Found beneath a snow-capped mountain, surrounded only by hiking trails, wildflowers and icy waters, Juneau is unlike most capital cities. Visiting the city on a cruise to Alaska is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever take and, when you arrive, there’s plenty waiting for you.
Juneau’s food scene is vibrant. Along with traditional eateries serving the freshest Alaskan seafood, eclectic fusion restaurants have popped up, creating new takes on the country’s classic dishes. To help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city, we have created a guide to the best restaurants in Juneau:
Juneau’s food scene
Despite its remote location, the city’s food scene has blossomed in recent years. Juneau Food Tours, a company offering culinary experiences in downtown Juneau, is proof of this increased interest in food and drink in the capital. We caught up with owner Midgi to find out more; “The food scene has changed tremendously over the past five to six years. We can actually pinpoint what the catalyst was. Travis Smith, Owner of The Rookery Café, wanted to start a dinner menu. He brought in Chef Beau Schooler. Chef Beau is a two-time James Beard nominee, and through his talent and skills, created a dinner menu that excited Juneau residents. From there, restaurants realised that dining was more than food, it was an experience and we were quite happy to support that experience. Juneau currently has a plethora of unique dining options ranging from the sophisticated Salt, casual fish tacos and beer at Deckhand Dave’s to the comfortable, friendly dining experience of Hangar on the Wharf.”
Alaska is famous for its delicious fresh seafood and, perhaps surprisingly, its exceptional craft beer. We asked Midgi what people should try during their Alaska cruise; “When visiting Juneau, I think it’s a must to stop at Tracy’s King Crab Shack for her award-winning crab bisque. I’d also recommend anything at Deckhand Dave’s or V’s Cellar Door and we have a new waterfront place, Pier 49, which boasts a fantastic view.
“As far as drinks go, a stop at the Amalga Distillery is always fun. Owners Brandon Howard and Maura Selenak distil their own gin, aptly named Juneauper Gin, as well as their own tonic. They forage Juneau’s coastline and forest for botanicals to use in the cocktails and each batch is just a little different but always tasty.
“New on the beverage scene is The Narrows Bar, which is a chic, small cocktail bar featuring fine spirits. I definitely recommend the Manhattan or my personal favourite, the Rattlesnake. For something old school, don’t miss The Imperial Bar (which was established in 1891), as well as the Super Tots from Front Street Café. Lastly, swing by the Alaskan Bar, where one can get an Alaskan beer in the Alaskan bar served by an Alaskan. It’s what we call the trifecta of visiting Juneau.”
Juneau’s best restaurants
Alaska Fish & Chips Company
2 Marine Way, Suite 124 Juneau, AK 99801
In the heart of downtown Juneau, Alaska Fish & Chips Company is a firm favourite among locals. Whether you want to try Alaskan crab cakes, fish tacos or salmon burgers, there’s something for all seafood fans here. Meat lovers can opt for the hand-dipped corn dog with reindeer sausage. The eatery also boasts an impressive selection of local craft beers from the likes of the Alaskan Brewing Co., Denali Brewing, Midnight Sun Brewing Co. and Silver Gulch. Take a 6-minute walk from the port to reach the restaurant.
Deckhand Dave’s
139 South Franklin St. Juneau, AK 99801
Owned and operated by a former commercial fisherman, it comes as no surprise that Deckhand Dave’s is one of the best places to enjoy seafood in Juneau. Tuck into delicious halibut, salmon or rockfish tacos with red cabbage slaw, pico de gallo and cilantro or panko-breaded salmon with fries, just moments from the port.
Hangar on the Wharf
2 Marine Way, Suite 106 Juneau, AK 99801
Overlooking the surrounding mountains and the Gastineau Channel, a visit to Hangar on the Wharf is highly recommended by locals. Serving warming Alaskan halibut chowder for cold days, delicious stuffed sandwiches and unique dishes like the wasabi salmon burger, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit your taste here. Wash it down with a refreshing glass of Alaskan craft beer. Hangar on the Whar is just a 3-minute stroll from the cruise port.
In Bocca al Lupo
120 2nd Street, Suite B Juneau, AK 99801
If you’re in the mood for Italian food during your cruise to Juneau, head to In Bocca al Lupo. The restaurant’s name is Italian for ‘into the wolf’s mouth,’ a way to wish someone good luck. Tempting wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta feature on the menu at In Bocca al Lupo, one of Juneau’s newest eateries, which is only an 8-minute walk from the cruise port.
Salt
200 Seward Street, Juneau, AK 99801
Modern restaurant Salt has been praised for its creative approach to Alaskan cuisine. Using fresh seafood, butcher cut steaks and seasonal ingredients to create its unique menu, Salt is an exciting place to stop by for dinner on your visit to Juneau. Expect dishes such as herb brined pork shoulder and king crab risotto, paired with exceptional wines.
The Rookery Café
111 Seward Street, Juneau, AK 99801
Voted the number one restaurant in the 2014 and 2015 Juneau Empire Readers’ Choice Awards, it’s safe to say The Rookery Café is well-loved in the city. Stop for breakfast to enjoy an Alaskan twist on the classic eggs benedict with Amalga Distillery Juneauper gin-cured sockeye salmon or pop by for a warming coffee and cake while exploiting the city. The café also serves lunch and dinner.
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
432 S Franklin Street, Juneau, AK 99801
This popular Juneau eatery was the brainchild of Tracy who moved to the city in 1996 and immediately fell in love with crabbing and the fishing industry. Oh her website, Tracy says, “I found crab fascinating, the pulling of the pots, the cleaning of the crab, cooking, the scenery, the company and, of course, the taste of the crab was awesome.” In 2006, Tracy decided to follow her dreams and start a business selling delicious crab. Today, you can enjoy mouth-watering king crab dishes at Tracy’s King Crab Shack, which is just a 2-minute walk from the port.
V’s Cellar Door
222 Seward Street, Juneau, AK 99801
If you’re not a seafood fan or you fancy trying something different, visit the Mexican-Asia fusion restaurant, V’s Cellar Door. Its spectacular menu includes burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos, all influenced by Asian cuisine. If you just can’t decide what to order, take a peek at V’s Fusion Favourites on the menu. This eclectic eatery is just an 8-minute walk from the cruise port.
