A Hidden Gem with 80's CharmI recently stumbled upon Cafe 817 in Downtown Anchorage, and despite living here for 26 years, I had never experienced this delightful gem before. Seeking a spot to kill time before an interview, my craving for coffee and a snack led me to this uniquely charming café.As soon as I stepped in, I was transported back to the Anchorage of the 80s. The vintage décor, complete with old tiles, nostalgic colors, and an abundance of sun-soaked plants in the large windows, created an atmosphere that resonated with the city's history.The owner, whose name I'm unsure of, greeted me with the warmth and humor that is quintessentially Alaskan. Being a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I decided to put their skills to the test with an iced Americano. To my delight, the shots tasted fresh, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying every sip.While waiting for my salmon sandwich, I observed the owner interacting with loyal customers. It was a joy to witness the genuine camaraderie between them, as if they had been friends for years. The atmosphere was not just about good food and coffee but also about building connections within the community.The anticipation for my salmon sandwich grew as the aroma filled the cafe. When it arrived, I could tell it was made fresh, and the taste confirmed it. The sandwich was a true delight—fresh, flavorful, and a testament to the owner's commitment to quality.What struck me most was the meaningful conversations the owner engaged in with customers. It was evident that each interaction was more than just a transaction; it was an opportunity to connect and share stories. When my food arrived, the owner's kindness added an extra layer of enjoyment to my experience.In conclusion, Cafe 817 is a place that goes beyond serving great coffee and delicious food. It's a time capsule to Anchorage's past, a hub for genuine connections, and a haven for those seeking a delightful culinary experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon, Sandwiches
Geoffrey Hatch
This place is a "hidden gem". Located a few blocks from the hotel Captain Cook. This reminds one of a place locals eat. My wife and I both had a huge bowl of homemade oatmeal. Recommend the blueberry muffin-large. Coffee is brewed and made for you individually. The owner does everything from take the order, make the meal, make the coffee, and serve you. The owner was delightful to chat with while waiting for breakfast. The price is right and food is delicious. Highly recommend this place for breakfast and/or lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karen Morgan
Food was delicious and the serving size was plentiful. The poor manager was the only person working so he had to be the cashier, barista and cook. That would explain why he was a little “snippy” when taking our order.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Mike Kendzierski
Wasn't much to look at inside and not very crowded . The service and especially the ham and egg croissant sandwich were excellent. My wife had a Bagel sandwich and she said it was very good too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kris Wilson
We ordered 2 croissant breakfast sandwiches with bacon. Huge and DELICIOUS!!! The croissant was nice and flaky, eggs were fluffy and the bacon was crispy. The orange slices on the side were a nice touch too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant Sandwich
keely weidenbach
Café 817 or the 817 or the café whatever you wanna call it. This guy hits it out of the park! There was three of us, two ordered breakfast and one had lunch. These were amazing meals. Amazing meals aside the main attraction is the double toilet stall in the back of the house. A first time experience where you and your best friend can hold hands while using the facilities. All kidding aside this one man show is worth stopping in and grabbing a bite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mary Novatny
A big dinghy. Doesn't take cards, will harrass you if you don't have cash, won't hire help because NoBoDy WaNtS tO wOrK aNyMoRe. Food is excellent
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Muffins
Brad Wyant
Excellent food. Great ingredients prepared perfectly, amazing blueberry muffin.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loren Hovis
One man show did take a few to get order but it was good!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Daniel Brand
Nice place, friendly service. As the staff is limited there are not too many options available and waiting time could be a bit longer. But you get your order prepared fresh and every dish we saw looked
BEST breakfast!!!! This one man show is amazing—- he’s pleasant, friendly and super busy and can juggle it all with a sense of humor. I like the the comment.. ‘ don’t stand too close to the kitchen or I’ll start assigning tasks’ … lol. Advice: Bring cash, it’s quicker to check out!
Stephanie B.
The owner is also the cook and dishwasher but just be patient it's worth it. Ample amounts of food and all of the baked goods are homemade. He does take credit cards but prefers cash. This place is not large but it's comfortable and the location is great.
Hayden R.
As I was strolling down the street I happened upon this lovely cafe. Big open space with plenty of seating and a sense of warmth. The owner (I presume) is a kind man, who's working the business by himself at the moment. Last but not least, I paid 4$ for a SIZABLE muffin that was absolutely delicious. He conversed with me and told me history of places in Alaska, and left me feeling very comfortable. 10/10! Come and give this place a try.
Shannon Oruska
Awesome breakfast. Both scrambles, salmon and reindeer sausage, were excellent. Excellent coffee. Kitchen potatoes are great as well. One man shop, so tables were “crumby” and most customers help out by busing their own tables. Closed in the weekends or we’d be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Clymer
Straight forward informal diner with an amazing breakfast for $15. Some of the best food we've had in AK. We're coming back.
