A guide to local dining and entertainment
You've just spent a day on the mountain, or hiking or snowshoeing or cross country skiing, whatever your winter recreation pleasure may be. Now it's time to sit down, relax and enjoy some food and spirits.
Whether you're heading to or from the mountain, Girdwood offers a plethora of dining experiences.
Here's a look at what our local Glacier Valley proprietors have to offer.
Maxine's Glacier City Bistro
Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, 783-1234.
A favorite place for food, beer, wine and entertainment. Maxine's offers a rotating menu with a focus on bistro and fine dining with a local and international slant. You can also enjoy live music on Friday and Saturday nights, generally from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.
The Double Musky Inn
Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, 783-2822.
World-famous Double Musky Inn specializes in Cajun Cuisine and, perhaps more importantly, fabulous pepper steaks. First class wine list at the end of the (paved) road. They do not take reservations so get there early. And please take your time and enjoy he fine glass art that decorates the dining area. Closed Mondays.
Jack Sprat Fat & Lean World Cuisine
165 Olympic Mountain Loop, Girdwood, 783-5225.
Jack Sprat serves up nightly specials, with outstanding weekend brunches, and the best eggs Benedict in town. They also offer a variety of vegan dishes. They have a good selection of beer and fine wine. They are located close to Chairs 1 and 3, open seven days a week for dinner, open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
The Bake Shop
Olympic Cir., Girdwood, 783-2831.
A popular place for a hearty breakfast before hitting the slopes, or ideal for an endless bowl of soup after a couple of runs. The Bake Shop is located next door to the Sitzmark near the base of Chairs 1 and 3. Cash only.
The Silvertip Bar & Grill
Hightower Rd., Girdwood, 783-2594.
All day breakfast, great burgers—perhaps the biggest in the state. Offering daily specials, and live music on the weekends. They just got a new lighted sing, the first in Girdwood, so you'll find it easily downtown. Great microbrew selection, wine, and a casual family friendly atmosphere.
Chair Five Restaurant
5 Lindblad Ave., Girdwood, 783-2500.
A favorite with the locals, this restaurant is well known for its great pizza and pub menu. Chair 5 is open past midnight, one of the few places for the late night crowd. It is the local watering hole for skiers that want to let loose after a day on the mountain.
Casa del Sol
Holmgren Place, Girdwood, 783-0088.
Located in the Laundromall building in the New Girdwood Townsite, Casa del Sol offers a Mexican menu with big, big burritos.
Alpine Diner
1 Alyeska Hwy., Girdwood, 783-2550.
Pastries and pies baked fresh daily, espresso and coffee, breakfast and lunch all in one place in the Tesoro Mall at the entrance to town.
The Ice Cream Shop
1 Alyeska Hwy., Girdwood, 783-1008.
Over 30 flavors of hard pack ice cream, espresso, WIFI available, and gourmet chocolates. Located in the Tesoro Mall.
MoJoe's Coffee
1553 Alyeska Hwy., (Next to the Bike Shop), Girdwood.
The only drive through coffee stand in town. Locally roasted espresso drinks, Redbull, and blended drinks available. And now offering Crepes.
The Java Haus
104 Arlburg Ave., (in the Daylodge), Girdwood, 784-2827.
They're in the Daylodge, but offer a comfortable spot away from the crowd. Great espresso and a good selection of sandwiches and wraps. Say hello to Emma, the owner, who always has a smile on her face. They also offer smoothies. It's the place to hang out while skiing by day and by night when night skiing is going on. Open everyday for the ski season.
The Grind & Girdwood Books & News
15066 Hightower Rd., Girdwood, 783-2020.
Read a magazine at the only place in town where you can buy one, other than the Merc, and enjoy a coffee or espresso. The bookstore also offers an excellent book selection in a convenient spot next to the Girdwood Post.
Seven Glaciers
Mt. Alyeska, Girdwood, 754-2237.
Seven Glaciers is Alyeska's AAA Four Diamond award winning restaurant with the best view in the world atop Mt. Alyeska accessible by the tram. Fine dining at its best with an incredible wine selection. It's also an incredible bar with exceptional lunches. You can watch skiers tackle the Northface while sipping a fine wine or other spirit of your desire. If your just going to dine and not ski, then you get a free trip on the tram. A perennial winner of “Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.”
Tramway Cafe
Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, 754-1111.
