To say that one could come to Alaska simply just to eat might sound a little silly. But after you get done reading about these 20 mouthwatering restaurants all throughout Alaska, you will want to take a week off and start checking each one off of your foodie-inspired bucket list, STAT. Just be sure to wipe the drool off of your keyboard (or smartphone) once you've completed the article.
1. 229 Parks Restaurant and Tavern - McKinley Park
If you live in Alaska and you've never been here, we urge you to stop everything that you're doing and put it on your summertime bucket list STAT. This restaurant located near Denali National Park & Preserve offers an ever-changing menu and a truly brilliant dining experience. Appetizers, entrees, desserts... everything is exquisite and nearly unbelievable for such a remote location on the side of the George Parks Hwy. Simply put - your life will not be complete until you've dined here.
2. Double Musky Inn - Girdwood
This cool place in Girdwood will have you smiling from ear to ear from the second you walk in the door. The Mardi Gras style of decor and the exquisitely lively and efficient staff make this one of the most happenin' places in all of Alaska. Oh and the food? To die for. With cajun style cooking emphasizing in steak and local wild Alaska seafood, everything on the menu is amazing. The black pepper steak is a must try for anyone dining here. One tip: come with a big appetite and probably a pair of comfortable fitting pants!
3. Turtle Club - Fairbanks
This casual restaurant in Fairbanks offers so much goodness. Known for their amazing (HUGE) prime rib, stacks of king crab legs, loaded salad bar and incredible service - it's not rare to see this place packed on any given night of the week. Once you take your first bite of food, you'll completely understand why.
4. Ginger - Anchorage
This stylish restaurant located in downtown Anchorage specializes in Pacific Rim cuisine options and is known for their fantastic selection of cocktails and micro-brews. With a local chef that has deep roots in Alaska, you are sure to get the finest selection of wild Alaska seafood and flavor at this quaint and contemporary hot spot. The uber talented chef was even nominated for the 2010 ‘Best Chef Northwest’ by the James Beard Foundation.
5. The Flats Bistro - Kenai
Located in the beautiful town of Kenai with a view overlooking Cook Inlet and the Kenai River Sanctuary in the distance, this is contemporary restaurant is all the rage on the peninsula. With fresh and creative dishes, agreat drink selection and live music on select evenings, locals and visitors alike keep coming back for more.
6. Talkeetna Roadhouse - Talkeetna
This family-style spot in Talkeetna just makes your soul feel good. The service is out of this world (like really, how come people in Alaska are so freaking cool?) The food is hot, savory and always good. Visitors rave about the amazing cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy and hearty sandwiches.
7. Wasabi's - Homer
Located just a hop, skip and jump down East End Road in Homer, Wasabi's is a bit of a hidden gem. Once you step inside you are greeted by a modern atmosphere filled with the most incredible artwork and attention-to-detail from top to bottom. The dining experience here is just as fabulous as the beautiful decor. Wild Alaska seafood dishes, delicious sushi and creative meat options make this one of the best spots in Alaska. The view overlooking Kachemack Bay has the ability to make you want to stay all night and enjoy multiple infused cocktails.
8. The Rookery Cafe - Juneau
Voted the #1 Restaurant in the 2014 and 2015 Juneau Empires Readers Choice Poll, this eclectic restaurant is known for offering consistently great food including many wild Alaska seafood dishes. Locals and visitors alike love the great vibe and friendly service.
9. Gustavus Inn at Glacier Bay - Gustavus
The quaint and secluded location of this beautiful lodge near Glacier Bay National Park is simply breathtaking. Those that dine here will enjoy incredible gourmet ocean and garden harvest (so good that they were even the 2010 James Beard America's Classics Award Winner.) A must experience!
10. Kinley's Restaurant and Bar - Anchorage
This modern eatery in Anchorage offers a delicious selection of meat and seafood dishes by one of the best chefs in Alaska (he was even a semi-finalist for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Award.) The modern atmosphere with a slightly rustic touch will have you wanting to relax and enjoy the fabulous wine selection.
11. Talon Lodge and Spa - Sitka
True gourmet cuisine in the most fabulous remote island setting will have you completely flabbergasted. Maintaining high standards for excellence while implementing creative infusions, it's impossible to stop your mouth from watering at this Sitka island gem.
12. Jack Sprat - Girdwood
With a variety of creative dishes and a cozy log-cabin atmosphere with ample mountain views, it's easy to fall in love with this groovy spot in Girdwood before you even take your first bite of food. With "Fat & Lean World Cuisine" there is something for everyone here (they even have tons of great vegan options).
13. Lavelles Bistro - Fairbanks
With a globally inspired menu and a fabulous wine selection, this classy spot in Fairbanks is simply a MUST try. Whether you want pub food, comfort food or fine dining options - there is something for everyone at this great spot.
14. Alaska Fish House - Ketchikan
Located right next to the Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, this place is a summertime hot spot where lines out the door are not an uncommon sight. Killer fish & chips and awesome fish tacos are all the rage here.
15. The Grape Tap - Wasilla
A fabulous restaurant in Wasilla that offers a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, delicious food and an incredible wine selection out of the European wine cellar. This is a great spot for a romantic date night or for anyone who enjoys a true class-act dining experience.
16. Little Mermaid - Homer
With dishes so pretty that they are hard to eat (no really... the presentation is gorgeous) - many have described the Little Mermaid on the Homer Spit as "completely unbelievable!" Mouthwatering fresh seafood and creative dishes make this place a very popular summertime hot spot in town. Reservations are always a good idea.
17. Sacks Cafe - Anchorage
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, this lovely spot offers globally inspired cuisine in a contemporary atmosphere filled with colorful artwork. Great service and creative dishes using local produce and wild Alaska seafood is what you can expect from this top notch spot.
18. The Fat Mermaid - Valdez
Enjoy clam chowder, calamari or a couple drinks on the deck outside. Guests rave about the incredible service that they consistently get at this great locals spot in Valdez.
19. Snow City Cafe - Anchorage
This bright and cheerful eatery located in downtown Anchorage serves scrumptious breakfast and lunch treats including stuffed french toast, yummy reindeer sausage and sandwiches that will leave you mind blown. It is rare to come here and not have a packed house, so calling ahead to reserve a seat isn't a bad idea.
20. SALT Alaska - Juneau
With savory bisque crab soup and delicate white salmon, guests can't get enough of this creative and unique high end dining experience in Juneau.
From remote islands and highway hideaways to downtown delights and small town secret spots, the culinary scene in Alaska is worth a vacation in itself. Have you ever been to any of this amazing spots and do you have a favorite?
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