Review
By Janine Daniels
Spenard Roadhouse
If you’re a long-time Anchorage resident, as I am, you know what it feels like when landmark businesses shut their doors taking a piece of our history with them and leaving an empty building behind. When the Hoggs Brothers Café on Northern Lights and Spenard closed their restaurant, I wondered how long the building would remain vacant. Although the Hoggs Brothers was a long-standing family-friendly restaurant, it was going to take a very special business to transform the rustic Denny’s-like dining area into something… well… something more.
When Spenard Roadhouse put up their sign, I was curious. This could be very good, or it could be the first of many businesses to open and close within a few years. Several times I drove past the Spenard Roadhouse, each time watching the progress of the new restaurant. When I saw outdoor seating (of which I am a huge fan!), I was dually interested. And then, when I learned that the owners of Sacks Restaurant and Snow City Café were responsible for the new Spenard Roadhouse, I was thrilled and couldn’t wait for them to open! Often when my expectations are high, I am quite disappointed. I am happy to say that this is not one of those let-down moments in life!
Spenard Roadhouse has remained true to the old “kids are welcome” feeling of the Hoggs Brothers but has introduced a very earthy and modern flair. The dining area is an eclectic blend of warm colors, vintage and modern light fixtures, spacious tables, hip art, and even a false fireplace with a faux (and, might I add, trendy) mounted moose head! The menu is simple, and almost bizarre (in a very good way) - on our first visit, my kids munched on a bag of popcorn as their appetizer, then devoured their hot dog with tater tots (yes, real live tater tots!) and finished it off with a s’more (again, yes, a real live s’more). My hubby and I dared the margherita pizza, ahi tuna with ginger and Asian noodles, and finished it off with Kaladi coffees. I can’t explain how they pulled it off, but they did!
A grand addition to an already terrifically unusual menu is their extensive bourbon drink offerings. Many can do wine, beer, martinis, margaritas, and even dessert wines. But, never have I seen such a bourbon niche. I noted an invitation on our table for regular bourbon tastings and events. Something of interest and further investigation, I say!
Beyond a great location, excellent choice in decorations, and a fantastic menu, Spenard Roadhouse has also done an excellent job of hiring and training great wait staff. Consistently, the staff has been courteous, knowledgeable, prompt and educated.
Spenard Roadhouse is the complete package. This unexpected surprise is an experience and comfortable dining establishment that I have the great pleasure in highly recommending to Anchorage!
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