Kenai’s Top 5 Food & Drink: A Local’s Review
If you find yourself in Kenai, Alaska, you might find yourself wondering where the local hotspots for great food and refreshing drinks actually are. Discover great places to eat. So, I thought I’d let you in on a few places that’ll probably leave you satisfied and maybe even planning a return visit. Actually, these aren’t just suggestions; they’re more like personal recommendations that have earned their spots through taste tests, good service, and overall just positive vibes from yours truly.
1. St. Elias Brewing Company: Brews and Bites with a View
St. Elias Brewing Company, sitting pretty overlooking the Kenai River, is so a spot where the beer is as remarkable as the scenery. Very few places get this combination quite right. The beer is pretty good; you know, crafted on-site and offering up everything from light ales to dark stouts, so you’ll likely find one you like. But it’s almost the food that’s the secret hero here, too. I can suggest giving the reindeer sausage pizza a shot, actually, it is loaded with that classic Alaska flavor and is served on a pretty crisp crust, arguably, that keeps you coming back for another slice, that’s almost as if Alaska were a pizza! For anyone who enjoys having great flavors with a nice view. The atmosphere, right? It’s often lively, filled with locals and travelers all swapping stories about their day’s catch or their adventures exploring the Kenai Peninsula. As a matter of fact, sometimes, if you time it just right, they have got live music, too.
2. Veronica’s Cafe: A Taste of Home-Style Cooking
That, for those moments when you really want a little touch of home-style cooking, there’s Veronica’s Cafe. Veronica is actually in charge; and I find the staff warm and friendly. Their menu actually includes just about all of your classic comfort foods, you know, but they’re all prepared with that home-cooked touch. If you show up at any time of day, there is actually quite a good meal you can eat. The French toast they cook is good enough that you should eat it twice! You’ll also often find folks coming by to take advantage of the hearty breakfast options or to savor the taste of a delicious burger that makes other places that sell burgers actually blush, that said, my recommendation? Go for their Friday night fish fry! So the fish, normally halibut or cod, is served so flaky and fried, it’s very perfect. Usually, the place is bustling, you know, especially during peak hours, so too it’s best to get there a little bit early.
3. The Salty Dog Saloon: A Kenai Landmark
While technically in Homer, a short drive from Kenai, so a visit to The Salty Dog Saloon, which sits right there on the Homer Spit, feels just imperative. I always end up going to that one. The scenery surrounding the bar provides wonderful moments and wonderful photos of that classic Homer location. As a matter of fact, its colorful history really only adds to the charm, so it is said that you are having a drink in a location visited by the ghosts of fishermen past. If you want to leave a note, that is also perfectly alright. If you buy a drink from a local, the kind folks will take your money for an awesome memory or simply another chance to spend time and money with people who live in this small town. Also, that said, that sometimes they have got live music, that too.
4. Kenai River Brewing Co.: Craft Beer by the River
Yep, the Kenai River Brewing Co., that spot offers a lineup of craft beers really influenced by the local area. From their Captain Cook’s Spruce Tip Ale, with its light citrusy notes, actually, to the more stout flavors, you know, which is so likely what everyone is looking for, that’s an excellent brewery, if that’s how you like to define a brewery. Now, if I can suggest something from the list? The Spruce Tip is excellent if you find yourself not wanting heavy beers, basically. It is always interesting when a brewery includes beer with local flavors. Of course, with your beer, I recommend you bring snacks with you, as you’re only getting beer from this one. Still, this has proven to be a hot location for anyone looking to drink great beer.
5. Moose is Loose Bakery & Coffee Bar: Coffee and Sweet Treats
Actually, for that coffee craving, especially when accompanied by some sweets, right, you have got to visit Moose is Loose Bakery & Coffee Bar. Not only is it actually funny to say. Everything that the shop does always tends to be extremely successful. That is almost everything anyone could really want in a bakery. Pastries? Actually got ’em! Good Coffee? Certainly, this place does! So it feels as though a pastry shop just for me. Whether you’re looking to get going on a fantastic pastry that melts like butter, some great bagels, and even fantastic and fun lunches, or something much more substantive, the Moose will find you happy with a cup of good stuff.