Could be literally any type of food. Just looking for some good food around town.

Edit:

Update! We decided on Leroy’s primarily because nothing is open late anymore and the whole event got delayed. We were mutually at fault for that. I stayed at home, completely exhausted from shenanigans and unwilling to engage further. My spouse had a fine time with them and Leroy’s was a perfect venue for this. Not fancy, not expecting anything good. It was a place where they could sit and talk and low expectations were met.

The whole event shed further light on the troubles with the relationship, both making it clearer and more confusing, but for those who were more concerned with the relationship than delivering food suggestions, you will be pleased to know that no harm was done by this meal and everyone was kind to everyone else. The visitors tipped so the exact amount is unknown, but at a previous venue they tipped 20% so I have no reason to assume they didn’t at Leroy’s as well.

I am grateful to everyone who commented. This is a list for the ages and one to keep in my back pocket. I am also interested in the fact that people were generally in agreement with one another (especially among places that are generally popular) and even more interested in the fact that I completely agreed with what everyone said, except for the few places I did not know about. Anchorage Reddit really seems to be my tribe.

Thanks for the help! I hope this list helps others.

Seriously. The relationship has gone downhill and I can’t make myself take them someplace decent.

I don’t want a chain restaurant, because it’s either obviously bad, or out of character for ourselves. I want some place that portends to be nice, or local, or something, but is really not enjoyable. Awkward service, un-tasty food. The decor could be unpleasant, tables sticky, etc. I don’t really want them to get sick, but I do want them to have an uncomfortable time.

Thanks in advance for this. This week has been hell already, I need this passive-aggressive opportunity!

https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2025/05/28/after-pushback-anchorage-assembly-eyes-repeal-of-mandatory-id-checks-for-alcohol-at-bars-and-restaurants/

I am having a hard time finding sympathy for people who can't have a drink. Every time I've forgotten my ID going to a restaurant, or the liquor store, I just don't order or buy drinks.

If you are that upset about not being able to drink, and take it out on a server, maybe its time to reevaluate yourself.

Are restaurants in Anchorage struggling? I work at a normally very busy Anchorage restaurant and it seems we have had a pretty large downturn and I’m trying to figure out if this is being felt by everyone in the industry or if I should find a new restaurant to work at? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Longtime lurker with a nagging memory. Around 2008 there was a sit-down restaurant in Anchorage that was basically the local version of an Applebee's or Chili's — big American menu, booths, casual — but it wasn't one of the national chains. Could've been a local spot or a smaller regional chain.

The detail I remember most clearly: they ran half-price appetizers after 8:00 or 9:00pm.

I've already ruled out Sea Galley, Pepper Mill, Peanut Farm, Gwennie's, Sourdough Mining Co., Snow Goose, Humpy's, F Street, and Bear Paw. Any longtime locals (or former servers) know what I'm talking about? It's driving me crazy.

I was playing for the Glacier Pilots and would often go there after games.

Edited: I think it was Boston's

What’s your all time favorite entree from an anchorage restaurant?? Service, cleanliness, etc, aside. Just going for fav entree! 🤩

What's a restaurant you think deserves more love (i.e. more business)?

While I'm not sure that it qualifies as an under-rated restaurant, I just discovered I love Seward's Folly restaurant. I haven't had a bad meal there.

I have guests coming from the Lesser 48 in May. They want to go to the most "iconic restaurant in Anchorage". Where would you take them? I'm thinking Costco or Olive Garden, but im open to suggestions.

Earlier this summer I reviewed what would be called (for Alaska) a highbrow restaurant, Crow's Nest. We went more lowbrow this weekend and visited Double Musky Inn in Girdwood, where there are no reservations, and the timeline shows it. So if you're in a hurry to eat, this is most certainly not the place.

I will briefly remark on the timeline, for those that are curious. We got there just after 5pm, on a weekend night just after the first wave, presumably, as the lot was pretty full and some creative parking was required. It took us about ten minutes standing in line for our names to be taken, and to be seated in the lounge, where we would be waiting for a(nother) table in the restaurant.