To satisfy that coffee craving before making first tram, stop by the Tramway Cafe, located in the second floor tram concourse of the hotel. Pastries, breakfast burritos, deli wraps, fresh salad, or a slice of pizza is also available for the skier on the go.
Teppenyaki Sakura
Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, 754-1111.
Located on the third floor of the hotel, Sakura features cuisine prepared Teppan style. Watch as your chef prepares a masterful meal featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and tender chicken. The adjoining Sushi Bar offers classic sashimi and sushi created before your eyes by master craftsmen, paired with traditional sake, Japanese beer, or green tea. Reservations are available at Sakura from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. No reservations are taken at the Sushi Bar.
The Sitzmark Bar & Grill
Olympic Cir., Girdwood, 754-1111.
Located on the boardwalk at the base of Chairs 1 and 3, the Sitzmark Bar & Grill is a favorite location for Apres ski fun. The Sitzmark offers a great selection of local and seasonal draught beer, and your favorite bar appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. The Sitzmark is open daily during ski season, with live entertainment every weekend.
The Pond Cafe
Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, 754-1111.
Located on the second floor of the hotel, the Pond Cafe offers a seasonal breakfast buffet as well as a full breakfast menu. Build your own omelet, eggs benedict, cinnamon French toast, or even just a hot cup of coffee and a bagel. They also serve special holiday buffets during the holidays, and a New Year's Day Brunch.
Glacier Express
Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, 754-1111.
Glacier Express sits at 2,300 feet above sea level offering panoramic views of Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountain Range, and seven “hanging” glaciers. Glacier Express is a self-service restaurant featuring soups, salads, chili, sandwiches, wraps, and snacks. Treat yourself to a glass of wine or a cold, locally brewed beer. After lunch, take a self-guided tour through our historical Roundhouse Museum just down the ramp.
The Daylodge
104 Arlburg Ave., Girdwood, 754-1111.
Located at the base of Mt. Alyeska near Chair 4, the Daylodge is a self-serve restaurant with lots of seating and a great view of the action on the slopes. Stop by for a hot cup of cocoa, a grilled hamburger and fries, or your choice of personal pan pizzas. Great for kids of all ages.
The Daylodge is open daily during ski season.
The Aurora Lounge
Alyeska Hotel, Girdwood, 754-1111.
On the third floor of the hotel, the Aurora Bar & Grill is the place to enjoy breakfast, a light lunch or full dinner paired with your favorite beverage. Whether you're in the mood for a casual atmosphere or watching your favorite sports event on one of their three flat panel TV's, you'll find a comfortable spot in either of there two connecting rooms. Completely redesigned with all new furniture and expanded seating, the Aurora is the place to be when hanging out for an upscale atmosphere with a casual, friendly feel.
Heading out of town
If you're heading back to Anchorage or coming to Girdwood, don't forget these restaurants in Indian. Now the community just north of Girdwood about 10 miles has four restaurants and bars open year-round. A new thing for the community this year.
Chavelita's Café and Grill
Mile 103.5 Seward Highway, 653-1000
This family-owned restaurant opened in November. Small seating area with take-out. They serve authentic Mexican cuisine and homemade tamales. They also offer breakfast and espresso. Open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 7:30 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Monday.
The Indian House Restaurant
Mile 103.5 Seward Hwy, 653-7313.
A large bar with a great view of Turnagain Arm. Standard pub fare with some specialty dishes as well like fried oysters and razor clams. Open noon on Friday, Sat. and Sun. and 4 p.m.-10 p.m., 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon. through Thurs.
Pepe's Turnagain House
Mile 103 Seward Hwy
It's fine dining with a quaint, romantic setting, complete with fireplace in the main dining room. Spanish cuisine and other fine dishes are the owner's specialty. It's the perfect place to wind down after a day skiing. Why rush home, stay and relax a little. Open Saturdays and Sundays for brunch noon-3 p.m. Dinner is served 5-9 p.m.
Brown Bear Saloon
Mile 103 Seward Hwy, 653-7000
What better place to kick back and plays some pool and have a cool beer, especially if you're outdoors in the local area along Turnagain Arm. Burgers, hot wings, hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and reindeer sausage round out their simple yet affordable menu. Say hello to Matt, the proprietor, and he'll give you an earful about the current topics in sports. A real neighborhood bar, that makes everyone feel at home. Open everyday from noon until Matt and the bartender, Sarah, decide—or 2 a.m., which ever comes first.
