13 Best Restaurants in Juneau, Alaska

Tracy’s King Crab Shack

Name and Location: Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a popular seafood restaurant located on the waterfront in Juneau, Alaska. It is situated near the cruise ship docks, making it a convenient spot for tourists.

History and Significance: Tracy LaBarge established Tracy’s King Crab Shack in 2006. The eatery is known for providing some of Alaska’s greatest king crab legs, and it has been highlighted by the Travel Channel and Food Network, among other media.

What to Expect: Tracy’s King Crab Shack offers a laid-back, outside dining experience that emphasizes premium, fresh seafood. The menu offers a range of seafood selections, such as Alaskan salmon and halibut, in addition to crab specialties including crab cakes, crab bisque, and king crab legs.

Information for Visitors: Tracy’s King Crab Shack is open seasonally from May to September, with hours that change according on the itinerary of the cruise ships. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not accept bookings. Because the seafood is fresh and of good quality, the prices are on the higher end.

Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the place to go if you want to have a real Alaskan meal that features the state’s most well-known crab.

This well-liked local eatery is close to the cruise ship docks and offers generous servings of delectable king crab that is freshly caught from the Bering Sea. One pound of king crab legs, roasted red potatoes, and corn on the cob are served in the famous King Crab Combo.

Don’t forget to sample their gumbos, chowders, or crab bisques, which are all stuffed with succulent pieces of crab meat. The restaurant offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere with picnic tables wrapped in butcher paper, but don’t let the simple décor deceive you—just one taste of their renowned crab will blow your mind.

The Rookery Cafe

Name and Location: The Rookery Cafe is a cozy, rustic-chic cafe located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska. It is housed in the historic Alaska Steam Laundry building, which dates back to the early 1900s.

History and Significance: Since its 2010 opening, The Rookery Cafe has grown to be a well-liked local hangout, renowned for its inventive menu items and fresh, locally sourced food. The name of the cafe honors the building’s past, when it housed a steam laundry that catered to the families and miners of the city.

What to Expect: Fresh, tasty food is the main focus of the cozy, welcoming Rookery Cafe. A range of breakfast and lunch options, such as freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads, are available on the menu. In addition, the café serves a variety of loose-leaf teas and specialty coffee drinks.

Information for Visitors: The Rookery Cafe is open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s advisable for patrons to make plans for peak breakfast and lunch hours at the cafe, as these times tend to get packed. During the warmer months, there is seating outside on the patio as well as inside the cafe.

The Rookery Cafe is a quaint brunch or lunch place that serves sustainably farmed and organic food. Every day for breakfast and lunch, this farm-to-table diner uses ingredients from nearby farms and their own on-site garden. Popular menu items include the Dungeness Crab Cake Benedict with homemade hollandaise on top and the Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon Scramble made with eggs from free-range chickens.

A variety of freshly baked pastries, such as croissants, scones, and cinnamon buns, are available at The Rookery Cafe and go well with espresso drinks and homemade smoothies. The quaint European-style cafe is the ideal place for a laid-back weekend brunch with friends, thanks to its exposed brick walls and cozy seats.

The Hangar on the Wharf

Name and Location: The Hangar on the Wharf is a historic restaurant and lounge located on the waterfront in Juneau, Alaska. As the name suggests, the restaurant is housed in a former seaplane hangar that dates back to the 1940s.

History and Significance: Since its 1996 opening, The Hangar on the Wharf has been recognized as a landmark in Juneau. Prior to being transformed into a restaurant, the structure had a lengthy past as a boat repair business, a storage facility, and a hangar for seaplanes. The restaurant’s interior design honors this past with antique photographs and memorabilia with an aviation theme.

What to Expect: With breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Gastineau Channel, The Hangar on the Wharf provides a distinctive dining experience. The menu offers a selection of salads, burgers, and sandwiches in addition to an array of seafood and American dishes, such as salmon, halibut, and Alaska king crab. There’s a complete bar at the restaurant as well, with a wide variety of Alaskan beers available on tap.

Information for Visitors: The Hangar on the Wharf is open every day for lunch and dinner, with seasonal hours. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for big gatherings. It is advised to make reservations, particularly during the busiest travel times.

The Hangar on the Wharf, which is situated on one of Juneau’s historic wharfs and has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the harbor, is probably the nicest restaurant in Juneau in terms of view.

