Foodies Guide to Skagway

When people think of Skagway, food isn’t usually one of the first things they mention. Most people come to this popular port city for the sights. That’s a shame because Skagway is home to some great – albeit limited – dining options for every palette.

Below, you’ll find some of the top restaurants and foods that make Skagway stand out in Alaska’s culinary world.

Glacial Smoothies & Espresso

Skip Starbucks and walk a little farther to Glacial Smoothies & Espresso, known for its great coffee and even better food. Start your day with a Ravens Brew Coffee, a perfectly balanced local brew that hails from Ketchikan. Muffins, bagels and scones round out the breakfast menu, and the lunch menu serves up some delicious sandwiches at equally delicious prices ($5-7 range).

One of the more popular items on the menu is the McMabel Muffin, which is the café’s take on the Sausage McMuffin. The cozy coffee shop opens at 6 a.m. — swing by early and grab a bite before heading out on your Skagway excursions.

Sugar Mama’s

Travelers with a sweet tooth can satisfy their craving at Sugar Mama’s, a charming little bakery nestled on 5^th Avenue. At the store, you’ll find a sign that says “Best Cupcakes in Town”; many travelers will tell you that the pastries live up to the title. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors like vanilla or something a little more creative like “The Gordon” (chocolate with peanut butter buttercream frosting), you’ll find it here.

Aside from selling cupcakes, Sugar Mama’s sells some clever souvenirs like bacon wallets and other trinkets – perfect for your quirky friend or family member. The store isn’t too far from the port, making it a convenient stop on the way back to the ship.

Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake

No Skagway trip is complete without a salmon bake excursion. There’s just something about grilling some fresh wild-caught Alaskan salmon that’s to die for. During this Skagway excursion, you’ll travel to the famous Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp; the place gets its name from the journalists who covered the Klondike Gold Rush and shared all sorts of tall tales while resting here.

You’ll enjoy a feast of wild Alaskan salmon along with chicken, salads, rice pilaf, corn bread and an assortment of other great sides. Afterward, you’ll get to explore the camp, learn about gold panning and set out on your own quest for treasure. Learn more on the official Skagway salmon bake excursion page.

Red Onion Saloon

A stop at Red Onion Saloon is a must during any Skagway visit… just for the atmosphere. The place has a lot of history – it first opened in 1897 as a brothel. Since then, it’s been converted into a restaurant but you’ll still find hints of its lascivious past throughout the venue: staff members dress in outfits straight out of the early 1900s, and the menu boasts some interestingly named dishes (to say the least).

With that said, this is the place for bar food in Skagway. Nachos, pizzas, and sandwiches are the mainstays on the menu – lots of greasy goodness.  Best of all, you won’t break the bank. Come for the ambiance and leave with a full, happy stomach.

Starfire

Yes, this is a Thai restaurant in Skagway. Yes, it’s pretty good. Starfire features an eclectic menu that includes everything from your typical Alaskan salmon to burritos and pad thai. It’s also one of the few restaurants in Skagway that isn’t a pub or serves bar food.

Patrons are particularly fond of the fried egg rolls, both for its generous portion size as well as its spicy dipping sauce. The five different curries – red, brown, purple, yellow and green – are another hit among hungry travelers and can be eaten with chicken, beef, shrimp or tofu. If you’re starving in Skagway and aren’t sure what you want to eat, come to Starfire – they have a little bit of everything.