Alaska might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of foodie destinations, but if your cruise ship is docking in Anchorage, you’re in for a delightful surprise. With its vibrant culinary scene, fresh seafood straight from the ocean, and a deep connection to native Alaskan ingredients, Anchorage offers a tasty detour from typical cruise port activities. Whether you’re on a tight cruise schedule or planning your next shore excursion, this list of delicious experiences is packed with options for every appetite — and budget.
Below, we break down the top 10 food-focused activities in Anchorage, perfect for cruise travelers looking to explore the local flavors and make the most of their cruise vacation.
1. Sample Wild-Caught Salmon at 49th State Brewing Co.
No visit to Alaska is complete without tasting its iconic wild-caught salmon. One of the best places to do this in Anchorage is 49th State Brewing Co., located just a short ride from the cruise port if you’re arriving via shuttle or taxi. Their salmon dishes are cooked to perfection and often paired with locally brewed beer for a true Alaskan experience. The rooftop deck also offers panoramic views of Cook Inlet — ideal for a relaxing meal post-shore excursion.
2. Explore the Anchorage Market & Festival
If your cruise ship is in port over a weekend (May through September), the Anchorage Market & Festival is a treasure trove of local eats. Located downtown, this open-air market features food trucks, pop-up vendors, and stalls offering everything from reindeer sausage to fry bread tacos. It’s also a great spot to meet locals and try affordable bites without breaking your budget.
3. Take a Culinary Tour with Alaska Food Tours
Food tours are a great way to experience a city quickly — a must for cruise booking travelers working with limited time. Alaska Food Tours offers a curated walking tour of downtown Anchorage, including stops at hidden gem eateries and local favorites. You’ll taste small plates, meet chefs, and learn about the ingredients that make Alaska’s cuisine so distinctive. Pro tip: this tour fills up fast during peak cruise vacation months, so consider reserving your spot in advance.
4. Bite into a Reindeer Hot Dog from a Street Cart
A quirky but beloved Anchorage staple: the reindeer hot dog. Several carts downtown serve up this local delicacy, grilled and topped with sautéed onions and mustard or spicy sauces. One popular stop is M.A.’s Gourmet Dogs, which has been feeding locals and visitors for years. If you’re exploring on foot from your shore excursion, this makes for a fast, flavorful lunch.
5. Visit the ULU Factory for Smoked Fish Tastings
Just a stone’s throw from the railroad depot and easily accessible by shuttle from the cruise port, The ULU Factory is more than just a souvenir shop. It offers free demonstrations of how traditional ULU knives are made — and, more importantly for foodies, free samples of smoked salmon and jerky. It’s a great place to grab edible gifts or snack on local specialties between sightseeing stops.
6. Get Cozy with Alaskan King Crab at Simon & Seaforts
If you’re ready for a splurge, make a reservation at Simon & Seaforts, one of Anchorage’s most iconic dining spots. Overlooking the water, this upscale restaurant is known for its expertly prepared Alaskan king crab legs — rich, meaty, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s a solid choice for those celebrating a special moment during their cruise vacation or simply looking to indulge in the freshest seafood possible.
7. Discover Local Brews and Bites on a Brewery Hop
Anchorage has a surprisingly robust craft beer scene, with many breweries offering small-batch creations you won’t find elsewhere. Favorites include Midnight Sun Brewing Co., Anchorage Brewing Company, and Cynosure Brewing. Most also serve pub-style food like burgers, pretzels, or fish tacos, making them ideal for a casual lunch stop. If your shore excursion schedule allows, consider a self-guided brewery hop — just make sure to pace yourself and arrange transportation back to the cruise port.
8. Try a Cup of Alaskan Birch Syrup Ice Cream
For a truly unique sweet treat, look for ice cream shops serving birch syrup ice cream — a local specialty with a flavor similar to molasses or caramel. Wild Scoops, a locally loved micro-creamery, often features this flavor alongside other Alaskan-inspired creations like Sitka Swirl or Fireweed Honey. It’s a fun way to cool off while exploring the city on foot.
9. Join a Cooking Class Featuring Native Alaskan Ingredients
If you prefer hands-on experiences during your cruise vacation, Anchorage offers small-group cooking classes focused on native Alaskan ingredients. You’ll learn how to work with items like halibut, salmon, fiddlehead ferns, or wild berries. These classes are led by local chefs and provide a deeper understanding of how indigenous flavors are integrated into Alaskan cuisine. It’s a unique, immersive alternative to the standard shore excursion.
10. Snack on Fresh Berries at Arctic Valley (Seasonal)
If your cruise stop aligns with berry season (typically late July to early September), consider making your way to Arctic Valley. Just a short drive from the city center, this scenic area offers hiking and berry-picking opportunities. You can fill a container with wild blueberries and crowberries — perfect for an impromptu picnic with mountain views. Pack comfortable shoes if this is part of your cruise booking plan, as the terrain is best explored on foot.
Quick Guide: Best Anchorage Foodie Spots by Budget
Here’s a handy breakdown of foodie activities based on what you want to spend:
| Budget Range | Recommended Activity |
|---|---|
| Free | Anchorage Market tastings, ULU Factory smoked fish |
| Under $10 | Reindeer hot dog from M.A.’s, birch ice cream at Wild Scoops |
| Under $30 | Brewery snacks, food tours, berry picking (seasonal) |
| $30–$75+ | King crab dinner, cooking class, full-course salmon meal |
Final Thoughts
Anchorage is far more than just a stopover before or after glacier-viewing shore excursions. It’s a city rich in culinary diversity, where indigenous ingredients meet modern creativity. From street eats to fine dining, there’s something to please every palate — and most experiences are easily accessible from your cruise port. So next time your cruise ship itinerary includes Anchorage, plan to arrive hungry.
Anchorage’s food scene is yet another reason to double-check your cruise booking details — you won’t want to miss out.