Savor The Culinary Scene
Sample the delicacies of Alaskan Cuisine on the Juneau Food Tour. Our guide introduced the tour with “Our food is our way of life. It is who we are!” Visit Tracy’s Crab Shack for the famous crab bisque and King Crab Legs. Taste kelp salsa, caribou, and buffalo sausage at The Salmon Shop. McGivney’s Sports Bar And Grill is the place to catch up on all your favorite games and sports. Be sure to order the famous hog wings.
At SALT, enjoy the seared halibut paired with white wine.
Stop at Deckhand Daves, the food truck close to the Alaskan Hotel, to sample the fish tacos. Locals suggest that one cannot go to Juneau without eating at Deckhand Daves. I returned my last afternoon in Juneau, and as I was waiting in line, a woman approached me and asked if I was by myself. When I replied yes, she invited me to join her and her friend. What great Alaskan hospitality! I enjoyed their company. Thanks, Donna and June!
I had the pleasure of meeting and tasting the culinary delicacies of Chef Amara and Brava Food. Chef Amara catered the delicious lunch on the Salmon Without Borders trip. I sent her my compliments, and she responded with the offer to host me for lunch the next day. Chef Amara has a Cooking Studio on-site for lessons and intimate dinner parties and also offers take-out lunches. All ingredients are locally sourced, and all the greens are grown on the property.
Enjoy Libations At A Distillery And Historic Pubs
When you have worked up a thirst, consider stopping by Amalga Distillery, Juneau’s first distillery. Amalga uses a variety of botanicals, including locally sourced spruce tips. My favorite is the Juneauper Gin.
Two other popular watering holes are the Red Dog Saloon and the bar at The Alaskan Hotel.
Best Hotels In Juneau
I stayed the week at the Alaskan Hotel, built in 1913 during Alaska’s Gold Rush. The Alaskan Hotel is the oldest in Juneau and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
The Victorian architecture has wooden floors, high ceilings, stained glass, and lovely vintage furniture. Do be sure to stop in for a drink at the bar. With live music and entertainment, the bar is a throwback to Juneau’s mining days. Taste the Alaskan Amber Ale, brewed locally and delicious. Look behind the bar for one of Wyatt Earp’s pistols.
You might be interested in the book The Life and Times of The Alaskan Hotel by Joshua Adams. The history is quite impressive!
Note: The hotel has no elevators, so it may not be appropriate for all.
Another option is Jorgensen Bed and Breakfast, a luxurious bed and breakfast in a historical setting. Just a 10-minute walk from downtown Juneau, the home was initially built at the Klondike Gold Rush height in 1915. Extensively remodeled, the house retains the original artifacts, photos, and original artwork. The four-course breakfasts are a highlight.
With all the choices listed above, you will find it challenging to do the city justice in a long weekend. I am sure you will want to return for a second visit.
Pro Tip
“You have more of a chance of seeing a bear in downtown Juneau than along the shores of the Taku River,” stated one of our guides. Keep your eyes open and remember wildlife safety.
Juneau is one of Alaska’s largest ports of call and the second most visited city in the state. It can be crowded during the cruise season. You might consider visiting off-season.
Related articles:
