What is the exact address and location of The Craig Inn Bar?
The Craig Inn Bar is located at 403 Water Street, Craig, Alaska 99921, on Craig Island in Prince of Wales Island. It’s in downtown Craig near the city causeway. You’ll find it right off the Water Street/Front Street intersection. The Alaska map coordinates are latitude 55.45°N, longitude 133.63°W (roughly). It’s the only bar/inn in that area, just a block from Front Street shops.
How do I get to The Craig Inn Bar from major cities?
The nearest big city is Ketchikan (south), about 55 miles away by road. From Ketchikan, drive north on the highway to Hollis (where the ferry terminal is) and take the Inter-Island Ferry to Prince of Wales Island. Craig is then about 30 miles west by road. Alternatively, you can fly to Klawock Airport (on POW) and rent a car for the 10-minute drive south. There are also floatplane services that land in Craig harbor. No direct commercial flight lands in Craig, so links involve ferry or floatplane from Ketchikan.
Are there parking options near The Craig Inn Bar?
Yes. Parking in downtown Craig is abundant and free. You’ll find on-street parking directly in front of the bar on Water Street and Front Street. There is also a small public parking lot just behind the building. No meter or permit is needed. The lot fills up only on the busiest summer nights or festival days, otherwise parking is never a problem. There is no parking fee for evening shows.
Is there a public bus or rideshare to Craig Inn Bar?
Craig has no scheduled public bus or Uber/Lyft service. The primary ways to get around are private car, taxi, or shuttle. A local taxi can be summoned by phone (if available), and some hotels offer shuttle service from the ferry terminal on request. Because downtown is small, many visitors just walk or bike around Craig. If staying locally, your hotel may provide transportation. For visitors arriving by ferry, taxis or a friendly local are usually the best bet.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance to go to The Craig Inn Bar?
For regular bar nights, no ticket is needed – you can just walk in. For special shows or weekend events, tickets (usually an affordable cover charge) are often sold at the door. The Craig Inn Bar does not have a formal ticket office. If it’s a paid event, you’ll typically purchase tickets on-site the night of the show. For very popular special events, locals sometimes sell advance tickets on a first-come basis by advertising in the local paper or word-of-mouth, but this is rare. Otherwise, just arrive early and pay any cover charge at entry.
Can tickets for a show at The Craig Inn Bar be bought online?
The Craig Inn Bar does not have an online ticketing system. There are no third-party outlets like Ticketmaster for this small venue. Occasionally, organizers may post an event on a local community site or social media, but purchases still happen in person. In practice, you would either call the bar directly to reserve (if offered) or simply pay the cover at the door.
How much do tickets or cover charges cost?
Most nights have no cover charge. When there is a cover (for example, during a special band or event), it tends to be quite reasonable – typically in the range of $5 to $15. Big shows (few and far between) may lean toward the higher end, but even those rarely exceed $20. Since most performers are local or regional, the bar promotes affordable access. Always ask at the bar or local listing in advance for specifics on pricing for an event you plan to attend.
What type of seating is available inside The Craig Inn Bar?
The Craig Inn Bar offers a mix of bar stools and tables. Along one wall is the counter seating, and scattered across the room are high-top wooden tables and a couple of booth-style benches. None of the seating is reserved; it’s first-come basis. If you want to sit, arrive early to grab a stool or table before a show. Many people prefer to stand near the front of the stage area as well. The space is small and intimate, so wherever you sit or stand, you’ll still feel part of the action.
Are there any VIP or reserved sections at this bar?
No. The Craig Inn Bar is purely general admission. There are no VIP tickets, reserved seats, or roped-off areas. Everyone shares the same floor space during concerts. The bar strives for an inclusive environment where regulars and visitors mingle. Even the inn’s guests must enter through the same bar room. The closest thing to “reserved” might be if you call ahead and a friendly bartender keeps an eye on an extra seat (e.g. on a very busy night), but formally there are no VIP tickets.
What is the age policy at The Craig Inn Bar?
The bar enforces Alaska’s 21+ drinking laws. Patrons must be 21 or older to consume alcohol. That also generally means that after evening (around 8–9pm) only guests 21+ are allowed inside. During the early evening, minors can be in the dining area only if accompanied by a parent or guardian (for example, kids may join family dinners until the bar fully transitions to an adult crowd). Be prepared to show ID. Staff frequently checks IDs, especially on show nights. So if you or someone in your party is under 21, plan to arrive early and stick to the dining hours, or arrange childcare for later.
Is there a dress code or any specific attire required?
The Craig Inn Bar has a very casual, “come-as-you-are” atmosphere. There is no formal dress code. People wear everything from jeans and flannel to T-shirts to drive to the bar. In winter, you’ll see full parkas and boots in the entry (they’ll remove boots in wet weather). The only advice: dress for weather. Craig can be chilly and rainy, so layered clothing is smart. For concerts, wear whatever style you enjoy – country hats, leather jackets, or just hoodie and jeans are all normal here. The only banned items would be things like gang-related colors or oversize sports gear that could intimidate others; staff reserves the right to refuse entry for any disruptive attire, but on a Friday night expect folks in typical Alaskan casual wear.
