10 Best Restaurants in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Top-notch craft beer and plenty of food options make the 49th State Brewing Company a must when passing through Healy. Committed to using local ingredients whenever possible, the kitchen turns out plenty of Alaska-grown dishes, the keystones being the Alaskan-raised yak burger and pork ribs. More than ten in-house beers are on tap to go along with the outdoor beer garden. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options are also available.

Built to have an old-time saloon feel, this restaurant serves a seemingly endless selection of handcrafted pizzas, salads, soups, pasta, and brick-oven sandwiches. Farm-to-table ingredients are used whenever possible and include locally grown greens, Alaska-raised meat, and seafood. Historic black-and-white photos cover every square inch of the walls and add to the character.

For a casual and family-oriented atmosphere, dine with a view in this lodge-style, off-the-beaten-path locals hangout. The menu features hand-pressed burgers, New York steaks, crab cakes, penne pasta, salads with local and organic greens, and fresh-baked desserts. For a full day, try the ATV tours, a game of golf, fishing at nearby Otto Lake, or horse-drawn carriage rides that include a lunch or dinner featuring salmon and barbecue ribs.

It's all about the dog at this casual, dog-decorated and hot dog–theme joint whose menu includes hot dogs topped with gourmet bacon, cheese, kraut, slaw, or chili. The owners are locals and rely on made-in-Alaska products so all quarter-pound burger patties are hand-pressed while fries and onion rings are fresh. The owners put more love and care into their fast-food burger and hot dog fare than they really need to—you'll be sorry it's not in your hometown.

Affectionately known as "The Bake," this upbeat and lively spot does everything it can to make every night a party: from frequent live music events, to karaoke, to cramming every holiday into the summer season, there's always something happening. While salmon and other Alaska seafood is on the menu, there is no traditional all-you-can-eat salmon buffet. Beers from the 49th brewery are on tap and a shuttle service ensures that everyone makes it safely back to their tent or hotel.

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.

Situated in a cluster of restaurants and cabins along Carlo Creek, Panorama is one of the more lively and festive options. Hand-tossed pizzas include one with Alaskan craft beer baked into the crust. Lawn games such as cornhole and horseshoes add to the atmosphere.

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. There are also 20 cabins available on the premises starting at $125 per night.