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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.
The 1920s-era roots of this space adjacent to the New York Hotel come through in the antique bar and fixtures, creating a casual yet elegant place to enjoy a meal while staring out the plate-glass windows at life on busy Stedman Street, or admiring the mural by local artist Ray Troll that spans one wall. The menu includes reasonably priced seafood, salads, and burgers, along with Mediterranean-influenced fare, and solo diners should feel very comfortable at the bar.
An unpretentious Victorian-style restaurant on the Gilmore Hotel's ground floor, Annabelle's serves pastas, steamer clams and other seafood dishes, and several kinds of chowder. Prime rib on Friday and Saturday evenings is a favorite, and the lounge, which has a jukebox, has a friendly vibe.
Perched on the dock in downtown Ketchikan, this year-round, no frills gathering spot is known for their BBQ and local seafood, and boasts more than 80 varieties of beer, including many Alaskan brews.
King, Dungeness, and tanner (or snow) crabs are served in various forms when in season at the Crab Station, an outdoor stand with tables on the docks extending out over the water. During Dungeness season, crabs are caught in the surrounding waters of Port Frederick and kept alive until your order is prepared.
Diners have an appeal all their own, comforting in their consistency yet unique to the towns in which they're found, and the Dockside is no exception. Stop in for a traditional breakfast before starting your island adventures, or grab a burger on your way back. The pie is also highly recommended.
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.
Travelers flying out of Sitka's airport retreat to the Nugget while waiting for their plane to arrive. The Nugget serves American classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the homemade pies are the real attraction.
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.
On the water right next to the docks, this casual and energetic spot has a reputation for expertly prepared seafood and a friendly staff. Here you'll find favorites like halibut and chips, king crab legs, and pan-seared salmon, as well as nightly specials showcasing the kitchen's more creative side. A small deck offers outside seating and there's a decent selection of beer and wine.
With views overlooking the water, the Stikine Inn's restaurant (often called the Stik) is easily the prettiest place to dine in Wrangell. Given the town's scarcity of options, the place could just assemble a get-by menu, but the salads, pasta, burgers, and hearty soups here are seriously tasty. For lighter early-morning or midday fare, there's the Stik Cafe, which serves breakfast sandwiches and panini, among other items.
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.
