Published Apr 16, 2016

10 Festivals In Alaska That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss

Discover ten must-visit food festivals in Alaska that combine local cuisine, live music, and fun activities.

Published Apr 16, 2016

Written by

Published Oct 31, 2024

Yeti Dogs: Popping Up Everywhere in Anchorage All Winter Long

Yeti Dogs is one of the only food trucks in town that sticks it out all year long, even when the temperature drops well below freezing.

Published Oct 31, 2024

Written by

Megan McDonald

A shiny silver food truck with "Yeti Dogs" branding parked in a lot, reflecting the sun and surroundings. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State

If you’ve spent any time around Anchorage, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted the iconic Yeti Dogs food truck, known as the “Yeti Containment Vehicle.” This shiny truck, reminiscent of an Airstream, is a beacon for hot dog lovers, especially during Anchorage’s cold winter months. Yeti Dogs is one of the only food trucks in town that sticks it out all year long - even when the temperature drops well below freezing. It’s not unusual to see it during single-digit temps at local events, slinging hot dogs with a big grin, and maybe even a Yeti costume!

A shiny food truck named "Yeti Dogs" with a vendor preparing food under a blue umbrella on a sunny day. — Megan McDonald/Only In Your State

My first encounter with Yeti Dogs was nearly 10 years ago, during a winter drive-in movie outside the Loussac Library. It was a bone-chilling -15° F., but there they were, bundled up and serving hot dogs to a crowd of equally determined Alaskans. Since then, I’ve made it a point to grab a Yeti Dog whenever I see their truck at an event, and I always look forward to seeing what fun toppings and flavors they’re offering that day.

One of my favorite winter traditions is stopping by the truck during the Winter Solstice Festival at Cuddy Park. There’s something magical about enjoying a hot dog with grilled onions and a splash of spicy mustard while the air is crisp and your breath is visible. And it’s not just the ambiance - Yeti Dogs has earned some serious street cred, even winning an award for “National Hot Dog” and being featured in the national media. These hot dogs are more than a quick snack: They’re an Anchorage icon.

A hand holding a hot dog topped with lettuce, pickles, and a creamy sauce, wrapped in foil and placed in a takeout container. — Megan McDonald/Only In Your State

The menu at Yeti Dogs is a mix of creative takes and Alaskan classics, with options like the Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, Buffalo Jalapeño Cheddar, and Elk Jalapeño Cheddar. On my latest visit, I ordered the BIG YETI, a hot dog inspired by the Big Mac. It comes loaded with all the toppings you’d expect from the famous burger and is as delicious as it sounds. Another time, I tried the reindeer sausage topped with sauerkraut and cheese - simple, savory, and delicious. And, of course, there’s the classic quarter-pound, all-beef hot dog, which I had on a pretzel bun with all the fixings. For those looking for more customization, Yeti Dogs also offers grilled onions at no extra cost and a huge selection of mustards, perfect for building the hot dog of your dreams.

One thing that makes Yeti Dogs a true Anchorage gem is the incredible value. These hot dogs are generously sized and loaded with toppings, yet prices start as low as $4.50 for a classic hot dog. Even their specialty dogs, like the Elk Jalapeño Cheddar, top out at just $7. Plus, there's a combo meal option, where you can add chips and a drink for only a couple of extra bucks.

Menu board for Yeti Dogs featuring various sausages and combo meal options with prices. — Megan McDonald/Only In Your State

My daughter loves stopping by the truck with me, and there’s nothing better than seeing her face light up when she spots the shiny “Yeti Containment Vehicle” from a distance. Yeti Dogs doesn’t just serve great food; it also adds fun to Anchorage’s event scene. In the last two weeks alone, I’ve run into the truck at four different events, each time stopping to see what’s new on the menu.

A young girl in a car holds up a foil-wrapped hot dog, smiling at the camera. — Megan McDonald/Only In Your State

It’s not unusual to find the truck at everything from holiday festivals to a spot outside your favorite brewery. The commitment to showing up no matter the weather makes Yeti Dogs a staple in Anchorage’s food scene, and its social media presence lets fans keep up new locations from week to week. If you’re a hot dog lover like me, be sure to check out the Yeti Dogs Facebook for updates on where the truck will be next.

