Originally Posted by
sounddesigner
Hi gang! I'll be visiting ANC for the first time later this week and I was hoping to hear back regarding local food ideas. What I'm looking for are places that serve that one specialty that brings people in. As an example, I'd love to hear stuff like:
"Man, I go to Chili Joe's once a week for a bowl of their reindeer chili."
Stuff like that. For the most part, I'm not a follower of the default "high price = good food" way of thinking and am not afraid to find the world's greatest breakfast burrito in the back of Mary's Lube and Tire Shop. Thanks in advance for any help, really looking forward to exploring ANC and the areas around the city!
Welcome to FT!
Just a few suggestions, none with muktuk or seal blood soup on the menu:
Arctic Roadrunner (aka "Local Burgerman") on Old Seward Hwy near International Airport Rd.: best burgers in Anchorage (IMO) and a real "locals" place. Order a Kodiak Special, an order of onion "pieces" (not rings) and something to drink, go sit by the creek and listen to your arteries harden. Magic. Cash only.
Aladdin's, on Old Seward closer to Tudor (i.e. closer to town): Some of the best Middle Eastern food you'll get in the US, never mind Alaska. Great family-run place with an interesting menu. In a strip mall.
Lucky Wishbone on E. Fifth, a ways past the Sheraton (hence sort of downtown-ish): Great fried chicken and shakes. I guess you'd call it a "diner" anywhere else. Guilty pleasure: load up at The 'Bone and take it back to your hotel room, where you can gorge in privacy.
If you really, really need Alaska kitsch, then Gwennie's on Spenard Road will more than meet your requirements. Order breakfast. Walk around the floatplanes at Lake Hood afterward to let things compact.
You will likely need a car for any/all of these.