An Insider’s Guide To Dining in Juneau, Alaska
This article, An Insider’s Guide to Dining in Juneau, Alaska, is part 3 of a 3 part series entitled An Insider’s Guide to Juneau, Alaska: The Arts, Shopping and Dining.
Dining in Juneau
Alaska is considered a remote and simple place by many, mostly by people who’ve never actually traveled there and have heard or seen romanticized stories of rugged land, frozen lakes, cold waterfronts and cloud-crowned, snowy peaks. And while yes, that Alaska does in fact exist, it is not the only Alaska people might experience. There are places in Alaska that possess a surprising level of refinement and sophistication and offer varied amenities to visitors. Whether it’s enjoying a fine spa or resort, touring gorgeous luxury waterfront property, discovering numerous treasures in unique shops, or taking in a masterfully performed opera, concert or play, there is far more to Alaska than its obvious natural beauty and splendor.
Unbeknownst to many, Juneau, Alaska (the state’s capital) is home to many of these surprises, including a large array of wonderful Alaskan dining experiences that offer local seafood specialties. Ranging from simple to classically elegant, you can find whatever your palette desires and more, usually within a reasonable walk from the downtown waterfront district.
Fine Dining
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The Gold Room
Dubbed the “Jewel of Juneau”, the Westmark Baranof Hotel was built to rival the most lavish hotels of the day. A historic property, The Baranof serves as home for visitors and dignitaries from around the world as well as legislators and corporate travelers doing business in Juneau. Located downtown within walking distance of the capitol, cruise ship docks, shops and state offices, treat yourself to a meal in the Baranof’s renowned Gold Room, a white linen restaurant that offers the finest dining experience in Juneau – and quite possibly – in all of Alaska.
The Gold Room offers an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere that is as comfortable as it is elegant. An art deco motif (in suitably golden hues) is complimented by beautifully presented meals, works of visual art as much as they are culinary masterpieces. Executive Chef David Morehead created his signature Alaskan dish – Halibut Macadamia – during his current 8-year tenure at the Gold Room. A delectable combination of seared fresh Halibut covered in butter sauce and roasted macadamia nuts, it is served with roasted garlic Yukon Gold potatoes. For those that crave red meat, the Gold Room is also famous for its Black Angus filet, a sinfully tender cut served in a demi-glaze with prosciutto wrapped asparagus and roasted garlic Yukon Gold potatoes. Offering a wide variety of meals that accommodate all diets, including vegetarian (the tempura battered asparagus is another unique and delectable creation), the Gold Room’s finely trained wait staff offers service as excellent as the food. If you want to stop in to simply enjoy a cocktail or appetizer, visit the adjoining Bubble Room lounge to experience this historic property’s famous ambiance and architecture.
Reservations for dining are recommended. In addition to the main dining room which seats 60, the Gold Room offers private rooms for parties of up to 18 people.
Waterfront/Waterview Dining
The Hangar on the Wharf
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Juneau, Alaska is all about fantastic waterfront and mountain views, and The Hangar on the Wharf is no exception. Taking advantage of its prime waterfront property location, this local restaurant favorite is aptly named as it occupies what used to be an old seaplane hangar. Built on pilings extending out into and over the water, the restaurant offers the best view Juneau has to offer. On sunny warm days, visitors can dine on the outside deck in the company of spectacular views of Mount Jumbo, Mount Roberts and the mouth of the Taku River.
The Hangar on the Wharf is located in Juneau’s historic Merchants Wharf Mall which used to be the home of Alaska Coastal Airlines in the 1940′s. The seaplane hangar is a landmark in aviation history. Famous pilots such as Will Rogers used to land their aircraft in front of the Hangar during their great northern expeditions. The restaurant’s photo gallery museum contains many historic photos for guests to peruse.
Established in 1996, The Hangar offers a comfortable, casual dining experience. Though its menu is diverse, its most popular dishes are delicious local seafood creations. If you’re hungering for King Crab Legs, Alaskan Salmon or other delicacies from lake or ocean and want to enjoy them in a family-friendly dining atmosphere, this is the place to visit. Also famous for its large variety of microbrews, The Hanger’s pub boasts over 100 beers for sale, with over 20 on tap and a full service bar.
T.K. Maguire’s
Located in The Prospector Hotel, T.K Maguire’s is a casual restaurant that is popular with the locals and enjoys the reputation of having “Juneau’s Best Friday Buffet.” Completely renovated in December of 2007, T.K. Maguire’s most popular dish is their Prime Rib, with their Alaskan King Crab (served both for lunch and dinner) following a very close second. Their menu contains many local seafood favorites, and is varied enough to offer delicious entrees to suit all tastes and preferences.
The dining room features views of the Gastineau Channel, Douglas Island and the Juneau waterfront as well as a gallery of historical mining photos from the State Historical Collection.
