Kyle Green
Alaska is one of the most unique places in the United States, and Anchorage is the biggest and most bustling city in the state.
While it’s not the capital—Juneau is (accessible only by plane or boat!)—Anchorage has tons to offer both locals and tourists alike. A visit to Anchorage is a taste of all that the 49th state has to offer.
A visit to Anchorage is unique depending on the timing of your visit. The summer months promise a view of the infamous “midnight sun” effect, where there are twenty-two hours of daylight and only two or three hours of dusk—weeks go by without true nightfall.
Capitalize on your once-in-a-lifetime experience of this charming place by enjoying the best local dining that Anchorage has to offer.
You’ll find unique meats, unexpected flavor combinations, and surprisingly friendly locals all across town. Check out my list of the best restaurants in Anchorage, Alaska below!
Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-272-2489
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If you’re after a great brunch before you and your friends head out for some outdoor adventuring, check out Snow City Cafe.
It’s located only a few blocks from the coastal trail, a paved, easy walking path with stunning views of the inlet and the mountains just across the waterway. They’ve got a memorable menu and surprising options.
Are you looking for a bite of something you’re unlikely to find in “the lower-48”? I recommend the Tundra Scramble—an egg dish featuring reindeer sausage!
It comes mixed with green peppers, mushrooms, red onions, and cheddar cheese with a side of hash browns and toast. Be sure to get a cup of the locally-roasted Kaladi Brothers coffee.
Spenard Roadhouse
1049 W Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-770-7623
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Located off of one of the main strips in town, Spenard Roadhouse is adjacent to tons of local shopping.
Check out Title Wave Books across the street for your next read or The Hoarding Marmot for second-hand outdoor gear at great prices. Northern Lights Boulevard is an easy place to spend an afternoon.
Spenard Roadhouse’s new American menu features some of the best burgers in town. I love the Bacon Jam burger.
Speaking of bacon, they also have a fun “Bacon of the Month” rotating menu item that’s exactly what it sounds like—a different bacon dish every month.
The tots bowls are sensational. And don’t forget to try a cup of the soup of the day, a local’s favorite tradition.
Moose’s Tooth
3300 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-258-2537
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Moose’s Tooth has one of the most eclectic pizza menus you’ll find anywhere across the United States. And then there are the local brew selections from the Broken Tooth Brewery.
Fun fact: in case you were wondering, the “tooth” names in town are named after mountain peaks that can be seen in the distance.
Prepare to be dazzled by these unexpected pies. Try the Spicy Thai, with chicken, bean sprouts, carrots, cilantro, and Thai peanut sauce.
Or how about the Homewrecker special? It’s a pizza featuring spicy homemade chili, tater tots, bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh jalapeños. My favorite is the Amazing Apricot, with chicken, cream cheese, apricot sauce, and red peppers.
Bear Tooth Grill
1230 W. 27th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-276-4200
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Bear Tooth Grill is a part of the same restaurant family as Moose’s Tooth, so you know right away to expect a culinary treat.
It’s at the same location as the Bear Tooth Theatrepub, a dine-in movie theater that is an old favorite for locals. While the theatre also serves food, keep in mind it is not the same menu as at the grill.
Start your evening before showtime with a sit-down meal at the Grill. They always have fun specials and an eclectic seasonal cocktail menu, so check that out first thing. The colorful interior matches the delightful menu here!
The tacos are a hit here, and my favorite dish here is the garlic cilantro fries—I’ll be dreaming about these the rest of my life!
Ginger
425 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-929-3680
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Ginger, with its Asian fusion menu and dark, cozy interior, is a nice change of pace from the other new American restaurants that are common in Anchorage.
They’ve got an impressive drink menu, making this an excellent spot for celebrations; I had a memorable night here with coworkers after our company’s Christmas party.
Start with the mu shu tacos and fennel and coriander chicken wings. The mains are hard to choose from—I recommend the spicy tuna tower and crispy gouda risotto balls.
This is a popular option for locals to grab dessert, and here’s why: blueberry and cream cheese egg rolls, green tea crème brûlée, and ginger pear cheesecake. Which will you choose? (Hint: come hungry!)
