2 Best Restaurants in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

McKinley Creekside Cafe

$$

This is the place for hearty, delicious food, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. While the menu does offer some very good salads, the real treats include the mooster burger (made of locally sourced beef, as wild game can't be sold in restaurants), grilled halibut tacos, and Alaskan salmon with a rotating cast of sides and marinades. No matter how big you go on the meal, don't skip their legendary desserts. If you're in town at the start of the season, the café hosts an annual chili cook-off party for the community with live music and cheap beers.

If you're staying nearby, you can order lunches to-go for the next morning that'll be ready for pick-up by 6 am.

The Perch Restaurant, Bar, and Cabins

$$$

Built on top of an old glacier moraine, the Perch offers dining in a more removed and relaxed setting than elsewhere in the area. Steak and seafood make up the menu---local ingredients are used when possible---although gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available. Home-cooked breads and desserts make this a worthwhile stop as you head to or leave the park. Cabins are also available on the premises starting at $125 per night.

Parks Hwy., Carlo Creek, Alaska, 99755, USA
888-322–2523
Known For
  • impressive wine selection
  • bay windows overlooking the mountains
  • working closely with local organic farmers
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.–mid-Apr.