12 Best Restaurants in Juneau, Juneau, the Inside Passage, and Southeast Alaska

A former park in the middle of downtown Juneau has been transformed into a vibrant outdoor food court thanks to Deckhand Dave, a commercial fisherman who has acquired a loyal local following for his foodtruck-prepared rockfish and halibut tacos. The backyard patio atmosphere includes tents, heat lamps, firepits, and a ship-shaped bar. If fish tacos aren't your thing, visit Dave's neighbor, the Crepe Escape.

Alaskan king crab—a not-to-be-missed Alaskan delicacy—is the specialty of popular Tracy's. There's often a line to place your order, but the wait is entirely worth it. The owners also operate an event space on the waterfront for large group rentals (for up to 100 people, it's $330 per hour not including food) and a Crabby Store where you can arrange to have a box of crabs shipped back home. 

In the heart of quiet Douglas, across the bridge and a couple of miles from downtown Juneau, this family diner has Formica tables and a menu that includes omelets, sandwiches, kids' favorites, and burgers that are often cited as the best in the city. This is a good choice for those seeking an alternative to downtown Juneau's midsummer crowds.

Trees, mountains, and the rushing water of Salmon Creek surround the comfortable, canopy-covered benches and tables at this authentic, all-you-can-eat salmon bake operated through Alaska Travel Adventures. After dinner you can pan for gold in the stream, wander up a hill to explore the remains of a gold mine, or roast marshmallows over a fire.

Established in 1974, Heritage Coffee serves locally roasted coffees, along with gelato, fresh pastries, and a variety of sandwiches. The flagship store sits on the corner of Front and Seward Streets, while other locations include smaller cafés at 230 South Franklin and 124 South Franklin (inside the Baranof Hotel), a branch inside Foodland IGA market, the Glacier Cafe in the Mendenhall Valley, and a kiosk at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Fast service, a full bar, views of Gastineau Channel, and occasional live music have turned this Douglas pub into an area hot spot, but the real draw is pizza: thin, 13-inch focaccia crusts prepared fresh daily, topped with creative ingredients, and baked in a copper wood-fired oven. If you don't get too full, try a dessert pizza—bizarre, but surprisingly good.

This crunchy natural foods market with a weekday buffet offers an ever-changing selection of hot entrées, salads, soups, and pizza, along with self-serve coffee and freshly baked breads. Check their website for a daily menu, and arrive at 11 am for the best choices; a few tables are available inside.

Upscale American and Mediterranean fare is served at Salt, one of Juneau's nicest dining options, and though it's a bit pricey, the ambience and service make it worth the extra expense. It's also a good spot to stop for a cocktail if you can snag a spot at the tiny bar in the back. As with many Juneau restaurants, the service can be outstanding or maddening depending on the night; it's not recommended for those in a hurry.

Crowded with locals and travelers, the Hangar occupies the building where Alaska Airlines started business, and though flight-theme puns (e.g., "Pre-flight Snacks" and the "Plane Caesar") dominate the menu, the comfortably worn wood and the vintage airplane photos create a casual experience that trumps the kitsch. Every seat has views of Gastineau Channel and Douglas Island, and on warm days you can sit outdoors.

This lively café fills up quickly at noon with locals on lunch break, making it a great place for people-watching while munching on a salad. You can also grab a great breakfast here, including fresh-baked pain au chocolat, buttermilk corn cakes, and Stumptown coffee. 

This busy and bright café in the Aak'w Village District, about a five-minute walk from the center of town, is a popular destination for brunch on weekends. It's also a good choice for lunch if you're visiting the state museum, as it's less than a block away.

Downtown Juneau's liveliest eatery, housed in a log-frame waterfront building adjacent to the base of the Mt. Roberts Tramway, serves fish as fresh as you'll find. Grab a seat on the deck and enjoy prime-time Gastineau Channel gazing over a glass of wine or locally brewed beer.