There is just nothing like that nostalgia factor that kicks in after you get your first whiff of a home-cooked meal. As you’re instantly transported in time back to the good ol’ days when life was simple and you didn’t have a single care in the world, you can’t help but feel instantly comforted. These 10 mom and pop restaurants in Alaska serve meals that are truly to die for. Be prepared to get hooked!

1. Cosmic Kitchen – Homer
Facebook - Cosmic Kitchen
A mix of delicious Mexican food, seafood favorites, delicious baked goods and to-die-for sandwiches. This incredible small restaurant offers everything you need and more for the perfect meal. Visit their website for a full breakfast and lunch menu!
2. Donna’s Restaurant – Juneau
Facebook - Donna's by Kevin Kristovich
Tasty stick-to-your-ribs chicken fried steak meal is just one of the menu items that makes this place one of the best breakfast restaurants in town. So much good stuff! They even serve their breakfast menu all day! This diner lists their entire menu right on their website, so you pick out what you want before you even get there.
3. Dockside Café – Craig
Facebook - Dockside Cafe
There is just something special about a warm cheeseburger and a plate of fries after a day of fishing. Finish it off with a delicious coconut creme pie and you'll feel like you're in heaven. Follow along on their Facebook page to stay up to date with all of their delicious specials!
4. Gwin’s Lodge – Cooper Landing
Facebook - Gwin's Lodge
In one of the greatest fishing towns in Alaska just off the side of the Sterling Hwy is this gem of a restaurant. Enjoy huge burgers and traditional favorites that always taste like pure heaven! Get directions, view a menu, or a book a room right on their website.
5. Ludvig’s Bistro – Sitka
Facebook - Ludvig's Bistro
The rustic Mediterranean decor paired with a collaboration of freshly caught seafood items makes this spot truly special and uniquely Alaskan. Sitka is filled with special surprises! This awesome restaurant lists their whole menu on their website, along with hours of operation. Make sure to visit this hidden gem restaurant in Alaska next time you’re in town!

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6. Roses Café – Healy
Facebook - Roses Cafe by Mike Dorsey
In a land that is large and mighty, this little unassuming spot is what dreams are made of. Enjoy some of the best burgers on the planet before continuing on to Fairbanks or Denali. This cafe has everything you need for the best comfort meal of your life. If you’re thinking about where to eat in Alaska, head to this homestyle cafe.
7. Judy’s Café – Anchorage
Facebook - Judy's Cafe by Becky Cepriano
Home-style, stick to your ribs traditional favorites at this great little spot tucked away on the edge of the city. You can read all the raving reviews how how Judy’s is one of the best local restaurants in Alaska over on TripAdvisor.
8. Valley Hotel Open Café – Palmer
Facebook - Valley Hotel by Alice Smith
Where else can you get an excellent meal just about any time of day? Consistently great food and wonderful service to boot. No complaints here! Check out the menu, or even book a night at this historic inn, on their website.
9. Smoke Shack – Seward
Flickr - Tom Brady
Grab a hearty meal inside an old railroad car. This tiny spot is super unique and sure to satisfy! Customers rave about the cute decor and fantastic food. Stay up to date on their specials and hours of operation when you follow them on their Facebook page.
10. Rocky’s Café – Kasilof
Courtney Stanley
Enjoy delicious sandwiches, home cooked meals and excellent service. For dessert be sure to get a slice of homemade pie and a scoop of ice cream. This staple in Kasilof will serve you the best American diner style food on the Kenai Peninsula! Their extensive menu covers everything from eggs and toast to pizza!

Have you eaten at any of these mom and pop restaurants in Alaska? What did you think? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you a foodie who loves eating at the most delicious spots? You haven’t lived until you’ve tried at these 20 mouth-watering restaurants in the last frontier!

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More to Explore

Mom And Pop Restaurants In Alaska

Megan McDonald | October 01, 2020

Are there a lot of good restaurants in Alaska?

There are tons of amazing, award winning restaurants all over this huge and wonderful state. In fact, we have restaurants run by James Beard nominees, restaurants profiled in the NY Times Travel section, and more. Some restaurants are so popular the chefs have gone on and published cookbooks for their beloved recipes. We have fine dining to food trucks, and everything in between. Whatever kind of food you’re looking for you’ll most likely find, especially in Anchorage. Our largest city is our most diverse, and you can find almost everything that you might be looking for.

What is Alaska’s most known ingredient?

The world definitely recognizes Alaska for the seafood it produces. There is stunning, world-class seafood that is rated as some of the most delicious of its kind anywhere on the globe. Alaska salmon, King Crab, and more are sold at high prices and enjoyed greatly everywhere you can find it. The seafood here is cold-water seafood which is known for having the least amount of toxins and the highest amount of nutrients over any other kind of seafood. We are also somewhat famous for our use of reindeer meat, especially in our hot dogs. It’s a delicious alternative to beef, but unusual for most people in the lower 48.

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