Kenai Peninsula Dining and Nightlife
Dining in the Kenai Peninsula caters to every palate and atmosphere preference. Whether you’re seeking elegant, fine-dining establishments or cozy, laid-back eateries, our recommendations offer something for everyone.
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Dining and Nightlife
The Salty Dawg Saloon was originally one of the first cabins built here in 1897, just after the town was established. Today, a visit to the historic Salty Dawg Saloon on the spit will enhance your visit and put you in touch with many locals. Much more than a saloon, the Dawg has regular music performances and also serves light food.
Homer Brewing Company opened its doors in 1996 and has been a local fixture ever since. The brewery is open 7 days a week, until about 6pm (hours vary slightly, so it doesn’t hurt to call ahead). While there isn’t an official tour, you’re welcome to look around while you enjoy your brew.
Rafter’s, in the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, is a laid-back bar with a deck overlooking the Kenai River that serves delicious drinks.
Originally built in 1956 as a bar at the end of a 5 mile gravel road which served Glacier Ice Margaritas. In 1964 a restaurant and lodging was added, but the lodging portion was eliminated in 1980. The only place to eat in the valley, this family-run day lodge has a gift shop and serves cafeteria-style food.
This historic log roadhouse, restaurant and bar was build in 1952 by cutting, hauling and peeling spruce logs in true pioneer fashion. The lodge was restored to its original condition in 1995 and 2003, so today it looks much like it did in the 1950s. Stop in for a fantastic Alaska-sized meal or for information about area activities.
Overlooking the harbor, ocean and mountains, Ray’s is a local institution for seafood dinners. It’s popular with both fishermen and tourists, who want a good meal with a great view. And since the fishing boats unload right there on the dock, the seafood couldn’t be fresher. They serve halibut cheeks, red snapper, cod and salmon. It’s good seafood, cooked well, but the sides are average. The bar can get loud and crowded, but the dining area is… ...more
This fun, cool restaurant serves up good pizza and sandwiches, including a meatball sub that’s known throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Get a filling, affordable deal with the soup and sandwich combos, order up a steak, and don’t miss the big, delicious desserts. Fat Olive’s is super popular (make reservations) and can get loud, but the atmosphere is great — funky, modern architecture, local art on the walls, pizza dough thrown in an open kitchen.… ...more
Sushi is the focus here, and you’ll find an extensive sushi menu as well as specialty rolls. But that’s not all. Wasabi’s also does great seafood, steak, and duck entrees, all with fresh, local ingredients. There are also creative drinks (and drink specials), often made with infused liquors — look for the huge jar of strawberries soaked in vodka.
Across the water from Homer and accessed by boat only, the Saltry serves up fresh seafood and salads in the fairy-tale setting of Halibut Cove. In a town that is connected by boardwalks, of course you’ll be eating waterfront. And of course, the halibut and salmon is fresh.
Quality seafood dinners with great views of the water (sit on the second floor if you can). It’s a toss-up between Ray’s and here, but there’s a slightly more diverse menu here. Better salads and sides. It’s more casual too.
This breakfast and lunch place has a great deck that’s tailor made for a sunny day. Hang out at the espresso bar, or dig into everything from French toast and huevos rancheros to fish tacos and a chicken tikka pita with chutney.
Enjoy fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular river and mountain views at the Eagle’s Crest Restaurant in the Kenai Princess Lodge.
Attached to the Soldotna Inn, Mykel’s has the reputation for the best prime rib dinners on the Kenai Peninsula. They also do high quality salmon, halibut and seafood dinners. It’s a fine dining experience, Alaskan style, with white linens on the table, but it also has booths and feels cozy and casual. Locals celebrate anniversaries and other special nights here because of the fine food and nice atmosphere. It’s expensive, but they have a… ...more
Serving up locally brewed beers in a fun, family-friendly pub atmosphere, St. Elias is a favorite with locals and travelers. It draws a crowd and can get loud and a little wild if they have live music. But without a band, it’s a fun, happening place. They have a great deck for nice afternoons, serve sampler flights of their beer and have great pizza and big salads.
You can stop into this local Kenai brewery for a taste, or a tour. Tours are offered every other Friday at 6pm. Be sure to call in advance.
The Chart Room Restaurant has been a fixture at the end of the famous Homer Spit since 1958. Today, this full-service eatery and lounge features delicious cuisine made with local ingredients, and all with an Alaskan twist. But the food isn’t the only star here: You’ll also find a unique nautical décor and a jaw-dropping view. Big picture windows reveal a stunning landscape out over the shimmering waters of Kachemak Bay and the snow-capped ...more
Big-screen televisions for the game. It’s fun and loud when it’s busy and serves up standard pub food. If you’re looking for a sports bar, this is the only one. If you’re looking for food alongside the game, get a burger. The menu is average and can be hit or miss, but the burgers are consistently big and juicy, and can be ordered with buffalo, elk or caribou.
The Two Sisters Bakery is an institution in Homer.
Upscale casual restaurant in Homer — part of Ocean Shores Resort — is a delicious destination for lunch and dinner and features amazing views of shimmering Kachemak Bay and the mountains beyond.