Glacier BrewHouse
737 W 5th Ave #110, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-274-2739
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The brewery scene in Anchorage is surprisingly strong, and the popularity of this niche makes for friendly competition.
The result of this is many great breweries in town, and Glacier BrewHouse is one of the best. You’ll come for the great beer and stay for the fantastic food.
Start with a local feature, like the Alaskan smoked salmon dip, served with alder-grilled artisan bread and sliced sweet pickles.
Another cheesy, creamy option sure to hit the spot is the mac n cheese. It’s made with corkscrew pasta, lobster cream sauce, sharp white cheddar, and a parmesan bread crumb topping. Yum!
Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain St, Anchorage, AK 99517
Phone: 907-334-8100
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This industrial-chic new American restaurant has a modern vibe that is perfect for celebrations; I had my birthday dinner here and loved every minute of it—or should I say every bite!
The interior is two stories surrounding a large open bar, enclosed in massive glass windows that make the place feel airy and bright.
Start your meal like I did, with the house nachos. They’ve got Cuban pulled pork, candied jalapenos, mozzarella, caramelized onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and green chili sour cream.
From there, I loved the potato, leek, and reindeer sausage pizza. For dessert, the fennel spice cake with fig jam and orange-cranberry-vanilla ice cream is stunning.
Kincaid Grill
6700 Jewel Lake Rd, Anchorage, AK 99502
Phone: 907-243-0507
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Wine lovers will rejoice at Kincaid Grill, where they’ve got one of the widest selections of wine in the state.
With fine white tablecloths and a classy interior, this is the perfect spot away from the bustle of downtown to enjoy a date night with someone special. This is truly a seafood haven.
Start your meal with fresh Alaskan oysters with a cucumber-jalapeno mignonette, or roasted Alaskan oysters “Casino” served with lemon-parmesan gratin and applewood smoked bacon.
Enjoy Kodiak scallops for your main, prepared with haricot verts, roasted cherry tomatoes, castelvetrano olives, and garlic, and served with mashed potatoes drizzled with lemon butter.
Simon & Seafort’s Saloon & Grill
420 L St, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-274-3502
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If you’re aiming to impress, look no further than the incredible Simon & Seafort’s. This was the epic location for my company’s Christmas party, and boy did we feel spoiled!
With some of the most incredible views of the inlet combined with the freshest, highest quality local fare in town, this place has earned every bit of its reputation as the best place in town.
The moment I took my first bite here, I fell in love. The ingredients are clearly well-sourced and thoughtfully arranged, and even the cocktails stand out as next-level-delicious.
Begin your dining event with warm brie drizzled in orange-blossom honey before diving into your perfectly-grilled filet mignon paired with asiago-and-almond-crusted sea scallops.
Fat Ptarmigan
441 W 5th Ave STE 100, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-777-7710
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Combined with another local craft brewhouse, Anchorage Cider House, you can grab something amazing to eat at Fat Ptarmigan while also checking out this great cidery.
Located in the historic downtown district, you’re not far from other great shops or the local events scene if you want to make a night of it.
The pizza game is thriving in Anchorage, and Fat Ptarmigan holds its own in the local rivalry.
They’ve got a wood-fired grill, making for the tastiest crust around. I love the steak and stilton cheese pizza, with garlic olive oil, light mozzarella and provolone, caramelized red onions, and a balsamic glaze.
Marx Bros Cafe
627 W 3rd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: 907-278-2133
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This cafe is located in one of the oldest homes in Anchorage. Here, you are really in for a complete dining experience.
While the quaint location makes for a memorable experience all on its own, it’s the impeccable food that stands out.
Grab the blue cheese salad to start, with assorted baby greens, candied walnuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Then dive into the Peking-style duck smoked over black tea with coriander rice and a vegetable stir fry. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the French chocolate mousse!
You may not have previously considered Anchorage a dining destination, but I hope this article has shown you the light!
With so many delicious options to choose from, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got reservations far in advance so you can taste it all.
Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!