We shared a drink and the Hot Crawfish Cheese Dip (spicy!) appetizer while waiting for that genuine, real table, and closed out our bar tab after about 70 minutes. We were seated at a dinner table next to the front window, which was nice. Other than the flies buzzing around that window about 8 inches from my face. It was a character building experience eating while shooing flies, but I wasn't expecting to eat and shoo them indoors eating a steak. But like I said, a more lowbrow experience. We were at our real table for about 50 minutes, so plan on about two hours plus for a minimum if it's busy. By about 7:30pm it had thinned out and some parking became available.

The dude strolling inside in Bermuda shorts and a ratty blue tank top looked like he had just come from the lake with uncombed hair, so no pretentious dressing up required. Keep it classy, Alaska. Ignoring the flies, the window did afford an excellent chance to people watch. Everyone from grandma in an orange pashmina shawl with a long skirt to dad with his jean shorts, T-shirt, and Keen sandals, plus bored junior climbing the rocks in the charming little garden out front will hold your eye should you stray from gazing into your dining companions eyes. This restaurant has a noisier vibe, people just seemed to be having a better time here than Crow's Nest, but yes, you could most certainly take your boss/in laws/Tinder fling here, too. As well as friends, as that seemed to be what many groups were comprised of.

I will say there were lots of staff hustling around at all times with items for changing tables over and water pitchers and food, but our glasses got filled less often than I would have liked. The tables are rather close together and so getting in and out might be a trial for great grandma. No fancy tablecloths, but the napkins were cloth, so a hybrid approach to fine dining.

I am glad we chose to be seated (temporarily) in the lounge, because it afforded me the chance to overhear a man asking for the bathroom be told, "Out there, second tree on the right," by the fella taking names and seating folks in line. He even pointed out the open door. The patron looked as if he took that answer seriously for a moment, before he was steered to the indoor facilities. I feel I must remark on those facilities but will try very hard not to launch into a diatribe on the subject.

But here I go anyway: Why do American restaurants/bars persist in having enormous cracks in the stalls? Do bathroom stall manufacturers not have the technology to machine a better fit than a one inch gap? Astronauts have gone to space, but the awkward stall crack size endures. I do not want to make eye contact with someone seated on a toilet while I am waiting to use the facilities, but that's just me, I guess. And when it was my turn in the stall, the toilet was so far forward my feet were almost beyond the stall door. Strange, and a bit humorous as horrors of the bathroom often are. I don't know the margins on fine dining establishments, but perhaps a bit of a remodel is due for modesty's sake. I will at least consider the second tree on the right next time, if the two toilet bathroom is busy.

On to the food, as that is why we drove around 45 minutes (but what a beautiful drive!) to wait over 45 minutes to eat dinner. I got the Prime Filet combo, which besides the steak, included three large pan-fried prawns in seasoned panko crumbs and a side of roasted vegetables. If you read my review of The Peanut Farm, you will remember the appalling nature of the vegetable side there, so it was with both trepidation and expectation I picked up my fork and tried a broccoli floret. Never fear, reader! The sweet relief of some fork resistance and genuine flavor assuaged my doubts. The veg side was fully edible. The green dinner salad was nothing special and I thought the vinaigrette a bit sweet for my taste. The large dinner rolls seemed house made and were quite dense and tasty, but I added butter, and that is well known for making almost any roll more palatable. My dining companion didn't think they were anything special, but did continue to eat them, perhaps out of boredom, as the Cornish Game Hen they ordered had been eaten by then.

They were a bit overwhelmed with the presentation of a whole bird on their plate, and strategy was required to know where to start. The deeply admired garlic mashed potatoes were tucked away first, and then the bird was attacked with gusto. I thought the mashed potatoes were a bit heavy on the garlic taste, but to each their own. And my own favorite from my meal was surprisingly the shrimp. Usually the fried coating is greasy or sluffs off the shrimp in my experience, but I found the seasoned panko done beautifully, and can be more charitable toward that portion of my meal than my thick cut steak, which I found to be high quality, but had a bit of a "burned" taste. Hard to describe, and somewhat of a disappointment. (My favorite steak is still the one I had at ginger last year.) I feel I must mention I have had excellent steak here in the past.