A Hidden Gem with 80's CharmI recently stumbled upon Cafe 817 in Downtown Anchorage, and despite living here for 26 years, I had never experienced this delightful gem before. Seeking a spot to kill time before an interview, my craving for coffee and a snack led me to this uniquely charming café.As soon as I stepped in, I was transported back to the Anchorage of the 80s. The vintage décor, complete with old tiles, nostalgic colors, and an abundance of sun-soaked plants in the large windows, created an atmosphere that resonated with the city's history.The owner, whose name I'm unsure of, greeted me with the warmth and humor that is quintessentially Alaskan. Being a self-proclaimed coffee snob, I decided to put their skills to the test with an iced Americano. To my delight, the shots tasted fresh, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying every sip.While waiting for my salmon sandwich, I observed the owner interacting with loyal customers. It was a joy to witness the genuine camaraderie between them, as if they had been friends for years. The atmosphere was not just about good food and coffee but also about building connections within the community.The anticipation for my salmon sandwich grew as the aroma filled the cafe. When it arrived, I could tell it was made fresh, and the taste confirmed it. The sandwich was a true delight—fresh, flavorful, and a testament to the owner's commitment to quality.What struck me most was the meaningful conversations the owner engaged in with customers. It was evident that each interaction was more than just a transaction; it was an opportunity to connect and share stories. When my food arrived, the owner's kindness added an extra layer of enjoyment to my experience.In conclusion, Cafe 817 is a place that goes beyond serving great coffee and delicious food. It's a time capsule to Anchorage's past, a hub for genuine connections, and a haven for those seeking a delightful culinary experience. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Smoked Salmon, Sandwiches
This place is a "hidden gem". Located a few blocks from the hotel Captain Cook. This reminds one of a place locals eat. My wife and I both had a huge bowl of homemade oatmeal. Recommend the blueberry muffin-large. Coffee is brewed and made for you individually. The owner does everything from take the order, make the meal, make the coffee, and serve you. The owner was delightful to chat with while waiting for breakfast. The price is right and food is delicious. Highly recommend this place for breakfast and/or lunch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was delicious and the serving size was plentiful. The poor manager was the only person working so he had to be the cashier, barista and cook. That would explain why he was a little “snippy” when taking our order.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Wasn't much to look at inside and not very crowded . The service and especially the ham and egg croissant sandwich were excellent. My wife had a Bagel sandwich and she said it was very good too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We ordered 2 croissant breakfast sandwiches with bacon. Huge and DELICIOUS!!! The croissant was nice and flaky, eggs were fluffy and the bacon was crispy. The orange slices on the side were a nice touch too.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Croissant Sandwich
Café 817 or the 817 or the café whatever you wanna call it. This guy hits it out of the park! There was three of us, two ordered breakfast and one had lunch. These were amazing meals. Amazing meals aside the main attraction is the double toilet stall in the back of the house. A first time experience where you and your best friend can hold hands while using the facilities. All kidding aside this one man show is worth stopping in and grabbing a bite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A big dinghy. Doesn't take cards, will harrass you if you don't have cash, won't hire help because NoBoDy WaNtS tO wOrK aNyMoRe. Food is excellent
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Muffins
Excellent food. Great ingredients prepared perfectly, amazing blueberry muffin.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One man show did take a few to get order but it was good!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Nice place, friendly service. As the staff is limited there are not too many options available and waiting time could be a bit longer. But you get your order prepared fresh and every dish we saw looked
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
BEST breakfast!!!! This one man show is amazing—- he’s pleasant, friendly and super busy and can juggle it all with a sense of humor. I like the the comment.. ‘ don’t stand too close to the kitchen or I’ll start assigning tasks’ … lol. Advice: Bring cash, it’s quicker to check out!
The owner is also the cook and dishwasher but just be patient it's worth it. Ample amounts of food and all of the baked goods are homemade. He does take credit cards but prefers cash. This place is not large but it's comfortable and the location is great.
As I was strolling down the street I happened upon this lovely cafe. Big open space with plenty of seating and a sense of warmth. The owner (I presume) is a kind man, who's working the business by himself at the moment. Last but not least, I paid 4$ for a SIZABLE muffin that was absolutely delicious. He conversed with me and told me history of places in Alaska, and left me feeling very comfortable. 10/10! Come and give this place a try.
Awesome breakfast. Both scrambles, salmon and reindeer sausage, were excellent. Excellent coffee. Kitchen potatoes are great as well. One man shop, so tables were “crumby” and most customers help out by busing their own tables. Closed in the weekends or we’d be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Straight forward informal diner with an amazing breakfast for $15. Some of the best food we've had in AK. We're coming back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5