As an Anchorage local finding herself home for the summer, I've found there's some great coffee here, unmatched anywhere in the lower 48. And as a college student in the Pacific Northwest, I'm constantly on the search for the best-caffeinated brew. Sure, there's Starbucks everywhere you go in this world, but it's not quite the same. I've learned to love many of the local Oregon grown roasters (Stumptown, Sisters, Dutch Bros., etc), but there's something special about Anchorage's coffee.

From a local's point of view, here are some good starting points to ensure a most excellent coffee experience during your time here in town. There's something here for everyone!

1. Kaladi Brothers Coffee

Start your day off right with Alaska's main local coffee roaster. There 11 different locations to choose from in Anchorage, with shops in Wasilla and Soldotna—in case you wander off the main city and find yourself in need of another cup of this truly Alaskan drink. Each shop boasts its own personal, small-town coffeeshop atmosphere, providing guests with a unique experience. They roast only the finest, using hot air (as opposed to a hot surface) to guarantee a clean roast—without the bitter residue many roasters leave behind. Kaladi's preservation methods ensure the freshest cup of coffee, every time. Just follow the legendary red goat for atmospheres of familial community and warmth. If you find yourself in Seattle, skip the original Starbucks and hop down the road- you may find the only Kaladi's location outside of Alaska there, too. Enjoy Alaska's premier coffee roaster all across Anchorage!

2. 12-100 Coffee and Communitas

Visiting the south side of town and need some caffeine or a bit to eat? Check out this quaint little shop (from which I write this article.) They proudly serve food and drink at least four locally owned franchises and companies: Black Cup Coffee, Summit Spice and Tea, House of Bread and Dino's Donuts. Need coffee? They've got it, with natural house-made syrup options, too. Need some local Alaskan tea? You bet. Breakfast, lunch, dinner? They've got salads, soups, sandwiches and fresh pastries. This little shop stands for community, with space and resources available and ideal for game nights, book clubs, youth groups, family time, Bible studies or another coffee date by the fireplace. They even host Sunday night swing dancing–come hang out! With a view of the Glen Alps out the wall of windows and outdoor seating, this shop has a little something for everyone.

3. SteamDot

Yet another unique and great option for Alaskan-roasted coffee. With a coffee style similar to that found in Portland's Stumptown roasters, SteamDot offers a unique twist in their pursuit of the best cup of coffee. They are "constantly tinkering" with new roasts and batches of coffee in their coffee labs so as to produce their freshest and best. With cold brew options and Alaska's only 'Slow Bar,' their four Anchorage cafes (midtown and southside) provide a modern, innovative, and revolutionary feel– with a great cup of artisan coffee to go with it. For a quieter atmosphere and uniquely Alaskan espresso, SteamDot might be your place!

So there you have it. If you're wanting Alaskan tradition, local family fun or innovation in your cup, Anchorage has more than enough to serve and satisfy your every coffee need. Where's your favorite cup of joe in town?