Red Dog Saloon: Juneau's Fabled Watering Hole

The Red Dog Saloon

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life
Photos by Gerry Barker


​"And on the right is the world famous Red Dog Saloon," said our tour guide.

It was one of many sights she pointed out as our bus traveled through downtown Juneau, Alaska on its way to the nearby Mendenhall Glacier. As we passed, I made a mental note to come back and check out this fabled watering hole if we had a chance. And we did.

After the tour ended, we had a couple of hours of free time in Juneau before our cruise ship, Silversea's Silver Nova, departed for our next port of call.

Juneau, a city of over 30,000 population, has been Alaska's capital since 1906. Named after a gold prospector, it boasts a lively downtown area and a striking number of blooming flowers that adorn the streets and green spaces. Our visit was in July, during peak tourism season, when cruise ships can swell the population by 20,000 or more daily.

---

The Goldbelt Tram

​After a ride on the Goldbelt Tram, taking guests up 1,800 feet to the top of Mount Roberts, we headed for the Red Dog Saloon, just up the street from the cruise docks.

From the outside, it looks like an authentic, Old West saloon, complete with swinging doors at the entrance -- that's because it is. It was lunchtime, and the place was packed. But we were able to get a table on the side, just beside the piano player.

Yes, they had a real piano player, plus sawdust floors, animal trophies along the walls, saloon girls and guys waiting on customers -- just like you were transported back in time when Juneau hosted hordes of fortune seekers hoping to strike it rich mining for gold.

The menu offers some insights on its history, when “Ragtime Hattie” "played the piano in her white gloves and silver dollar halter top." It also noted that back in the day, the one-time owner "would meet tour boats with his mule that wore a sign saying 'follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon'." 

The menu features a variety of choices, all with Alaska-themed names, like "Motherlode Burger" and "Klondike Ribs." There's also a reindeer sandwich, if you really want to go full-on local. Hmmm -- maybe next time.

---

​Unlike what's portrayed in the movies, we didn't witness any fights break out or card games, and no one took a shot at the piano player. It was just fun, good food and friendly service. In fact, it was the highlight of our day in Juneau.

Next door is their gift shop -- more like a full-blown store -- where you can get all manner of Red Dog Saloon merchandise and souvenirs. We scored a Red Dog license plate that now proudly hangs in our kitchen.

If your travels bring you to Juneau, definitely add Red Dog Saloon to your list. Tell them North Palm Beach Life sent you -- it might even get you a table by the piano player.