Kenai Peninsula Dining and Nightlife

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 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  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.

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. 

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  More...

In an old railcar, this barbecue joint has personality and serves good "Q". They do breakfast in addition to lunch. The servings are big, the quality is great—but the seating is limited (it's in a railcar after all). On a nice day you can sit at tables outside, but if it's rainy, you might want to get it to go. Their pulled pork is excellent, but it's all quality. Try the eggs  More...

Longtime favorite among locals and visitors alike, the Chartroom Restaurant occupies one of the most spectacular waterfront locations in Alaska. They feature local seafood and individually prepared meals in a full-service, fine dining yet family oriented atmosphere.

The Chartroom operates 7 days a week, year round. Hours adjust seasonally, but run from early breakfast  More...

Looking for a great place to recount the day’s fish tales? This is the spot—a fly fishing-themed bar located inside the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge with a deck overlooking the Kenai River. Settle into a rocking chair on the deck with an Alaska-brewed beer or a cocktail. The bar has four Alaskan beers on tap, a selection of 52 wines, and a full bar. And although most  More...

This is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch before a day on the water. Or, if you aren't heading out, enjoy a bite overlooking the harbor. There's limited seating, but it's easy enough to get a table except at the lunch rush. It's a standard deli, order, grab a number and take a seat. The cinnamon rolls are big and good, and the breakfast burritos are good  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.

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 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.

A family-run place that's been around for 40 years, Paradiso's serves up Italian and Greek food, plus seafood and even some Mexican. They're best known for their pizza and Greek food, but you can score a good seafood dinner here on the right night. Ask the staff. The locals come for the Greek food, which is scarce on the Kenai.

A wood-burning fireplace and spectacular views of the Kenai River and Mount Cecil Rhodes create an inviting atmosphere in the Rod & Reel Restaurant. While this is a fine-dining restaurant, it’s not formal—you won’t find table linens or pretentious waiters. Come with the kids or just drop in for any meal. This is a popular place with locals, who know it’s  More...

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.

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  More...

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.