17 Valdez, Alaska Restaurants You Won’t Want to Miss
You might think you can’t get a good meal in Alaska, but Daniel and I found that you can find some great options if you are willing to look. These Valdez, Alaska restaurants are perfect for any kind of diet–it’s not all American-style grub. Alaska surprisingly has some great Asian restaurants and, of course, some delicious salmon and seafood.
Valdez, Alaska restaurants you’re going to want to check out
Don’t miss these Valdez, Alaska restaurants on your Alaska road trip!
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Nat Shack
Nat Shack239 North Harbor Drive
+1 907 461 0336
Serving up some of the best Cal-Mex food you can find in Alaska, Nat Shack is a food truck and outdoor eatery situated on the harbor, right in the heart of Valdez. Offering a relaxed, upbeat atmosphere, this southwestern restaurant serves everything from artisan tacos to burritos, crunch wraps, taco salads, and shareable appetizers, including inferno fries and churro chips. There are even vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. Winner of TripAdvisor’s 2020 Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Award, Nat Shack’s food truck is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Valdez, Alaska.
Old Town Diner
Old Town Diner139 East Pioneer Drive
+1 907 461 8335
Most Valdez, Alaska restaurants are known for their seafood, but at Old Town Diner, the menu focuses more on a classic American staple – that of burgers. Formerly known as Old Town Burger, this small diner serves up a wide variety of hamburgers, including cheeseburgers, teriyaki burgers, southwest burgers, and even mini-burgers. These handmade burgers come piled high with some of the most delectable toppings and, of course, include a side of french fries. In addition to burgers, Old Town Diner also serves traditional American breakfast, offering favorites such as eggs and bacon, french toast, and biscuits with gravy. Conveniently located next to Eagle’s Nest RV Park, this diner is popular among locals and visitors alike.
The Fat Mermaid
The Fat Mermaid143 North Harbor Drive
+1 907 835 3000
Located in downtown Valdez, The Fat Mermaid is an American restaurant that offers an extensive menu with waterfront dining and a fully stocked bar. Here you can find everything from gourmet pizzas to sandwiches, seafood, salads, soups, freshly baked pastries, and a variety of breakfast options. With a focus on providing farm-to-table meals, The Fat Mermaid uses only locally sourced ingredients, purchasing all of their fruits and vegetables from farmers in the Valdez area. In addition, all their seafood comes straight off the boat right from the harbor down the road. Offering outdoor and indoor seating, as well as to-go options, this Valdez restaurant is a must-visit on your next trip to Alaska!
The Roadside Potatohead
The Roadside Potatohead255 North Harbor Drive
+1 907 835 3058
Open seasonally from May 1st to September 15th, the Roadside Potatohead, also known as The Potato, offers a menu unlike any other. In this case, the main attraction is the side dish! Their famous made-from-scratch, hand-cut curly fries dictate the entire menu and have become an integral part of any visit to The Roadside Potatohead. You can smother them in gravy or cheese, put them in your burrito, or add rosemary garlic to them and eat them plain – the choice is yours. No matter what you decide to do, your taste buds are sure to thank you! A favorite among locals, The Roadside Potatohead is one of the most unique Valdez, Alaska restaurants!
Mike’s Palace Ristorante
Mike’s Palace Ristorante205 North Harbor Drive
+1 907 835 2365
No matter what you might be craving, you’re sure to find it at Mike’s Palace Ristorante. Serving everything from seafood to pizza, steak, burritos, paninis, pasta, gyros, and burgers, Mike’s Palace Ristorante is an Italian, Greek, American, and Mexican restaurant all rolled into one! They even offer an extensive selection of wine and Alaskan beer and are known to bake up some of the most delectable homemade desserts that you can find in town. With unobstructed views of the Valdez Small Boat Harbor, Mike’s Palace Ristorante is one of the best Valdez restaurants for lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
A Rogue’s Garden
A Rogue’s Garden354 Fairbanks Drive
+1 907 835 5880
A Rogue’s Garden is a natural food store and cafe located in downtown Valdez. Open since 1990, this community staple offers gourmet deli items, bagels, freshly baked pastries, organic Alaskan espressos, and a smoothie bar. During the week, from Tuesdays to Fridays, the cafe expands its menu to offer lunch specials between the mid-day hours of 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. These special lunch menus change daily and include a variety of grilled paninis, homemade soups, and build-your-own sandwiches. With a focus on providing fresh and natural food, the cafe sources most of its ingredients from local and organic suppliers.
