If you’re planning on going on an Alaskan cruise or cruise tour, you may spend some time in one of The Last Frontier’s greatest treasures: Denali National Park. Home to Mt. McKinley and dozens of animal species that can be found in few other places, Denali is a place that you’ll find hard to leave. After a long day exploring the park’s trails and wildlife areas, you may want to take a break and enjoy a nice meal.
Here are some of our picks for the best places to eat near Denali National Park:
229 Parks – This quintessentially Alaskan spot sports a timber-frame design and elaborate elm etchings. The decoration and inviting atmosphere isn’t what draws in the crowds, however. This locally-owned establishment is committed to green living and sustainability. Directed by chef-owner Laura Cole, 229 Parks only serves local meat and produce, with a menu that changes daily. This place fills quickly, so reservations are a must.
Black Bear Coffee House – Looking for an alternative to the chain coffee shops you may have frequented at home? The Black Bear may be just what you’re looking for. Located just a mile north of the park’s entrance, the cafe serves traditional breakfast, a deli-style lunch and Tex-Mex dinner. There are also plenty of options for people on gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets. If you find yourself there at night, be sure to grab a beer or glass of wine during happy hour.
Photo courtesy of Black Bear Coffee House
Denali Salmon Bake – Known to locals simply as “The Bake,” this restaurant is one of the few Alaskan-owned grills near Denali. The establishment offers some Alaskan twists on popular dishes, like halibut tacos and yak quesadillas, but also staples like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. The Bake is definitely a place for night owls, as the bar stays open until 4 a.m. The restaurant also offers a shuttle that will take patrons back to Denali National Park.
Photo courtesy of Denali Salmon Bake
Panorama Pizza Pub – Alaska is probably the last place that you would think to find great pizza, but Panorama could give restaurants in New York City a run for their money. Panorama uses only organic and locally-sourced produce and meat for all of its dishes. After dinner hours, the establishment focuses more on the “pub” part than “pizza,” hosting live music, open mics and trivia nights for locals, tourists and seasonal workers.
Rose’s Cafe – From the outside Rose’s Cafe may not seem too special, as it looks similar to the many small diners you might come across in Alaska. What sets this place apart from the rest of Parks Highway, though, is the genuine hospitality that all guests receive. There really is a Rose, and she’s on-site seven days a week. Her husband, Bill, is around if he’s not buying supplies and their son Dave is the head cook and kitchen manager.
Photo courtesy of Rose’s Cafe
Alaskan cruises are popular, so it’s no surprise that reservations can fill quickly. If you’re interested in heading north this summer, now is the time to start making plans.
Call a CruiseExperts.com agent today and get started planning your Alaskan cruise for 2014. We can help with all your arrangements including helping you decide which cruise tour will allow you to spend the most time at Denali National Park. Call 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784) or visit our website at www.CruiseExperts.com.