Two rock-climbing college friends gave up careers in computer science and law to open this Anchorage icon in 1996, creating what became the highest-grossing single-unit independent pizzeria in America. 🍕
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria was ranked the 3rd best pizzeria in the United States in 2015, earning recognition for creative gourmet pizzas paired with award-winning Broken Tooth Brewing beers.
Rod Hancock and Matt Jones transformed from world wanderers and homebrew enthusiasts into pizza inventors, opening their doors in a location previous businesses considered cursed—yet Anchorage has been waiting for tables ever since.
From the famous Apricot Pie with carrots and cream cheese to innovative Thai-inspired combinations, every pizza showcases the creative vision that generates up to $6 million annually. 🏔️
How Moose’s Tooth won Anchorage’s hearts
When Rod Hancock and Matt Jones opened Moose’s Tooth in June 1996, they brought inspiration from Portland’s craft beer scene during its early heyday—pizza and microbrews done right in a casual environment.
The decision to open in a location where many previous businesses had failed showed the optimistic spirit that defined their approach, and their gamble paid off spectacularly.
Hancock’s transformation from rock-climbing world wanderer to master pizza inventor brought a creative, adventurous spirit to menu development that resulted in unexpected flavor combinations like apricot sauce with chicken.
Their commitment to offering a truly gourmet pizza experience with high-quality ingredients in a casual tie-dye atmosphere created something Anchorage desperately needed—an authentic pizzeria with personality.
The restaurant’s success allowed expansion into Bear Tooth Theatrepub and eventually Broken Tooth Brewing, which together employ over 500 people, and purchased a large property in Spenard.
The naming inspiration from mountain peaks in Denali National Park’s Ruth Gorge—Moose’s Tooth, Bear Tooth, Broken Tooth, and Eye Tooth—connected the business to Alaska’s outdoor adventure culture that defined the founders.
Food Highlights
- Buffalo Chicken: Spicy buffalo sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese create the perfect pub-style pizza.
- Spicy Thai Chicken: Thai-inspired creation featuring chicken with spicy flavors and creative toppings.
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Apricot Pie: Unique combination of apricot sauce, carrots, cream cheese, and chicken topped with mozzarella and provolone.
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Wild Mushroom: Portabella and crimini mushrooms with sundried tomatoes, goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and signature Denali sauce.
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Greek Gyro: A Mediterranean-inspired pizza with gyro sausage, feta, cucumber yogurt, red onions, roma tomatoes, parsley, and garlic oil.
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Meatball Parmesan: Meatballs, marinara, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, fresh basil, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, and garlic oil.
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The Backpacker: Spinach, roasted garlic, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta, mozzarella, provolone, and garlic oil.
- Chipotle Steak: Grilled steak with chipotle sauce, red onions, Roma tomatoes, zesty sour cream, cilantro, lime wedge, mozzarella, and provolone.
Atmosphere 🎵
Step into this bustling brewpub decorated with tie-dye vibes and prepare to grab a pint while waiting for a table—this place is legitimately hoppin’.
The casual environment welcomes everyone from families to outdoor adventurers fresh from hiking Denali, creating the laid-back Alaska atmosphere the founders envisioned.
Award-winning Broken Tooth Brewing beers flow from taps alongside house-made sodas, with monthly First Tap events releasing new brews paired with live music from local and national bands. 🍺
The energy reflects Anchorage’s love affair with this pizzeria—expect waits during peak times, but know that generations of locals consider it worth every minute for America’s highest-grossing independent pizzeria.
Bottom Line
Visit Moose’s Tooth for the 3rd best pizzeria in America ranking with creative gourmet pizzas, the highest-grossing single-unit independent pizzeria generating $6 million annually, award-winning Broken Tooth Brewing beers crafted in-house, signature Apricot Pie with unexpected ingredient combinations, and a tie-dye casual atmosphere where rock-climbing founders created an Anchorage institution since 1996.
Address:
3300 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99503
đź“ž (907) 258-2537
🕔 Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM–11:00 PM | Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM–12:00 AM | Sun: 10:30 AM–11:00 PM