20 Amazing Seward Restaurants You Need to Try on Your Trip
When Daniel and I decided to explore Kenai Fjords National Park and check out some of the many other things to do in Seward, we were also ready to get some good grub at some of the best Seward restaurants close by. Think homey, comfort food with some pretty incredible seafood thrown in. We were really surprised at how many options were available in the small town of Seward, and we had a blast jumping from restaurant to restaurant trying to make the most of our time there. Seward is definitely a seafood lover’s paradise!
Seward restaurants you won’t want to miss
You don’t want to miss these awesome Seward restaurants on your trip to Kenai Fjords National Park!
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Chinook’s Bar and Grill
1404 4th Ave
+1 907 224 2207
Chinook’s Seafood and Grill is located right in the harbor offering pleasant water views while you eat. From the outside, you might mistake this restaurant as a storefront due to its simplistic white and blue exterior.
The interior provides a modern feel with a nautical theme throughout. Expect to find a different menu each season with fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find a combination of tasty seafood, sandwiches, and steak on the menu.
Stop by on a night when they offer sushi–you’ll need to check Chinook’s Facebook page for updates on this. No reservations are taken, so make sure you’re not overly hungry when heading here as you may encounter a wait for your table.
The Sea Bean
225 4th Ave
+1 907 224 6623
Don’t head out on the town without stopping by The Sea Bean for a pastry and coffee. This intimate coffee shop was the first internet café in historic downtown Seward. The owners renovated a historical building using a nautical theme to create a cozy atmosphere where locals and visitors can socialize while snacking on treats.
Both vegan and gluten-free options are available, so it’s an excellent spot for those with dietary restrictions to stop by. Smoothies, tarts, sandwiches, and more are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day.
The Sea Bean is known for its paninis–I highly recommend the Nutella panini. It’s exactly what it sounds like and as delicious as you might think.
This café is open every day for your coffee, food, and fast internet fix.
Alaska Seafood Grill
1321 4th Ave
+1 907 422 0458
Alaska Seafood Grill is one of a few Seward, AK restaurants located in the harbor (like Chinook’s mentioned above). Alaska Seafood Grill offers fresh, high-quality fresh seafood items in a casual setting.
This restaurant is not just open for lunch and dinner; they also have a few options for breakfast, including breakfast burritos and sandwiches. Their fish and chips and seafood baskets are the best items on the menu.
There’s even an option for salmon, fish and chips–if it’s your first time stopping by, this is an amazing menu item to try. For those not big on seafood, there are burgers and chicken options. A kid’s menu is available as well, making this a family-friendly restaurant.
The Cookery
209 5th Avenue
+1 907 422 7459
If you’re seeking a special occasion option while staying in Seward, The Cookery should be at the top of your list of Seward Restaurants. This eatery has been open since 2015 and is owned by a husband-and-wife team.
The Cookery prides itself in serving locally sourced ingredients from seafood to meat, produce, and even “foraged finds.” If you have to choose just one item on their menu, opt for the fresh oysters. They’re delivered daily and served raw with pickled horseradish.
There are excellent wine and beer options available at The Cookery that pair perfectly with their entrees. There’s even an option on the menu to “buy the cooks a round” of drinks. This is if you find the food to be especially tasty during your visit.
Smoke Shack
Smoke ShackAddress: 411 Port Ave, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: +1 907 224-4789
Smoke Shack is one of the best restaurants in Seward. It’s located inside an old train car at the edge of the harbor. It’s only open for breakfast and lunch, so you’ll want to head here before 2 pm to try the delicious food options.
Smoke Shack features southern comfort food, perfect for refueling after a hike to Kenai Fjords National Park. There are only six booths, and there are no reservations, but the food is worth the wait.
Loud music pumps through the air as you enjoy homemade biscuits and gravy. There’s no wrong choice on this menu though the Carmelites and pulled pork sandwiches are raved about by locals.
Apollo Restaurant
229 4th Ave
+1 907 224 3092
When you have a craving for Mediterranean food, Apollo Restaurant will hit the spot. Here, you’ll find a combination of Greek and Italian cuisine, like hand-tossed pizzas. Other menu items include gyros, steak, seafood, and pasta dishes.
If you enjoy fishing, Apollo is one of the Seward restaurants that encourages you to bring your catch in to be cooked. The staff here is friendly and attentive. You’ll find this restaurant quite busy, though the food is prepared quickly so you won’t have to wait too long.
This food spot is on the pricier side; however, you’ll be happy with the number of menu items available.
Harbor Street Creamery
Harbor Street CreameryAddress: 307 S Harbor St, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: +1 907 224-8818
Of course, you need to stop by the local ice cream shop in Seward, especially on the warmer days. Harbor Street Creamery provides a cozy, homey feeling and is everything you want in an ice cream shop.
