The Writer’s Block has added something wonderful to this city - for a place that likes to read and drink coffee as much as Anchorage does, it was a crime that up until last year we had no independent bookstore/cafe in town. Don’t get me wrong, I love Title Wave (and its proximity to Middle Way & Kaladi!). But as delightful as a secondhand bookseller near quality restaurants is, it’s not quite the same as a quirky independent establishment like this one, that is equal parts bookstore, bistro, and event space.

The Block is awesome. The owners are often here, and almost always present at the plentiful (and awesome) events they host. You’ll encounter friendly regulars too, as well as folks on dates and others having meetings and others sitting solo with a notebook or a computer. The atmosphere could not be more cozy, inviting, and inclusive.

And the food and drinks are outstanding. Quality local brews of both the coffee and the beer variety are always on offer, as are teas and creative cocktails - the Block mojito is simply perfect on a sunny summer night. To warm you up for those cooler times, the menu is full of hearty comfort food from around the world, especially Jewish and Latin American classics (drawing on some of the owners’ heritage). Basically, the Block as something for every season and every eater, and it’s all high-quality so you can’t go wrong!!

The humans who established Writers Block are owed a debt of gratitude by Anchoragites. Thank you, Block, for shining a light on great books and using your space to promote the arts and marginalized voices, and thanks for the delicious libations and noshes as well!