This downtown shop and café is a little glimpse into old Anchorage—a city that wasn't completely about logging, fishing and tough guys. Built in 1915, the Kimball building, on Town Square Park at the corner of 5th and E, is a stop on the historic walking tour and still has antique fixtures and flooring. It’s eclectic, “quaint-meets-cool” gift and tea shop is an extension of a famed dry goods and sewing notions store that has been in business over 50 years. The original owner was ahead of the curve—importing gourmet coffees before such a thing was cool.
Family owned and operated, the Kobuk (named after a region and trading post in northwest Alaska) specializes in Victorian flair: teapots, fine English and Russian china, lace, linens and teas and candies imported from around the world. Choose from coffee flavors such as Golden Pecan, Seville Orange and Snickerdoodle, to name a few. Shoppers can also pick up some mod stationary, or Alaskan-made soaps, lotions and bath salts. (You can order items online, too.)
On the south side of the shop visit the café and bakery, which used to be the original proprietor's kitchen and living room. Enjoy a cup of the signature Samovar Tea, fresh-baked pastries, including their award-winning Old Fashioned donut, or a sandwich and one of the daily soups or inventive chilis.
Step back in time and experience a true hospitality and an Alaskan tradition.