Can I bring a purse, backpack, or cameras to the venue?
Small bags, purses and phone cameras are fine. However, large backpacks or coolers are discouraged. Security at the door may glance inside bags to ensure nothing unsafe is brought in. Cameras for personal snapshots are allowed; many guests snap pictures of bands or the rustic interior. However, professional photography with flash can be disruptive to performers and others, so it’s best to ask first. Basically: your wallet, purse, or a small camera are okay, but don’t expect to lug in a giant bag or tripod. If you need to stash rain gear or outdoor items, you can leave them in the lobby area while inside.
Does The Craig Inn Bar have a coat check or storage area?
No formal coat check is provided. Guests usually hang coats and hats on the wall hooks or over their chairs. The weather in Craig can be wet, so a row of dripping parkas by the door is common on busy nights. If you don’t want to keep your coat with you, just ask the bartender; they often hold items at the counter for safety. But there’s no staffed cloakroom or lockers. The space is limited, so big umbrellas or gear may need to be left in your car or on the steps outside.
Are there accessible facilities for disabled guests at The Craig Inn Bar?
The building is older and not fully ADA-equipped. There is a small set of steps at the entrance, and the main bathroom downstairs is not wheelchair accessible. There is space to move a small wheelchair near the bar, but seating and restroom layouts are tight. If you or someone in your party needs an elevator or a ramp, it’s best to contact the bar ahead of time. Guests have noted that the inn’s upstairs guest rooms have ADA features, but the bar area is essentially the ground floor. Staff are generally very accommodating and will assist handicapped guests with seating or carrying items if needed.
What food and drink options are available inside?
The bar serves hearty pub fare. Menu staples include burgers (like the house McKinley Burger with fries), grilled sandwiches (such as a bacon-jalapeño grilled cheese), nachos, chili-cheese fries and other comfort snacks. There’s also typically a soup of the day. The kitchen operates until around 10pm, after which only the bar menu (snacks, flatbreads or small dishes) may remain. On the drink side, the bar leans local: you’ll see Alaskan breweries on tap, plus mainstream imports. Mixed drinks and shots are available, as are a few wines by the glass. They keep a full bar, so if you like a whiskey or local craft beer, you’ll find it here. Prices are moderate – beers run $4–6, mixed drinks $7–10. Happy hour specials are rare, but you might catch occasional deals on certain nights.
Can I bring my own food or drinks into the bar?
No outside food or alcoholic drinks are allowed. The venue enforces state laws and its own policy, so any food or drink brought in should be non-alcoholic and limited (e.g. baby bottles or medical items are permitted under ADA rules). You can bring a camera or phone to take pictures, but not your own beer cooler. If you have dietary issues or need something specific, it’s best to contact the kitchen – sometimes they will accommodate requests, but generally, plan to eat what they serve or come after dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Is there Wi-Fi available for guests?
Wi-Fi is available, but it’s technically the inn’s guest network. Ask the bartender for the current login. Because the pub is attached to the Craig Inn, patrons often share the same network used by hotel guests. Signal is decent in the bar room, so you can check messages or look up menu items on your phone. That said, many people prefer to unplug and enjoy the live music without distraction. Do note that taking calls or streaming videos is discouraged during shows out of respect for performers.
What is the capacity of The Craig Inn Bar?
As a rough figure, the bar holds on the order of 50–60 people comfortably. There are only a few dozen seats, so the rest is standing room. It’s definitely a small venue. Fire code regulations would cap it in the triple digits, but in practice a sold-out night will feel very full at 40–50 patrons. Because the space is intimate, events here are cozy affairs rather than huge concerts. If you see a crowd waiting outside on Water Street, know the bar itself won’t be able to serve many more inside at one time.
Does The Craig Inn Bar have outdoor seating?
No, there is no outdoor patio seating. The bar sits right on the street with no rear patio or rooftop area open to patrons. In summer, a few customers sometimes stand on the sidewalk outside with drinks if the inside gets very crowded, but this is informal. Smoking outside is also done on the sidewalk. All official seating and standing space is inside. If you want fresh air between sets, stepping out onto Water Street is your option; there’s nowhere official to sit outside the building.
Can I book The Craig Inn Bar for a private event?
Yes, private bookings are possible. The Craig Inn Bar can be rented out for small private parties or community events (like family gatherings or receptions). Because it’s part of an inn, booking is often coordinated through the hotel side. Contact the Craig Inn’s management directly to inquire about reserving the space. Keep in mind that because of its size, it’s suitable only for modest-sized groups (perhaps up to the bar’s capacity). Rental rules would include minimum drink bar spend or rental fees. But many locals have hosted surprise birthday parties or holiday get-togethers here. Just be sure to plan well in advance, especially during peak summer season when the bar gets booked up.
