The Cubby Anchorage: A Modern Cafe Oasis in Hotel Captain Cook | Review
Nestled on the ground floor of the historic Hotel Captain Cook, The Cubby offers a bright, modern escape for Anchorage locals and travelers alike. With its high ratings and reputation for excellent service, this cafe has established itself as more than just a hotel coffee shop; it’s a destination for meetings, a quick, quality bite, or simply a place to relax and recharge. Boasting a clean, contemporary design and a flood of natural light, The Cubby provides a welcoming atmosphere that consistently impresses its patrons.
Ambiance and Design: A Breath of Fresh Air
One of the most praised aspects of The Cubby is its exceptional environment. Reviewers frequently describe the space as “spacious, modern, and lots of natural light,” a significant upgrade from a typical cafe. The thoughtful design includes ample seating, plenty of electrical outlets for those looking to work, and even a large conference table perfect for off-site meetings. As one patron, MLJ907, noted, the cafe is “clean, spacious, well decorated,” creating an atmosphere that makes you “not want to leave.” This focus on a comfortable and functional space elevates The Cubby from a simple grab-and-go spot to a versatile downtown hub.
Service: Where The Cubby Truly Shines
If there’s one area where The Cubby earns universal acclaim, it’s the service. The staff is consistently described as “kind and efficient,” providing “service with smiles.” The experience feels personal and highly valued, a rarity in a fast-paced cafe setting. Regular customer John “Chris” Darnall goes as far as to say he’d give it “6 stars for service if I could,” a testament to the team’s dedication and efficiency. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a daily regular, the warm and professional service is a clear highlight of the experience.
Objective Analysis: The Food and Drink Experience
The Cubby’s menu centers on classic cafe fare, executed with a focus on quality and speed.
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Drinks: Coffee and tea are staples, and The Cubby delivers them well. Patrons call the drinks “excellent” and appreciate that they are always served “piping hot.” For those seeking something sweeter, Morgan Baker’s praise for the “large hot chocolate” suggests it’s a satisfying treat.
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Food: The food reviews present a more nuanced picture. On one hand, the sandwiches are celebrated as “fresh and tasted amazing.” On the other, the breakfast burrito has received conflicting feedback. While one guest found it to be a “great” start to their day, another, Mike Shubic, described it as “very boring,” consisting of only ham and cheese and served with packet salsa.
This discrepancy highlights a potential area for improvement in consistency or culinary creativity for certain menu items. While The Cubby excels at fresh, simple offerings like sandwiches, more complex items like the breakfast burrito may not meet everyone’s expectations. It functions best as what one reviewer aptly called a “glorified coffee shop”—a place that nails the core elements of coffee, quick bites, and atmosphere, making it a reliable and pleasant choice.
What to Eat and Drink at The Cubby
Based on customer feedback, here are some of the typical offerings you can expect:
- Coffee & Tea: A full range of espresso-based drinks, brewed coffee, and various teas, all noted for their quality.
- Hot Chocolate: A popular and generously sized option for a non-caffeinated warm-up.
- Fresh Sandwiches: A highly recommended choice for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- Breakfast Burrito: A convenient breakfast option, though be aware that experiences with its flavor and ingredients can vary.
- Fresh Fruit: Available as a side, though one review noted it was partially frozen, so quality may fluctuate.
The Cubby is an outstanding choice for anyone in downtown Anchorage seeking a stylish, comfortable cafe with top-tier service. It’s an ideal spot for a morning coffee, a work session, or a meeting. While it masters the essentials of a modern coffee shop, those looking for a gourmet breakfast may find the food offerings to be straightforward. Nevertheless, its superb atmosphere and welcoming staff make it a highly recommended visit.
The Cubby
Address: 939 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States
Rating: 4.5/5 (based on 36 reviews)
