Downtown’s Cosmic Kitchen (510 E. Pioneer Ave., 907/235-6355, www.cosmickitchenalaska.com, Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–8 p.m., $7–11) serves quick Mexican food such as cosmic burritos, soft tacos, and steak enchiladas, plus avocado-bacon burgers, chicken tikka with chutney sandwiches, and homemade soups. It’s all good and tasty, with a big choice of homemade salsas to spice things up. Cosmic is popular for lunch, but also serves dinner specials ($13–15) such as a fajita steak and shrimp platter and Greek gyros; delicioso. There’s a second Cosmic Kitchen near the end of the Spit.

Another local standout is Wasabi’s (907/226-3663, www.wasabisrestaurant.com, daily 5–10 p.m. May–Aug., Wed.–Thurs. 5–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–10 p.m., closed Sun.–Tues. winter, dinner entrées $18–36), located five miles out East End Road. Asian fusion specialties populate the menu, including a good choice of fresh sushi (try the Tutka Bay roll with shrimp, avocado, and masago for $11) along with alderwood grilled tuna, baby back ribs, and tempura prawns. Get a window seat for bay vistas. Singles can sit at the wraparound bar for meals, and Wasabi’s has a great selection of infused vodkas. The bar downstairs (Fusion) has occasional live music or a DJ.