. Great service
(5)Jason M.
Great view from the bar upstairs. Great place for entertainment.
(5)Deanna J.
The menu is limited, but they have a wide variety of different types of foods and really great seafood. Very pricey though, but the scenic view from the top of the hotel is very nice, and the service is very good. For a casual person, this restaurant was too fancy for me, I'd rather get a good steak from TGI's. Once a year at this restaurant is plenty.
(4)L M.
Warm, friendly atmosphere and a killer view complement the delicious meal we had here. Not only for a special dinner or rendezvous, an evening meal with family and friends, or dining alone, this is one of the best places to eat in Anchorage!
(5)Sam F.
Great service and incredible views on either side, but I was not impressed by the food. Got the scallop app, which was really nice but 18 bucks for 3 smallish scallops is pretty steep. My wife had the bouillabaisse and it was pretty tasty but then so is any bouillabaisse I ever had! I got the duck and was thoroughly unimpressed. I had never had duck before so maybe it's all like that, but to me it was tough and gamey. For the cost, I much prefer Seaforts, but there is no place with a more beautiful view than this place. Would definitely recommend at least going for drinks in the bar.
(3)Courtney P.
Like Fletcher's I didn't eat here, I just stopped in for a drink and to check out the view. The view is fantastic, the bartender friendly and knowledgeable and they have terrific mojitos. Also, I went in right before last call was to be done, normally I'd expect to be greeted by a rude and unhappy staff, but the bartender was super nice, he didn't seem to mind us coming in late (even if we had intended to order food)
(4)chizzy t.
Anchorage is blessed to have a place like this! I never even though such a classy place existed in Alaska. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was beautiful and the service was next to none! The wine pairing prix fixe menu was amazing, the sommelier is very lucky to be able to pair wines with some of Alaska's finest foods. Good for a special occasion
(5)John K.
Crow's Nest is one of the top restaurants in town, compared only in my mind with three others. The wine list is huge and impressive. Seems to be reasonably priced as well. The food is awesome and I think it is inspired. One key item, The Thai Curry Soup. A MUST HAVE ITEM, WOW!!!! The view is incredible, especially in the summer.
(5)Elizabeth M.
I just had my second experience at Captain Cook Crow's Nest and it was more the I imagined it would be. My husband and I first came here years ago with a couple to celebrate our friends birthday with his new girlfriend. I had never been soI thought we would maybe spend about $50/person.... Ended up being $100/person, to include from the cocktails to the tip. When we walked out I was so happy we went and thought it was well worth the money. So we went back again this past weekend and invited the same couple as a wedding gift to them. My husband and I got there early to have a little mini date. Dining here is an event. We were there for 4 hours total. Nothing comes fast at the Crow's Nest. They want you to take your time. But you're not ignored either. We all had their special curry soup and even the way they serve it is special. We watched the sunset, ate, and toasted our friends new marriage. I enjoyed every moment. I am not a fancy restuarant person. But if you're looking for something special this is the place. I look forward to the next time I got back. Maybe Valentines Day?
(5)Laura B.
Not real sure what food the other reviewers had or how long ago they ate there, but I've eaten at many highly rated restaurants and the Crow's Nest food was right up there with them. Went twice this summer and many of the selections on the menu changed in that short time frame. The service was as incredible as the views and the atmosphere. I've been to nearly all the more spendy places in town now, and the Crow's Nest is by far the best- it's just the full package deal. And you can go in your jeans and not have anyone bat an eye, which to me, is what unpretentious is all about. It's in the same price range as Club Paris, Sullivan's, and Orso, but better than any of those by far. If you want a nice, higher-priced dinner, go here or to Simon and Seaforts. Otherwise, go to Nino's for some nice Italian at a nice price.
(5)Terri S.
The worst bar in the entire world. I have been all over the world. I have never had an experience like the one I had tonight. The most vulgar place and low life experience ever. Do not go here.
(1)Sydnie J.
