Dining Options Near Denali National Park
Denali National Park, spanning over 7,400 square miles, is the third-largest national park in the U.S., showcasing lush spruce forests, glaciers, grizzly bears, caribou, and North America's highest peak. However, dining options around Denali might not meet expectations.
Transporting fresh ingredients from the Lower 48 to this remote Alaskan area is difficult and lengthy, making certain dishes—especially those requiring fresh produce—off the menu. Restaurants typically operate from mid-May to mid-September, often with new staff each summer. With limited seating but many travelers, Mytouries have little motivation to innovate—they’ll have plenty of customers regardless.
Despite these challenges, local restaurants either showcase imaginative dishes or foster community in this remote location. This guide will help you explore the charming food and drink scene around Denali National Park.
Bailey Berg is a travel writer who lived in Alaska for seven years.
Rose's Cafe
Rose’s Cafe is a favorite among locals—primarily because most visitors don’t make the trek (it’s about 11 miles from Denali’s entrance). This straightforward Mytoury in Healy offers generous portions of your favorite breakfast combinations, including eggs, meats, and hearty carbs. They also have a range of burgers and sandwiches, but remember they close at 2 p.m. It’s quick and satisfying. Come grab a bite!
Denali Totem Inn
In any other part of America, Totem would simply be another diner. However, in Denali, it serves as a hub for the community. The menu may not be elaborate (offering just burgers, pasta, and pizza), but after a long day as a wilderness guide in the nation’s third-largest park, it provides the perfect balance of calories for your dollar. Next door, the pub offers affordable drinks and plenty of games—from darts to Wii—for a fun night out. At the very least, it’s a great spot for people-watching and chatting with locals about life around Denali National Park.
The exterior view of Denali Totem Inn.Denali Totem Inn/Facebook49th State Brewing
A major draw for visitors at 49th State Brewing Company is the chance to snap a photo with the iconic “Into the Wild” bus. While it’s not the actual bus used by the ill-fated adventurer Christopher McCandless, it’s a popular prop from the film. But the bus isn’t the only attraction here. 49th offers an impressively diverse menu with no misses. Treat yourself to the King Crabby Grilled Cheese, served with chowder for dipping and pub fries—it’s extravagantly delicious and pairs perfectly with the Solstice IPA.
Prospectors Pizzeria and Alehouse
While you can certainly find the usual Hawaiian or deluxe pizzas here, you might also want to try one topped with a massive pair of king crab legs. What sets Prospector’s pizzas apart is their unique three-day dough fermentation process, enhancing the crust’s flavor and making it easier to digest, according to some. Additionally, they offer around 50 beers on tap, many of which are rare in Alaska (and the U.S.!). If you manage to try one of each over an entire season, you’ll earn yourself a T-shirt.
Moose-AKa's
Despite its name, you won't find traditional Alaskan dishes here. Instead, enjoy the comforting flavors brought by one of Alaska's largest immigrant communities.
The owners of Moose-AKa's, who came to Alaska from Serbia as seasonal workers over a decade ago, fell in love with both the state and each other. They decided to establish an Eastern European restaurant offering meze platters, moussaka, schnitzel, and sarma, along with a wide selection of imported beers. In an area more famous for pizzas, seafood, and burgers, it's a delightful addition.
