The Bush Restaurants

Dining options are few when traveling around Alaska's Bush; smaller communities may have one or two eateries, if any at all. On the bright side, you won't need to worry about reservations. If they're open, they'll let you in, and you'll likely be surprised at the variety available: in addition to Alaskan seafood, game, and locally grown vegetables, Mexican and Asian fare are standard, even in the state's remotest corners. Usually Bush restaurants will feature two or three different cuisines. All food prices, including at grocery shops, reflect large transportation charges, so be prepared to pay more than you would back home or even in Anchorage.

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  • 1. Amelia's Restaurant

    $$

    This brightly colored all-day café next door to the Safeway has something for everyone, with enormous portions of breakfast fare, burgers, sandwiches, Asian options, house-made milkshakes, and Mexican dishes. Strands of beads hang from the ceiling, and various other kitschy items cover the walls. You can watch the TVs if you want, or find a window seat for a nice view of the Bering Sea.

    2141 Airport Beach Rd., Unalaska, Alaska, 99692, USA
    907-581–2800

    Known For

    • Big hearty breakfasts
    • View of the Bering Sea
    • Pretty decent Mexican dishes
  • 2. Arctic Pizza

    $$

    Go to Arctic for good pies and huge calzones, plus Mexican and Italian entrées. Everything is made to order, and the wait is worth it. While you wait, enjoy great people watching and the view.

    125 Apayauk S, Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA
    907-852–4222

    Known For

    • Tasty calzones
    • Reasonable prices
    • Good views of the Arctic Ocean
  • 3. Baba Pizza and Subs

    $$

    In the local debate over who makes the best pizza, Baba regularly lands on top. In addition, it offers satisfying and filling American food like calzones, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and milkshakes. Burgers start under $10 and pizzas at around $20.

    1725 State Hwy., Bethel, Alaska, 99559, USA
    543–3500

    Known For

    • Signature sauce that locals love
    • Late-night hours
    • Affordable burgers and pizza

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 4. Brooks Lodge

    $$

    Open to guests and nonguests, the dining room at Brooks Lodge serves both buffets and plated meals. It also offers beer, wine, and a small selection of cocktails. Though you can't get groceries at the lodge, its gift shop sells small food items such as candy, trail mix, and bottled beverages.

    King Salmon, Alaska, 99613, USA
    907-243–5448

    Known For

    • Gift shop with basic food items
    • Buffet-style meals
    • Dairy- or gluten-free and vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sept.–May
  • 5. Cruz's Mexican Grill

    $$

    Try the tamales and flan at this eatery specializing in authentic Mexican fare. The owners were born in Cuba and Mexico, met in Utqiaġvik, and teamed up to make the food they grew up eating. The menu includes an array of dishes like camarones rancheros, enchiladas verdes, tacos, and choices for vegetarians as well as meat and seafood lovers. They've got great fresh baked goods and desserts, too.

    3210 Paneatak St., Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA
    907-852–2253

    Known For

    • Large portions of authentic Mexican food
    • Great baked goods and desserts
    • Cozy space with a laid-back feel

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
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  • 6. Empress Restaurant

    $$

    Look for mostly Thai, Chinese, and American dishes at this spot along the shore. It offers a simple but filling selection of tempura, rolls, burgers, and more, along with fast and friendly service.

    301 Shore Ave., Kotzebue, Alaska, USA
    907-442–4304

    Known For

    • Good array of Chinese dishes
    • Burgers and Philly cheesesteaks
    • Friendly, fast service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 7. Fili's Pizza

    $$

    This pizza, burger, and sandwich eatery has tables and bar space for dining in, or you can order for pickup using online ordering. You can choose from a nice selection of beer and wine along with an ample menu of calzones, pizzas, burgers, pastas, sandwiches, and jumbo wings. It's about 15 bucks for a cheeseburger, 22 for an entree.

    110 Osage St., Bethel, Alaska, 99559, USA
    907-543–7010

    Known For

    • Beer and wine when dining in
    • Famed Fili's Mistake pie
    • Chicken wings for groups of all sizes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch.
  • 8. Harbor Sushi

    $$

    This sushi spot features wild-caught Alaska salmon and the usual selection of rolls and sashimi, with vegetarian choices and the usual sides. They also offer pork, beef, and chicken bowls and salads with or without ahi tuna or sockeye salmon.

    498 Salmon Way, Unalaska, Alaska, USA
    907-581–7191

    Known For

    • Scenic, harborside ambience
    • Tasty salmon rolls
    • Fresh seafood

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 9. Hawaiian BBQ

    $$

    This newer restaurant offers barbeque and Korean dishes, with plenty of pork and other meat options on the menu. Choices include Hawaiian favorites, lunch bowls, fusion specials, and rolls from morning to night, with breakfast offered all day.