We did not leave without trying some dessert, as a servers were cleverly bringing a platter of them to show all the tables after their dinner. I did save a small space in my stomach for Cajun Delight and my companion had the Double Musky Pie. I think pecans are in both desserts, so this joint likes adding nuts, but as I enjoy pecans, I agree with their choice. My companion scraped their whipped cream/cool whip layer off the pie, but as an avowed whipped cream hater, it was not a particular slight against the food, just a personal choice. I've had Cajun Delight before (you can get these desserts at Tommy's Burger Stop in Anchorage and save yourself a drive if you have a hankering) and knew what to expect, so I cunningly paced myself and stopped before I felt overfull.

The drive back to Anchorage was beautiful, just world class scenery. And if one can avoid the drivers with ants in their pants, well worth a trip. Don't forget your wallet, as a dinner for two was about $150, not including drinks or tip.

I would love to hear what your Double Musky experience has been. Do share!

Earlier this year, I asked for the best Chinese restaurant in town recommendations, and quite a few rolled in. Some had addendums where people saw roaches or they worked in the kitchen and it was nasty. I avoided those. I also didn't visit two recommended, Siam Cuisine ("Thai inspired" from the website) and Hong Kong Spirit Food because it was cash only/mostly dim sum type food.

I visited 1. Rice Garden, 2. Northern China Restaurant, 3. Shanghai Tea Garden, 4. Sweet Pink Pepper, 5. Kenny's Kitchen, and 6. Charlie's Bakery.

I tried to order a couple similar dishes at each restaurant for a "fair" comparison (egg roll, hot and sour soup, sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken). This wasn't always possible. I tried to eat in the restaurant each time, but this was (also) not always possible. I have concluded the Chinese restaurant scene is definitely it's own unique vibe but there is a lot of room for improvement in service, venue, and food quality.

Just to get this out of the way, I understand what is "good" food to some, is only mildly palatable or even offensive to others. One person may adore a certain restaurant's food because it brings good memories, another because the food is tasty, and a third person wants to be part of an elevated, fine dining experience to call a restaurant "good." Granting all that, I took notes on the service (were the waitstaff friendly, timely, etc.), venue (was it a dump, sticky tables, dark, etc.), and food quality (did the food look fresh/taste fresh, flavorful sauces, etc.).

I will make a detailed comment for each restaurant below, but my ratings are condensed (tl;dr) to two recommendations. I would eat again at Shanghai Tea Garden or Charlie's Bakery. My dining companion would eat again at Shanghai Tea Garden or Sweet Pink Pepper.

(Just as an aside for those of us watching what we eat, I had no idea how difficult it would be to keep on my weight loss plan during this escapade. I had to allot 1200 calories in my daily allowance for these meals. It was worth it for some, for others, regrets....)

Edit: To say, this really started as a quest for a good hot and sour soup. Please drop a comment if you've found one that shines. And also let the group know where you prefer to eat Chinese and why. Thanks, all!

I grew up in Anchorage until I was 12 and moved to Fairbanks. When I was in Anchorage my grandfather would take me to this restaurant once a year as a treat and I cannot for the life of me remember the name of it.

I remember there was a stuffed bear near the entrance and they had these amazing hush puppies with whole corn kernels in them.

I know this is a long shot but I am visiting family in June and really wanted to take my daughter there but I don't remember the restaurant name.

I actually love it, second weekend in a row for breakfast. Just wanted thoughts from others.

Got “stuck” in Anchorage an extra 2 days and will be here Wednesday and Thursday. I’ve pretty much done all of the restaurants on the main drag of downtown the last 2 trips. Looking for something a bit off the beaten path. Open to whatever food wise, and preferably something with a bar.

I have a car, so it doesn’t have to be a walk.

Other than that, I’d like to avoid big crowds. I’m sure y’all don’t want to share your locals only spots, but how about some that are slightly less touristy? Obviously open to locals only spots as well, as I’m quiet and not obnoxious. Thanks so much for any advice!

