Welcome to Girdwood, Alaska—an artsy pocket just 40 minutes from downtown Anchorage and a world away in terms of scenery, charm, and flavor! Famous for its ski slopes and epic hikes, Girdwood also has a delicious undercurrent: a food scene that’s as creative and charming as its mountain vistas. Whether you’re chasing powder, wildflowers, or comfort food after a long day, here’s your insider’s guide to the best dining and hidden gems in Girdwood. Grab your fork—let’s eat our way from Alyeska Highway to Timberline Drive!
Top Tables & Must-Visit Restaurants
*Jack Sprat*
Location: 165 Olympic Mountain Loop
This bright, art-filled eatery at the foot of Alyeska Resort is the closest thing to “legendary” Girdwood’s dining scene gets. You’ll find an ever-changing menu with a playful blend of global inspirations—think Thai green curry, bibimbap, and comfort classics like mac ‘n’ cheese. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are central, not an afterthought. The cocktails are creative, local craft beers flow, and the brunch (don’t skip the huevos rancheros) has a fan club of its own. The price point runs about $16–$40 for entrees—worth every penny for the quality and views.
*Double Musky Inn*
Location: Mile 2 Crow Creek Road
This log-cabin-style landmark has been beloved since the 1970s, and for good reason: Cajun-meets-Alaskan cuisine with portions as large as the mountains outside. Plan for a wait and savor it—by the antique bar, with a house old-fashioned in hand. Seafood étouffée, pepper steak, and the famous bread pudding are musts for first-timers. Entrees hover in the $30–$44 range but the atmosphere and flavors are as memorable as your first ski run.
*The Sitzmark Bar & Grill*
Location: 1000 Arlberg Ave (inside Alyeska Resort)
A classic après-ski pub, The Sitz serves up burgers, wings, and fish tacos with local brews—perfect for unwinding off the slopes or trails. Regular live music and a buzzing patio make it a four-season favorite. Entrees range from $12–$22; don’t miss their signature nachos or weekly music nights for a true local hangout experience.
Quick Bites & Comfort Food Classics
*Girdwood Brewing Company*
Location: 2700 Alyeska Highway
More than just a taproom, Girdwood Brewing is a social hub. Food trucks rotate here—expect pizza from El Green-Go’s, tacos, and even wood-fired pretzels depending on the day. Local tip: bring your own snacks or grab eats from the truck parked outside and pair it with a flagship IPA or rotating limited release. Prices vary ($8–$18 for most food truck fare), but the cozy vibe and beer garden are worth the stop.
*Spoonline Bistro*
Location: 174 Hightower Rd
Quirky, heartfelt, and always surprising, Spoonline is a tiny spot offering big flavors with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients. The menu rotates (think wild mushroom risotto, seafood chowder, or pork ramen) with vegan and gluten-free options well-represented. Dinner highlights run $20–$32. Call ahead or go early—it fills up fast but you won’t regret the wait.
*Chair 5 Restaurant*
Location: 171 Lindblad Ave
Beloved for their pizzas, fried chicken, and Alaska-sized burgers, Chair 5’s laid-back vibe draws both locals and visitors, especially families and groups. The upstairs bar has mountain views, while the dining room is perfect for post-adventure feasts. Entrees start around $16; pizzas and baskets make easy, relaxed options when you don’t want to change out of your hiking boots.
Something Sweet: Bakeries & Bites
*The Bake Shop*
Location: 194 Olympic Mountain Loop
No visit to Girdwood is complete without a stop at The Bake Shop. Famous for their sweet rolls the size of your head, bottomless sourdough pancakes, and homemade soups, this cozy breakfast-and-lunch spot is legendary. Budget-friendly ($8–$16) and perfect to fuel a day on the mountain.
*Ice Cream Shop at Alyeska Resort*
Location: 1000 Arlberg Ave
Craving a summer treat? Keep an eye out for the hand-scooped ice cream shop in the Alyeska Hotel itself—rotating local flavors and riverside views make it a cool bonus.
Off-the-Beaten-Path and Local Legends
*Silvertip Grill*
Location: 194 Olympic Mountain Loop (across from The Bake Shop)
More than just a dive bar, Silvertip Grill is where Girdwood’s true character comes alive. Burgers, wings, and live music—plus a pool table and local gossip—make it the place you may never plan to go but are always glad you did. Cheap eats (under $20) and open late.
*La Bodega*
Location: 194 Olympic Mountain Loop
Need a gourmet snack before a glacier hike or a bottle of biodynamic wine for your rental? La Bodega’s Girdwood outpost is heaven for food-lovers: specialty cheeses, artisan chocolates, and local jams as well as high-quality beer and wine. There’s no kitchen, but their snacks and takeout sandwiches are picnic gold.
Food Traditions & Events
Girdwood’s foodie cred isn’t just about the restaurants—it’s in the community. In summer, the Girdwood Farmers Market (Saturdays, in the Tesoro parking lot at 100.9 Alyeska Highway) brings fresh Alaska produce, local meats, jams, and baked goods. Visiting in April? Don’t miss the annual Spring Carnival, where food trucks and pop-up vendors bring treats for the hungry crowd in town for pond skimming and sunshine.
When and Where to Go
The main cluster of eats centers on *Olympic Mountain Loop*, *Alyeska Highway*, and the Alyeska Resort complex. Expect longer waits in busy winter and summer weekends—but that’s just an excuse for an extra pint at Girdwood Brewing or a stroll through the forest. Dress code is mountain casual; the friendliness is genuine, and the scenery is five-star.
Pro Tips for the Flavor-Obsessed
- Reserve ahead for Jack Sprat, Double Musky Inn, and Spoonline, especially for dinner in peak ski or tourist season.
- Pack layers—Girdwood’s outdoor patios are some of the best in Southcentral Alaska.
- Ask about specials—chefs here embrace local and foraged ingredients.
Girdwood’s food scene lives up to its adventurous, quirky, and deeply friendly reputation. From elegant dinners to hidden café gems, there’s a bite here for every taste, budget, and appetite—served with a side of snow-capped peaks or summer wildflowers. Dig in, savor the stories, and let your tastebuds have as much fun as you do in the mountains!