14 Best Restaurants in Juneau, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska

A former park in the middle of downtown Juneau has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor food court thanks to Deckhand Dave, a commercial fisherman who has acquired a loyal local following for his foodtruck-prepared rockfish and halibut tacos. Significantly expanded in 2024, the backyard patio atmosphere includes tents, heat lamps, firepits, and a ship-shaped bar.

Named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country by the New York Times in 2023 and led by James Beard Award–nominated chef Beau Schooler, In Bocca Al Lupo has been justly celebrated for its success in creating a distinctly Alaskan Italian restaurant. Alongside house-made pasta dishes and pizzas, innovative and ever-changing specials highlight local ingredients, such as Alaskan scallops, and cultural influences, including Filipino cuisine. The dining room strikes the right balance between intimate and energetic, making it ideal for couples or small groups; solo diners appreciate the small bar area.

Alaskan king crab—a not-to-be-missed Alaskan delicacy—is the specialty of popular Tracy's. There's often a line to place your order, but the wait is entirely worth it. In addition to Tracy's main location on the Seawalk docks, the owners operate a second shack down the road on the waterfront with the same menu but much more space, making it a good choice for large groups. 

In the heart of quiet Douglas, across the bridge and a couple of miles from downtown Juneau, this family diner has Formica tables and a menu that includes omelets, sandwiches, kids' favorites, and burgers that are often cited as the best in the city. This is a good choice for those seeking an alternative to downtown Juneau's midsummer crowds.

If you have access to a car, head to this beautifully situated spot on a hill overlooking Auke Bay harbor, where you can choose from a wide selection of locally made craft beer (serving sizes as small as 4 ounces make sampling easy). The brewery also houses Red Spruce, an innovative eatery led by talented chef Lionel Uddipa, making it a two-for-one experience in local creativity. Menu options, which change frequently, highlight a range of global influences and local ingredients. Order at the counter and snag a table on the all-weather covered patio.

Trees, mountains, and the rushing water of Salmon Creek surround the comfortable, canopy-covered benches and tables at this authentic, all-you-can-eat salmon bake operated through Alaska Travel Adventures. After dinner you can pan for gold in the stream, wander up a hill to explore the remains of a gold mine, or roast marshmallows over a fire.

Crowded with locals and travelers, the Hangar occupies the building where Alaska Airlines started business, and the pier below the restaurant still serves as a busy floatplane dock in the summers. Every seat has views of Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island, and on warm days you can sit outdoors and watch the planes land. Menu options, which range from fish-and-chips to ginger ahi, offer a step up from traditional pub fare, and the huge beer selection encourages nonstandard choices.

Established in 1974, Heritage Coffee serves locally roasted coffees, along with gelato, fresh pastries, and a variety of sandwiches. The flagship store sits on the corner of Front and Seward streets, while other locations include smaller cafés at 230 South Franklin, a branch inside Foodland IGA market, and the Glacier Cafe in the Mendenhall Valley, as well as two drive-throughs.

Fast service, a full bar, views of Gastineau Channel, and occasional live music have turned this Douglas pub into an area hot spot, but the real draw is pizza: thin, 13-inch focaccia crusts prepared fresh daily, topped with creative ingredients, and baked in a copper wood-fired oven.

This crunchy natural foods market offers a small selection of hot entrées, salads, sandwiches, and soup, along with self-serve coffee and freshly baked breads. Check their website for a daily menu, and arrive at 11 am for the best choices; a few tables are available inside. It's also a great place to grab some trail mix and snack bars before a downtown hike.

This lively café fills up quickly at noon with locals on lunch break, making it a great place for people-watching while munching on a salad or a fried chicken sandwich. You can also have a delicious breakfast here; if the fresh-baked pastry doesn't tempt you (although it surely will) try the bravas potato bowl or adobo loco moco. Coffee in all its forms is also outstanding.

Upscale American and Mediterranean fare is served at Salt, one of Juneau's nicest dining options, and though it's a bit pricey, the ambience and interesting menu make it worth the extra expense. It's also a good spot to stop for a cocktail if you can snag a spot at the tiny bar in the back. As with many Juneau restaurants, the service can be outstanding or maddening depending on the night; it's not recommended for those in a hurry.

This busy and bright café in the Aak'w Village District, about a five-minute walk from the center of town, is a popular destination for brunch on weekends. It's also a good choice for lunch if you're visiting the state museum, as it's less than a block away.

Housed in a log-frame waterfront building adjacent to the base of the Goldbelt Tram, Twisted Fish serves fish as fresh as you'll find. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy prime-time Gastineau Channel gazing over a glass of wine or locally brewed beer.