Anchorage Alaska Restaurant Memories: the Places We Still Crave

From Arctic Roadrunner burgers to Lucky Wishbone fried chicken - these are the spots that shaped growing up in Anchorage.

Read stories, see photos, and share your own favorite places to eat in Anchorage.

If you grew up in Anchorage--or left and still miss it--this page is for you.

Share Your Restaurant Memory

Jump to the Stories

Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant

Double Musky Inn

Lucky Wishbone

Oh, the memories of juicy burgers at the Arctic Roadrunner, crispy corn dogs at the Fur Rondy, or experiencing the cuisine at the Double Musky Inn in Girdwood evoke warm memories.

Each restaurant has its own unique tale, and unforgettable tastes that linger long after the meal is over.

Whether you still call Anchorage home or fondly reminisce about your favorite restaurants, reflecting on cherished dining experiences reminds us of the comfort and joy found in great food shared with friends and family.

Remembering these favorite spots can also make you hunger, and ready to relive those happy times.

Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant

A Spenard fixture with a story as unforgettable as their breakfast.

Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant is a cherished staple for out-of-town visitors.

A visit to Gwennie's isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s about experiencing Alaska.

Meet Gwennie Thornton, the visionary behind one of Anchorage's most beloved restaurants, where every dish tells a story.

From the Story:

Anchorage Memories—Mike and Mary:

When did you get the idea for Gwennie's?


Gwennie:

It was when I was working at the Captain Cook Crow's Nest.

Gwennie's Diner was located at 2915 Spenard Road, right next to the fire station. We used to pass food through an opening in the wall between us and the fire department.

Double Musky Inn

World-famous and Double Yummy. 

The table you always hoped was open.

What follows is the true story of how the now world-famous Double Musky Inn, a Girdwood, Alaska landmark, got its start in the vibrant backdrop of Alaska's stunning beauty.

Here's a clue: 

It involved a stick of dynamite.

From the Story:

At the fork in the road was a small island with several trees. The first business sign for the Double Musky Inn was nothing but an unpainted plywood board nailed to a tree.

The following words were hand-painted in black.

“Double Musky Inn—Booze, Beans, Bunks”

The Lucky Wishbone

Oh, the fried chicken, and the burger baskets. Anchorage loves them.

You couldn't wait to order your favorite. 

Discover where the name and the fried chicken recipe came from.

From the Story:

Anchorage Memories—Mike and Mary:

The Lucky Wishbone first opened for business on November 30, 1955. What was their first day like?

Pat:

We brought in a whopping $80 the first day!  

Share Your Restaurant Memory

What Are Your Favorite Anchorage Alaska Restaurant Memories?

Pictured above are Hans and Gerry Kirschner, the heart and soul behind the beloved Garden of Eatin’.

First, the couple ventured into farming on their Spenard property on McRae Road, but their efforts did not yield the success they hoped for.

However, in 1951, they transformed their dreams into reality by opening the Garden of Eatin’ in a cozy Quonset hut. This modest eatery quickly became an Anchorage favorite, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia for locals who fondly remember gathering there for hearty meals and warm conversations, creating timeless memories that still resonate today.

Here is a partial list of favorite restaurants

Do You Remember These?

• Don's Green Apple

• Lucky Wishbone

• Arctic Roadrunner

• Cattle Company

• How How

• The Abby

• Benny's Taco Wagon

• Gwennies

• Downtown HofBrau

• Woolworth's lunch counter

• Hewitt's lunch counter on 4th Avenue

• La Cabana

• La Mex

• Shakey's in Spenard?

And we didn't come close to naming most of them.

Anchorage, Alaska, is home to an array of restaurants that serve as a much-needed refuge from the long, cold winters, becoming beloved spots where locals gather and create lasting memories.

As summer finally arrives, these favorite eateries symbolize the joy and connection that comes with the season, making them an integral part of the Anchorage experience.

How to Get People
from Anchorage Talking

Just ask them about the beloved old A&W Drive-In, where the lions were on display.

Or ask which burger they like to order at the Arctic Roadrunner.

You might also ask them how often they visited another favorite go-to spot, the Lucky Wishbone.

And how about, who has (had) the best fries? 

How Did It
All Begin?

Many of these fun Anchorage Alaska Restaurant Memories include how the restaurant got its start and other interesting facts that you might not already know.

You'll get to know the owners or some of their family as they tell you how the restaurant you love came about.

And the pictures that accompany the stories will really remind you of memories you may have forgotten.

So, what special place are you thinking about now?

The White Spot

The original A&W Drive-In

The Arctic Roadrunner

La Cabana

A wonderful steak at Club Paris

Anchorage's Tastee Freez

Benny's Food Truck

And the list could go on and on.

Are you hungry? We certainly are.

Anchorage Alaska Restaurant Memories,
the early days

Anchorage eating spots didn't start with diners and drive-ins. Here's what food looked like when the town was still a rough settlement.

The first settlers used to put syrup on everything they ate, including bread and meat, just to get enough energy to sustain them.

Two Girls Waffle House,
Circa 1916

One of the first restaurants in Anchorage.

Can you imagine how welcome this Waffle House was in those early days?

By the way, what was (is) your favorite place to get waffles in Anchorage?

Still in the Mood for Remembering?

Here are some memories you'll love

- Nostalgic Pictures

- Random Anchorage Memories

- History of Anchorage Alaska