Matchbook Monday: The Birdhouse Bar, Anchorage

Today’s Matchbook Monday comes from best pal Anita who, while visiting extended family members in Anchorage, Alaska, picked up a few matchbooks for me.

This one is from The Birdhouse Bar located at Chilkoot Charlie’s.

The Birdhouse has a rather colorful history, some of which should probably be taken with a large grain of salt.

Originally located on the Seward Highway, it had an esteemed reputation with the “working women” of the area.  The girls would autograph their undergarments, and tack them up on the wall.  Those walls could tell some tales!

The Birdhouse was destroyed in a fire, but rose from the ashes and was rebuilt — only to be destroyed by an earthquake a year later.  Still, the bar wouldn’t die, and it was resurrected a third time, only to have it burn to the ground again in 1996.

But a place like this is destined for immortality, and the current Birdhouse at Chilkoot Charlie’s (2435 Spenard Road, Anchorage) is a replica of the original.  There are still bras and panties on the walls, proudly (or drunkenly) autographed by their owners.  The floors are sawdust, the decor is strictly bar kitsch, and the place packs them in like there’s no tomorrow.

There’s beer — and lots of it — both local brews and micro lagers.  You’ll also find pickles that are hotter than hot, and boneless chicken dinners.  Be careful when you ask for that last item — it’s a hard boiled eggs.

If you’re in Anchorage, the Birdcage is a hoot and worth a stop off. 

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