| Dining Overview | Top  |
As would be expected, king crab, salmon and halibut are Ketchikan's seafood specialties, and they're always fresh. You can also find home-style chowders, cannery bread, wraps and great cheeseburgers. Most of the popular restaurants are within walking distance of downtown.
Coffee is big in Ketchikan. Kiosks along Tongass Avenue offer drive-through services. Favorite companies include Refiner's Roast (http://www.refinersroast.com) and Raven's Brew (http://www.ravensbrew.com).
Expect to pay within these general guidelines for a dinner for one, not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$10; $$ = US$10-$25; $$$ = US$26-$40; and $$$$ = more than US$40.
| Local & Regional | Top |
The Narrows Inn
Located on the water about 4 mi/6 km north of downtown, the Narrows has become Ketchikan's consistently best restaurant, particularly for lunch and dinner. The menu is similar to most Ketchikan restaurants (seafood and steaks), but the preparation is always excellent. $$-$$$. Phone 907-247-2600.
This 1920s-style roadhouse cafe is a favorite with locals. Wall-sized murals of Ketchikan's red-light district decorate the place, along with a 24-ft/8-m mahogany bar. It serves a hearty seafood chowder as well as fresh king crab and steaks. Try the sourdough pancakes or the steamer (seafood) basket, if it's later in the day. Both are house specialties, as is the home-style cannery bread. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended for lunch in the summer. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 326 Front St. (in the Gilmore Hotel), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-6009.
This small, converted house is known for its grilled steak salad, steaks and fresh seafood. The halibut tacos are consistently top-notch. Dine on the deck if you can. Open for lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2813 Tongass Ave. (on the west end of town next to the Bar Harbor Marina), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-2813. http://www.barharborketchikan.com.
This cafe offers down-home cooking and is a local hangout. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $-$$. Phone 907-225-3337.
This sportfishing lodge serves excellent food in a beautiful setting. Views include a waterfall and Behm Canal. Specialties include fresh halibut, salmon and filet mignon. Nightly for dinner. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 16707 N. Tongass Highway (18 mi/29 km north of downtown), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-2752. http://www.salmonfallsresort.com.
This place features live entertainment and has a wide selection of microbrews, spirits and wine. There are terrific views of cruise ships and Tongass Narrows. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood (we like the hazelnut halibut). You can also get steaks and pasta. No cover. 76 Front St. (third floor by the elevator), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1600.
The Best Western Landing Hotel houses two restaurants that are both popular with locals. Jeremiah's Pub serves everything from pastas to pub sandwiches. It features a pleasant fireplace, circular bar and a deck. Downstairs is the Landing Restaurant, a family spot famous for its halibut-and-chips. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 3434 Tongass Ave. (across the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Terminal), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-6530.
This place serves stuffed wraps that will feed two people, grilled
panini and home-style clam chowder. It also makes its own ice cream. Open May-September Monday-Friday for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday for lunch only. $. Most major credit cards. 5 Salmon Landing (south end of the docks), Ketchikan. Phone 907-247-6527.
This small building right through the tunnel by the docks has cozy outdoor tables. The halibut is fresh, and the cheeseburgers are the best in town. It also serves chicken, chili and salads. Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 518 Water St., Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-6060.
| Coffeehouses | Top |
This charming coffee shop located in the historic New York Hotel has reasonable prices. Be sure to sample the local Raven's Brew coffee. It serves salads and tapas such as bacon-wrapped scallops, brie and eggplant parmigiana. Look for the Ray Troll
Absolutely Creek Street mural and other local art. Open Thursday-Saturday for lunch and dinner. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 207 Stedman St. (across the Thomas Basin Boat Harbor), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-8646.
You'll find assorted coffees, espresso, breakfast sandwiches, Danish pastries, muffins and juices. It has a cozy seating area with large windows to watch ships and tour boats. May-September daily 7 am-4 pm; October-April 9 am-3 pm. $. 5 Salmon Landing Market, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1465.
Salmon Falls Restaurant
The view of a spectacular waterfall and the islands of Clover Passage from the dining room is stunning. Keep a sharp eye out for seals, sea lions and whales in the Passage. The signature menu item is the seafood alfredo, but leave room for the best cheesecake in town. Located 17 mi/27 km north of town on North Tongass Highway, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-2752.
The Halibut Hole
Located on the deck of the Eagles Lodge near the north end of Creek Street, it has the best halibut and shrimp baskets in town and overlooks the salmon pooling in the mouth of Creek Street in August and September. No phone. Open seasonally. $.
This unpretentious place features seating at the counter and is a good spot for people-watching. It offers the best market price for king crab, which is served with melted butter and a delicious salad. There's also a serve-yourself all-beef hot dog counter there. Open May-September Monday-Saturday for lunch. $-$$. 5 Salmon Landing, Ketchikan.
For fresh seafood and great views of Tongass Narrows, be sure to take a ride on the funicular from Creek Street up to this upscale restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 800 Venetia Way (inside the Cape Fox Lodge), Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-8001.
| Other Options | Top |
This is the place to go for a popcorn snack. Look for the smiling Orca whale on the top of the building. Free samples available. $. 602 Dock St. at Bawden Avenue, Ketchikan. Phone 907-225-1566. http://orcacorn.com.
