Going to Fairbanks and Anchorage and points In between

[Meathead]

I am taking my first real vacation in years and spending 10 days going from Fairbanks to Anchorage and points between, mostly by train. Looking for restaurant recommendations. I am not interested in classic American BBQ, but I would love to taste caribou, bear, and moose. Any ideas?

[yakima]

Re trains. Take binoculars, good paper atlas, gps. Much to be seen.

[Jim White]

Maybe Strat50 can chime in with some recommendations. He's a chef up there.

[synodog]

Been wanting to do this for a while ever since my coworker told me about being stationed at Clear with the Air Force. Hope you have a great time.

[MBMorgan]

It's been a long time since we moved from Anchorage back to the Lower 48 ... but the best place in Anchorage was (and likely still is) The Marx Brothers Cafe. Simon and Seafort's is (or was) a fairly close second. I'm sure that there are others that have popped up since we left back in the 90's.

As Jim pointed out, Strat50 is a chef in Houston (north of Anchorage) and he could probably give you some better insight into what you'll find in and around the Matanuska Valley area.

As far as wild game goes, as I recall it was (and probably still is) illegal to barter, buy, or sell Alaskan game animals. As a result, what you'll most likely find will be farmed "game" animals (like reindeer) in restaurants.

Finally, since it sounds like you'll be doing the tourist thing, you won't want to miss THIS classic between Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Enjoy your trip ...

[Donw]

Agree. Serving wild game, other than farm raised, in restaurant is basically a thing of the past everywhere now by regulations which is understandable due to prions and diseases.

[ecowper]

Last time I was in Anchorage, Marx Brothers and Simon and Seaforts were king of hill for sure.

[Willy]

We were in Anchorage and Denali in 2019 and the ONLY "game" we saw in restaurants/diners/dives was reindeer sausage/hot dogs, which left me wondering if they turned the entire animal into sausage--what, no steaks or roasts? As MBMorgan said, there will not be any bear or moose unless you can wrangle an invite to dine in someone's home.

It's a wonderful state; enjoy it.

[Skip]

We were there twice several years ago and had wonderful experience both times. Be sure to take in a Salmon Bake. It's some of the best Salmon I've ever eaten. There's lots to see anywhere you go in Alaska. Have a great time. Don't forget the Halibut too!

[HawkerXP]

Crab! Don't forget about those little crabs!

[Clark]

Most of the better restaurants will have delicious salmon in season. I don't recall seeing any game on any menus, as others have said it would be farm raised if they have it at all.

Take good binoculars and lots of photos! Enjoy the trip.

[ecowper]

In anchorage, best breakfast in town is probably Moose a la Mode …. At least, last time I was there in 2016 or so. I agree with MBMorgan on Marx Brothers and Simon and Seaforts. Stop by North Pole, which is a suburb of Fairbanks. They really receive, and answer, Santa letters there.

Most breakfast places will have reindeer sausage.

[RichieB]

Can't provide advice but I wish you a happy, memorable and safe trip. Please share pictures.

[FireMan]

Best moose I ever did have was at a road house halfway up to Fairbanks from Anchorage. We had stopped in and the folks invited us for dinner, bein a moose had charged a semi on the highway. The moose lost the battle. Yessir, it was roadkill & it was delicious.

[bbqLuv]

Wait until you try Alaskan eggs, LOL.
Don't forget pictures, please.

[Willy]

Alaskan eggs?

[MBMorgan]

Wait until you try Alaskan eggs, LOL.
Don't forget pictures, please.

I'm sorry ... but what the heck are Alaskan eggs?