Hidden Gem: Fletcher’s

For previous hidden gems, we typically feature working-class businesses that are budget and location friendly for college students to visit. This time, we decided to visit Fletcher's — located in the Hotel Captain Cook — to celebrate the beginning of this semester with a treat.

Fletcher's was a perfect choice for this hidden gem, given that it is often overlooked by Anchorage locals. Although this restaurant is a bit further from campus than we normally cover, we felt compelled to visit this quaint restaurant nestled in the shadow of the more well-known Crow’s Nest. 

Located on the ground floor of the hotel's Tower III, Fletcher’s is a mediterranean-inspired english-style pub. It is named after English sailor Fletcher Christian, who was known for the Mutiny on The Bounty in 1789.

During the summer, Fletcher’s is a popular location for tourists visiting Anchorage. Given its proximity to the railroad station and other vacationist destinations, it’s common to meet interesting people from around the world here.

The atmosphere is bustling, but elegant. The dining room is decorated like the cabin of an old ship, featuring dark mahogany-colored hardwood. 

The glow of warm lighting provides a moody environment for patrons. Brass handrails and leather upholstered stools line the length of the bar.

The open-kitchen design allows patrons to view the behind-the-scenes activity of the chefs, contributing to the pub feel with clanking dishes and a lively environment. 

Many of the servers and bartenders have worked at Fletcher's for years. Staff consistency is often an important factor for regular patrons of an establishment. Our bartender, Ben Keller, was friendly and informative.

The bar, which many students of legal drinking age may find themselves enthralled by, carries a vast selection of whiskey and scotch any connoisseur can enjoy. 

This is not all it has to offer, though, as the bar is fully-stocked and  suited to all your needs — whether you're on the hunt for tequila or a nice pinot noir. 

The lasagna — which comes in a cast-iron dish — is flavorful and rests in a pool of marinara. This benefits the dish and does not give the sense that the pasta is "drowning."

An order of spaghetti and meatballs is a solid go-to dish. The marinara on this dish is complemented well by red pepper flakes and a shake of salt.

For dessert, if you find yourself still gluttonous, the lemon strawberry tiramisu is a wonderful choice. Full of fruit-filled flavor, this tangy and citrusy-sweet treat is a “must-have” for anyone who enjoys a dessert with a bright taste. 

The crème brûlée is another classic on the Fletcher’s dessert list. It’s not overpoweringly sweet and arguably the best rendition we’ve tried in years.

Even though the food is amazing and definitely worth trying, the ambiance is truly the reason to visit Fletcher’s.

Fletcher’s may sit in the shadows of the Crow’s Nest, but the memorable impression it leaves shines light on this hidden gem.