We are prepared to come in like a lightning bolt and drop some pretty alarming information on you. These absolutely incredible restaurants are not only filled with yummy food and great service, but they are loaded with tons of local history. On top of all that good stuff, many of these hot spots have been around since even before Alaska was officially a part of the United States.

Although the great 49th state of Alaska was granted U.S. statehood on January 3, 1959, the restaurant craze had already caught on and these eateries were truly the pioneers of their time. Pretty amazing, huh? We think so, too! We are so proud to have such dedicated business owners and team members alike throughout our many unique and varying communities in the Last Frontier.

1. Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant – Anchorage
Flickr - Richard Toller
Address: 4333 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99517.
Yelp - John S.
This famous landmark located in Alaska's largest city of Anchorage has been in bustling business for over 30 years. Locals know this spot as being the best place in town to fill up on a hearty, home-style breakfast after a long night out on the town. It might not be anything fancy from the outside looking in, but the food will blow you away and the service will have you at hello!
2. Olivia’s Bistro at the Historic Skagway Inn – Skagway
Yelp - Br O.
Address: 655 Broadway, Skagway, AK 99840.
Yelp - Yvonne A.
The oldest restaurant in the state of Alaska that you'll definitely want to visit. This historic B&B and restaurant building in Skagway was built in 1897 to help support the needs to the incoming Gold Rush industry workers and family members. Today, Olivia's Bistro operates out of this historic building located in the Klondike Gold Rush National Park Historic District of Skagway. Visitors have raved about the amazing halibut fish tacos and the mouthwatering seafood chowder.
3. Club Paris – Anchorage
Flickr - Scott Lowe
Address: 417 West 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501
Yelp - Michael R.
It's totally and completely impossible to deny that this is one of Alaska's very best steak houses in history. It was originally built in the 1920s for other purposes before it was finally re-opened as a restaurant in the mid 1950s. The interior is very charming and romantic, yet filled the atmosphere screams historic charm.
4. The Pump House – Fairbanks
Yelp - Jake S.
Address: 796 Chena Pump Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Yelp - Xiaoquing S.
The moment you step inside this restaurant you will feel as if you've instantly been transported back in time. The gold-rush-era relics and ornate mahogany bar are just oozing with 1890's historic charm. The Pump House as you see it today was reconstructed in the spring of 1978 and is known for having some of the best wild Alaska seafood in the entire state. With views overlooking the Chena River, you won't be able to resist a visit here as often as humanly possible.
5. Gwin’s Lodge – Cooper Landing
Yelp - Ryan B.
Address: 14865 Sterling Highway, Cooper Landing, AK 99572.
Yelp - Wei Wei J.
This historic spot located in the heart of The Kenai, Alaska's Playground was established in 1952 and is the oldest roadhouse still in business on the entire Kenai Peninsula. As a seasonal favorite to locals coming to the area to enjoy the world-renowned fisheries, visitors enjoy the good selection of beers and burgers that can be found here. The service is fun and friendly as well!
6. Salty Dawg Saloon – Homer
Yelp - Adam F.
Address: 4380 Homer Spit Road, Homer, AK 99603.

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Yelp - Patrick M.
Although this isn't exactly a place you'd go to load up on a three course meal, it is an awesome local watering hole with immense history. The building was constructed in 1897 and through the years it has severed many purposes. From a grocery store, to a post office and even a trading post - the Salty Dawg has seen it all. After the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, the establishment was moved to its current location on the Homer Spit.
7. Lucky Wishbone – Anchorage
Yelp - Paul D.
Address: 1033 East 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Yelp - Joanne P.
After opening in 1955, the Lucky Wishbone quickly grew popularity in Alaska's largest city of Anchorage. Serving some of the best malt milkshakes in the state, this is a family friendly place where you need to show up with a hearty appetite. You won't be able to stop yourself from digging into the fried chicken, liver, giblets and French fries.
8. Hanger on the Wharf – Juneau
Yelp - The Hangar On The Wharf
Address: 2 Marine Way #106, Juneau, AK 99801.
Yelp - The Hangar On The Wharf
This premier waterfront restaurant in Alaska's capital city of Juneau offers great food, cold beer, friendly service and a million dollar view overlooking the water. The original hangar near the restaurant was lost to a fire from a welding torch spark back in 1939. The facilities were rebuilt in 1940 and the restaurant's current location inside the Historic Merchants Wharf once served as an aircraft hangar for many of the local float plane operators.
9. Talkeetna Roadhouse – Talkeetna
Yelp - Sarah V.
Address: 13550 East Main Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676.
Yelp - Annalise D.
Visitors to this historic circa-1917 "stopover" roadhouse can't get enough of what can be found inside. Fun and lively service with fresh, hearty, homemade food. Open all year round and known as one of the best breakfast joints in the entire Last Frontier. You will be charmed from first glance to your last bite.
10. AJ’s Old Town Steakhouse – Homer
Yelp - Tanice M.
Address: 120 West Bunnell Avenue, Homer, AK 99603.
Yelp - AJ's Old Town Steakhouse
As one of the oldest establishments in the 'halibut fishing capital of the world' this historic building was built by Frank Beers in 1941. Over the years it has gone through several hands of ownership and has a long withstanding history in the community. Today AJ's is a beloved steakhouse owned by Adrienne and Alex Sweeney and has food so good that you're guaranteed to get addicted.
11. Peggy’s Restaurant – Anchorage
Yelp - Steve P.
Address: 1675 East 5th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Yelp - Crystal B.
Head to East Anchorage where you'll find this sweet little gem with a totally unassuming exterior. This place known for great pies and hearty Alaskan style food has been in operation since 1944, and Peggy herself actually operated it for the first 20 years. So much history, and such much good food just waiting to be gobbled up.

For more good eats, be sure to check out these epic 23 places you should eat in Alaska in 2017. Also, here are 13 incredible places you can eat in Alaska for under $10 bucks.

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