Right away when The Marx Bro’s Cafe announced on social media they were retiring, I made a reservation for my husband and I’s anniversary. Over the past month I’ve heard of people unable to get reservations and a BIG wait list.
Last night it was finally time for our reservation and it was an amazing experience and maybe not for the reasons you think. Sure, the food was delicious & yes the service/timing was impeccable as always, but the realization of the history and personal connections/impact is what stood out most to me. Our server was the same server who helped us last time we were in for my husband’s birthday. I sat there wondering what their employees would move on to next, if I could get a recipe book, where the art was going and who would take the building over next. I looked around and saw many friends and families enjoying their night laughing, smiling & reminiscing.
I asked the gentleman making our Caesar salad what his plans were after the restaurant closed next week. “Be a farmer,” he said. He has never been a farmer before, but will be able to spend time with family he hasn’t seen in years. He will be driving the Alcan with family to Mexico. Alaska provided an opportunity for him to pay off his debts, work hard and create a life he only ever dreamed of. He came to AK to get away from CA, where he could no longer sell cars, due to living the fast life of too many speeding tickets. Our conversation was a lot longer, but you could tell Van, Jack and his other restaurant family has had a big impact on his life. I hope the best for him on his new journey.
On the art, I noticed round pink garage sale stickers. I asked what they were for. They were pieces that had already been sold and a couple he pointed out the owners were keeping for themselves. There was only 4 left, not claimed yet. How cool for people to have a piece of history.
Now, who would take the building over? I for sure thought another restaurant would swoop it up, but then there’s the risk of the new owners changing too much/ruining what’s been built up for 40+ years. A non profit that makes meals for the homeless will occupy the building, which I think is wonderful.
We also discussed their chef who sadly passed years ago and the connections. I’m a 911 operator and vividly remember the day we got the call. Sounds like all who knew him were very lucky.
I also overhead a guest conversation about someone not being present working last night. The reason was due to the abuse they’d been receiving for the past two weeks, with people unhappy they were unable to secure reservations. This makes me sad. This is not the Anchorage I want to be a part of, where we send beloved members of our community into retirement in a hateful way because we don’t get something we want. We can do better! Sure, easy for me to say since we did get a reservation, but I would feel the same way even if I didn’t get one. We should be celebrating, respecting, encouraging and thanking this fine establishment into retirement and remember how blessed we are for the legacy they’re leaving behind and ever even being a part of our community.
P.S. the halibut cheeks, Caesar salad & scallops were my favorite from our meal. We didn’t have room for dessert unfortunately. I wanted one of everything, but my body said otherwise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Van's Caesar Salad
Brandon Echols
Amazing as always. The legendary Caesar salad never disappoints, and was made tableside by the man himself - Van. Everything else was cooked to perfection with excellent wine pairings. We've been coming here for 15 years and we'll miss it dearly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Van's Caesar Salad, Marx Brothers Cheesecake, Macadamia Crusted Halibut with Coconut Curry Mango Chutney Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry and Tuxedo Rice, Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Foie Gras Torchon
David Hartley
Hello Van and Jack, congratulations on your retirement. I had an amazing time working for you both, almost 10 years! I still make Caesars the same way. Enjoy and have fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mark
Thank you, Jack and Van and the rest of the staff at the Marks Brothers Café! We appreciate the opportunity to have had our wedding at your restaurant 31 years ago and we enjoyed dinner last night! 
Akjane
So glad to be able to get in and enjoy Marx Brothers one last time before their well deserved retirement. Between us we had the Halibut Olympia, Scallops and a Filet. Not a bite was left on anyone's plate. Finishing with the Tiramasu was perfect. Happy Retirement, Jack and Van!
Michelle Vigil
Definitely, a must visit when in Anchorage. Small menu, nice wine list, not huge, but solid selection. My friend who loves craft beers had a good selection and was happy to see what they had. All in all, great meal, our Server, Amanda was perfect! Go and treat yourself. Oh yeah, someone in our party had a dairy allergy and they were great at checking with the Chef and offering options. That doesn't always happen but Amanda made it easy for us.
I think I've been to the Marx Bros Cafe when I was little, but I don't remember that visit. I just went recently to celebrate my dating anniversary with my fiancé. It was very nice! I love the cozy atmosphere inside. Our server was very attentive and the all of the staff was polite. My favorite part of the evening was watching them make the Caesar Salad fresh table-side, I highly recommend it! Our meal was amazing! I had the duck and my fiancé ordered the pork chop. From what I understand, some of their main menu changes every so often, so it gives you a reason to come back in the future and try new dishes! It is a pricier restaurant, but definitely worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Smoked Duck
Kendal Ramage
The food was wonderful and the service was great. The halibut cheeks were absolutely to die for and will absolutely be something we’ll go back for. However, while being sat by the hostess we were asked if we were celebrating anything and we mentioned we were celebrating a birthday. Other than the question, there was nothing throughout the experience to make it a little bit more special, now, if we hadn’t had been asked if we were celebrating anything I would not even mention this. It just left us a little perplexed why we asked if we were celebrating something and then not have it be addressed at all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Smoked Duck, Crème Brulée
thomas cooke
Just have to say- definitely a five star restaurant. Wonderful food. Very nice people. If you have an experience under 5 stars, it’s not them. Thank you!!!!’
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Goodfood
Wonderful evening at Marx Brothers. We will miss it. 41 years dining with them. There will be a gaping hole in the restaurant scene in Anchorage. Our favorite restaurant for all these years.
Hopefully your not going for the first time knowing that they closing and you'll never get the chance again. I brought friends that have never been there before and it was not good, everything was over cooked. I was embarrassed after hyping it so much. Not Vans fault, just not good. Service was phenomenal but what was coming out of the kitchen seemed like they were barley phoning it in with an outdated car phone that had no service.
This restaurant is closing August 31, 2024 after 45 years. Get there before they do. Quiet atmosphere, excellent service, absolutely the best food available in Anchorage. Our meals ran about $120 for bread and olives (included), appetizer, signature Caesar salad, entree with vegetable sides, dessert, and wine/beer--worth every penny! Crab crusted halibut juicy and filet mignon were our choices. Get there before they close forever!
CraigY
Last night was not as exceptional as the last 8 or 10 times we have eaten at Marx Bros. It might have just been an off night. We have always recommended this restaurant in the past.
AndryaS
One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at anywhere in the world. Quaint building, five star food, excellent service. Owner there and involved with service. The noise level is high because it is a small space with quite a few tables. It was full and there was a line of folk waiting outside. I suspect it is aleays full. Safly, it is closing for good at the end of August.
Magician
I was very sad to learn that Marx Brothers will close at the end of August. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to enjoy the food, atmosphere and excellent service one more time before they close.
Right away when The Marx Bro’s Cafe announced on social media they were retiring, I made a reservation for my husband and I’s anniversary. Over the past month I’ve heard of people unable to get reservations and a BIG wait list.
Last night it was finally time for our reservation and it was an amazing experience and maybe not for the reasons you think. Sure, the food was delicious & yes the service/timing was impeccable as always, but the realization of the history and personal connections/impact is what stood out most to me. Our server was the same server who helped us last time we were in for my husband’s birthday. I sat there wondering what their employees would move on to next, if I could get a recipe book, where the art was going and who would take the building over next. I looked around and saw many friends and families enjoying their night laughing, smiling & reminiscing.
I asked the gentleman making our Caesar salad what his plans were after the restaurant closed next week. “Be a farmer,” he said. He has never been a farmer before, but will be able to spend time with family he hasn’t seen in years. He will be driving the Alcan with family to Mexico. Alaska provided an opportunity for him to pay off his debts, work hard and create a life he only ever dreamed of. He came to AK to get away from CA, where he could no longer sell cars, due to living the fast life of too many speeding tickets. Our conversation was a lot longer, but you could tell Van, Jack and his other restaurant family has had a big impact on his life. I hope the best for him on his new journey.
On the art, I noticed round pink garage sale stickers. I asked what they were for. They were pieces that had already been sold and a couple he pointed out the owners were keeping for themselves. There was only 4 left, not claimed yet. How cool for people to have a piece of history.
Now, who would take the building over? I for sure thought another restaurant would swoop it up, but then there’s the risk of the new owners changing too much/ruining what’s been built up for 40+ years. A non profit that makes meals for the homeless will occupy the building, which I think is wonderful.
We also discussed their chef who sadly passed years ago and the connections. I’m a 911 operator and vividly remember the day we got the call. Sounds like all who knew him were very lucky.
I also overhead a guest conversation about someone not being present working last night. The reason was due to the abuse they’d been receiving for the past two weeks, with people unhappy they were unable to secure reservations. This makes me sad. This is not the Anchorage I want to be a part of, where we send beloved members of our community into retirement in a hateful way because we don’t get something we want. We can do better! Sure, easy for me to say since we did get a reservation, but I would feel the same way even if I didn’t get one. We should be celebrating, respecting, encouraging and thanking this fine establishment into retirement and remember how blessed we are for the legacy they’re leaving behind and ever even being a part of our community.
