The Kobuk

Specialties

The Kobuk is where quaint meets cool. We are housed in the historic Kimball Building and are the only commercial business still in operation on its original site. In 2015 we will celebrate our 100^th anniversary! We are a family owned business specializing in unique gifts from around the world, old-​tyme candies, fine linens, whole bean coffees and a huge variety of loose leaf teas. We house a fine collection of bone china tea pots, cups and saucers as well as a café and espresso bar & bakery. Come in! You’re going to love it here.

History

Established in 1915.

The Kimball family acquired the lot on the corner of 5^th and E Street during the 1915 land lottery and immediately began construction. The front of the building housed the general store and living quarters were behind the commerce area and upstairs. Original fixtures can still be found in The Kobuk, though many were destroyed in 2011 when a truck came through the front window in the middle of the night! (Apparently word had not gotten out that the café was not a drive through.) Decema Andressen, the daughter of Mr. Kimball, owned and operated her business in the Kimball building until her death, whereupon her son sold the building to the Bonito family who had been tenants operating the Kobuk Coffee Company at that time. Owned and operated by only the second family in its history, The Kimball building remains a beloved Anchorage landmark and it’s longest running commercial business on its original townsite.

Meet the Business Owner

Nina, Deborah, Mike B.

Business Owner

Nina, Deborah and their brother Mike, co-​own The Kobuk and work on site. Deborah is the acclaimed ‘brains behind the operation’, Mike runs the café and bakery and Nina manages the retail business, although lines are often blurred. Our friendly and hard working staff are always available to help answer questions from which donut do you suggest, to where’s a good trail to hike nearby.