Koots!, Anchorage

If your looking for a nightclub with all kinds of people in a very rustic setting, then Koots is the place for you. You'll find all kinds of people from rednecks to pimps in fur coats! This is not an upscale nightclub by any stretch of the imagination. If your looking for a more classy nightlub experience with ultra-lounge seating and contemporary decor, go to Platinum Jaxx.

Dress Code: No dress code whatsoever. This should be a clue as to the crowd you'll find there.

Spent enough time stationed in AK to know if your a soldier it's the place to go. For all non military types it's still a great time to be had, veterans feel free to ask around plenty of them around town and here.

Dress Code: come as you are for the most part

Koots is just one big myriad of spots to take a load of and load up on booze. It wasn't my favorite bar in Anchorage, but worth the visit just so you can see the room with personalized underwear adorning the walls. There's nothing cultural about this place, it's just a good old fashioned drunk fest. Have an escape route planned, it's a bit of a maze. Take a trip just down the way to what my buddy described as "Anchorage's red light district" on Spenard.

Dress Code: Bring extra underwear to hang on the wall.

Koots is an institution in Anchorage. Been around for 30 years at least. Started off as a small rustic place that had a band in on the weekends and has grown steadily to the huge night spot it is today. Place must hold over a 1000 party animals on the weekends.

I'd compare it to a maze as you wander from room to room. Best to get there sober and get your bearings before you start drinking or you may never find your way out. If you don't like the band playing in one room then go to the next until you find the music you like. 4 areas downstairs playing anything from grung to hip-hop to techno. A small area upstairs usually has a solo acoustic guitar. Somewhere in the labrynth is an exact replica of the Birdhouse, a famous bar that burned down in the early 90's.

I don't go very often - just too much of a crowd for my taste. But I would list it as a must see for the visitor. Lots of bouncers and security so it stays safe despite the crowd. Make sure you bring I.D.

Dress Code: Dress Code - yeah right!

Yea, people have been shot in the parking lot. (Fights and Drugs) Lesson: Don't start fights, and don't sell or buy drugs in the parking lot. Yep, the Bouncers have been involved with a death or two at the club. (patrons too drunk or fighting to begin with) Lesson: Don't get too drunk to control yourself, and don't fight. This is like no other nightspot I have ever been to. I live here and go at least once a month when a special artist or DJ comes to town. It's kind of like that bar in Star Wars, you will see every demographic represented. It is a must see for anyone 21-40 years old. Even If you don't like a multi stage club seen, you nee to see this place. Just play nice.

Dress Code: Are you kidding? Anything goes.

I had avoided Koots because I was afraid it was a tourist trap, but upon entering, I learned otherwise. This is a multi stage bar where you can choose what kind of fun you want to have. You can: drink for effect, hear live bands, play bar games, get decent food, dance, or just party. In fact there are, I think, six different bars located around koots, and there are lots of people about, more than just tourists.

I didn't want to get too sloshed, so I had a slushy drink, but if drink too much, tell the staff and they will call you a cab, and if you've left all your money at the bar, they will even pay for it!

Dress Code: Since there are so many experiences to be had at Koots. Dress for the type of fun you want to have, if you want to dance or hook up, dress nice.

Dirt floors covered with peanut shells, Rustic post and beam shack that has proudly displayed its haphazard add-ons. Live music, food, dance... It has it all. An Alaskan experience.

Dress Code: Don't dress up! You never know who's going to spill something!