Sub Zero Bistro & Microlounge — Local services in Alaska

SubZero is one of my go-to places in downtown Anchorage. The food is always phenomenal really, great selection of wine, beer, and liquor (a great bourbon selection in particular). The music is always in keeping with a fun, pleasant tone and the atmosphere is near perfect, with excellent lighting, decor, and a fabulous use of space. So why only three stars? There is one aspect of this unique micro-lounge that keeps the stars at bay: the service. While some nights it's right on, with great attentiveness, friendliness, and flow. And other times...what a mess! I would say it's a 50/50 coin toss on that front, which is really unfortunate. And it's rarely a matter of under staffing; I'm always observant of that. Rather it's a lack of true customer service training in the staff members. SubZero is considered, in Anchorage, a more upscale joint. It used to be that the more upscale the place, the better the service. It seems to have shifted in recent years to a more almost pretentious attitude the higher a restaurant resides on the "scale." You get the feel that, because it serves craft beers and has Kobe on the menu, that you, as a patron, should feel lucky and/or blessed to have been allowed in. Almost like a secret club. Well I can say with confidence that this attitude only harms the extended livelihood of a business. A business is ONLY as good as the satisfaction of customers when they leave. And especially in a small community like Anchorage, word of mouth is everything. I would suggest the owners reevaluate the reason they opened in the first place. Self-service only satisfies...

Amazing drinks and food, BUT they need to hire more people. We came in on a Thursday, and only the amazing owner Cory was bar tending/serving, and it wasn’t enough. Also, they had karaoke and it was painful, so we left after food and only one drink. We came back again Friday with our aunt and uncle who are locals, and though they had one sever, it still wasn’t enough. Our charcuterie board (although gorgeous) took over 45 minutes to come out, and we sat empty with our drinks for over 15 min before my husband went up to the bar to order. People were walking out because there was little to no service. We would have ordered more food and at least 2 more rounds of drinks if they had more people serving, they are losing themselves a ton of money. Band was good. They also messed up our bill. Giving 4 stars since Cory is amazing, the cocktails are outstanding, and the salmon tacos were some of the best tacos I have ever had. But please please please hire more people to help out, 2 hours for 2 rounds of drinks and a charcuterie board is...

I really loved this place!! We had no problems being served, usually it tends to get busy later in the evening by a somewhat younger crowd, but being in my mid 30's I really had a good time! There's usually a mix Of older & younger!! Great craft cocktails & a huge selection of beers from around the world. I recently had the wine flight, it's cheaper here & you get more wine in the flight then I've seen in any other bistro in town!! Summer is here & they're going to get busy!! I suggest you come early for a seat!! The staff there are awesome!! I usually try to find the staff member I like the best & ask for them by...