Hoonah’s Top 5 Food & Drink: A Local’s Honest Review

Hoonah, Alaska, a place maybe very few have on their bucket list, still, is kind of a hidden treasure, especially for those looking to escape the ordinary, right? Nestled on Chichagof Island, this village has that real, untouched Alaska feel, it’s almost as though stepping back in time, in a way. That’s where I live, by the way. Sure, it is pretty small, but Hoonah makes up for its size with seriously amazing food and drink spots that show what Southeast Alaska’s all about. What is important to me is getting the full experience when traveling. Here, I’m talking really tasty seafood pulled straight from the ocean, plus drinks with local flavor and charm. People in the area are able to experience food like the natives did a few generations back. These restaurants don’t only offer dishes; that is just like a bite into the area’s story. Are you headed that way? Well, let’s jump into my top 5 spots you shouldn’t miss for good eats and tasty beverages. Make sure you check out the fresh seafood options on display and try some yourself.

#1: The Saltwater Grill – Where the Ocean Meets Your Plate

If you want that perfect view with killer seafood, The Saltwater Grill definitely, really tends to be the place. Located right on the water, I find that it offers you pretty great sights of the harbor as you eat, it’s kind of magical, alright? Think of that kind of a laid-back vibe; a view of that Alaska sunset—now imagine seriously good food to boot. So, the fish tacos here? Seriously to die for. I often find myself coming back. Then you’ve got the fresh halibut, which is kind of legendary too, perfectly cooked, just as it should be. One night, me and my family dined and experienced just what the restaurant had to offer. It was packed that day so we had to wait almost a half hour before the waitress showed us our table. Yet, it did not ruin our mood since we just appreciated how busy it was due to the large volume of tourist, we realized how high rated it was.

The seafood pasta has very become my favorite dish to eat, with how perfectly blended the creamy sauce mixed well with the shrimp, mussels, and clams. And seriously, I believe that these dishes tasted even better since they all tasted super fresh from the ocean, by the way. Also, if you are thirsty, grab any of the Alaskan craft beers that they’ve got on tap, you won’t regret it. What is great about The Saltwater Grill is not only their delicious plates, yet how it connects well to the history and nature of Hoonah.

#2: Hoonah General Store – A Little Bit of Everything (Including Delicious Snacks)

Don’t let the name fool you; the Hoonah General Store’s more than just your average convenience store, really. Yes, you will get pretty much whatever essentials you need, very much from groceries to hardware. Yet, it’s that lowkey food counter in the back where the hidden magic tends to happen, by the way. Like your stomach starts growling halfway through exploring that island? Swing by here to grab some delicious and quick snack. Still, if you think that its just your ordinary junk food? Then I guess, you will be very mistaken with the amazing deli sandwiches there are to offer! They offer the freshest of ingredients, and have really changed what your perspective of a grocery store might be, seriously. Also, people are crazy about their fresh coffee that starts really early around 5am to those locals who starts grinding away with their early schedules. Locals are all flocking here! This general store has really got the heart of many of the locals of Hoonah.

They provide a super comforting food that will fuel those hungry stomachs with happiness. This place feels almost as though getting food with a close neighbor with the type of connection I’ve had with their shop. On a busy day with back to back jobs? Don’t ever worry since there are also super affordable and fast options that is totally available to go.

#3: Icy Strait Brewing – Local Brews with a View

What better method is there really to experience Hoonah’s laid-back atmosphere and pretty cool vibe than with an ice-cold local brew? If you are asking this yourself then you need to check out Icy Strait Brewing right away! You have some really incredible views of that Icy Strait while you sample many unique and flavorful beers. What really is appealing about the bar is how super friendly it can be. So, you are a tourist looking to talk to a local? You will get the chance to meet one of the Hoonah’s resident over here!

There always tends to be people there for good conversations, lots of laughter and the warmth of a local crowd! Seriously they have really creative flavors in rotation. Don’t just be that person ordering any old regular drink, because there are really lots of selections and there are local ingredients used in creating these very beers. These add that totally authentic touch of Southeast Alaska. And oh, there are often food trucks nearby or the occasional BBQ to keep your stomach filled with tasty treats! Like the brewery’s drinks are super good already, just throw some grub into that mix? You get that kind of ultimate Hoonah experience!

#4: The Office Bar & Grill – The spot where community convenes

Are you wanting to chill with residents and people in town? Check out what The Office Bar & Grill can bring to you. This has very much the vibe of a homey pub. They don’t just offer beers or grub; that tends to be that location where a sense of togetherness between locals starts! What they take really pride in, is very much amazing customer service. The way they take care of all customers creates an atmosphere of friendliness, even to those out-of-towners too, right?

It feels almost as though having a drink within your own home with family at any time. What I think is also something that can’t go unnoticed is their bar food. Just your standard fare for when someone drinks, very much your burgers and wings. Still they take huge pride in what they make so don’t get your judgements coming over. Their wings have many seasonings that adds the local flavor of Southeast Alaska. Oh yeah they have sports channels over there too! I would go often during important NBA games so I am really never bored! This is not just a bar it’s a Hoonah experience to be had for a first timer, in fact. Don’t just pass through without appreciating a little.

#5: T&L Restaurant – Hearty meals served with a Smile

Do you love something that seems simple and kind-hearted? T&L Restaurant needs your visit then, basically! That local hideaway place provides meals that provide people smiles since the crew makes any client feel like they’re family coming for lunch. Big portion breakfast plates bring the food right and cause them to feel energized up the whole morning before going with an outdoor tour and exploring what Hoonah’s territory provides! Also don’t overlook a dinner with the burgers. These cause me that nostalgic feeling back to the old family BBQs I attend over in my youth years. To enjoy a really tasty meal, just get what gives off the feeling of genuineness, warm customer service is there too!

That heart that drives all local families also echoes off their kitchen. This isn’t just something with just eating in. So if you wanted the kind hearted person and those comforting dishes, I strongly propose experiencing exactly that to bring some energy and soul coming out off what is outside from a traveler that could possibly appreciate that location.