Magpies on the Fly Cafe
350 Galena Drive
+1 907 835 8377
There are many Valdez, Alaska restaurants, but few of them combine food and entertainment in the way that Magpies on the Fly Cafe does. Located in downtown Valdez, this cafe is a locally owned mobile coffee shop and bakery that partners with community organizations to host lively events. You can stop by to grab some food and enjoy everything from live music, to drag shows, open mic nights, trivia nights, farmer’s markets, and even live-action plays! Open seasonally from May to August, the cafe serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with a regularly changing menu that includes a full espresso bar and adult beverages.
Alaska Halibut House
Alaska Halibut House 208 Meals Avenue
+1 907 835 2788
Alaska restaurants are known for their seafood, and in Valdez, the Alaska Halibut House is the seafood restaurant to visit. Family-owned and operated for over thirty years, the Alaska Halibut House offers freshly caught seafood of all varieties, including halibut, salmon, prawns, clams, shrimp, and scallops. Two of their most popular dishes include their homemade clam chowder and fish and chips, which feature halibut fresh off the boat. In addition to seafood, the restaurant also offers sandwiches, burgers, and a fresh salad bar – so even if seafood isn’t your forte, you’ll still be able to find something delicious to sample at this restaurant downtown.
The Wheelhouse Bar and Restaurant
100 North Harbor Drive
+1 907 835 9111
There are a lot of Valdez, Alaska restaurants to choose from, but only one of them has the ability to offer guests waterside dining – and that would be The Wheelhouse Bar and Restaurant. Located within the Best Western Hotel, right on the harbor, The Wheelhouse Bar and Restaurant undoubtedly provides the best views in town. They also happen to serve up some pretty delicious food, offering everything from fresh Alaskan seafood to specialty burgers, pasta, sandwiches, soup, and salads. With a full bar, including a variety of Alaskan beer on tap, the Wheelhouse Bar and Restaurant is one place you don’t want to miss when you come to Valdez!
The Stampmill
The Stampmill 328 Egan Avenue
+1 907 835 1913
Offering the best pizza out of all the Valdez, Alaska restaurants, The Stampmill specializes in handmade, stone-baked meals that are made daily from scratch. Here you can find everything from baked sandwiches to strombolis, pasta, salads, a variety of appetizers, and, of course, pizza. When ordering up a pizza, you can choose from an extensive list of pre-selected toppings that include meat, chicken, and vegetarian options, or you can always create your own. Offering daily specials, Alaskan beer, and cider on tap, as well as a variety of bar games, The Stampmill is the perfect destination for dinner or a late-night snack.
Aunty Yum Yum’s
Aunty Yum Yum’s 239 Harbor Drive
+1 907 255 8424
Serving up authentic Thai in the heart of Valdez, Aunty Yum Yum’s is a food truck that promises not to disappoint! Offering everything from noodle bowls to spring rolls, curry chicken, pad thai, fried rice, and mango with sticky rice, it’s the perfect destination for lunch or dinner. There are even gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian options for those with dietary restrictions–meaning there’s literally something for everyone to enjoy. Using only the freshest ingredients, Aunty Yum Yum’s takes local Alaskan produce and transforms it into an authentic Thai culinary experience. It goes without saying, but Aunty Yum Yum’s is undoubtedly the best Thai dining establishment out of all of the Valdez, Alaska restaurants!