P.S. the halibut cheeks, Caesar salad & scallops were my favorite from our meal. We didn’t have room for dessert unfortunately. I wanted one of everything, but my body said otherwise.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Van's Caesar Salad
Amazing as always. The legendary Caesar salad never disappoints, and was made tableside by the man himself - Van. Everything else was cooked to perfection with excellent wine pairings. We've been coming here for 15 years and we'll miss it dearly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Van's Caesar Salad, Marx Brothers Cheesecake, Macadamia Crusted Halibut with Coconut Curry Mango Chutney Baby Bok Choy Stir Fry and Tuxedo Rice, Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb, Foie Gras Torchon
Hello Van and Jack, congratulations on your retirement. I had an amazing time working for you both, almost 10 years! I still make Caesars the same way. Enjoy and have fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thank you, Jack and Van and the rest of the staff at the Marks Brothers Café! We appreciate the opportunity to have had our wedding at your restaurant 31 years ago and we enjoyed dinner last night! 
So glad to be able to get in and enjoy Marx Brothers one last time before their well deserved retirement. Between us we had the Halibut Olympia, Scallops and a Filet. Not a bite was left on anyone's plate. Finishing with the Tiramasu was perfect. Happy Retirement, Jack and Van!
Definitely, a must visit when in Anchorage. Small menu, nice wine list, not huge, but solid selection. My friend who loves craft beers had a good selection and was happy to see what they had. All in all, great meal, our Server, Amanda was perfect! Go and treat yourself. Oh yeah, someone in our party had a dairy allergy and they were great at checking with the Chef and offering options. That doesn't always happen but Amanda made it easy for us.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Smoked Duck, Sautéed Halibut Cheeks
I think I've been to the Marx Bros Cafe when I was little, but I don't remember that visit. I just went recently to celebrate my dating anniversary with my fiancé.
It was very nice! I love the cozy atmosphere inside. Our server was very attentive and the all of the staff was polite. My favorite part of the evening was watching them make the Caesar Salad fresh table-side, I highly recommend it!
Our meal was amazing! I had the duck and my fiancé ordered the pork chop.
From what I understand, some of their main menu changes every so often, so it gives you a reason to come back in the future and try new dishes!
It is a pricier restaurant, but definitely worth it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Smoked Duck
The food was wonderful and the service was great. The halibut cheeks were absolutely to die for and will absolutely be something we’ll go back for.
However, while being sat by the hostess we were asked if we were celebrating anything and we mentioned we were celebrating a birthday. Other than the question, there was nothing throughout the experience to make it a little bit more special, now, if we hadn’t had been asked if we were celebrating anything I would not even mention this. It just left us a little perplexed why we asked if we were celebrating something and then not have it be addressed at all.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tea Smoked Duck, Crème Brulée
Just have to say- definitely a five star restaurant. Wonderful food. Very nice people. If you have an experience under 5 stars, it’s not them. Thank you!!!!’
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful evening at Marx Brothers. We will miss it. 41 years dining with them. There will be a gaping hole in the restaurant scene in Anchorage. Our favorite restaurant for all these years.
Restaurantji Recommends
Hopefully your not going for the first time knowing that they closing and you'll never get the chance again. I brought friends that have never been there before and it was not good, everything was over cooked. I was embarrassed after hyping it so much. Not Vans fault, just not good. Service was phenomenal but what was coming out of the kitchen seemed like they were barley phoning it in with an outdated car phone that had no service.
This restaurant is closing August 31, 2024 after 45 years. Get there before they do. Quiet atmosphere, excellent service, absolutely the best food available in Anchorage. Our meals ran about $120 for bread and olives (included), appetizer, signature Caesar salad, entree with vegetable sides, dessert, and wine/beer--worth every penny! Crab crusted halibut juicy and filet mignon were our choices. Get there before they close forever!
Last night was not as exceptional as the last 8 or 10 times we have eaten at Marx Bros. It might have just been an off night. We have always recommended this restaurant in the past.
One of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at anywhere in the world. Quaint building, five star food, excellent service. Owner there and involved with service. The noise level is high because it is a small space with quite a few tables. It was full and there was a line of folk waiting outside. I suspect it is aleays full. Safly, it is closing for good at the end of August.
I was very sad to learn that Marx Brothers will close at the end of August. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to enjoy the food, atmosphere and excellent service one more time before they close.
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