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People traveling to Alaska usually visit for its outdoor scene; skiing adventures at some of the best ski resorts in Alaska, such as the highly rated Alyeska ski resort, dog sledding in the winter, and incredible Alaskan hikes with breathtaking views when there isn't snow on the ground make this a prime adventure spot in the US. More specifically, Anchorage in Alaska is not only the biggest city in the state, but visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views from its streets. Anchorage is right next to the Chugach Mountains, which are always towering over the city on the horizon.

At sunset, the mountains glow all sorts of oranges and pinks, and when the northern lights are out, they magically silhouette the mountains. This city has the perfect scenery for visitors to bring their loved ones and enjoy some of Anchorage's favorite local foods and drinks. But where exactly do the local residents go to eat in Anchorage? It's time to find out where to eat in Anchorage for some of the best local dishes and a friendly atmosphere among the city's community.

The Top Local Favorite: Forty Ninth State Brewing In Anchorage, Alaska

Forty Ninth State Brewing is a favorite location in the entire state of Alaska, which is one of the best places in the US to travel to in March. This hot spot has two locations: one in Anchorage and one in Healy, Alaska, by Denali National Park, which is about four hours north of Anchorage. This spot has all sorts of true, authentic Alaskan foods, like king crab or fresh halibut and salmon.

Chugach Mountains in the Fall in Anchorage, Alaska
Photo by Zetong Li on Unsplash
Chugach Mountains in the Fall in Anchorage, Alaska

This is one of the best restaurants in Anchorage and is located on a quieter street downtown, with safe parking right down the block. It also has two floors; the first floor is where the bar is, and all the tables down here are seated on a first-come, first-served basis - visitors can walk right in, find a table, and seat themselves! Reservations or guaranteed tables can be waited on in the upstairs area.

Forty Ninth State also brews all its own beer, and it has something for everybody's unique taste buds. They also brew seasonal beers, which are favorites when the locals want something different from the usual. Some of the restaurant's most popular beers are:

  • Solstice IPA
  • Nitro McCarthy Stout
  • Blonde Eagle Ale
  • Alaska 8 Star
  • Tropic Tundra DDH DIPA (seasonal)

Related: Road Trip Alaska: A Guide From Seattle To Anchorage

Johnny's Produce In Anchorage Is The Best Place In Alaska For Fresh Fruit

Fresh Alaskan blueberries from Mount Magnificent in Anchorage, Alaska
Photo by Brianna Marble on Unsplash
Fresh Alaskan blueberries from Mount Magnificent in Anchorage, Alaska

Any traveler who has been to Alaska in the spring or summer knows one thing: fresh Alaskan berries are unbeatable. And when they're in season, they are the ripest, juiciest berries that anybody will ever taste. Johnny's Produce in Anchorage sells all sorts of fresh produce, like the juicy ripe berries pictured above.

Alaska is one of the best US destinations to visit in spring when all the plants bud to life and the sun rises earlier and earlier. Travelers visiting Anchorage who want a true taste of the nature that surrounds them must visit Johnny's Produce - it is commonly known as the best place to get any type of produce. There are two locations, both in Anchorage, and both provide happy and healthy atmospheres. Some of the best parts of Johnny's Produce are:

  • The fresh juice and smoothie bar
  • Local goods like jams, honey, coffee, and more are also sold here
  • Featured cookbooks for sale

One more note for visitors to remember: they also provide a list of what fruits and vegetables are in season and their inventory of them on the Johnny's Produce website. This is the best place in Anchorage to get the freshest, more wholesome taste of Alaskan nature.

Related: Where To Find The Largest Glacier Accessible By Car In North America

Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse Is The Perfect, Cozy, Comfy Local Restaurant In Anchorage

The streets of Anchorage are either magical in the winter or full of life when there isn't snow outside. Either way, Anchorage's main street is one of the best-looking main streets in the US and is very popular. Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse is right in the heart of downtown Anchorage, and it's a perfect place for any crowd.

Whether visitors are traveling with their family, their friends, or their significant other, Humpy's is a perfect place to feel like a local. This restaurant is lined with giant, green, U-shaped booths, with an authentic bar in the center of the area. There are a few TVs, and it's common for locals to gather here for a beer and to catch whatever game is on.

The snowy streets of downtown Anchorage, Alaska
Photo by David Tatum on Unsplash
The snowy streets of downtown Anchorage, Alaska

Humpy's is not quite like one of the popular and well-known retro diners in the US, but it will still take travelers back in time. Stepping into these doors into the dimly lit, booth-lined room with colorful lights and huge, authentic posters everywhere is a true Alaskan experience. Not only is the atmosphere relaxed, but the food is delicious. Along with serving locally brewed Alaskan beer, Humpy's has a lot of food favorites, including:

  • Alaskan King Crab Nuggets
  • Smoked Salmon Spread
  • Reindeer Cheeseburger
  • Halibut Burger
  • Salmon Burger

Related: 10 Fun Things To Do In Denali National Park & Reserve

A dark and rainy day in Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Photo by Simon Hurry on Unsplash
A dark and rainy day in Anchorage, Alaska, USA

Whether visitors are looking for local produce, local beer, or local food favorites, Anchorage has it all. Not only are the food and drinks in Anchorage unlike anywhere else in the country, but the experience in the city is so unique. Anchorage is not like New York City or Chicago, either; it is entirely slow-paced. Everybody in Anchorage is "on Alaska time," which is really just on island time. No worries, no rushes, and all enjoyment!