Harbor Street Creamery hosts an abundance of options ranging from shakes to malts, soft serve, sundaes, scoops in cones, and don’t even get me started on the toppings available!
There’s even an espresso machine if you want to swing by in the mornings for a pick-me-up. The ice cream flavors are not listed online, so you’ll need to stop by in-person to see what’s available.
You’ll be met with friendly staff and tasty dessert options. It’s also only a few blocks from the harbor, so you can walk there while enjoying your sweet treat.
Lighthouse Cafe
Lighthouse Cafe1215 4th Ave
+1 907 224 6091
The Lighthouse Café is the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch stop. It’s a small and cozy café/grill located across the street from the harbor. This is one of the more casual restaurants in Seward, AK.
You can order your food at the counter, then seat yourself. The food will be brought directly to you once it’s ready. Breakfast is served every day until 11 am and includes items like sourdough pancakes, quiche, and breakfast burritos.
As for lunch, you can choose to eat here or grab a to-go lunch box with a sandwich, chips, fruit, and a cookie. Tasty grill items, salads, and deli sandwiches are on the lunch menu.
Zudy’s Cafe
501 Railway Ave
+1 907 224 4710
Zudy’s Café is a cute spot with a large outdoor “porch” where you can sit and enjoy the weather and a coffee. The view of the water is incredible and a large reason that people stop by. The delectable desserts that are available are another reason.
Out of all of the Seward restaurants, Zudy’s Café has to be the most welcoming. It’s also an internet café, and it is run by an adorable married couple who met in Moose Pass, Alaska. Judy is the baker and brings new recipes to the menu each week.
Stop by or check out Zudy’s Café’s Facebook page for updates on their current offerings. Soups, salads, and humongous sandwiches are available for purchase as well. Some previous desserts include mini blackberry cheesecakes and mud pies.
Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant
Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant1316 4th Ave
+1 907 224 5606
Ray’s Waterfront Restaurant in Seward, Alaska, is located in the Seward Small Boat Harbor, where they hold wildlife tours. It’s the perfect seafood spot to eat at after finishing a tour.
This eatery offers gorgeous views of the water and snow-capped mountains. It’s also the winner of Alaska’s Best Restaurant award. Menu items include many seafood options like crab legs and steak and a few chicken dishes.
Ray’s is a spot that’s nearly always busy. If you plan on heading here, make a reservation for an early dinner. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and make sure you don’t miss out on the specials as there is a limited amount each day.
Woody’s Thai Kitchen
Woody’s Thai Kitchen800 4th Ave
+1 907 422 0338
Woody’s Thai Kitchen is one of the top five Seward restaurants to eat at. Locals love this spot for its tasty Thai food and large portions that are served. The eatery is named after Woody, the Stellar Sea Lion who was a beloved community staple.
Woody’s serves authentic traditional Thai food and curries in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. There are both spicy and mild dishes available, as well as vegan-friendly entrees. It’s essential to grab a craft brew while eating here as it perfectly complements the tasty food.
Enjoy one of the many available curries here (it’s what they’re known for!). The summer spring rolls are a delicious menu item as well – they’re light and filled with shrimp, chicken, fresh herbs, and veggies.
Firebrand BBQ
Firebrand BBQ1101 Third Ave
+1 907 491 0037
This restaurant in Seward, AK, offers Texas-style BBQ in a casual setting. Firebrand BBQ is located right on the side of the road, so be careful not to miss it when you’re heading here–though the bright yellow sign should jump out at you.
The restaurant owners hail from Texas, and when they moved to Alaska, they realized there were not many options for BBQ, and Firebrand was born.
You can enjoy all three meals here while sitting on picnic-style tables outside. Most meals include smoked meat of choice (brisket is a favorite) and a side of beans, coleslaw, or potato salad.
BBQ lovers will go crazy for this spot. There’s even a vegan menu item for those who are tagging along.
Klondike Pizzeria
308 North Harbor St, Seward, AK 99664
Phone: +1 907 224-4433
Sometimes all you need while visiting a new place is good pizza. Klondike Pizzeria is the best spot for personal size pizzas that are customized to your taste. They’re affordable – only $9 per pizza and allow up to five toppings.
Gluten-free crust options are available at this joint, as well as many different toppings. Be adventurous and try the deer or smoked salmon on your pizza. This is one of the Seward restaurants that won’t disappoint.
They serve their pizzas up fast here, so it’s great for a quick bite on the way to your next activity – like a hike or tour.
