The 2025 Guide to the Best 10 Restaurants in Ketchikan

​​Where to Eat in Ketchikan

Ketchikan, Alaska is a charming town known for its stunning natural beauty and rich maritime heritage, bringing in millions of cruise guests each year. What often goes unnoticed, however, is its burgeoning food scene. From fresh seafood and exotic local favorites like reindeer jerky or smoked salmon to hearty comfort food like chowders and steaks, Ketchikan offers a delightful culinary experience for locals and visitors alike. Ketchikan has been a fishing mecca for centuries since the Native Alaskans traveled from their remote villages to the banks of Ketchikan Creek yearly to catch and process salmon during the annual spawn. Alaskan seafood is an important resource not just for the state, but for the entire country. It’s at the heart of Ketchikan, literally, when you consider that the town was built around the Creek, but Ketchikan has a lot more to offer! Whether you’re looking for salmon, crab, elk, or just a good burger, this is where to eat when you’re in Ketchikan!

The Best Restaurants in Ketchikan, Alaska

1. NY Cafe

   • Address: 307 Stedman St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: American, Seafood
   • Why Visit: Originally opened in 1903, making it the oldest cafe in Alaska, a personal favorite of mine and many of the AST team members is the New York Cafe! This small restaurant right off Creek Street has been a staple of the town under its current ownership for decades. When the new owners, immigrants from Greece, by way of New York took over, they implemented a new menu featuring American and Mediterranean cuisine highlighting quality, local ingredients. They’ve become a top pick for anyone coming to Ketchikan, and locals alike! We have to talk about the salmon cream cheese bagels though. NY Cafe makes their famous salmon cream cheese in-house with locally caught salmon and their fresh bagels are the perfect start to any day in Ketchikan.
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2. Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House

   • Address: 326 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: Seafood, Steakhouse
   • Why Visit: If you're craving a hearty meal, Annabelle's is the place to go. Their famous clam chowder which comes from an old family recipe, and perfectly grilled steaks are legendary. Being so popular, the lines can get long when the cruise ships are in town, but the kitchen is notoriously fast for making sure folks get served quickly. Annabelle’s also doesn’t skimp on the portions, so bring your appetite! The waterfront location also provides a picturesque backdrop and an awesome opportunity to watch Ketchikan's daily life go by.

3. Burger Queen

   • Address: 418 Water St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: American, Fast Food
   • Why Visit: Sometimes, all you need is a delicious burger, and Burger Queen delivers just that. Burger Queen is a fantastic hole-in-the-wall hidden gem in town that blows the similarly-named fast food restaurant out of the water. With house-made burgers, Polish hot dogs, haddock and chips, and more, their menu is simple, but the quality is outstanding. Plus, you can order directly from your table at the Asylum, while you have a drink in Ketchikan’s best bar.
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4. Alaska King Crab Co.

   • Address: 130 Schoenbar Rd, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: Seafood
   • Why Visit: One thing people from all over the world come to Alaska to eat is fresh crab. Alaska King Crab Co. is all about the king of seafood – king crab. Indulge in the freshest Alaskan king crab legs, prepared to perfection, often pulled from the sea just that morning. The scenic location and friendly staff are sure to give you a great experience while you enjoy expansive views of the Inside Passage and feast on local fare, making it one of the best restaurants in Ketchikan.
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5. Diaz Cafe

   • Address: 407 Dock St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: Mexican, Filipino
   • Why Visit: Now for something completely different! If you’ve already eaten your fill of crab and fresh fish or are just looking for a change of pace, head to Diaz Cafe for some mouthwatering Mexican cuisine. Their tacos, burritos, and margaritas are highly recommended by the team here at AST. Plus they offer Filipino classics like lumpia and pansit! The cozy Latin ambiance and friendly staff make it feel like a home away from home, and it’s an excellent choice for a unique dining experience in Ketchikan.

6. Ketchikan Crab & Go

   • Address: 1314 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: Seafood, Deli
   • Why Visit: Ketchikan Crab & Go is perfect for those on the move. Located right near the cruise ship docks (Called berths in Ketchikan), they offer freshly prepared seafood dishes, including crab and shrimp rolls, as well as delicious clam chowder. With indoor and outdoor seating, or the option to take your food to-go, it's an excellent choice for a quick, tasty meal while exploring the town.

7. Sourdough Cocktail Bar

   • Address: 301 Front St, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: Bar food
   • Why Visit: The oldest bar in Ketchikan, the Sourdough is a favorite local hangout. With photos of old Ketchikan shipwrecks lining the walls, it’s not hard to catch an old-timer telling stories while sipping on a pint. The Sourdough offers standard bar snacks and a wide selection of drinks. Promising a friendly atmosphere, this is a great place to stop off for a drink and a nibble before heading back to the ship

8. Cape Fox Lodge Restaurant

   • Address: 800 Venetia Way, Ketchikan, AK 99901
   • Cuisine: American, Seafood
   • Why Visit: If you’re looking for a fine dining option while you’re visiting Ketchikan, the Cape Fox Lodge Restaurant is a fantastic pick. Perched atop a hill, just a short cable car ride from Creek Street, Cape Fox Lodge Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Tongass Narrows and downtown Ketchikan. Their menu features a diverse range of Alaskan dishes, including fresh seafood, hearty steaks, and exotic local favorites like elk burgers, making it an excellent choice for a special evening out and one of the best places to eat in Ketchikan.
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   • Funicular to Cape Fox Lodge, Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S. | Photo by Joe Mabel

9. Alaska Fish House

   • Address: 3 Salmon Lndg, Ketchikan, AK 99901-6567
   • Cuisine: Seafood
   • Why Visit: If you’re looking for fresh, locally-caught fish, prepared by some of the most talented chefs in town, you’re in the right place. A long-time favorite boasting haddock, salmon, cod, rockfish, and more, the Alaska Fish House is part of the Baranof Fishing family. The Baranofs run both commercial and sport fishing boats out of Ketchikan each day (Like the Cook Your Catch in the Wilderness Tour). They bring in their freshest catches, right to the docks for their classically-trained chefs to turn into wonderful, mouth-watering meals while you wait. Offering a fantastic view in a historic, rustic setting, they’ve added a full bar and even have music acts and events scheduled throughout the year, making this a great place to spend some time and savor some unbelievable cuisine while you’re in Ketchikan.

Photo by MARELBU

Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable dining experience in Ketchikan, these restaurants all have something special to offer. From stunning waterfront views to mouthwatering crab dishes, Ketchikan's culinary scene is sure to leave you craving more. We hope this helps you figure out where to eat in Ketchikan, don't miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of this charming Alaskan town!