Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, may be small in size but delivers a burst of flavor when it comes to food. Nestled on the Gastineau Channel, this charming coastal port offers a surprising array of culinary delights.
Juneau’s restaurant scene caters to diverse tastes and budgets, offering fresh seafood and international fusion. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship, save your appetite to enjoy Juneau’s tasty food, from its famous king crab legs to salmon donuts!
We’ve explored the local restaurants on our many visitors to bring you the best dining experiences in Juneau. Whether craving king crab at Tracy’s King Crab Shack or savoring innovative dishes at SALT, this lively culinary landscape offers something to satisfy every taste.
Be aware that some places may not be open if you visit Juneau, Alaska in April, early May or October. Many eateries in downtown Juneau open and cater to cruise passengers and open during Alaska cruise season.
Dining Experiences In Downtown Juneau
In downtown Juneau, we found diverse culinary delights, from the best grab-and-go street food to fine dining restaurants. Disembarking our ship, we didn’t have to walk far to enjoy great beer, delicious seafood, and unique Alaskan flavors.
Here are some of our favorites worth trying.
Hangar On The Wharf
Hangar on the Wharf is known for its stunning views of the harbor and mountains. This unique Juneau eatery offers a delightful blend of fresh seafood, and its halibut dishes are hard to beat.
Their tempura halibut fish and chips, featuring a light, crispy batter, is a local favorite. We also recommend the Alaska halibut burger and macadamia-crusted halibut, which has a wonderful crunch.
The restaurant’s large windows provide stunning views of the waterfront and Gastineau Channel. It’s the perfect spot to watch the seaplane action and see the ships in the harbor.
Red Dog Saloon
The Red Dog Saloon has been serving patrons since the mining era. Today, its iconic establishment oozes with a lively ambiance. Stepping into the Red Dog Saloon feels like traveling back to the Gold Rush era.
There’s so much to love about the Red Dog, from its swinging saloon doors, and sawdust floors, to its unusual memorabilia, complete with prized Wyatt Earp pistol and black bear climbing a pole.
Don’t be surprised to find a lineup at the door. Many who go there go for its signature drink, the “Duck Fart,” made from Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish Cream, and Crown Royal Whiskey.
While known more for its drinks and entertainment, the Red Dog Saloon also offers hearty pub fare. Try their elk sliders or reindeer sausage for a taste of Alaska. The walls adorned with historical photos and memorabilia provide endless conversation starters.
The Rookery Café
North of the Red Dog Saloon, the Rookery Café is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a cuppa. Their breakfast menu shines with locally sourced ingredients and creative twists on classic dishes.
The Eggs Benedict is a must-try, featuring house-made hollandaise and perfectly poached eggs. For the budget-conscious, several full breakfast options are available for under USD 10.
Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate their selection of expertly brewed coffees and a variety of teas. Choose from black, rooibos, green, and pu’erh.
If you prefer just a brew, this quirky café has an excellent selection of pastries to accompany your coffee.
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
As the name suggests, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the go-to spot for king crab in Juneau. They have two locations: one near the Juneau Cruise Ship terminal Dock (CT) and the other further north at 300 Whittier Street.
Their casual, no-frills atmosphere lets the seafood take center stage. As one of the top locations to try crab in Alaska, its buckets of legs satisfy any seafood craving. But don’t just order the legs; the award-winning bisque is rich and creamy with excellent crab flavor.
We enjoyed the atmosphere of hearing the bell ring every time someone ordered a bucket.
Its South Franklin Street venue always attracts a crowd, and finding a long queue at its dockside location is shared. However, the line moves quickly, and their service is fast.
Alaskan Crepe Escape
If your stay in Juneau commands a busy schedule, head to 139 S Franklin Street. This outdoor patio area features a few food trucks, all worth trying.
Alaskan Crepe Escape offers a delightful twist on traditional breakfast and lunch options. We love their diverse menu of sweet and savory crepes, all made to order. Who can resist their funky names like Mendenhall Medley, Juneau Gem, or Gastineau?
The latter is a tasty crepe filled with salmon chunks, cheeses, salmon dip, and spinach.
Try the “Berry Good” crepe topped with fresh local berries and whipped cream for dessert. The outdoor dining makes it a perfect spot for a quick bite on a warm day.
Deckhand Daves
Undoubtedly, the busiest food truck at this location is Deckhand Dave’s, and for good reason. Deckhand Daves has quickly become our go-to spot for fish tacos in Juneau. Like Tracy’s, expect a long line at lunchtime, but their tacos are worth the wait.
Their beer-battered halibut tacos, topped with tangy slaw and house-made sauce, are a local favorite. Being Celiac, I loved that I could order the blackened rockfish tacos, which are naturally gluten-free.