Popular meals include the Seafood Medley, which features a sampler of fish like salmon and halibut baked in a beurre blanc sauce, and the Alaskan King Crab Legs, which are served with drawn butter for dipping. The restaurant specializes on wild Alaskan seafood.

Try the Grilled Caribou Sausage, which is produced with free-range caribou meat, and one of their delicious artisan cocktails, which are made with spirits that are distilled right there in Alaska, for a taste of real Alaskan food. The Hangar on the Wharf is one of the most romantic restaurants in Juneau, thanks to its stunning views of the Gastineau Channel and its cozy lighted tables.

Salty Pantry

Name and Location: Salty Pantry is a gourmet food store and cafe located in the Mendenhall Valley area of Juneau, Alaska. The store is situated in a small strip mall off Glacier Highway.

History and Significance: A group of local food aficionados formed Salty Pantry in 2017 with the goal of introducing unique cuisine items of the highest caliber to Juneau. Because of its well chosen assortment of handmade items, which includes cheese, charcuterie, olive oil, and vinegar, the store has rapidly become popular with both locals and visitors.

What to Expect: A friendly, neighborhood-focused setting with an emphasis on high-quality, sustainably produced food is what guests can anticipate at Salty Pantry. In addition to a range of locally produced goods from Alaska, the store sells gourmet food items purchased from small producers worldwide. Light breakfast and lunch cuisine, such as sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, are offered at the cafe.

Also see: 13 Best Restaurants in Vestavia Hills, Alabama

Tourist Information: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. are the hours of operation for Salty Pantry. Mondays are not open for business. Customers may purchase online for pickup or delivery, or they can shop in-store. There is a limited amount of sitting in the cafe, however there is more outside seating in the summer.

Salty Pantry is a great choice for a weekend breakfast or lunch in downtown Juneau because it serves an amazing brunch menu every day. The farm-fresh menu, which features locally sourced ingredients, includes dishes like Wild Alaskan Salmon Hash, which is topped with flawlessly poached eggs from chickens that are allowed to roam freely.

Another highlight of their menu is the Dutch Baby, which is a fluffy cooked pancake served with whipped cream and seasonal fruit compote. The interior of Salty Pantry is decorated with sky blue walls, marble-topped bistro tables, and sputnik chandeliers, and an abundance of natural light is let in by the enormous picture windows.

Salty Pantry is a quintessential Juneau dining business because of its laid-back vibe and delicious meals made with the wealth of the area.

Twisted Fish

Name and Location: Twisted Fish is a seafood restaurant located in downtown Juneau, Alaska. The restaurant is situated in a historic building on Franklin Street, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks.

History and Significance: Since 2003, Twisted Fish has provided Juneau locals and tourists with fresh fish that has been caught nearby. The eatery is renowned for its dedication to sustainability and helping out the farmers and fishers in the area.

What to Expect: Twisted Fish is a casual, friendly restaurant that specializes in fresh, premium seafood. The menu offers salads, sandwiches, and burgers in addition to a selection of Alaskan seafood specialties like salmon, halibut, and king crab legs. In addition, the restaurant features a full bar with a variety of Alaskan beers and house mixed drinks.

Information for Visitors: Twisted Fish is open every day for lunch and dinner, with seasonal hours. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it suitable for big gatherings. It is advised to make reservations, particularly during the busiest travel times.

Tucked away in one of Juneau’s most historic and recognizable buildings from the early 1900s, Twisted Fish blends regional Alaskan cuisine with a touch of the world thanks to the varied backgrounds of its award-winning chefs.

Popular dishes include the Alaskan paella, which has salmon and chorizo sausage, fresh-caught seafood used in the Alaskan bouillabaisse, and halibut tacos served on tortillas cooked in-house.

Whether you’re in the mood for seafood like the miso glazed salmon bento box, wild game dishes like their soft bison meatloaf, or just a hearty sandwich topped with shaved ribeye, their extensive menu offers something for everyone. The lively, multicolored décor of Twisted Fish complements its lively, internationally-inspired food.

Salt

Name and Location: Salt is a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska. The restaurant is situated in a modern, upscale space on Seward Street.

History and Significance: The purpose of Salt, which launched in 2017, was to elevate Juneau’s dining scene to a new level of gastronomic refinement. The eatery is renowned for its creative, internationally-inspired cooking that highlights the finest regional products from Alaska.