Gold Rush Bistro
Gold Rush Bistro203 4th Ave
+1 907 224 4782
Gold Rush Bistro is among the many Seward restaurants that offer exceptional seafood items. The interior of the restaurant is casual and extremely family-friendly.
While the menu is limited, what they offer is done well. The recommended menu items are fish and chips and their honey bacon sweet potato fries. Any seafood item that you choose here will knock it out of the park.
It can get busy on weekend nights, so expect about a 30-minute wait if you head here on a Friday or Saturday night. They may even let you add a dollar to the “been here” wall near the back of the restaurant.
Exit Glacier Salmon Bake
31832 Herman Leirer Road
+1 907 224 2204
Exit Glacier Salmon Bake is just a few minutes outside of downtown Seward. This is a great spot to head to if you’re planning on visiting Alaska during the summertime, as the restaurant is only open May through September each year.
This local food spot is near the Exit Glacier of Kenai Fjords National Park. It’s one of the best Seward restaurants to stop by after a hiking excursion – especially if you’ve worked up an appetite from hiking.
Exit Glacier also specializes in seafood, though many other items are available, including burgers, salads, steak, and sandwiches. They also offer microbrews and wines to sip with your dinner.
Resurrect Art Coffee House
Resurrect Art Coffee House320 3rd Ave
+1 907 224 7161
Resurrect Art Coffee House offers the best baked goods in Seward. You’ll find it easily by its bright red door, rainbow steps, and blue accented exterior. This coffee shop was originally a church years before and certain aspects – like the bell tower – give it away.
Freshly baked treats, including muffins, scones, and even bagels, are offered here every day. Of course, they offer excellent coffee drinks as well, such as the killer clown latte. Overall, the feeling inside is varied, bright, and fun.
Don’t miss out on the art inside – it’s created by local artisans and includes items like jewelry, handmade cards, and paintings. This spot is a perfect go-to for morning coffee and sweet bread.
Seward Brewing Company
139 4th Ave
+1 907 422 0337
Seward Brewing Company is a unique restaurant and brewhouse offering American-style food and craft beers. In fact, it’s the only brewhouse and restaurant in Seward. As a heads up, this restaurant is known for long wait times for food – it even says it on the menu!
They also intentionally don’t offer public wi-fi here. The restaurant wants to encourage people to socialize, relax, and enjoy their time here.
You’ll get a kick out of their sassy menu, which offers items like “Don’t you just have a Caesar?” Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are noted as well. It’s best to do what the menu suggests here – kick back and order a beer as you enjoy the lively conversation.
Seasalt Alaskan Bar & Grill
Seasalt Alaskan Bar & Grill133 4th Ave
+1 907 224 2221
Seasalt Alaskan Bar & Grill offers authentic Alaskan cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. This location is open seven days a week and boasts exquisite views of Resurrection Bay.
The seafood is locally sourced, so it’s best to head here if you’re a fellow seafood lover. Any dish with the fried halibut is the best option here as the breading is perfectly crispy and not too thick.
This restaurant does not take reservations, so head here early in the evening if you want to avoid a line. Specialty cocktails, beer, and wine are available to enjoy with dinner. This is one of the best Seward restaurants you can find in town. They’re open for lunch and dinner daily.
Thorn’s Showcase Lounge and Restaurant
208 4th Ave
+1 907 224 3700
Thorn’s Showcase Lounge and Restaurant is another excellent choice from available Seward restaurants. When you step into this location, you’ll feel as if you’ve gone back in time based on the decorations. The restaurant is filled with red leather chairs that roll–this is part of the restaurant’s quirky appeal.
The large bucket of butt is the showstopper at this food spot. It’s a delicious giant 14-piece/14-ounce bucket of halibut that is breaded with beer batter and fried. There are, of course, other menu items like burgers and sandwiches. Beer and wine choices can be chosen as well at this pub.
You can only try this restaurant during summer visits as it closes at the beginning of October each year and does not open until the following spring as the temperature rises.
Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie
Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie11786 Old Exit Glacier Road
+1 907 224 8706
Le Barn Appetit Inn & Creperie is not the same as the other local restaurants–it’s both a restaurant and lodging spot. Savory and sweet crepes are found here to satisfy your crepe cravings.
This local favorite has been in business since 1987 and is a family-owned and run business. It’s located in a large barn on the main level with accommodations on the higher levels and several smaller surrounding cabins and houses.
The restaurant’s interior feels cozy and inviting–it has the same vibe as walking into your grandma’s kitchen. You’ll feel right at home here as you dig into your giant fresh-made crepes. Try the crepe du jour for a tasty breakfast dish with reindeer sausage, spinach, cheese, and egg.
Have you ever visited any of these Seward restaurants? Let me know your favorites in the comments!
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