With a full-service bar, patrons can enjoy an Alaskan brew under large umbrellas. We found it the perfect place to grab a quick bite after hiking the Gold Creek Flume, a popular trail in Juneau.
Grumpy’s Delicatessen
Grumpy’s Delicatessen is our favorite spot for hearty sandwiches in Juneau. It’s conveniently located in the Senate Building at 175 S Franklin Street. The building also features a lovely tea shop, my favorite quilt store, and a few gift vendors.
Their “Bubba’s Melt” sandwich, loaded with turkey and cheese on sourdough, is a standout. We also love their Troxel’s Reuben, piled high with house-made corned beef.
The deli features a raw juice bar with fresh fruit smoothies, raw juice, and wellness shots. Grumpy’s Delicatessen has two locations, one downtown and the other in Mendenhall Valley.
Sacred Grounds Café
Sacred Grounds is our top pick for coffee in downtown Juneau. While their location isn’t near the cruise port, it’s a great stopping point when walking to Tahku: The Whale Project.
Sacred Grounds is owned and operated by the Tlingit and Haida tribes. The coffee shop serves drinks and breakfast and lunch selections.
Their skilled baristas craft excellent espresso drinks using locally roasted beans. We love their signature “White Mocha,” which features white chocolate and “Alaska Fog” tea with a splash of peppermint.
The cozy interior, filled with local artwork, features a small shop with native-made handicrafts and clothing lines.
Salt
If you’re looking for fine dining in Juneau, look no further than Salt. This establishment has garnered attention for its innovative approach to seafood and local ingredients. Unlike other local restaurants, it is only open for dinner.
Salts commits to sustainability and a menu that reflects the unique taste of Alaskan cuisine.
Salt’s cuisine isn’t just about the cuisine but also about the exquisite presentation of each dish. From its pasta entrees and butcher-cut steaks to its kalamata olive bread, everything tasted wonderful.
Jellyfish Donuts
Jellyfish Donuts brings a touch of whimsy to downtown Juneau’s culinary scene. This isn’t an ordinary donut shop but one with creative flavors and colorful designs that are forever evolving.
Their donuts are made fresh daily, ensuring a light and fluffy texture. We love their seasonal specials like pumpkin spice cheesecake, but for an authentic taste of Alaska, go for salmon and cream cheese.
If you think salmon on a donut sounds weird, check out their daily specials with cereal toppings. So, move over glazed donuts and welcome ones with Trix, Fruity Pebbles, Cap’n Crunch, and Fruit Loops.
Jellyfish Donuts lovers can find another location in Ketchikan, Alaska.
Alaska Fish & Chips Company
Located in the same building as the Hanger on the Wharf, Alaska Fish & Chips Company at the Flight Deck serves more than fish.
Beyond the halibut and chips, smoked salmon chowder, and fish tacos, why not try the reindeer corn dog?
Twisted Fish
While Tracy’s King Crab Shack is the better-known venue for crab, there’s another excellent option. Twisted Fish offers a quieter location on South Franklin Street if you want to avoid the crowds.
We liked that it had more than crab legs, with a diverse menu of seafood, steak, and salads. While we tried the king crab, the oysters were just as good and locally sourced.
Their drink menu is equally interesting: Aurora Berry-alis, Alaska Thunder Punch, or Silver Salmon Martini, anyone?
Places To Eat Outside Of Downtown Juneau
Sandbar & Grill
The Sandbar & Grill Restaurant serves some of the best fish and chips in Juneau. It’s a great stop on the way to Mendenhall Glacier.
We love their crispy, golden batter, and flaky white fish, always fresh from local waters. The generous portions and casual rustic setting make it a favorite among locals and tourists.
Their tartar sauce is house-made, adding a zesty kick to the classic dish. Don’t miss their other seafood offerings, including halibut tacos.
Gold Creek Salmon Bake
The all-you-can-eat Gold Creek Salmon Bake is the best place in Juneau for an authentic Alaskan BBQ. Nestled in a picturesque forest setting, this outdoor event offers all-you-can-eat freshly grilled salmon, complemented by a variety of traditional sides.
We watched the grill master cooking the coho salmon, which we could eat plain or with honey butter. The outdoor venue has covered tents and propane heaters, ensuring guests stay warm and dry during bad weather.
The venue also offers chicken or ribs as an alternative to salmon. I was amazed at the gluten-free selection. Be sure to leave room for their blueberry cake.
Pucker Wilson’s
When we’re craving a great burger, Pucker Wilson’s never disappoints. Their hand-formed patties are made from locally sourced beef and cooked to perfection. The “Glacier Burger,” topped with blue cheese and bacon, is a standout choice.
We appreciate their selection of local craft beers to pair with the burgers. The calming atmosphere and friendly staff make it a comfortable spot for casual dining. Don’t forget to try their hand-cut fries, which are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
