When I was downtown last week I noticed a huge, white bus pull over and observed dozens of people step off armed with sneakers and cameras. Tourist season is here! When I first moved to Anchorage, I was surprised to learn so much of the city’s revenue comes from summer tourists. However, I can completely understand why now after witnessing the city become inundated with travelers each summer. In preparation for all of these Alaskan adventurers, I am excited to post a few city guides and travel itineraries for Anchorage. Anchorage is typically a short stop on people’s list with more adventures spanning out from here to other towns such as Seward, Homer, and Juneau. So, if you’re planning a visit to Anchorage then these travel guides are for you to make the most of your short time here! They also serve as a great reminder to locals about how much Anchorage has to offer.
A great meal can absolutely make or break a day of traveling, in my opinion. There are few things worse than wasting precious meals out while traveling on subpar food. Alaska does not boast a ton of great restaurants (compared to other cities I’ve lived, like Portland and the DC area) but it does offer incredible opportunities for cuisine, especially if you like seafood. My favorite thing about living in Anchorage is Alaskan king crab legs galore! The first Guide to Anchorage is all about food and the best restaurants in Anchorage because choosing where to eat is often the foundation of my travel excursions. Just don’t be alarmed when a delicious restaurant is hidden in a decrepit strip mall. It’s a thing here. Enjoy!
Start your day off right…
Coffee: Grab an exceptional cup of coffee or a latte at SteamDot, which offers a few locations throughout town. Don’t forget a harvest muffin for good measure! (Read more about SteamDot here.)
Breakfast/Brunch: Head to Snow City Cafe (make reservations to avoid a ridiculous wait) for great beverages and delicious food. I always bring visitors here who gobble up the reindeer sausage and other Alaskan fair, like king crab eggs benedict. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Anchorage and I feel this is completely validated. I’ve never left unhappy with my meal or their wonderful service.
For lighter fare: Açaí Alaska. If you’re staying downtown, this location won’t be convenient at all. However, it may be worth the drive down south! I love Açaí Alaska for heaping bowls of fruit, nuts, and everything delicious when I am feeling the need to detox or craving freshness in my life. I love stopping here after the gym for a morning snack.
If you’re out on Saturday morning: The South Anchorage Farmers’ Market is growing each week and each year I’ve been going. We always come home with a few great finds, like fresh mussels, reindeer burgers, or Wild Scoops Ice Cream (which you can read more about here). Nate went last weekend and scored fresh scallops which he wrapped in beef bacon and served with goat cheese + parsnip ravioli and fresh asparagus, all from the market. It was an epic meal.
For a quick snack or grab-and-go sandwich: Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop. There are now two locations to my favorite bakery, which means I get to stock up on baked goods twice as often. Fire Island is great for sandwiches on-the-go (they are premade so no waiting) and offer a plethora of sweet treats to satiate any craving. They now offer a daily salad and soup option which are always delicious, too. (Read more about Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop here.)
If you’re in the southern area of town: South. I come here when I am craving a niçoise salad + fries. They also take reservations, which I highly suggest making if you eat here for dinner. South is run by the owners of Snow City Cafe, so the brunch menu is similar yet it veers off into more refined options for lunch and dinner. Also, don’t even think about leaving without trying the salted caramel cheesecake. I’m just not sure we could still be friends.
For pizza and salad: Fat Ptarmigan is great, especially with kids thanks to their tables covered in craft paper. Their pizzas are wood-fired and offer unique toppings, like spicy reindeer sausage or smoked salmon. My go-to salad is the spinach salad which has the most delicious bacon beer dressing.
For the best Alaskan tacos: Alaska Alchemist is a food truck permanently parked in a random gravel lot. They make the best halibut tacos and fish and chips, in addition to quesadillas and burritos– all with Alaskan fillings like reindeer sausage and salmon. Or, you know, regular stuff like chicken, carne asada, and vegetables.
For pre-dinner drinks and appetizers: I always pop by The Bubbly Mermaid when I am out for dinner or even for a lunch date with the girls. It offers a small, intimate setting with a variety of champagne labels and amazing, local oysters. (Read more about The Bubbly Mermaid here.)
For a fabulous wine list and small plates to share: Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar. I love coming to Crush for drinks, dinner, and/or just dessert. I often feel like it’s a restaurant I’d go to in any city. I recommend starting off with a wine tasting flight and ordering as many small plates as possible to try everything. Don’t forget dessert, which never disappoints, and one of their cheese and charcuterie boards. If you taste a wine you love, you can pop right upstairs to their wine shop and buy a bottle to take with.
For fine dining with views of the city and inlet: Crow’s Nest. This is one of the fancier restaurants in town with an experienced sommelier and extensive wine list. I highly suggest coming here if you have something to celebrate, but be prepared for the accompanying price tag of 360 degree city views and the best steak in Anchorage.
My favorite sushi restaurant: Peter’s Sushi Spot. We’ve tried other sushi restaurants in town per others’ recommendations yet always come back to Peter’s. The service is impeccable and the rolls are incredibly fresh. My favorites on the menu: ceviche roll, almond scallop appetizer, and the hideaway roll.
For the best burgers: Tommy’s Burger Stop. Don’t blink because you may miss this little hideaway gem which is always packed and well worth the wait. Tommy’s makes those big, greasy, perfect burgers dreams are made of. Don’t forget an order of their onion rings!
For casual elegant dining: The Marx Brothers Cafe. When we visited Anchorage for job interviews, we were wined and dined here by Nate’s practice. It did the trick. The casual vibe– the restaurant is in an unassuming house downtown– allows the food to stand out. You’ll get to watch the owner hand toss his infamous Caesar salad dressing right at your table. I recommend the Halibut Macadamia for the main course!
If you have time for a drive: Head to Girdwood (45 minutes from Anchorage) for a meal at Jack Sprat. The yam fries are worth the drive alone, but I also think everything on the menu is pretty delicious. It’s a very refreshing change from many of the Alaskan restaurants, offering a globally-inspired menu. They serve an amazing brunch on the weekends, too!
The new places in town: If you like tequila, a new tequila bar just opened– Tequila 61— with what sounds like an impressive drink list. Another newish location is Williwaw, which serves many purposes from coffee shop (featuring SteamDot), to concert hall, to nightcap bar. Like with any new restaurants, there are kinks to work out so feel free to try but consider yourself warned!
Happy traveling!
