Alaska and the Yukon are full of restaurants that can’t be missed! With so many options, you might even get overwhelmed when trying to select the best place to have a tasty meal after a long day of adventuring. The combination of inviting diners, award-winning breweries, and the best seafood anywhere makes just about every meal one that you will remember for a long time to come. Let us help you find the best restaurants in Alaska and the Yukon.
Billing itself as “where Alaskans meet Alaskans,” Anchorage’s Glacier Brewhouse could just as easily be called the place where Alaskans and tourists alike eat mouth-watering beer-braised cod or raise their glasses in a toast to its award-winning stout. Revered since 1996, Glacier Brewhouse prides itself on a full roster of craft beers and a menu that includes all the best Alaskan seafood with a twist — like Bering Sea king crab cakes and smoked salmon Caesar salad. On top of that, its inviting atmosphere brings a charming warmth to chilly evenings. At Glacier Brewhouse, coming in from the cold just got a lot more inviting.
The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town of Fox, Alaska, is located about 20 minutes outside of Fairbanks. But seriously, don’t blink if you want to catch some of the best food in the state. Like many of Alaska’s finest eateries, Silver Gulch began life as an excellent brewery and turned into a space full of diversified fine foods. From its locally sourced halibut tacos to the sparkling 12,000-square-foot brewery where all of the brews are crafted with care, Silver Gulch treats patrons to a robust and relaxing dining experience. Not only has it won numerous awards for its craft beer, but also the warm and spacious interior is a place you’ll be happy to linger for a pint…or three!
Dine on top of a mountain amid the surrounding peaks at the AAA Four Diamond-awarded Seven Glaciers restaurant. The out-of-this-world experience begins with a tram ride to the top of Mount Alyeska where you are served with panoramic views of the Turnagain Arm, Chugach Mountain Range and you guessed it — seven surrounding glaciers. You can enjoy the same superlative views as well as a unique menu of seafood and game, including top-notch Alaska salmon and premium steak and crab. The extensive wine list is a marvel as well. Sip, taste, and enjoy life in the elegant atmosphere of the restaurant among the clouds.
Enjoy the deckside sea breeze at Juneau’s favorite pub, the Hangar on the Wharf which is located in a historic seaplane hangar. This laid-back gem is perched right on Juneau’s scenic channel and has more than 100 beers on tap. Known for its user-friendly service and tasty morsels such as coconut prawns, salmon burgers, and steak with prawns, the Hangar strikes a delicious balance between classic pub grub and Alaska seafood delights. The casual yet lively atmosphere makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike where you can also watch as seaplanes take off and land on the water while enjoying your meal.
This funky dive and local hot spot in Haines has an unassuming exterior, but boy does the food deliver. The Bamboo Room is a family-friendly watering hole placed inside the Pioneer Bar that is renowned throughout the state for its halibut and chips. For those seeking some comfort food after a day of exploring or meetings, there’s also a breakfast menu that stretches all the way until 3 p.m. To round out the perfect meal, a selection of beers from Alaskan Brewing Company and Haines Brewing Company are always on tap. The tropical décor and Tiki-themed bar makes this hot spot a fun and lively place to visit and drink tropical cocktails in this remote Alaska town.
The Denali Brewpub is the eatery connected to one of the top Alaska breweries — Denali Brewing Company. The restaurant is located in the heart of the quaint town of Talkeetna. It’s known for the stunning views of Denali, the tallest peak in North America and for its beer — of course! On a clear day, you can dine on the outdoor deck and catch views of the Alaska Range and the Sustina River, giving you a true Alaska dining experience. The pub restaurant offers a variety of craft beers that are brewed on-site, including ales, lagers and stouts. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-edition beers so no matter how many times you visit, there will always be something new and exciting to try. The rustic atmosphere, cozy indoor fireplace and friendly service makes this hot spot a must-visit!
