Zip Kombucha Taproom Review

~ by Maria Benner

I try to find places to hang out before they get discovered by everyone else, and become too crowded for my comfort. Mostly because I dislike waiting in line (like a typical Alaskan), and prefer less noisy environments where I can easily communicate with my friends. The Zip Kombucha tap room is one of those places that is still mostly under the radar. I shouldn’t even tell you about it, but at the same time, I want it to prosper.

I prefer brewery taprooms over bars, because they offer a comfortable setting without the meat-market/sketchy vibe that most bars have. This taproom is unique in that it offers draft beer in a brewery-taproom setting, but can stay open past 8pm. It can also have live music and games. The craft beer selection is really top-notch. Last week it was the only place in Anchorage that had No Woman No Cryo IPA by Girdwood Brewing on tap. The price is a very reasonable $5 per pint! For those who don’t want to drink alcohol, or are gluten-free, kombucha is on tap in several delightful flavors like blueberry, ginger, or mint. Wine is also on the menu. Delicious and healthy food is available as well. Recently, Glacier Bowl teamed up with Zip to offer poke bowls. Several nights a week there is live entertainment including open-mic night, and music by local musicians. The large space in the brewery even has enough room for dance lessons. The taproom also exhibits art by local artists. In April the featured artist is Scott. His oil paintings and limited-edition prints are on display and available for sale through Zip until May 2nd. This place has it all!

What is kombucha? It’s a beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria. It tastes sweet and sour at the same time, but the flavors are not overwhelming. The yeast eats most of the sugar, so this beverage won’t rot your teeth, and it’s loaded with probiotics. Added flavors like ginger, berries and mint really shine in this clear and fizzy drink.

So next time you’re looking for a quiet, yet hip space to meet your friends where you can get food, craft beer, and non-alcoholic, gluten-free beverages, along with entertainment, and art, check out the Zip Kombucha taproom at 3404 Arctic Blvd. The location in midtown is convenient, with plenty of parking. Open every day 4-9pm.