Anchorage

Simon's, as it's best known locally, has been an Anchorage staple since the late '70s, popular as much for its sweeping views as for its menu. The restaurant sits on a bluff above downtown, looking out over Cook Inlet, Mount Susitna, and—on clear days—the Alaska Range. Inside, it’s got that classic American grill vibe: white tablecloths, dark wood, and a steady hum of conversation from locals and tourists alike. The menu leans toward seafood and steak, with classics like king crab legs, Alaska halibut, and prime ribeye.

Orso is a seafood restaurant in downtown Anchorage that blends local Alaskan ingredients with an Italian flair in a warm, inviting setting. They’ve also got a great wine list with over 20 wines by the glass, plus a full bar with local beers and cocktails.

Rustic Goat is a casual spot with a warm, industrial feel and a menu full of creative takes on comfort food. You’ll find things like wood-fired pizzas (the Fig N' Pig is a standout), loaded nachos with pulled pork, and a rich baked mac and cheese, alongside a good selection of local beers to wash it all down. If the weather’s decent, the upstairs patio has a nice view of the Chugach Mountains.

Club Paris doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, it’s one of Anchorage’s go-to spots for steak. This family-owned place has been around since the 1950s and still feels like a bit of a time capsule—but in a good way. The building itself dates back to the 1920s and has seen a few lives before becoming a steakhouse (including time as a funeral parlor). The star of the show is the steak: thick, perfectly cooked cuts of aged beef, served with old-school sides like baked potatoes and sautéed mushrooms. The atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, and the full bar pours a strong cocktail. If you’re craving a classic steakhouse dinner, this is the place.

Uncle Joe’s Pizzeria has been serving the Anchorage community since 1993, with several locations around town. They specialize in made-to-order, stone-baked pies, ready-to-eat slices, and a variety of other tasty options like gyros, wings, calzones, and strombolis. The casual vibe makes it an easy choice for a quick meal or a laid-back dinner, and the reasonable prices are certainly a nice bonus.