For Sunday brunch or the opportunity to recreate the “Rip Roaring” Victorian era, Fairbanks’ Pump House is a must-visit. Located on the Chena River, the restaurant features outdoor deck seating for sunny days and a rustic atmosphere with animal mounts on the walls and antique furniture. The Pump House is actually a National Historic Site, but rather than feeling like a museum, it’s relaxed, comfortable and inviting. The salmon is flown in fresh every day by floatplane, the beef is expertly aged, and if you’ve ever wanted to have an oyster shooter in the far north, now’s your chance. The Senators’ Saloon features “The World’s Most Northern Oyster Bar.” Now, how about that?
You won’t want to pass up at eating at the Bayview Pub. Surrounded by stunning scenery and located right by the shores of Crescent Harbor, the restaurant serves classic pub fare — burgers, chicken wings, fried pickles and more!
One look at the bright windows of Skagway Brewing Company will convince you to lay down your hat for a couple of hours. Established in 1897, the company specializes in unfiltered ales using waterpower and the freshest, coldest Alaska spring water out there. Fun fact — this is the oldest operating brewery in Alaska! Their Spruce Tip Blonde or Boom Town Brown will convince you that you’ve struck liquid gold, and the food will keep you coming back for more, from hearty hamburgers and Brew Master’s chili to perfectly fried fish and chips. A happening spot for locals and visitors, the Skagway Brewing Company is the perfect spot for the perfect pint.
In the event that you find yourself near Denali National Park and Preserve’s Carlo Creek entrance and are on the hunt for a delectable meal, look no further than the McKinley Creekside Café. With deckside views of the Alaska Range and a full menu of classics made from scratch, the Creekside Café is not just highly ranked from its visitors, but it continually ranks as a highlight for visitors in the area. The menu includes fluffy baked goods that are sized to share, picnic lunches to-go, and a house special of baked halibut that always garners rave reviews. The Mt. Denali chili and Creekside bagels benedict are worth raving and writing home about!
Pizza may not be the first thing that springs to mind as an Alaska food, but after a visit to the Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria, it sure will be. Many diners rank the wood-fired pizza here as some of the best they’ve ever had — the unique flavor combinations in the blackened rockfish and Greek gyro pizzas will have you singing praises in no time. Moose’s Tooth is also the home of Broken Tooth Brewing — arguably some of the most popular beer in Alaska — so you can sip a signature Hard Apple Ale or Raspberry Wheat while you chow down on the fresh smoked salmon spread as an appetizer. The large, comfortable and friendly dining room is a great place to kick back and socialize.
2112 Second Ave., Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 1B9, Canada
The Burnt Toast Café is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot offering homemade baked goods, soups, sandwiches and daily specials with a focus on fresh and homemade ingredients. The whole menu features a variety of breakfast and lunch both served in generous portions. The atmosphere is welcoming with a casual homestyle feel, decorated with vintage signage and artwork. On top of a good breakfast or lunch meal, the café also whips up homemade goods like muffins, scones and cinnamon buns which seem to be particularly popular with the locals.
Adventure awaits at The Drunken Goat Taverna offers a fun dining experience unlike anywhere in Dawson City. Your taste buds can set sail on a delicious journey with Greek- and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. The restaurant also has vegan options so there is surely something for everyone to enjoy. With locally sourced ingredients and an atmosphere that’s vibrant and inviting, you’ll want to drop an anchor and dig in!
While Alaskan Brewing Company doesn’t serve food, there is a schedule of rotating food trucks that complement the largest brewery in Alaska. The brewery prides itself on the art of crafting beer that has been passed down from generation to generation. Using only the finest quality of ingredients, the skilled brewers have crafted award-winning sips such as the Alaskan Summer Ale where every sip you take is a journey through the majestic wilderness of Alaska itself. When you visit the tap room, the flavors are as diverse as the landscapes — bold and adventurous!
15. Westmark Hotels, Alaska and the Yukon
The restaurants and lounges of all six Westmark hotels finish the list, from the Red Lantern Steak & Spirits in Fairbanks to the Solstice Bar & Grill in Anchorage, our hotels offer top-notch cuisine, craft brews, and an extensive wine list. Feel like venturing outside the hotel for a meal? You’ll find that all six hotels are centrally located in the downtown area of their respective city, within walking distance of many of the restaurants and breweries listed above. Check out our hotel destinations to discover the many amazing dining experiences in Alaska.
