Wanna go where the locals go? I’d love to share. But with a caveat – some suggestions are indeed under $15, but there are also other places that are more like the best price for what you’re getting. For example you’ll see halibut sandwiches for $35 at other restaurants that are half as tasty as my $23 favorite. Make sense? Okay…let’s go!
It’s “conveniently” located in a Chevron gas station. Yep, serious! But don’t let that put you off; the burritos are delicious. There are two booths inside, although most people order takeout.
Call ahead to place your order or you can order at the counter and wait. My favorite is the #3 with eggs, cheese, chorizo, cheese, sour cream and choice of beans or potato. If you’re watching carbs, ask for a bowl vs. tortilla. $11.
Psst: There’s a barista drive-thru stand caddy corner from the Chevron.
This is among the oldest diners in town, and they have plenty of menu items in the $10 range. If you want a chance to meet some scrappy locals, sit at the counter and chat with people who will likely range from military vets, pilots and longtime Alaskans with plenty of fish tales.
My favorite entree is the “never frozen pan-fried chicken”. I often get the large (called the Pop) for $2 more so I can have extra chicken for the next day’s lunch. Also, be sure to check out the extensive selection of specialty fountain shakes. (Jr with 2 pieces $13, Mom with 3 pieces $18, Pop with 5 pieces $20)
New Sagaya (midtown)
OK yes, this is a grocery store. But hey, I’ve sent you to a gas station for an amazing burrito already, right? Seriously, New Sagaya is an Asian market with a lot of prepared items that excel in quality and price. This is where I get my poke fix (in the back seafood section), sushi rolls and also containers of various traditional hot meat/veggie/rice dishes. There are a few tables, but it’s mostly a “to go” place – so you’ll probably want to eat back at your hotel, campground or maybe have a picnic in the park.
Score a coffee on your way out at Kaladi Brothers, which is a treasured Alaskan coffee roaster.
Oh, and if you want to buy some seafood for the grill, New Sagaya has the best price and quality in town.
This little cafe is famous for awesome halibut sandwiches. They have a decent breakfast, but as one of their regular customers so eloquently told me, “If you come here and don’t get the halibut — you’re stupid.” Enough said? ($23)
The restaurant is located downtown, with metered street parking or nearby garages. Usually easy to find a spot within one block.
This is a downtown gem. I like their eggs benedict with either salmon ($20) or king crab ($27) — or get half and half. They also have a barista if you want a proper coffee.
Because it’s near the downtown tourist hotels, I’d recommend getting on the waitlist, even first thing in the morning. Use metered street parking and you should plan to walk for several blocks.
This is my “go to” Chinese restaurant but I’ve never actually tried their bakery items. However, the cakes, breads and buns fly off the shelf, so that’s a good endorsement. Order at the counter and they will bring the food to your table cafe style. Additional specialty menu items are offered on Saturdays.
I like the #24 ($10), which is Wonton Soup with shrimp dumplings (get #25 if you want to add noodles for $14). My other favorite is #46 spicy shrimp ($10).
Charlie’s Bakery is located in a strip center at “C” and Northern Lights and faces west.
Leveling Up
I bet you’re on to me by now, that I prefer little locally owned restaurants that care more about the food vs. atmosphere. Let me suggest one that’s a cut above my norm aesthetically, called South. Most of their menu items are well under $20. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends for breakfast or brunch, but be sure to make a reservation as it’s popular.
Honorable Mentions
Moose’s Tooth for pizza. The word is out and it’s in the tourist books, so it will be crowded and loud. But it’s “the” place for pizza in Anchorage. Another option is to go to the Bear Tooth Theatre Pub and have Moose’s Tooth pizza while you watch a movie.
Spinz for Peruvian Chicken. Forget about Costco’s rotisserie chicken. This is stellar chicken. I could re-plate it on my dishes at home and you would swear I made it from scratch; and the sides are high quality vs. an afterthought. Takeout only.
Jackie’s Place for a neighborhood diner. Get the weekday breakfast special with eggs/potatoes/meat/toast/coffee for $12. Sit at the counter to meet eclectic people!
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