What to Expect: Salt offers a sophisticated dining experience that emphasizes inventive, exquisitely prepared cuisine. The menu offers a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian alternatives and is updated seasonally to showcase the freshest local foods. In addition, the restaurant offers a wide variety of craft drinks and an extensive wine list.

Information for Visitors: Salt is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. Mondays and Sundays are closed at the restaurant. Due to limited seating, reservations are strongly advised. The restaurant requires sophisticated casual clothing.

The sophisticated yet relaxed dining area of Salt, housed inside the landmark Alonzo Pierce Block Building in downtown Juneau, is the perfect setting for Executive Chef Steve Howell’s seasonally-focused tasting menus.

The daily rotating menus feature dishes such as the seafood tower, which is filled with oysters, spot prawns, smoked salmon that is perfectly done, and Alaskan king crab. The restaurant sources only the best ingredients from local vendors.

More unusual dishes that highlight Chef Howell’s dexterity and talent include pheasant filled with reindeer sausage, duck liver pâté, and caribou tartare.

Salt’s sommelier carefully matches each course with a wine that enhances the flavors. Salt is the go-to restaurant in downtown Juneau for a special occasion supper because of its sleek, contemporary design and open kitchen.

Amalga Distillery

Name and Location: Amalga Distillery is a craft distillery and tasting room located in the Starr Hill neighborhood of Juneau, Alaska. The distillery is housed in a renovated historical building that was once a theater and later a bakery.

History and Significance: Two Juneau locals who were passionate in artisan spirits created Amalga Distillery in 2018. The Amalga Harbor, a tiny inlet close to Juneau renowned for its immaculate water quality, is the source of the distillery’s name. The first distillery to open in Juneau since Prohibition is Amalga Distillery.

What to Expect: Amalga Distillery offers visitors a distinctive and instructive tasting experience in a warm, neighborhood-focused setting. The distillery uses ingredients that are sourced locally whenever possible to create a range of artisan spirits, such as vodka, whiskey, and gin. In addition to specialty drinks and light bites, the distillery’s goods are sampled in the tasting area.

Information for Visitors: The Almalga Distillery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for tastings and tours. By appointment, distillery tours are offered. There is a little amount of seats in the tasting room, and in the summer there is more outdoor sitting.

Amalga Distillery, the first distillery to launch in Juneau, has garnered multiple accolades for its handcrafted whiskey, gin, and vodka brewed with glacier water and malt from Alaskan grains. Amalga not only runs a top-notch distillery but also has a bustling restaurant and tasting area that you shouldn’t miss when you’re there.

The menu offers inventive pizzas baked in their stone oven, fresh Alaska fish grilled over an Alderwood fire, and elevated pub fare like the Reuben sandwich served with house-cured pastrami.

Of course, Amalga’s spirits steal the show, with their Jupiter gin and single malt whiskey aged in charred oak barrels, as well as vodka infusions with aromas like salted caramel and dried elderberry. Enjoy a classic Juneau experience by sipping an Amalga cocktail and dining on delectable food that is locally sourced while admiring Mt. Roberts from the back deck.

V’s Cellar Door

Name and Location: V’s Cellar Door is a wine bar and small plates restaurant located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska. The restaurant is situated in a cozy, underground space on Seward Street.

History and Significance: The purpose of V’s Cellar Door, which debuted in 2014, was to give Juneau access to a sophisticated, urban-style wine bar. The restaurant is well-known for both its inventive small plates menu, which is updated seasonally, and its vast wine list, which includes wines from all over the world.

What to Expect: A cozy, romantic ambiance with an emphasis on good wine and cutting-edge cuisine is what guests at V’s Cellar Door can anticipate. A selection of sharing small plates, such as seafood dishes, flatbreads, and charcuterie, are available on the menu. More than 100 wines are offered on the list, many of which can be had by the glass or in taster flights.

Information for Visitors: Wednesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. is when V’s Cellar Door is open. Tuesdays and Mondays are closed at the restaurant. It is advised to make reservations, particularly on weekends. The restaurant requires sophisticated casual clothing.

Located in an alleyway behind V’s Italian and Mexican eateries in downtown Juneau, V’s Cellar Door offers gourmet wine dinners featuring seasonal delicacies that transport guests to a quaint, catacomb-like ambiance.