T.K.’s Pub, the adjoining lounge, is equipped with 3 bigscreen TVs so you can catch the Big Game or catch up on breaking news, and is furnished with oversized leather couches and chairs for a truly relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Twisted Fish Company
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The Twisted Fish Company specializes in fresh fish and seafood and offers waterfront views. Located next to the Mount Roberts Tramway in the Taku Smokeries building in downtown Juneau, the atmosphere is casual with a touch of elegance that makes it wonderful for both daytime and evening dining. Guests are treated to views of floatplanes landing and taking off from the Gastineau Channel. Unique to the Twisted Fish Company are Open Exhibition Kitchens, so you can watch as expert chefs prepare your meals.
Popular dishes include Alaskan Wild Salmon, Halibut and King Crab Legs with a wide variety of other entrees, salads and pastas. The restaurant’s bar offers the largest wine bar in Southeast Alaska with over 40 different wines available by the bottle or glass. Open seasonally from May through September, the restaurant services guests from 11 am to 10 pm seven days a week.
Cultural Dining
Alaskan Luau
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There are many cultural similarities between the indigenous peoples of Polynesia and the indigenous peoples of Alaska. In celebration of this unusual kinship, the Alaskan Luau restaurant offers a mix of authentic dishes and live entertainment from each culture for a unique dining experience.
Family owned, the Alaskan Luau features “Legendary Drums”, a live drum and dance show that tells “a story that unites the cultures of Polynesia with the Alaskan Tlingit.” Drums are important forms of expression in each culture, particularly in ceremonies of celebration. “Legendary Drums” will take you on a journey through time as it tells the story of two nations separated for hundreds of years and then joyfully reunited in song and dance.
Specializing in native Alaskan and Polynesian food, the Alaskan Luau offers delicacies like butter dipped Alaskan Crab, Huli Huli Chicken and Kalua Pig. Food is offered in a lavish buffet, and seating is banquet style in a large hall that contains the dance stage. Pricing is dependent on whether you dine, see the show, or both. Children under 6 are free. Alaskan Luau is located on Egan Drive near the waterfront and Cruise Ship docks. Shows usually run Monday through Friday in the evenings, and reservations are recommended.
There is also a gift shop on the premises with many handmade cultural gifts for sale, as well.
Casual Dining
Tracy’s King Crab Shack
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Tracy’s King Crab Shack isn’t really a restaurant, though you can sit down next to the waterfront and enjoy amazing, fresh Alaskan King Crab and other crab delicacies (like Crab Cake sand Tracy’s famous King Crab Bisque) right next to Tracy’s large, outdoor pushcart kitchen. Open only in the summers (understandably) from May through September, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a famous local venue where you can purchase King Crab legs individually and eat as many as your stomach can handle. Tracy’s King Crab Shack serves all manner of king crab dishes, but the eating isn’t fork, knife and plate style, it’s paper, napkins and finger style. Don’t let the causal demeanor of this outdoor kitchen fool you though, the tastes of Tracy’s concoctions rival many of the best seafood restaurants in the area. Mentions in Food & Wine Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Maxim testify to Tracy’s culinary genius. And if you want to take some of his amazing creations home with you, Tracy will happily pack and ship them to your front door.
Located at 356 S. Franklin Street in Juneau, Tracy’s King Crab Shack is hard to miss. You’ll find just southeast of downtown and located adjacent to the cruise ship docks. Just look for lots of smiling folks milling about and happily munching on giant King Crab legs.
Thane Ore House Salmon Bake
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If you’re looking something with a decidedly “Alaskan Outdoors” flair, then look no further than the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake. Dubbed a “dining experience” rather than a “restaurant”, the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake has been in business for 25 years and offers unique outdoor seating (though heated indoor seating is available on rainy days). Located in the historic town site of Thane, you’ll enjoy fresh wild king and sockeye salmon, baked to perfection, along with delicious, moist wild halibut. A large help-yourself salad bar and homemade side dishes compliment your entree. Seating is picnic style: large seat benches and tables are situated on the waterfront with beautiful views of ocean and mountains. After your meal, you might enjoy walking the beach, relaxing by the fireplace, chatting to the staff about the local history, or touring the Thane Ore House Salmon Bake Museum which houses maps, tools, photos and other objects from the famous Alaska Gastineau Mine. Free transportation is provided from Juneau’s cruise ship docks and downtown hotels.
Sources:
http://www.traveljuneau.com/cms/d/dining.php
http://www.westmarkhotels.com/juneau.php
http://hangar.hangaronthewharf.com/
http://www.alaskanluau.com/#!
http://www.prospectorhotel.com/restaurant.htm
http://www.thaneorehouse.com/index.html
http://www.kingcrabshack.com/
http://twistedfish.hangaronthewharf.com/
