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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.
Don't let the name fool you: Airport Pizza bakes pies, for sure, but also serves an impressive variety of dishes, including Korean specialties, burgers, sandwiches, ramen, beer-battered halibut, nachos, and even sushi. A few decades ago, the restaurant used to fly pizzas out to remote villages with the help of a regional airline with no added delivery charge. They don't do that anymore, but they do serve reliably good food, and they serve cold beer and other beverages.
This little coffee shop, in a repurposed old A-frame house, is an adorable place and the perfect spot for a breakfast sandwich or midday coffee. Tasty beverages and delicious homemade scones, cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, and muffins are a welcome respite from Nome's wind and the industrial surroundings. The homey atmosphere is helped along by soft benches, stained glass lamps, local art, original wood floors, and bookshelves full of magazines, books, and games.
This cozy, bright Japanese and American eatery offers sushi rolls, fried rice dishes, tempura, udon, bento boxes, burgers, sandwiches, and more, as well as fillings breakfasts. It opens early and closes late.
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.
