Eating Out

Alaska is best known for its seafood, particularly king salmon, halibut, king crab, and shrimp, and you'll find fine seafood on the menu in virtually any coastal Alaskan town. At the open-air, often all-you-can-eat salmon bakes in Juneau, Tok, Denali National Park and Preserve, and Fairbanks expect excellent grilled salmon and halibut.

Anchorage has the greatest diversity of restaurants, including classy steak houses, noisy brewpubs, authentic Thai and Mexican eateries, and a wide variety of other ethnic places.

Paying

Credit cards are widely accepted in resort restaurants and in many restaurants in major towns like Anchorage. Many small towns have only one or two eateries; some establishments may not take credit cards.

Reservations and Dress

During summer high season make reservations as soon as and wherever possible, especially in the Southeast. We specifically mention reservations only when they are essential or when they are not accepted. For popular restaurants, book as far ahead as you can (often 30 days), and reconfirm as soon as you arrive.

Alaska is a casual place. Cruise ships are probably the only places you'll encounter formal wear, though some of the pricier lodges may have dress codes for dinner. We mention dress only when men are required to wear a jacket or a jacket and tie.

Wines, Beer, and Spirits

Alcohol is sold at liquor stores in most towns and cities along the road system, as well as in settlements along the Inside Passage. Alcoholism is a devastating problem in Native villages, and because of this many of these Bush communities are "dry" (no alcohol allowed) or "damp" (limited amounts allowed for personal use, but alcohol cannot be sold). Check the rules before flying into a Bush community with alcohol, or you might find yourself charged with illegally importing it.

Alaska's many excellent microbrews include Glacier BrewHouse, Silver Gulch, Sleeping Lady, Kodiak Brewery, and Moose's Tooth. The state's best-known beer, Alaskan Amber, is made by Alaskan Brewing Company in Juneau.

Anchorage is home to several popular brewpubs, and their beers are sold in local liquor stores. Homer Brewing Company in the town of Homer sells its beers in local bars or in take-away bottles. You'll also find brewpubs in Fairbanks, Haines, Skagway, and Wasilla.