A person holding a hot dog with toppings, wrapped in foil, sitting in a car. — Megan McDonald/Only In Your State

You know you’re a true Alaskan when you’re standing in line for a Yeti Dog in freezing weather because these dogs are just that good. With creative flavors, unbeatable prices, and a menu with items you don’t see outside the Last Frontier, Yeti Dogs is more than just a food truck - it’s a staple of a good Anchorage life. So the next time you see that shiny truck parked at an event, stop by and grab a hot dog. Trust me; it’ll be the highlight of your day.

Love food trucks? This food truck festival in Alaska is the place to go to get all of your favorite eats. Just make sure you’re warm enough; I love the gear at REI!

Food

Updated Aug 15, 2024

The One-Of-A-Kind Crow’s Nest Just Might Have The Most Scenic Views in All of Alaska

Crow’s Nest at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage offers a fine dining experience with stunning 360-degree views and an award-winning wine list.

Updated Aug 15, 2024

Written by

Megan McDonald

If you’re looking for a restaurant with the most scenic views in Alaska, head straight to downtown Anchorage and dine at the Crow’s Nest at the Hotel Captain Cook. This world-class, fine-dining restaurant offers unparalleled views of downtown Anchorage, the Chugach mountain range, and the Cook Inlet. All that and an award-winning wine list at Crow’s Nest Alaska!

If you’re looking for spectacular views during dinner, then you need to head to the Crow’s Nest.

Located in the Hotel Captain Cook in downtown Anchorage, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that you won’t find anywhere else. It pairs world-class views with a fine dining experience.

A dining area with tables set for two, overlooking a city skyline through large windows. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

The restaurant is built so that you have a stunning vista, no matter where you sit.

There are 360 degrees of views, and you can choose your favorite landscape. Would you like to watch the ocean in the Cook Inlet? There’s a table that showcases some of the best water views.

Would you like to look at the Chugach mountain range on the other side of downtown? There are tables that showcase that view, too! Even the bar and lounge offer stunning views of downtown Anchorage, perfect for watching those city lights.

The views aren’t the only stunning thing about the restaurant. This fine dining restaurant also boasts a cellar with over 10,000 bottles of wine. In fact, it has won the Wine Spectator award year after year!

A gourmet meal with steak, wine, and a city view, while a person sits in the background, gazing out the window. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

And the menu is exquisite.

You’ll find stunning entrees that showcase some of Alaska’s finest ingredients. Browse for fresh Alaskan seafood, Alaska greens, and more. And everything will taste absolutely magnificent.

I love visiting and enjoying both the food and the views.

A chef in a white shirt and red apron flambés a dish at a restaurant table, with diners in the background. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

It’s an entire experience to dine here; it makes you want to turn your every day into an occasion!

And of course, don’t forget the dessert. Their dessert menu tastes as fantastic as the presentation is!

But don’t just take my word on it; see how incredible these desserts look:

A chocolate dessert topped with a decorative piece, surrounded by strawberry slices and drizzled with sauce. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

Crow’s Nest Anchorage photos? The food was spectacular, so I had to take plenty of photographs.

And of course, the Crow’s Nest Anchorage menu, including their cocktail list, is just mind-blowing.

A stylish cocktail in a coupe glass, garnished with a twist of orange peel, sits on a wooden bar. — Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

You’ll find liquors up here that you can’t enjoy anywhere else in Anchorage.

If you'd like to dine during the sunset, make sure you look ahead for sunset times. It changes pretty rapidly throughout the year, so you’ll want to plan ahead. And if that time slot is important, make sure to book reservations, because they’re a popular place to eat when you’re visiting Anchorage.

This incredible restaurant in Alaska will offer a stunning place to enjoy a meal that you won’t find elsewhere in Alaska. Crow’s Nest Anchorage promises to be a spectacular evening. Grab your loved ones, make your reservation, and be prepared to be wowed. This is one dining experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Have you ever dined at Crow’s Nest Alaska? What did you think? Would you recommend it?

Want to book a night at the Hotel Captain Cook? Head on over to Booking.com

If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth after dinner, head down to the Hotel Captain Cook lobby, where you’ll find These Hand-Painted Edible Auroras By Alaska’s Sweet Chalet Chocolates That Look Too Incredible To Eat.

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10 Festivals In Alaska That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss

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Yeti Dogs: Popping Up Everywhere in Anchorage All Winter Long

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The One-Of-A-Kind Crow’s Nest Just Might Have The Most Scenic Views in All of Alaska

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All Stories

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