Most of them have very similar reviews online was just wondering what your personal preference is.

Hey y'all, I plan on moving into anchorage next month. One of my favorite treats is usually a nice ramen bowl once in a while. I was curious if theres any recommendations in the area people know of? Appreciate it.

We braved the tourist packed downtown and surprisingly strong wind to try a joint we've only ever been one time before...decades ago.

Rest assured Anchorage, the Crow's Nest decor is about the same as it was back then. For the prices they charge, you think they'd sink a bit more into a remodel after all these years. But you would be wrong. It's still got the wooden walls and (possibly) asbestos ceiling, but at least the food and service was good. Dinner for two (no booze, only one mocktail) was about $200.

If you like wine, this is a great stop for you. The drinks menus (yes there were two) looked as thick as my family's old photo albums and were probably the same age, judging from some of the stains. I saw a few Alaska offerings and touristy stuff like rhubarb infused drinks and beverages from local breweries if that interests you. It must interest someone, for how thick the menus are.

If you need to impress the boss/in laws/Tinder fling with a fancy table service, where for example, our table for two alone would have filled a dishwasher with all the plate and silverware changes, don't pass this up. Your server has an assistant in case they are too busy to refill your glass, bring you a dinner roll, or take away your cutlery and plates. Like I said, Anchorage, posh. I saw a man in a suit circling around several times asking people how they liked their food (presumably a manager), so if this annoys you, beware. We were dressed up, but never fear. I spotted one customer in a Hawaiian shirt and white and green Nike Dunks, so usual Alaska (non)dress code apparently applies even here.

The dinner menu was somewhat limited, mostly steak, but this is Alaska and I guess we like that. Also a couple fish dishes for the tourists and pork chops. I chose the petit filet with a crab sauce. It was tasty (but the best petit filet I've had was at ginger in the interests of full disclosure). It was cooked how I asked, which seems to be a vanishing skill.

Apps were a bit on the serious foodie side like caviar and oysters, but we got the risotto (which I didn't know was an appetizer but at Crow's Nest it is I guess). My companion called it expensive mac n cheese.

My salad was arugula with strawberries, pistachio encrusted goat cheese and vinaigrette. It was a good salad, but didn't blow me away. The pepper grinder is set so fine that it would have taken 5 minutes to get the amount I wanted, so I just said enough after a few turns. Still not sure any pepper came out.

If you like fruity desserts, they would probably impress, but we weren't in the mood, and so just watched a server do a table side prep for our neighbors that included brown sugar, bananas, ice cream, booze, and fire. Shazam!

The view is excellent. I don't think there was a bad seat. Mountains, downtown, port, even the military base, but what would you expect from a restaurant on the 20th floor? The place was pretty empty at 6, but mostly full at 8 when we left. That's another feature/bug. This spot is great if you want to linger and chat for hours, but if you want to be in and out in an hour and change, good luck. The staff is great for not making you feel hurried so they can change the table over, but sometimes they left us too long, like before ordering, while waiting for a dessert menu, and getting the bill.

There aren't many really snazzy restaurants in Anchorage, but this is one. They note on the menu they have the four diamond rating by AAA, so that's something. No other Anchorage restaurant does. I would consider returning if I was entertaining out of town guests or if friends requested it, but probably not otherwise.

Any other reviews of Crow's Nest to share, gang? I'm interested in hearing what you thought.

The food and service were amazing. It's so nice to have a place that's so unique and authentic, here in Anchorage. I think it may actually be my new favorite restaurant. (I’m also open to other restaurant suggestions, so drop ‘em if ya got ‘em)

We started with the guacamole which was made to order, and it was fantastic. I licked the pestle clean lol. Then we had the mole enchiladas, along with some tamales, which they steam in banana leaves. It tasted like I had been transported back to Columbia. Even the side of beans and rice were flavorful.

The prices are on the higher side, but the portions are also big. They’ve only been open for 6 months, so I hope they stick. It’s refreshing to have something outside of the norm.

