Where To Eat In Skagway: Seafood, Pubs, And Treats
Skagway may be tiny, but it’s packed with big adventures. Ride the legendary White Pass Railway. Explore the history of the Gold Rush on the Chilkoot Trail. And while just 900 people call this historic town home, the dining scene surprised us.
Cruise passengers who step off the ship for the day won’t go hungry. Skagway serves up strong coffee, fresh pastries, and plenty of sweet treats for travelers darting between excursions. Whether we want a quick bite or a sit-down meal, we are spoiled for choice.
Even better, many eateries sit within walking distance of the Skagway cruise dock. That means less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking up Skagway’s charm. Grab a snack, sip something local, and taste a little slice of Alaska before heading back on board.
The town’s compact downtown area makes restaurant hopping easy, whether you’re seeking fresh Alaskan salmon, locally brewed beer, or quick breakfast options.
Food And Drink On The Go
The town offers several excellent grab-and-go establishments. They serve everything from artisan coffee to fresh pastries, ideal for early mornings or between excursions.
Glacial Coffee House
Glacial Coffee House (336 3rd Ave) is a popular coffee shop, a few blocks north of the White Pass train station. The Skagway coffee house serves high-quality espresso drinks and specialty coffees.
Along with coffee, there are fresh pastries and baked goods, and quick breakfast options. The location attracts heavy foot traffic, so we recommend visiting during off-peak hours.
We liked the fact that they offer a tour lunch option, with advance notice. We recommend these packaged meals when riding the train or renting a car and taking a road trip to Emerald Lake in the Yukon.
Grizzly’s General Store
Grizzly’s General Store serves as both a convenience store and a quick food stop for travelers in need of supplies or snacks. Their location at 362 5th Avenue makes it easy to stock up on essentials before a hiking excursion in Skagway.
The store carries standard convenience items alongside local Alaskan products. Available items include:
- Pre-made sandwiches and wraps.
- Hot beverages and bottled water.
- Trail mix, energy bars, and snacks.
Lucy’s Bakery
Lucy’s Bakery offers fresh-baked goods that we consider among the best places to enjoy morning treats in Skagway, Alaska. Their early opening hours accommodate cruise passengers and day-trippers with tight schedules.
While the bakery has two locations, one at 380 5th Avenue and 565 Broadway Ave, the latter is the better option. We sometimes found the smaller shop on 5th Ave closed.
The bakery specializes in traditional baked goods with some Alaskan twists. We tried their fruit scones and flourless chocolate cookies, both equally delicious.
Klondike Doughboy
Klondike Doughboy creates one of Skagway’s most distinctive portable treats using traditional Navajo fry bread techniques. We consider this a must-try experience that captures Skagway’s quirky frontier atmosphere.
We found the fry bread similar to Beaver Tails, sold in Canada, or Elephant Ears, popular in the Midwest. The fried bread is served piping hot, topped with cinnamon sugar. We recommend ordering one portion for every two people unless you have enormous appetites.
Expect a crowd at their location (326 3rd Ave) every day of the week. While we went for the fried bread, the small shop sells shaved ice, soap, teas, and other Alaskan souvenirs.
Kone Kompany
During hot weather, the crowd gathers at 499 Broadway, home to the Kone Kompany. As the same suggests, the shop offers ice cream, frozen treats, cooling smoothies, and handmade fudge.
Who can resist their Dewy Peaks, Soapy Smith, Glacier Swirl, and Moose Tracks fudge? Their comical door stop made me look twice – yes, it’s a dropped, melted ice cream cone!
Menu features:
- Traditional ice cream cones.
- Milkshakes, sundaes, and plant energy drinks.
- Gourmet nuts, fudge, and chocolates.
Skagway Bars And Pubs
Skagway’s bar scene offers a blend of historic Gold Rush atmosphere and modern hospitality. Establishments serve local brews alongside hearty pub fare.
Skagway Brewing Company
The Skagway Brewing Company on 4th Street was recommended to me by a local. It’s the town’s premier craft brewery destination, with their Blonde Spruce Tip being their signature ale.
They flash-freeze the young spruce tips, allowing them to brew the ale year-round. Not sure what beer to order? Go for a flight instead.
The brewery serves elevated pub food that pairs well with its craft beers. I loved that their fresh ingredients are grown upstairs in their large aeroponics garden. It produces 250 lbs. of fresh greens weekly, making it a sustainable restaurant.
I tried their blackened southwest salad with grilled chicken. It had a nice kick, with a great dressing, and I found the half portion filling. In a town where fresh vegetables are rare, this venue was a big hit!