I love the Crow's Nest. Their food may not really be...inspired...but the lobster bisque is orgasmic. I live in Seattle now and I can't wait to go back to Anchorage and have some. The creme brulee is also the best I've had. And I've had a lot of creme brulee in my time. Go for those two dishes alone! The other food they have - steak and seafood, mostly - is all very good. They can even make duck tasty, and that's saying something. The service, of course, has to be good, otherwise they wouldn't be able to get away with their prices. The views are unparalleled. I wish the bread was warmed, though.
(5)Maigh ..
Awww the Crow's Nest. I have many fond memories of this place - from pre-prom dinners to first dates to stories of friends being proposed to there. I still think the success is more about the view and the atmosphere than it ever was about the food, so set your expectations appropriately. Plenty romantic, not so tasty. Great spot for an after dinner drink in the summer, just hang and watch the sky try to get dark over the water.
(2)Lana R.
The service in the bar is TERRIBLE!!! I go here for the great view only. Service is SLLLLOOOOWWWWW and inattentive. Last time I was there, my friend spilled a glass of ice-filled water all over our table. We mentioned it to the server when he came by. He scooted a few ice cubes out of the way and went on about his business. Shouldn't he have cleaned it up? The server took our last order at 11pm, only to return 5 minutes later to tell us that we had missed last call. Last call at 11pm?? Shouldn't they have taken our order anyway? Rude! Oh, and the wine pours are small.
(2)Ross A.
The food is good, and there is a decent selection of fine French cuisine to choose from; but in the end, you're paying for the view. Without the view the food is not quite up to the quality the prices imply. For the starter I ordered charcuterie, and while the foie gras was buttery and decadent, and the duck prosciutto was rich and savory, the rest of the board was single note and not exciting at all, the chorizo was especially disappointing. For my entree I ordered the elk loin, it was cooked exactly as I ordered it, and was tender and delicious. The service was certainly good, and the sommelier was knowledgeable and made an effort to assist us in selecting the perfect wine. Unfortunately, while I appreciate it, I am not a wine fan; and the beer selection was noticeably prosaic and lacking in options that would truly compliment fine french cuisine.
(3)Candace F.
Best if you like seafood but you can find a few other non-seafood plates on the menu. Excellent service, great view. Dom Tasting event was fun. Desert was def the best part.
(5)K E.
Wonderful view! The food was dynamic! My amuse bouche was darling. We sat and ate for hours, never felt rushed by the staff even though they were quite busy. Best dining experience I have had in a while.
(5)Michele R.
I loved this place. We came for a drink one night and were back for dinner the next. It has a 360 view of the mountains and the sound. In August it is light all evening so it was really beautiful. Cocktails were perfect Bread was perfect Crab soup fabulous Liver pate the best I have ever had Finally I had the red Alaskan crab which was heaven The service was just right The prices were high as I would expect for this level of restaurant. It would be my top choice if I lived here Really nice
(5)Brian D.
Scene of the crime : Saturday 9-5-2015 , 8pm local time . The Four of us were greeted by the host and were told if we were having drinks we could sit anywhere that wasn't carpeted . We walked into the bar area with the wood floors and scoped out a table . We found an empty table and looked for a few more chairs and the server who was working that part of the bar told us we couldn't do that as he needed to get through . Totally understandable . He then pointed to another table and said we could sit there when he wiped it off . He looked angry and mentioned that it would be awhile as he was really busy . During this time we walked around and checked out the stunning views. After about 15 minutes went bye he got the chance to wipe the table and rotate it so we could all fit around it . He came back a few minutes later with menus and made a snarky comment about how we let the largest person sit on the corner of the table and made a disgusting laugh . We let that slide even though it was passive aggressive nonsense . We looked over the menu and I pointed to the a list that had wines . He preceded to raise his voice at me and said that was the table of contents and that if I wanted the Viognier ( he rudely corrected my pronunciation ) that I would have to turn to page 27 . He pushed my hand aside , rudely laughed loudly , and condescendingly told me that this was where the list was . I asked him if he found it funny that I had made a mistake , and he said it happened all the time chuckling agin . My entire party was exasperated by his tone . We got up and left promptly . I left feeling bullied and hurt . With the right server this place could have been very enjoyable . Sadly it was not . What could have been a lovely evening was ruined by a waiter who shouldn't be working in customer service . We ended up walking across the street to Simon & Seafort's and had a wonderful dinner with excellent service .
