Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Dining options are few when traveling around Alaska's Bush; smaller communities may have one or two eateries, if any at all. On the bright side, you won't need to worry about reservations. If they're open, they'll let you in, and you'll likely be surprised at the variety available: in addition to Alaskan seafood, game, and locally grown vegetables, Mexican and Asian fare are standard, even in the state's remotest corners. Usually Bush restaurants will feature two or three different cuisines. All food prices, including at grocery shops, reflect large transportation charges, so be prepared to pay more than you would back home or even in Anchorage.
Open early for breakfast and into the afternoon, Pingo serves up freshly made bread and fresh seafood meals Wednesday through Sunday. The menu changes daily, with items like seafood omelets, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos often making an appearance, along with sandwiches, soups, noodles, and pizza, plus an assortment of fresh pastries. They have gluten-free items on the menu, and can also cater to special diets.
This pizza place opened in the area in 2022, features a popular bar, and has a casual vibe. There's an impressive selection of appetizers like nachos and wings as well as a good array of pizzas, burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and subs.
This old bar with a good selection of beers serves up seafood, steak, noodles, rolls, and sides ranging from onion rings to kimchi. It’s a great place to sip wine or beer while enjoying fantastic views of the Bering Sea.
Open to guests and nonguests, the dining room at Brooks Lodge serves both buffet and plated meals. It also offers beer, wine, and a small selection of cocktails. Though you can't get groceries at the lodge, the gift shop sells lighter snacks snacks, such as candy, trail mix, and bottled beverages.
This casual bar off the main lobby of the Grand Aleutian Hotel is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and a cold beer after a long day exploring. The menu features pub grub, like steaks, burgers, salads, and sandwiches, and the bar has a surprisingly good selection of beers. Many of the patrons are locals, mostly deckhands and boat captains, looking for a tasty meal in a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. On Friday night in summer they have cookouts out on the porch.
By far the fanciest restaurant in Unalaska, the Chart Room offers classic fine dining and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and Margaret Bay. On most nights it's not difficult to grab a table, though it pays to make a reservation for the famous Wednesday night seafood buffet or the Sunday brunch buffet. The regular menu offers some interesting fish and crab creations, along with such standard fare as halibut and chips with delicious homemade tartar sauce.
Drop by this casual place for pizza, burgers, pastas, salads, and even fish-and-chips. You can choose from a nice selection of beer and wine along with an ample menu that includes calzones and jumbo wings. It has tables and bar space for dining in, or you can order for pickup, and it's open late.
This basic but cozy eatery offers a range of food from morning to night. The menu includes pizza, burgers, omelets, wraps, nacho burritos, milkshakes, barbecue, and even packaged candy to go.
With its lovely waterfront and mountain views, this bright and airy café is a great place to start the day with traditional American breakfast or lunch. The menu includes egg dishes, pancakes, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches and salads, plus smoothies and brunch favorites like mimosas and Irish coffee. There’s also an express lunch buffet during the work week.
Mario's offers a full slate of American dishes, from pizzas, calzones, and pasta dishes to salads, burgers, sandwiches, Philly cheesesteaks, chicken strips, and hot wings. Expect basic decor, ample portions, and lots of choices.
This restaurant at the Top of the World Hotel offers a range of American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including reindeer sausage scramble, chicken fajita salads, and various burgers, along with entrées like steak and halibut. For a good start to the day, try the well-prepared egg dishes for breakfast, with diner-style hash browns. Be sure to get a window seat. Closes early evenings.
This restaurant in the Nullagvik Hotel serves classic American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Evening entrées include salmon, reindeer dishes like stew and goulash, and standbys like meat loaf and surf-and-turf. You can also choose from a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. There are great views of the sound and Wi-Fi, too.