For sustainability, its Spruce Tip Ale, and freshly picked greens, I rate this venue as one of the best restaurants in Skagway. Although, it was a bit pricey.
The Station Bar & Grill
The Station Bar & Grill occupies a converted railway building that honors Skagway’s transportation heritage. We appreciate how the venue maintains its historic railroad theme throughout the interior design.
Their menu combines classic bar favorites with Alaska-inspired dishes and daily specials. The mermaid burger (halibut) and crab cakes showcase local Skagway food options.
The bar offers creative cocktails, a curated wine list, and a selection of beers from Alaskan Brewing Co., Denali Brewing, and Klondike Brewery.
Live music performances take place regularly during the peak season. The venue attracts both cruise ship visitors and locals, creating a lively mixed crowd.
The Red Onion Saloon
The Red Onion Saloon operates from an authentic 1898 brothel building, preserving genuine Gold Rush history. We consider it Skagway’s most historically significant drinking establishment.
Period furnishings and vintage photographs create an immersive atmosphere reminiscent of the Old West. The upstairs museum displays artifacts from the building’s colorful past.
Their drink menu features its signature shot, the Reindeer Fart! The reindeer fart is a variation of the duck fart, made with Kahlua, Baileys, and Peppermint Schnapps.
The saloon serves traditional bar meals, including wraps, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and starters. It’s not about the food or drink but enjoying the atmosphere of a former brothel. Be sure to do the quick tour of their brothel museum upstairs.
Seafood
Skagway offers exceptional seafood restaurants featuring fresh local catches, including halibut, salmon, and crab. The town’s seafood venues range from casual outdoor dining to specialized fish houses.
Skagway Fish Company
For those who do not want to walk far from the cruise port, the Skagway Fish Company is located next to Skagway’s Railway dock. The restaurant specializes in locally sourced fish and shellfish.
We recommend trying their fresh halibut and wild salmon dishes as a more affordable option than crab.
Their menu features:
- King crab bisque.
- Alaskan oysters.
- Seasonal crab offerings.
- Steamed clams and mussels.
The restaurant offers gorgeous mountain views across Lynn Canal.
Woadie’s South East Seafood
Woadie’s South East Seafood operates a casual walk-up restaurant with outdoor seating. The menu is simple, with a variety of fish, crab, and oysters.
It’s one of the best places to enjoy crab in Alaska. We didn’t mind the outdoor tented setting, and their large propane heaters kept the chill off on a cold day.
We tried king crab and liked that they gave us real shears to cut the shell, rather than the plastic tool that requires more work. The crab was cooked to perfection and satisfying after a long morning hike.
Woadie’s partners with Klondike Brewing Company for beer selections. The restaurant sits slightly off the main tourist strip, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.
The Salty Siren
Located next to the Skagway Fish Company at Railway dock, the Salty Siren focuses on fresh Alaskan seafood with harbor views. It’s an ideal lunch venue after riding the White Pass train.
We recommend their peppered prawns with bleu cheese bread – the perfect combo for sharing. Their ale-battered fish and chips are equally good, with a crispy coating.
Their seafood selections typically include fresh salmon, halibut, and seasonal crab varieties. The kitchen prepares dishes using traditional Alaskan cooking methods.
Other Skagway Restaurants
If seafood isn’t to your liking, Skagway offers other choices.
Bombay Curry
Bombay Curry brings authentic Indian flavors to Skagway’s historic downtown area. The restaurant specializes in traditional curry dishes, tandoori preparations, and vegetarian options that provide a welcome alternative to seafood-heavy menus.
They can adjust the spice level to accommodate different preferences. The restaurant operates seasonally during the months when cruise ships are in port. Portions are generous, and we thought their prices were reasonable for Alaska.
Popular dishes include:
- Chicken tikka masala.
- Lamb vindaloo.
- Vegetable biryani.
- Naan bread varieties.
Their location on 5th Ave makes it easily accessible for those exploring Broadway’s shops.
Olivia’s Bistro
Located further down Broadway Street, Olivia’s Bistro is in the historic Skagway Inn. However, non-guests are welcome to dine there. Its location, away from the busy area, ensures a quieter dining experience.
Olivia’s Bistro offers upscale dining with a focus on contemporary American cuisine and fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal menu changes and locally sourced components when available.
While it offers the usual fish and chips and crab, there are other choices. Choose from meatballs, various flatbreads, pastas, and vegetarian dishes. And finish with baked Alaska! Now, nothing can be more Alaskan than that.
