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From scallops to king salmon, fresh seafood dominates menus in Southeast. Juneau, Sitka, Skagway, and Ketchikan have all variety of ethnic eateries, along with some notable restaurants serving more sophisticated, contemporary fare. Many towns also have good greasy spoons or roadhouses where you can get a serving of local gossip along with your breakfast or slice of pie.
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.
A popular spot with the locals, and known to attract repeat customers from as far away as Juneau, this Thai restaurant fills up very quickly in the summer around dinner hour; it's best to call ahead. One reason for the crowds is the authenticity of the traditional Thai cuisine; Starfire's American chef learned his recipes during visits to Thailand, where he watched local friends and their grandmothers at work in their kitchens.
This bustling, casual waterfront eatery focuses on what Ketchikan does best—and it's quite successful, as the frequent line out the door indicates (don't be daunted, it moves quickly). Order at the counter and enjoy fresh halibut or salmon while looking out at the vessels that haul in the catch. Or, for an interesting twist on local dining, book a fishing trip with Baranof Fishing Excursions and have your catch dropped off here, where you can have it prepared by the chefs and served at your table. The restaurant and the fishing company are both owned by a third-generation Alaskan family.
Centrally located on the town's main drag, Alpenglow serves a variety of delicious, creatively topped pizzas. Vegetarians should try the fungi, a pesto-based pie topped with mushrooms, ricotta, and honey.
Pop culture meets greasy spoon in this unassuming coffee shop with red-vinyl booths that has been in the same family since the 1950s. The menu doesn't cater to light appetites—it includes sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken, chili, and halibut fish-and-chips—but the place really is at its best for an all-American breakfast (available until 2). Dinner is served most evenings, too.
Expect a lively crowd at the Bonanza, and possibly live music or bingo if you're here in the evening. The pub serves well-prepared American food with no surprises; if you're a sports fan, this is a good place to watch a game.
This busy little seafood deli and burger joint in the heart of Petersburg is a great place for a quick bite en route to your next adventure, or a breakfast sandwich before you get started. Live or cooked crab is available for takeout, and the shop can process your sport-caught fish.
A short way down the waterfront boardwalk from the cruise port is the Cookhouse, a casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Heat lamps on the deck make the outdoor seating attractive even on cooler days, and with views like this, it makes sense to head outside. Menu items include burgers, reindeer slider sloppy joes, and (highly recommended) halibut-and-chips.
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.
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.
Locals flock to this cheery spot for lunch; it's the closest thing to home cooking Petersburg has to offer. On weekdays it's open for breakfast and lunch, but on summer weekends dinner is also an option. Helse also doubles as an ice cream and espresso stand.
Locally sourced ingredients—including Southeast seafood and organic produce—are at the heart of casual Inga's menu. The dishes at this local favorite, a glorified food cart with picnic tables, change "with season, availability, and mood," and most go superbly well with the Baranof Island Brewery beers poured here (there's also wine).
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.
Located at the end of the docks, this downtown grill owned by a former Floridian is the place to come to sample Alaska's famous king crab and enjoy a beer in the sun (if you're lucky) at one of the outdoor tables. If crab legs aren't your thing, try the Dungeness crab mac and cheese, the crab-topped fries, or the blackened halibut salad.
A favorite with locals, the Ocean View serves decent burgers, steaks, pasta, pizzas, and seafood, but the main draws are the authentic and very filling Mexican dishes. Three tables in the back look out to the Tongass Narrows.
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.
This cozy little spot on the harbor is a must for breakfast—you can choose from an array of fresh-baked frittatas, quiches, and pastries to accompany your distinctly delicious cup of coffee. No one would blame you if you snuck back in for lunch, when the sandwiches on homemade bread make an appearance. Seating includes outdoor options.
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.
Though beer is the primary business of Skagway Brewing, this local pub has a diverse dinner menu that includes burgers, halibut-and-chips, pasta dishes, hearty salads, and vegetarian options. Whatever you order, sampling the locally made ale is a must; Skagway's staples include Prospector Pale, Chilkoot Trail IPA, Boom Town Brown, Blue Top Porter, and their signature Spruce Tip Blonde Ale, made with local ingredients. Visitors can also take a tasting tour for $25.
Housed in a former gas station, this year-round restaurant is known for its comfort-food specials. The huge calzones are stuffed and served piping hot with sides of house marinara and ranch dressing—build your own or choose one of the chef's creations.
The café has a no-frills look, but it serves good food at reasonable prices. Check out the dinner specials, or try the wraps, burgers, and salads.