(1)cc c.
I ate at the bar and came here to try the elk tenderloin. It was suveed and finished on the grill. The elk was served with a trio of onions and on an onion puree. The texture and flavor were amazing and the onion paring was phenomenal. After dinner I had a Japanese whiskey flight. The bartender was excellent and even poured me a sample of scotch I thought one of the whiskeys reminded me of. I had an excellent experience, and will go back if I am in Anchorage again.
(5)Kevin R.
While checking out some places to take my friends for a special occasion while I was in Anchorage, I was blown away by the Crow's Nest's view of the surrounding downtown and epic mountains in the distance. Paired with the positive reviews, it had me sold. We showed up to the valet stand on the 4th Avenue side around 7:30pm on a Friday and it was already back up and lined with cars. Later on we figured the busy valet was due to the 3 other restaurants, huge bachelorette party, and concert/event thing going on down stairs. Not to mention the fact that Captain Cook is a hotel! Whatever, we were enjoying the AC and when we finally got to the front the guy told us he'd leave our car up front for us. Nice. Even though we were a little early for our reservation, we were seated right away at a perfect table against the window, just like I requested. And yes, we had the epic view to gawk at throughout our entire meal. While we were given our menus we also got the amuse-bouche -- a small cup of green gazpacho soup which was a great start to the meal! The menu here is pretty big with plenty of seafood, steaks, veggie options, and even rabbit. To get things started I got one of my favorite dishes for the table to share -- roasted bone marrow (with shallot and black cherry jam, pancetta butter, parsley, capers, and lemon country bread) as well as the cheese slate (with summer berries, honeycomb, and 3 cheese options). The bone marrow was fantastic and was served in the bone, as it always should. The bread was baked to a perfect crisp and offered a great base for this spreadable amazingness. I even forced my picky-earter friends to have some. They were skeptical at first, of course, but really ended up enjoying it! The cheese plate was nice too with just as great bread to go with the cheeses. The berries were nice and fresh and the honeycomb was pure and simply delicious. For my main dish I landed on the Alaskan salmon (with butternut, brussel leaves, pickled onions, cedar smoke, and charred lemon beurre blanc). The huge brick of salmon was flaky and cooked to the perfect tenderness even for being so thick and the beurre blanc was just subtle enough to heighten the flavor of the fish without drowning it out completely. Even after so much food (yes, we had leftovers), we still felt dessert was a must. While the banana split sounded and looked so delicious each time one went flying by our table, we ended up getting something a little less rich -- banana ice cream (with summer berries). The ice cream alone was still incredibly rich, but it was so good I didn't even care. The subtle traces of caramel sauce, crunchy pirouette cookies, and fresh berries made each bite even better! In my experiences, restaurants with this type of view usually bank off that alone and the food is almost an after thought. Crow's Nest delivers delicious food in a classy environment that enhances the view, instead of cowers behind it. The whole staff was very friendly and was always on point. The wine and cocktail lists are solid and there's a smaller lounge menu if you decide to sit on that side of the restaurant. Take one tip from me though, request a window table with your reservation so you can enjoy an obstructed view for great photos as well as a wide open view of the whole Anchorage area!
(4)Al P.