Chef Victor de la Cruz’s multicourse extravaganzas promise an intimate dining experience with just one shared table that seats twelve people. Every element, from flavor to presentation, is carefully considered. The menu changes daily depending on what premium ingredients are available, utilizing foraged greens from Chef Victor’s garden plot, game brought in by local hunters, and seafood from nearby fisherman.

Also see: 13 Best Restaurants in Eagan, Minnesota

Every expertly prepared dish is paired with fine wines from across the world. Nothing compares to V’s Cellar Door for a genuinely unforgettable fine dining experience in Juneau, with its secluded location and air of occasion.

Zen’s Downtown Diner

Name and Location: Zen’s Downtown Diner is a casual, Asian-inspired restaurant located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska. The restaurant is situated on Front Street, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks.

History and Significance: The purpose of Zen’s Downtown Diner, which launched in 2019, was to improve Juneau’s dining environment by offering excellent, fresh Asian cuisine. The restaurant is run by a family and takes care in utilizing ingredients that are as close to home as possible.

What to Expect: Zen’s Downtown Diner is known for its bold, Asian-inspired cuisine and its laid-back, friendly ambiance. Both vegetarians and meat lovers can choose from a selection of noodle meals, rice bowls, and small plates on the menu. In addition, the restaurant serves a variety of specialized drinks, including bubble tea.

Information for Visitors: Zen’s Downtown Diner is open Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There isn’t much seating at the eatery, but it does provide alternatives for takeout and dining in. Reservations are not accepted at this restaurant.

After a few days, if you find yourself craving something other than wild Alaska salmon and fresh seafood and are merely in the mood for a substantial stack of pancakes or crispy bacon for breakfast, Zen’s Downtown Diner is a no-fuss greasy spoon that serves large amounts quickly.

Featuring a soda fountain, Zen serves 50’s 50-style diner meals, including thick burgers, golden chicken fried steak, and substantial sandwiches on thick-cut bread, all accompanied by endless cups of coffee. This is the perfect way to refuel before spending a full day visiting Alaska’s capital city.

The mood for tasty, well-executed no-frills classics is set by the black-and-white images of historic Downtown Juneau juxtaposed with the red and white checkered floors.

Sandbar and Grill

Name and Location: Sandbar and Grill is a casual beachfront restaurant located on the waterfront in Douglas, Alaska, just across the Gastineau Channel from downtown Juneau.

History and Significance: Since its opening in 2005, Sandbar and Grill has gained popularity among both locals and visitors. The eatery is well-known for its fresh, locally caught seafood, relaxed ambiance, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the canal.

What to Expect: Fresh, straightforward seafood meals are the main attraction of Sandbar and Grill, which offers a laid-back, beachy atmosphere. Together with burgers, sandwiches, and salads, the menu offers a selection of Alaskan seafood dishes, such as salmon, halibut, and crab legs. A wide range of Alaskan beers are available on tap at the restaurant’s well stocked bar.

Information for Visitors: Sandbar and Grill is open every day for lunch and supper, with seasonal hours. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and in the summer it’s very common to hang out on the outdoor deck. During busy hours, there may be lengthy waits, and reservations are not accepted at this restaurant.

Sandbar and Grill is located in Sandy Beach, just a short drive north of Juneau’s downtown, and it offers stunning views of Fritz Cove from its waterfront location. The seafood is really good here, especially the halibut fish and chips and the cioppino, a tomato-based seafood stew full of clams, mussels, salmon, and other seafood. The restaurant specializes in simple but well-executed classics.

Menu mainstays like the Grilled Pork Chop with grilled pineapple on top or the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib served au jus will delight carnivores. The food is the main attraction, but Sandbar’s enormous windows let in an abundance of breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and ocean, making for an unforgettable dining experience.

With a friendly, neighborhood bar atmosphere and daily offers like $4 margaritas on Tuesdays, Sandbar’s picturesque deck is a great place to spend a day or evening taking in the scenery.

The Pearl Cafe

Name and Location: The Pearl Cafe is a cozy, intimate restaurant located in the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska. The restaurant is situated in a historic building on Seward Street, just a short walk from the Alaska State Capitol building.