Fu Kung Chinese Restaurant
Fu Kung Chinese Restaurant207 Kobuk Drive
+1 907 835-5255
Offering the most authentic Asian cuisine among the Valdez, Alaska restaurants, the Fu Kung Chinese Restaurant is not to be missed! Serving a little bit of everything, it’s possible to find Japanese, Chinese, and Thai food at this diverse establishment. If you’re in the mood for Japanese, you can choose from a variety of sushi rolls and nigiri. Or if Chinese is more to your liking, you can grab some lo mein and chow mein. And for those who love Thai food, curry and pad thai are great options. Family-owned since the ’90s, Fu Kung Chinese Restaurant has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for years.
Valdez Bistro
101 Meals Avenue
+1 907 835 4445
Valdez Bistro offers the widest selection of international cuisine among the Valdez, Alaska restaurants. Here you can find everything from French to Korean, American, and Japanese fare. There’s also a wide selection of seafood, as well as a children’s menu and dessert offerings. Some of the restaurant’s most sought after items include the ribeye steak, an American favorite, and for those who prefer Korean, bulgogi beef. The restaurant even serves international alcoholic beverages, including sake from Japan and soju from Korea. With so many flavorful and exotic cuisines to choose from, you may just find visiting Valdez Bistro more than once!
TraDa’s Breakfast Diner
TraDa’s Breakfast Diner310 East Pioneer Drive
+1 907 461 0461
TraDa’s Breakfast Diner is one of the few restaurants in Valdez to offer breakfast all day long. Located downtown, this diner serves up every breakfast item imaginable, including eggs and bacon, french toast, waffles, omelets, steak and eggs, breakfast skillets, eggs benedict, and biscuits and gravy. In addition to their breakfast menu, the diner also offers lunch options with rotating daily specials. Some favorite items on the menu include the pizza and wings. These fan favorites are in high demand on Sundays during football season when the diner hosts weekly events. The restaurant also provides delivery for those who prefer take-out.
Latte Dah Espresso
Latte Dah Espresso130 Kobuk Drive
+1 907 835 3720
Latte Dah Espresso is a locally-owned coffee shop and cafe located in the heart of Valdez. Offering cozy indoor seating, the cafe is open for breakfast and lunch. Here you can find several brands of Alaskan coffee, including favorites such as Kaladi Brother and Black Cup, as well as an assortment of pastries, smoothies, and breakfast sandwiches. Some of the more popular items on their menu include breakfast burritos, croissant sandwiches, giant cinnamon rolls, and decadent handmade truffles. The cafe also houses a variety of locally made pottery, jewelry, t-shirts, paintings, and photos, all of which are available for purchase.
Puddle Jumpers Saloon
300 Airport Road
+1 (907) 835-2001
Located inside the Valdez Airport, Puddle Jumpers Saloon is a restaurant and bar that caters to locals and visitors alike. Open for dinner only, the saloon offers a variety of burgers and veggie burgers, as well as a fully stocked bar that includes a variety of local beers on tap. The restaurant is also known to host live music nights featuring local bands and artists. And when the band isn’t around, you can still expect to hear music, as the restaurant is known for playing its vintage record player. Whether you come for dinner or just a drink, it’s a great place to sit back and unwind before or even after your flight.
Poor Betty’s
141 Galena Drive
+1 907 202 1538
There are several cuisines represented among the Valdez, Alaska restaurants, but only one dining establishment offers Louisiana fare–and that would be Poor Betty’s. Set up in the parking lot of Valdez Brewing, Poor Betty’s is a food truck that offers a variety of Louisiana favorites with a local twist! Some of the most famous meals on their menu include the po’boy sandwiches, which are filled with everything from chicken parmesan to halibut fish and even reindeer sausage. You can also find specials such as sausage, chicken, and shrimp gumbo, and red beans and rice soup. Named after the owner’s dog, Betty, this food truck is the perfect way to complement any visit to Valdez’s namesake brewery.
Have you tried any of these Valdez, Alaska restaurants? Let me know in the comments!
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