We enjoy eating out when we travel. We tried to utilize the hotel free breakfast for 60% of the time since food in Alaska tended to cost more. These are the places we went and what we thought — of course your experience my vary.
Alaska Chopped and Chowdered – Justin got the Alaskan Rustic Clam Chowder with garlic bread and Denise got Fish Tacos (she decided she would eat some fish on vacation if the menu was limited….and we went to another place prior to this also with no vegetarian option). The atmosphere of the restaurant was clean and crisp. The wait staff was friendly and attentive when needed. We were there off peak, so it was mostly empty, maybe 8 other tables, but it was also quiet which was nice. Having only had fish two other times in the last 6 years, I was a little nervous for my tacos, but they were great. There were two large tacos with a slaw and pickled red onions that complemented the rock fish, and having chips and salsa was a nice salty crunch. Justin’s clam chowder was good and warming. They have 4 types of chowder there and an option for a flight of 3 smaller portions.
Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria – We went here because it is also home of the Broken Tooth Brewery (no tasting room, they only have their beer in their three restaurants). We were shocked with how busy it was, and we didn’t have reservations. We ended up sitting at the bar. The beer was refreshing, and the pizza selection was large, even as a vegetarian it was hard to pick from the 9 options. I ended up with the La Cabrita (pictured on right) with Marinated roasted Roma tomatoes, spinach, goat cheese, herbs, mozzarella, provolone, garlic oil. The crust was the kind I enjoy. Justin got the All-American with Pepperoni, ground beef, green peppers, crimini mushrooms, black olives, red onions, mozzarella, provolone, marinara (on left). Later in the week I heard someone say this place is a tourist trap; A local told me it is their favorite pizza place. I don’t know what it was, but it doesn’t matter, the pizzas were good and so was the beer. I could have easily gone back and tried a different pie.
Orso – Made a reservation, which was good, the place was packed. The service was a little slow, but the food was good. We selected the fried ravioli as an appetizer. I got the vegan risotto with vegan sausage, and it had such great flavor, it might have been my favorite meal in Anchorage. Mine came with some sauteed vegetables and some thick asparagus which was cooked perfect I gobbled it up. Justin got the Seafood Spinelli which is skewered.
Humpty’s – No reservations. Place was packed. Ended up sitting outside in the back on a picknick table near a heater (it was cold and windy). The server was attentive. I got the Salmon on a Plank. The Salmon was cooked fine, the rice pilaf was good – what was disappointing was the asparagus which lacked flavor (maybe comparing it to the night before is the mistake). Justin got the reindeer meatloaf with the veggies, which looked, and tasted like, frozen veggies that was boiled with no flavor or seasoning . He said the meatloaf was pretty good, and actually preferred his dinner here over his dinner at Orso.
Crow’s Nest – Atop the Captain Cook hotel sits a restaurant with sweeping views of Anchorage. Reservations are needed, restaurant is for 16+, and it is business casual. As with all of our travels, we try to incorporate at least one “nice” restaurant. We were sat on the Cook Inlet side and continued to admire the water. It was here that we realized there are no boats in the inlet. This may be because it is close to the military bases, and/or maybe the water is shallow. I don’t know. We started with fried olives — and OMG these were delicious; I never had a fried olive before, but liking green olives this was happy in my mouth. Justin started with oysters, they were huge. I almost got the grain bowl, trying to not eat fish again, but the grain bowl didn’t seem too exciting. I am more visual, maybe if I saw it on someone else’s table, but going by the menu description, I opted for the black cod with jasmine rice, fermented green grape, bok choy, and a sesame walnut crumble. The ingredients went very well together and I was not disappointed. Making it even better was some non-alcoholic drink I got that was refreshing. Justin got the Salmon with the red pepper coulis, chorizo hash, and watercress.
49th State Brewery – Reservations are only for the winter, and being on the cusp of summer, it was first come first served. Place is three stories and was so busy and loud. We were seated on the second floor which was a little quieter. Service was slow, but again, they were so busy. The beer was good. I got the Vegan Bowl, and after eating so much fish, I so much enjoyed the veggies. The bowl was big and filling and had a great sauce on it. Justin got the Buffalo Meatloaf, and his coworker got the Halibut and Chips which he said was good.
Biscuit Club – On the backside of a plaza, the Biscuit Club is an order at the counter, bring to the table type place. Their menu is somewhat small, with a focus on breakfast with a biscuit. The line was long and steady, a show that this place was going to be good. I ordered the Sammy, a biscuit sandwich with an egg and cheddar cheese and a morningstar vegan sausage patty. Justin got the Benny that included the biscuit, 2 eggs, sausage (or other meat) and sausage gravy. The sandwiches were messy, but delicious.