    431 Ridgecrest Dr., Bethel, Alaska, USA
    543–5551

    Known For

    • SPAM musubi sandwiches
    • All-day hours
    • Hawaiian favorites like loco moco

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 10. Little Louie's

    $$

    This basic but cozy eatery offers a range of food from morning to night. The menu includes pizza, burgers, omelets, wraps, nacho burritos, milkshakes, barbeque, Asian fusion dishes, and even packaged candy to go.

    388 Third Ave., Kotzebue, Alaska, USA
    907-442–4400

    Known For

    • Varied selection of menu items
    • Vegetarian options
    • Fair prices for good food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 11. Milano's Pizzeria

    $$

    This popular Front Street restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers dine-in service as well as takeout from midmorning to late. They serve pizzas with a wide assortment of toppings, along with steak dinners and Japanese (including sushi), Korean, and Italian food. One side of the restaurant has an Italian theme and the other a Japanese style.

    2824 Front St., Nome, Alaska, 99762, USA
    907-443–2924

    Known For

    • Arguably the best sushi in town
    • Lots of local customers
    • Good value pizza
  • 12. Pingo Bakery-Seafood House

    $$

    Open early for breakfast and into the afternoon, Pingo serves up freshly made bread and fresh seafood meals Wednesday through Sunday. The menu changes daily, with items like seafood omelets, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, and burritos often making an appearance, along with sandwiches, soups, noodles, and pizza, plus an assortment of fresh pastries. They have gluten-free items on the menu, and can also cater to special diets.

    308 Bering St., Nome, Alaska, USA
    907-387–0654

    Known For

    • Catering to different dietery needs
    • Daily changing menu
    • Fresh bread and seafood

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 13. Polar Café

    $$

    If diner fare with a side of true Nome life is what you're after, this is the spot. Traditional hearty breakfast options are served all day, plus steak, chili, a modest salad bar, and unexpectedly delicious burgers, with everything clearly made to order. A fairly economical soup-and-sandwich special is also offered daily. It's the type of place where old-timers gather for coffee or lunch at the same time, same table each day. While you eat, get the complete Nome experience: endless views of the vast Bering Sea while local radio plays in the background.

    224 Front St., Nome, Alaska, 99762, USA
    907-443–5191

    Known For

    • Breakfast served all day
    • Standard diner fare (with local clientele to match)
    • Views of the Bering Sea
  • 14. Pyramid Coffee

    $$

    You can get coffee here, of course, but you'll also find Dutch huevos rancheros, pancakes, chicken-fried steak, and an array of breakfast and lunch fare from 7 am to 6 pm every day. They also offer smoothies and milkshakes, and some quick bites and drinks.

    498 Salmon Way, Unalaska, Alaska, USA
    907-581–7117

    Known For

    • Surprisingly good beer menu
    • Delicious breakfast sandwiches
    • Quick coffee service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 15. Red Basket

    $$

    Located next to the Long House Hotel, Red Basket offers an incredibly diverse menu. Options range from Mongolian beef, yakisoba, fettuccine Alfredo, and king crab to pancakes, omelets, and club sandwiches.

    751 3rd Ave., Bethel, Alaska, USA
    543–7001

    Known For

    • Varied, Asian-inspired menu with something for everyone
    • Early and late-night hours
    • Traditional breakfast choices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 16. Sam & Lee's Restaurant

    $$

    Whether you're up early or late, Sam and Lee's has got you covered. They start with an excellent breakfast menu and stay open late with mostly Chinese fare, such as kung pao beef, almond chicken, and Szechwan chow mein. Locals rave about the kimchee too.

    1052 Kogiak St., Utqiaġvik, Alaska, USA
    907-852–5556

    Known For

    • Delicious kimchee
    • All day hours
    • Friendly staff
  • 17. Snack Shack

    $$

    This longtime Chinese and American restaurant is known for its rice and noodle dishes. Look for udon and egg foo yong, along with fried food baskets, sandwiches, and family dinner specials like the burger packs, which include four burgers with fries and soda.

    520 3rd Ave., Bethel, Alaska, USA
    543–2218

    Known For

    • Family-friendly burger packs
    • Reliable Chinese dishes
    • Healthy portions
  • 18. The Nullagvik Restaurant

    $$

    This restaurant within the Nullagvik Hotel serves classic American food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Choose from a decent selection of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers, along with dishes like caribou stew and goulash. There are great views of the sound and Wi-Fi, too.

    306 Shore Ave., Kotzebue, Alaska, USA
    907-442–1650

    Known For

    • Unique caribou dishes
    • Beautiful views of Kotzebue Sound
    • Delicious smoothies and coffees
  • 19. Tundra Restaurant

    $$

    A longstanding Bethel eatery, Tundra focuses on Chinese, Korean, and American food. Choose from a range of rice and noodles dishes or mix it up with bento boxes and lunch or dinner combos.

    473 Ridgecrest Dr., Bethel, Alaska, USA
    543–5005

    Known For

    • Bento boxes and lunch specials
    • Popular Chinese dishes
    • Reasonable prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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