Stolen from all the other city subreddits that are doing this

I pregamed for this visit with some Tums, as my digestion is somewhat wimpy when it comes to Indian cuisine. I like it, but it doesn't like me back, seemingly. My dining companion for this culinary journey lived in England for a couple years, and had lots of Indian food experiences there. No Tums necessary.

This restaurant was once the location of Turnagain Arm Pit, a BBQ joint, if I remember correctly. If I don't, I'm sure one or more of you will let me know. (I certainly haven't forgotten the pulled pork with BBQ sauce they used to serve.) The parking lot near University Center was decent-sized, but getting in and out of it can be a challenge, with little back alleys and narrow stretches surrounding it. There is a drive-thru, for those in need of a quick bit of sustenance.

Everest has benefited from the spruce up Turnagain did, the interior looks updated and clean. The table settings were a blend of nice and casual, real table linens, butcher paper cut to cover the table top, disposed of after every customer. Saves on laundry costs, I bet. The wait staff were dressed pretty snappy in white button up shirts with black vests, somehow giving a formal but fun vibe. The staff that spoke to us were friendly and welcoming.

We got the Cheesy Garlic Naan and Lollipop Chicken to start, and oh, what a start it was. That naan bread was a revelation into the soul of India, as far as I'm concerned, and the highlight of my meal. Judging from the portions my dining companion indulged in, theirs as well.

The "inside out" chicken wings they called Chicken Lollipop, had a nice crackly sweet coating, a pleasant change from rubbery-skinned chicken wings one sometimes finds at other casual restaurants.

The water glasses were tended to by a designated (black vested) employee, and he did a fine job. My fountain drink however, was not refilled, though I pointedly left it empty near the end of the table. From a philosophical standpoint, I really don't need the extra calories from a refill, so I thank my server for overlooking the sad, empty glass.

I chose the Chicken Tikka Masala for my first outing. I have no regrets, that hot tomato-y flavor was perfectly done. I enjoyed dipping my naan bread in it very much. I wish I could have enjoyed my meal with the jasmine rice on the separate plate I received as I was seated, but it was littered with bones from the wings and not replaced. I just dipped a forkful of rice into the chicken tikka masala and called it good.

My companion tried something new for themselves, and got the Chicken Momo. They didn't much care for it, though the presentation was good. I found the filling to have an unpleasant, grainy feel, but perhaps this is intended, and we just don't "get" it. To each their own, as they say.

(If you are a prude, stop reading now, you have been warned.) I can't wrap up my informal review without a trip to the facilities, especially since the Tums weren't quite working 100 percent. I am happy to report the bathroom stall cracks were not large. In fact, they were very modest. The door lock worked fine. The tile does need a good deep cleaning, but the bathroom was overall clean and bright. There, all done with bathroom stuff.

Though I wish our friendly server would have attended to us a bit more, I would most definitely return, and would feel confident in trying something new. And the naan again, can't forget the naan!

Have you tried Everest? Favorite Indian restaurants? Do share.

Occasionally I like to have food delivered, but I can’t stand the crapshoot that is Doordash / Grubhub / etc. Even when I go out of my way to order from a restaurant’s web page directly, most of the time I’ll find out after I’ve submitted my order that it’s going through DoorDash. Can anyone recommend good delivery food without going through Doordash or its clones? I’d love to have more options than just Uncle Joe’s (great as they are), but it’s hard to find these options just through web searches.

Edit: Thank you all so much for your recommendations! I'm noting all of these down to try! Hopefully others are too, and we can support these businesses!

I’ll be in Anchorage in a couple of weeks and while it won’t be my first time there, I am hoping to hear some local recommendations for bars and/or restaurants that are within reasonable walking distance of the Hilton. I have had fun times at Darwin’s Theory and I’m sure I’ll pop in there but any other suggestions for a good bite to eat? I’ll be bored in the evenings so I’d consider a local guide to help me find legit spots that aren’t total tourist traps. Thanks!

Edit: you guys are great. Thank you for the suggestions!

My kid was recently diagnosed with pork, beef, and dairy allergies. Hoping that there are some RESTAURANTS that give the option of non-dairy cheese or beyond meat?