Marx Bros. Cafe

February 1, 2010

Written by Michelle McKinley, Anchorage reporter for RateitAnchorage

The Marx Bros. Cafe, located in downtown Anchorage, opened in 1979. The building itself was crafted in 1916 and represents one of the truly historical dining experiences in Anchorage. The small cafe, renowned throughout the United States, can seat a rather cozy 46 diners, but is home to one of the more diverse, rotating weekly menus and a wine selection of more than 400 varieties from around the globe.

The Marx Bros. Cafe, located on 3rd Avenue in downtown Anchorage, regularly rotates through a wide array of different dining options, starting with things like King Crab stuffed squash blossoms and including handmade, at-your-table salads and world class seafood, caught right off the Anchorage coast. Combining the culinary flair of traditions as far ranging as India and China with local ingredients and tastes, the Marx Bros. Cafe is far more than a quick dinner spot.

If you want a table at the Marx Bros. Cafe, be sure to make a reservation early, as walk-ins are not necessarily banned, but seating is hard to come by. Credit cards are accepted, and the cafe is closed on Sundays and Mondays and does not offer a lunch menu.

While not a direct expansion of the Marx Bros. Cafe, the Muse is operated by the same chefs and owners as the popular downtown cafe, meaning the menu rotates often. With a slightly more relaxed atmosphere and a full lunch menu that includes classics like BLT sandwiches and Panini's with sweet potato fries, you can have a nice relaxing meal that is lauded as one of the best museum dining experiences in the country.

The Marx Bros. Cafe also provides catering for many of the museum's events and was awarded with the AAA Four Diamond Award in 2008 – one of only three Alaskan restaurants to earn the prestigious award for excellence in dining. Whether you are staying in Anchorage for three days or three months, one of the most important stops you can make in your dining rounds is at the Marx Bros. Cafe. Just be sure to get your reservation early and to prepare for a one of a kind dining experience. Despite the small space, you'll find a cosy, friendly, and professional staff constantly checking to ensure your meal is as wonderful as possible.