Another top Anchorage restaurant! We visited for our wedding anniversary, and the whole experience (not just the meal, but the service, ambiance, and special touches) was lovely. This was my third visit to the restaurant but the first for dinner. All three times have been spot on. First, in the winter at night, ask for a downtown view, and in the summer, an inlet view, and you will have the dining view in the city. Then, if you enjoy wine, you should definitely take advantage of a recommendation from Tom, the sommelier. His choices, from the champagne with the oyster appetizer, to the perfect red and white combination for our crab and black cod dinners, were excellent, and they made the meal just that much more delicious. Plus, as one who likes wine but knows little about it, I enjoyed being able to just put my trust in his choices for something new. One of the things I always wonder when people dis the service at a place like this as slow is if they are expecting to get in and out quickly. Restaurants like Crow's Nest (or another fave, Torchon Bistro) are places where the meal is an event, meant to be savored and drawn out. For us, the service timing was great--they were attentive and fast when needed (like getting us our drinks right away to start) and more stand-offish, while we perused the menu, talked, etc. I like waiting between courses, ordering a bit at a time, and not feeling rushed at all. I think someone calls this European dining style, which is accurate. However, the one time we only had time for a drink and an appetizer, we got in and out relatively quickly, which still feeling relaxed. Anyway, back to this night and the big event, the food. I LOVE the food here. They execute it well and make it interesting. The amuse-bouche was light and flavorful. The oysters super fresh and well-garnished (the sorbet was surprising and yummy). The fois gras appetizer (which wasn't on the menu as an appetizer, but they indulged my request) was so delectable that I could eat it every meal for the rest of my life (which would be much shorter from all of that fatty goodness). Hubby and I shared the King Crab legs (a nice, tasty splurge) and the Alaskan black cod (which is delicious on its own but made brilliant by their oxtail and romesco sauce concoction). We each got our own Chocolate Delici cake because we knew it would be too good to share, which it was. For me, the portions were perfect because we like trying multiple courses. Plus, we like high quality ingredients. However, this is not the place to expect to gorge on one course. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it more expensive than other restaurants outside of Alaska like it? Probably--this is the land where prices may vary, as they say. But I never felt cheated. Our previous visits included cocktails and apps (where I discovered the fois gras), which the restaurant is even more well-known for, and I concur with those who praise the wonderful, creative drinks. Just one more reason to like this place. I look forward to going back for another great experience.
(5)Marc M.
Solid. Great atmosphere for dinner and view of city. Most places like this then compromise on food and wine quality, not the case here. We enjoyed a long relaxing dinner with food and wine pairings along the way. The staff is friendly and sommelier experienced. When all is said and done, can't leave evening without the bananas foster: Save room, yum!
(4)Curtis K.
This place is an example of why people are afraid to try new things. I've been here a few times and have never left happy. If it's the view you want, it's better at Snow Goose. If you want fine dining and a view, both are much better at Seven Glaciers in Girdwood. Often touted (by people who apparently haven't been there) as the best dining experience in Anchorage, I just don't think it's worth the effort. My most recent visit was on a whim after hanging out downtown for First Friday. We did not have a reservation, so we sat in the bar area. That's great, I love bars. The server, however, did not love us. I can only assume it's because my fiancee ordered a drink and I didn't. I have heard that is code in some establishments to make your table miserable. We were not given the little dishes of nuts and olives that everyone around us received as they sat down. When we asked the server why, her response was a terse, "Oh, you wanted some??". The table next to us ordered drinks well after us, got them before us, and the server apologized to them for the delay and informed them that their drinks would be comped (They were not better dressed than we were). We received no such apology, and obviously no compensation, as we got ours well after they did. As far as our meal, we wanted to order oysters for an hors-d'oeuvre, but learned they were out (about 830-9 on a Friday night) so we ordered the Charcuterie with excitement. It was a platter of little meats and some pieces of mini toast that was not very good. We elected to cut our losses and leave before ordering entrees at the risk of our disappointment reaching dangerous levels. I know they won't miss my business, but I will not be trying this place again. And can't, in good conscience, recommend it to friends.
(1)J F.
