One last local beer before flying out of ANC South
49th State Brewing - Ted Stevens sits airside in the South Terminal, giving you downtown Anchorage’s taplist vibes without leaving the gate area. It’s the same Alaska brand you see on 4th Avenue, with a shorter menu but a solid run of local drafts that rotate through IPAs, ambers, and seasonal specials. Figure typical ANC airport pricing: pints land in the $9–$12 range, on par with craft stands in the Lower 48.
This spot sits past security in the South Terminal concourse used by Alaska Airlines and many evening departures. Hours track with bank times, so it’s usually open by the first mid‑morning flights and can run late for red‑eyes; expect the worst crowds from about 6 p.m. through the 10 p.m. departures. A lot of groups use it as an easy meet‑up point since everyone recognizes the 49th State name from town.
Food runs typical pub style: burgers, sandwiches, and shared plates, with mains generally in the $16–$24 range and appetizers around $10–$15. Regulars say the move is a quick pint and one snack when it’s slammed instead of banking on a full sit‑down meal. Most reviews call the food “better than expected for an ANC gate bar,” but the consensus is that the beer is the real draw.
Watch out for the pre‑bank crush before major Alaska and red‑eye departures out of the South Terminal; multiple travelers report standing around 10–20 minutes for a seat and slower service when every table is full. Beer prices draw some complaints, but reviewers repeatedly note they’re not worse than Seattle, Denver, or other big hubs. If you’re tight on time, grab a bar rail spot or ask straight away how long the kitchen is running.
Tip: check your gate on the screens by security, then sit on the side of 49th State closest to your numbered concourse so you can walk to boarding in 3–5 minutes with a last Alaska pint in hand.