The Imperial Saloon, officially known as The Imperial Billiards and Bar, is the oldest bar in Juneau, Alaska, established in 1891. This is an absolute must visit and a favorite of the locals. There is plenty of space on the large long bar. There is also plenty of tables with seating. With a dozen taps and full bar, you will be able to find your drink, whatever it might be.
241 Front St, Juneau, AK 99801 (907) 586-1960
The bar offers a variety of excellent drinks, especially beer. They offer free popcorn with purchase of a drink. The staff is consistently friendly.
For the sports enthusiasts, there are plenty of TVs on which to watch your team play.
They have a pool table for a quick game. You can even get a quick game of ping pong in too while enjoy a nice cold beer.
For a great meal there is the Front Street Cafe. They have the latest food available in town.
If you are at the Imperial on a Wednesday you can catch a game of trivia for some prizes.
I have been told that on Friday and Saturday night it is the go to place in Juneau. Imperial opens up the dance floor and provides a DJ to rock you until closing.
Buffalo Head
One of the best drinking buddies in the bar. He always listens and never says much. He is always there for you.
There is a large group of downtown employees who always pay a visit to the bar on the way home. So things pick up around 4pm.
Not to mention that on Fridays things fill up fast for end of the work week celebrations.
I had heard about the Imperial Saloon before I had arrived and it did not disappoint! It is a favorite of a local friend of mine. I knew it to be the oldest bar in Juneau, harking back to the Juneau’s old days of mining. I imagined its early days filled with crusty old miners wetting their gullets after a hard day’s work. Today, instead of grungy miners, there are your average local workers that you would see anywhere. I arrived to a welcoming open door under an old fashioned sign announcing its name and history. The bright May daylight filtered into the interior that was filling up with locals in spite of the peak of tourist season. Most of the tourists frequented the waterfront bars down the hill at the docks so if you are looking for something more authentic and less crowded, this is the place. We went to have a beer and watch the basketball game on the large screen. The bar tender was friendly and kept us stocked with free popcorn. The locals were friendly and happy to offer recommendations of favorite places to see. BUT! If anyone is suddenly curious about the altitude, please keep in mind that you just got off the ship at sea level…that is 0 feet! Don’t ask a local……
I like that the Imperial has the Front Street Cafe.