Sat down to have dinner at the bar. Never greeted by the unhappy bartender. Ordered a beer and water. Never got water until I asked about 5 times. Looked at wine list and asked if they had everything on list. He sneered and said yes, that is why it is on list. I ordered a wine and the sommelier came over and said they did not have it. No problem the sommelier was very nice and let us upgrade wine for same price. Bartender could not have cared less. We decided to take our wine and go sit down in lounge for dinner. We did have to settle up wine and could not transfer to new ticket. We left good tip and went to sit down in better seat. We got new server and she was awesome. Very attentive and fun and a hard worker who, obviously loves her job. Ordered a caesar salad and the Ribeye steak with potatoes and broccolini.......... The steak with thin and bland with a rich sauce that was not bad. Could not tell if it was grilled, tasted like it was boiled!! Potatoes had NO taste and were in a form mold. Waxy, greasy and absolutely no taste. Never had potatoes like that. The broccolini was good and two small stalks, cold but good texture. Caesar salad had so much sardines it was un eatable. What a sad experience. Food was very tired and bland and not worth the view. Bar service very poor, but server was very good. Overall not a good experience. View is great but food is for tourists and not up to high standards. Please hire people who love their job not people who are not happy to be there. I would go there for a drink but not for food. Locals all say they do not like the food and I agree.
(2)Erica C.
Came here for our anniversary dinner and had a great time. Lovely dinner with an awesome view. Wish we had gotten a table on the other side by the water, but the downtown view was still beautiful. Avg dish cost about $40. I had the halibut and my husband had the ribeye. Oh man, his steak was ginormous. I didn't really think it would be that big. It was cooked perfectly and the sauce complimented it very well. My halibut was light and refreshing. They have a huge selection of wine. We ended up ordering a bottle of cabernet. I was a bit disappointed at how small the crab cakes were though! I believe it was $16 for just one patty. Delicious, but I would probably not order it again since the portion was so small. It would have been great if they had given us a "Happy Anniversary" cake though. When the reservation was made, we did specify that we were there celebrating our anniversary. But other than that, this is definitely a nice, romantic place to take a date!
(4)Dominick V.
Very good place. Enjoyed everything. The flaming coffee was fun to watch. Waiter was excellent. If i came back here I would
(5)D L.
The menu was a great combination of local foods and classics presented. Service was top notch, the professional waiters that we expect at restaurant of this caliber and price range. The tastes were well orchestrated and presented with flair. Portions are not huge but appropriate. The drinks were also well done. (Stoli martinis and a Sidecar.) The view is nice but not extraordinary, our table overlooked the downtown. Perhaps other tables had prettier views in other directions.
(5)Laura C.
4 stars for the view from the 20th floor. The service ranked one star below, but that is just because our bartender seemed aloof and too busy to crack a smile. This place is just gorgeous, as is the hotel. A surprise, amongst a city full of bars that are tucked away in mall-like buildings. The dark wood and gold accents gave it a classy, old school feel even though it was only built in 1965. We were told by numerous people that if we went anywhere for a drink. it had to be here. I'm so glad we listened. We were arriving after my birthday dinner elsewhere (another spot we were told we "had" to go to) and I'm kinda wishing we'd eaten here instead. We took some seats at the bar and got into some interesting conversation with some other tourists. We didn't eat again, but the lobster tail the guy next to us looked fantastic and he ate every bite, saying it was fantastic. I stuck to a local amber, but my brother ordered a shot of salmon vodka and chased it with a IPA. The bartender told him the vodka would be gross, but my brother actually thought it was decent. Before we left, we took a walk around the restaurant and took in the view of downtown Anchorage from every corner. In doing so, we came across a wine library (that's what I call it) which looked to be a decorative locked cabinet where regulars can store their fine wines. So pretty, I actually felt the need to pose in front of it. I have no idea if or when I will ever be back to Alaska, but if I do, I am having dinner here next time.
(5)M S.
Fine dining at its best! Gorgeous view of the city during winter & the inlet during summer! Yummy food! Awesome service!!
(5)Kari R.
Delicious food and great service. Always the place to go for a fancy night out. The views are amazing
(5)