Bema Cafe Anchorage: Why This Hidden Gem Serves The Best Coffee & Burritos
Nestled away from the main tourist thoroughfares, Bema Cafe has quietly earned its reputation as one of Anchorage’s most beloved coffee shops. With a stellar 4.9-star rating, this local favorite isn’t just a place to grab a quick caffeine fix; it’s an experience built on meticulous craft, local flavor, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. For those seeking an authentic taste of Anchorage, Bema Cafe is a destination that delivers on all fronts.
The Coffee: A Masterclass in Precision and Passion
What sets Bema Cafe apart in a city with plenty of coffee options? The answer lies in its unwavering dedication to quality. As one reviewer, Will Day, puts it, the owner is “incredibly meticulous in selecting the highest quality, coffee beans, and roasting them with devout precision.” This isn’t your standard coffee-and-syrup operation. The focus here is on the bean itself.
Visitors can expect:
- Perfectly Roasted Single-Origin Coffees: The cafe’s commitment to single-origin beans means you can taste the unique flavor profiles of coffee from specific regions. Reviewer Josh Dryer raves that they are “roasted perfectly! Delicious flavor profiles!”
- Knowledgeable and Friendly Baristas: The staff isn’t just there to take your order. They are passionate, engaging, and happy to share their knowledge. They “ask about my day, carry conversation, and craft the coffee with care and excellence.” Don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation or, as one customer experienced, a sample of the drip coffees to find your favorite.
- House-Made Syrups: For those who enjoy a flavored latte, the difference is in the details. The house-made coffee syrups elevate the drinks, providing a fresh and authentic taste that avoids the artificial sweetness of mass-produced alternatives.
More Than a Meal: The Alaskan Breakfast Burrito
While the coffee is the initial draw, the food at Bema Cafe is an equal partner in its success. The “Alaska themed breakfast burritos” have become legendary among regulars and a delightful discovery for visitors.
The star of the show is the Redoubt Reindeer Burrito. Packed with flavor, it features reindeer sausage, a quintessential Alaskan delicacy. For those unfamiliar, reindeer sausage is leaner than traditional pork sausage, with a rich, savory, and slightly gamey flavor that is wonderfully unique. As one patron described it, it’s a “lighter sausage than pork, well spiced.”
These burritos aren’t just thrown together; they are thoughtfully crafted. Served with house-made salsa and harissa on the side, they offer a perfect balance of savory meat, fresh ingredients, and a kick of spice. Other food highlights include their “masterful” fresh-baked scones, making for a complete and satisfying breakfast or lunch.
Objective Analysis: The Recipe for a 4.9-Star Rating
Bema Cafe’s near-perfect rating isn’t an accident. It’s the result of a powerful combination of factors that resonate deeply with customers:
- Artisanal Commitment: In an age of automation and speed, Bema Cafe’s focus on precision roasting, single-origin beans, and house-made ingredients demonstrates a commitment to craft. This appeals to customers who value quality over convenience and are willing to seek out a superior product.
- Authentic Local Flavor: Incorporating reindeer sausage is a genius move. It anchors the cafe in its Alaskan identity, offering tourists a memorable taste of the region and giving locals a familiar comfort food. It transforms a simple breakfast burrito into a cultural experience.
- Community Hub: The consistent praise for the friendly, conversational staff shows that Bema Cafe has cultivated a “third place” environment—a social hub outside of home and work. This sense of community is what turns first-time visitors into regulars, as Josh Dryer noted: “This has become a regular stop.”
For anyone exploring Anchorage, Bema Cafe is more than just a highly-rated spot on a map. It’s a hidden gem that offers a genuine connection to the local culture through its exceptional coffee, distinctive food, and warm, inviting spirit.
A Taste of Alaska: Food & Drink
While at Bema Cafe, you’ll get a taste of reindeer sausage, a must-try in Alaska. It’s often blended with pork or beef to add fat and is seasoned with spices like garlic, pepper, and coriander. It’s a staple found at local markets and restaurants across the state.
Other iconic Alaskan foods and drinks to look for during your travels include:
- Fresh Salmon and Halibut: Whether smoked, grilled, or pan-seared, wild-caught Alaskan seafood is world-renowned for its fresh, clean flavor.
- Birch Syrup: A regional alternative to maple syrup, birch syrup has a more complex, mineral-rich, and slightly tangy flavor. It’s often drizzled over pancakes or used in glazes for meat.
- Local Craft Beer: Alaska has a thriving craft brewery scene. Look for beers made with local ingredients like spruce tips or Alaskan-grown barley.
