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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.
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.
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.
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 popular Front Street restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers dine-in service as well as takeout from midmorning to late. They serve pizzas with a wide assortment of toppings, along with steak dinners and Japanese (including sushi), Korean, and Italian food. One side of the restaurant has an Italian theme and the other a Japanese style.
If diner fare with a side of true Nome life is what you're after, this is the spot. Traditional hearty breakfast options are served all day, plus steak, chili, crab legs and other seafood, a modest salad bar, and unexpectedly tasty burgers. It's the type of place where old-timers gather for coffee or lunch at the same time, same table each day. While you eat, get the complete Nome experience: endless views of the vast Bering Sea while local radio plays in the background.
Whether you're up early or late, Sam and Lee's has got you covered. They start with an excellent breakfast menu and stay open late with mostly Chinese fare, such as kung pao beef, almond chicken, and Szechwan chow mein. Locals rave about the kimchee too.
This longtime Chinese and American restaurant is known for its rice and noodle dishes. Look for udon and egg foo young, along with fried food baskets, sandwiches, and family dinner specials like burger packs that include four burgers with fries and soda.
