Top 5 Soldotna Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Review

If you find yourself in Soldotna, Alaska, you are probably wanting to know the best spots to grab a bite or sip on a drink, as a matter of fact. Finding great places to eat and drink could really make or break your experience, that’s just how it is. So, I have put together a list of the top five places, and these places will definitely give you a taste of what Soldotna has to offer, in some respects.

1. Kenai River Brewing Company

Kenai River Brewing Company is apparently first on the list, and I think it definitely has to be if you love craft beer, you know? I mean, actually the brewery itself is quite cozy, very rustic, actually, and the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the Kenai Peninsula, okay? They always have a good selection of beers on tap, you see, so from their smooth “Skilak Stout” to the hoppy “Twister Creek IPA,” there’s really a brew for every kind of beer drinker.

Plus, it’s almost like their seasonal brews are something to keep an eye out for, alright? Like your summer ale or winter warmer are absolutely spot on. And the people are quite friendly, so the whole experience has this local charm, just like your favorite neighborhood pub, so I am told. Food wise, they do have a pretty solid menu of pub fare. I really think you can’t go wrong with their burgers or fish and chips, okay?, but the pretzels with beer cheese are what I recommend if you just want to snack on something.

It can be very busy, especially on weekends. You might just get there early or be prepared to wait a bit, which might be just a little long, but trust me, it’s more or less worth it, definitely!

2. St. Elias Brewing Company

Okay, next up we have St. Elias Brewing Company. That brewery has such a unique vibe. Actually, it combines delicious beer with great food, so, okay? The location is pretty central in Soldotna. And that just makes it an easy spot to get to, especially if you are out and about, okay? Very similarly to Kenai River Brewing, they focus on local ingredients, especially with their beers and food, so they have got such a strong connection to the community.

Now, if you want my opinion on their beers, their stout is just very, very creamy, or their IPA is usually bursting with flavor, apparently, so be prepared. The food menu is honestly quite awesome. You could try their wood-fired pizzas, and that always comes with a smokey crust, alright, or try something different like your reindeer sausage, and you should find a flavor in Alaska that you just cannot get anywhere else. They frequently have live music.

This definitely adds to the atmosphere. I would say you might check their schedule ahead of time if you would prefer a quieter visit, that’s for sure.

3. The Smoke Shack

If you have got a taste for some real deal barbeque, The Smoke Shack is usually the place to go in Soldotna, you see. It can be a no frills kind of spot. Like, very casual, just a little cozy, actually. It’s the kind of restaurant that really puts the food first, I would say. As a matter of fact, they do serve some seriously tasty smoked meats. Is that so?

Honestly, when you walk in you will be greeted by a really, extremely smoky aroma, like you get in a real barbecue place. The brisket and ribs are basically the stars of the menu, as I was saying, that are so tender, you know, that the meat just falls off the bone. Alright? Also, their sides are really spot on too. Now, if you want my suggestion, you might just get the coleslaw and mac and cheese. And that could definitely complete your meal!

It can be pretty busy, especially on weekend evenings. That could be why you might just plan to get there a bit earlier. Just a little before the dinner rush starts to hit the peak, so maybe there will not be much of a wait, that kind of thing.

4. Mykel’s Restaurant

Mykel’s Restaurant has this amazing setting to eat, that I would say! I mean, it is right on the Kenai River, basically, so if you are looking for a meal with a view, that place is pretty ideal. Actually, it’s popular for tourists. Yet, it’s equally liked by all of the local people here. Actually, it’s not too difficult to find a reason to keep coming back.

It tends to be that you will find some seriously tasty seafood dishes, naturally. That just uses your fresh, Alaska seafood ingredients that are really awesome. They could include like your halibut and salmon dishes, but sometimes that depends on your fishing season. Now, it also comes down to if you are into meatier fair. Okay, I would say that their steaks are not a bad pick. They really have such an attention to quality in terms of sourcing everything, as a matter of fact, that you really just want to sink your teeth into, as I was saying.

Request a table by the window if you can. Just so you are able to see the beautiful view, right? Actually, it is really perfect, but also, it’s almost perfect for like your romantic dinner. That may require you book in advance.

5. Jersey Subs

To finish off our top five, Jersey Subs is also the way to go if you need to get your food to go. It can be a really spot-on option for like your quick, tasty meal. Especially when you’re out and about doing your adventure day, you know. I would have to say the location in Soldotna can be super handy if you are passing through town. And if you’re just on your way to a fishing spot. Now that could make everything super easy to do and prepare.

These things can usually have everything from cold subs to hot cheesesteaks on the menu. Their meats are just so delicious and plentiful, anyway, that every bite will have you going wild. The bread will also have this freshly baked aroma to make all of their food top quality. And it will have all sorts of new ingredients, like for example your typical sandwich shop can hold, naturally. Their cheesesteaks are the real deal.

Order ahead to skip the line at lunch hour. This is like your super spot with all the locals. And maybe that says something too.