History and Significance: Since its 2005 opening, the Pearl Cafe has grown to be a well-liked local destination recognized for its inventive, fresh food and cozy, welcoming ambiance. A husband and wife pair that is dedicated about using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients owns and runs the restaurant.

What to Expect: A focus on tasty, fresh food is served in a warm, romantic setting for guests of The Pearl Cafe. The menu offers a range of fish, pork, and vegetarian options and is updated seasonally to showcase the best of Alaskan ingredients. The eatery also serves a variety of artisan drinks and has a limited but well-curated wine list.

Information for Visitors: Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. is when the Pearl Cafe is open for dinner. Mondays and Sundays are closed at the restaurant. Due to limited seating, reservations are strongly advised. The restaurant requires sophisticated casual clothing.

Nestled within a quaint historic Victorian mansion painted a delicate daffodil yellow, the Pearl Cafe provides homestyle comfort food made with seasonal, locally foraged products, and employs people with disabilities.

Every day, they produce dishes like their well-known green chili, housemade granola with Greek yogurt and fruit, and quiche with wild mushrooms and leek. They have a weekly Farmers Market Brunch on Sundays, where they serve dishes like breakfast tacos and sourdough waffles, all accompanied by live music.

The nonprofit Pearl Cafe offers community education programs about homesteading and sustainable agriculture in addition to gainful employment. Thus, have a panini for lunch or a morning scones with the knowledge that your purchase helps Juneau residents directly and fosters a welcoming neighborhood.

Westmark Bar and Grill

Name and Location: The Westmark Bar and Grill is a casual restaurant located in the Westmark Baranof Hotel in downtown Juneau, Alaska. The hotel is situated on Franklin Street, just a short walk from the cruise ship docks and the historic district.

History and Significance: Since its opening in 1939, the Westmark Baranof Hotel has stood as a significant landmark in Juneau. Despite a number of modifications over the years, the hotel has managed to retain its classic elegance and charm. For several decades, both locals and visitors to the hotel have enjoyed the company of the Westmark Bar and Grill.

What to Expect: Classic American cuisine is the main focus of the informal, friendly atmosphere of the Westmark Bar & Grill. A wide range of salads, sandwiches, appetizers, and entrees are available on the menu, including seafood dishes from Alaska such salmon and halibut. The eatery also features a full bar with a rotating menu of house brews and creative cocktails.

Information for Visitors: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served every day at the Westmark Bar and Grill. Lunch is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., supper from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition to having a private dining area for parties and special occasions, the restaurant provides alternatives for takeout and dining in.

The Westmark Bar and Grill, housed inside Juneau’s conveniently located Westmark Hotel, provides informal dining in a pub-style setting with an emphasis on fine cuisine, handcrafted beer, and wine. Open daily, enjoy the wide selection of burgers, flatbreads, steaks, and seafood on the menu along with breathtaking views of the Gastineau Channel from the floor to ceiling windows in the dining area.

Their Wild Alaskan Salmon Salad, which combines vibrant greens and berries with a maple balsamic vinaigrette, is one of their highlights. Another is their Juneau favorite, Beer Batter Fish ‘n’ Chips, which are produced with fresh Alaskan cod that is crispy-fried in an amber beer batter from the nearby Alaskan Brewing Company.

Over the years, Westmark Bar and Grill has established itself as Juneau’s go-to destination for carefree dining, cocktails, and entertainment. Both hotel guests and Juneau locals enjoy the nightly live music, which is performed by excellent local musicians.

Conclusion

This selection of restaurants showcases what makes Juneau’s culinary landscape unique, from ultra-fresh Alaskan seafood and foraged ingredients in high-end cuisine to hearty comfort food served by greasy spoon diners.

Due to the isolated capital’s need for self-sufficiency, there are strong ties between eateries looking to source locally and a lively community that supports creative dining ideas.

Juneau offers a wide variety of exceptional dining options, perfect for treating your taste buds to a fine dining experience while you take in the breathtaking surroundings of America’s final frontier. These options include brunch at a quaint cafe, handmade drinks on a picturesque terrace, and multicourse wine dinners in a secret basement.

Thus, the next time you’re in Alaska’s capital city, avoid the tourist traps and instead visit these 12 top eateries that highlight the wide range of culinary options available in this far-flung yet rapidly-emerging culinary destination. Later on, your stomach will appreciate it.