If you live in Anchorage and hosted visiting friends or family, you’ve been asked this question.
Of course, the answer depends on more than just the food — though that’s essential. The right recommendation should also capture some iteration of the “Alaska vibe,” matching both the atmosphere your guests are after and the uniqueness of our city.
On the surface, there is so much to do in Alaska and we have an abundance of good food. You can easily rattle off a few dining ideas and call it a day. On the other hand, a remarkable dining experience can fix a bad mood or even become a lasting and cherished trip memory. Realizing all this certainly ups the pressure on giving these quick recommendations, and usually makes me second guess myself.
To break out of my own indecision, I turned to social media to see where my friends like to take their out of town guests. The responses were predictable in some ways — but also surprisingly decisive.
Two teeth, a goat, and a roadhouse
Despite inevitable long summertime waits, the following restaurants were suggested more than any others, and none of these surprised me. In order of most recommended:
- Bear Tooth Grill: The southwest inspired menu has something for everyone, from enchiladas, to burgers, to fish and chips. It is also one of my favorite brunch spots, and a new outdoor seating area.
- Spenard Roadhouse: “Contemporary comfort food with a twist,” known purveyors of tater tots and bacon with a very Alaska-charming interior.
- Rustic Goat: “Elevated take on American comfort food and craft brews.” Trendy (for Anchorage) neighborhood dining with my favorite nachos in town.
- Moose’s Tooth (and new sister restaurant, Eye Tooth): Anchorage-famous pub and pizzeria that I’m sure was only voted in fourth place because the wait times can be very long. (Many said they instead send their guests to Hearth Artisan Pizza, which also has a solid rotating tap list, with less of a wait).
Brunch time
A trendy eatery, classic bakery, and old school diner making the most-recommended list.
- Snow City Cafe: Popular downtown diner known for its various benedicts and crispy hash browns. Go early or add your name to the waitlist on their website before you leave home, or be prepared to take a lengthy walk around downtown while you wait.
- Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop: Anchorage’s beloved James Beard nominated bakery. Try the egg focaccia or one of their buttery, crunchy scones for breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever left without at least one other treat “for later” or an unplanned loaf of bread.
- Jackie’s Place: I was glad a classic diner made the list – Anchorage has many! Friends cited the staff making them their own personalized, namesake omelette and also the “random pics of body builders everywhere.” This makes sense because part of the joy of a diner breakfast is being served exactly what you are expecting so the true delight is in its local charm.
Feeling fancy
Perhaps your guests are offering to pay for dinner as a thank you for hosting. Perhaps you or they like to get a little Alaska Fancy and take the opportunity to wear your dress Chacos or your jeans with the least amount of fish blood on them. Whatever the reason, Anchorage has options for you.
- Crush Bistro: A small downtown wine bar with a rotating menu offering creative takes on classic dishes, featuring plenty of locally-sourced ingredients. I once had a life changing halibut entree here.
- Crow’s Nest bar: Multiple people recommend going up to the Captain Cook Hotel’s bar for happy hour, even if you don’t opt for the full fine dining experience. Either way, you’ll get to experience amazing views of Anchorage, the Chugach Mountain Range and Cook Inlet.
- Ginger: The least fancy of the three, but still a nice atmosphere with a date night vibe. They offer a great happy hour and are a fun spot for sharing appetizers. The entrees are creative, and have large portions with an Asian-fusion flair.
Honorable mentions
For seafood, head to Kincaid Grill or Ray’s Place specifically for the ginger halibut, and make sure to tell them to visit The Cookery if they’ll be in Seward. If your guest is a beer or cocktail aficionado, take them to Fiori D’Italia; Familia, which is housed within Anchorage Brewing Company; or Whiskey and Ramen. To show off Anchorage’s quirky side, visit Koots (make sure to go on a tour), Tommy’s Burger Stop (we like the Spenard location best!), or Seoul Casa. Finally, if they can’t get enough of the Alaska views, try 49th State’s upper deck, the Brown Bear Saloon, or splurge on a meal at Seven Glaciers where you get a free tram ride with a reservation.
Anchorage’s dining scene is as diverse as the people who call it home. We’ve got hearty Frontier food, delicate seafood, and global cuisine —there’s truly a table here for everyone. The only wrong answer is letting guests default to chain restaurants. I like to narrow it down to three options and let them choose. If you can, join them and use the experience as an excuse to try something new off the menu.
Jenny Weis writes for a variety of Alaska nonprofits and causes in between keeping up on Alaska's doughnut scene, sliding on snow, and gawking at cool plants and rocks along local trails.
