Breakfast and Lunch

Housed within the historic New York Hotel, Ketchikan Coffee Company (207 Stedman St., 907/225-8646, www.ketchikancoffee.com, Sun.–Wed. 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Thurs.–Sat. 7 a.m.–4 p.m. and 7–11 p.m. summer, Sat.–Thurs. 7 a.m.–3 p.m., Fri. 7 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7–10 p.m. winter, $7–14) has big windows facing Thomas Basin Harbor and a menu of espresso, pastries, and bagels for breakfast, along with lunchtime paninis, smoked salmon chowder, spanakopita, tuna sandwiches, and black-bean burritos. If you’re around on a Thursday evening in winter, don’t miss classic films projected on the wall. Wi-Fi and computer rentals are available for a fee.

Located right across from the ferry terminal, The Landing Restaurant (3434 Tongass Ave., 907/225-5166, www.landinghotel.com), fills with locals and travelers in search of a filling breakfast.

Find the best local chicken sandwiches, salmon burgers, halibut and chips, and hamburgers at the tiny Burger Queen (907/225-6060, Mon. 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Tues.–Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., $9–17) just north of the Front Street tunnel. McDonald’s is in the Plaza Mall 0.75 miles south of the ferry, and the local Subway (415 Dock St.) is downtown.

If you’re out on the road heading north, drop by the little red caboose called Rose’s (4761 N. Tongass Hwy., 907/225-8377, $4–8) for halibut cheeks, burgers, shakes, and the best fries in town.

Dinner

Upstairs in the Spruce Mill Mall, Steamers (907/225-1600, daily May–late Sept., $15–40) is a large and noisy tourist restaurant where you’ll find fresh seafood, pasta, and steaks along with 31 brews—half of them Alaskan beers—on draft. The featured attraction is crab, but all the seafood is good, and servings are ample. Try the teriyaki lemon salmon, prime rib, or blackened halibut tacos. Make reservations for a window seat facing Tongass Narrows, although the view is usually blocked by one of the cruise ships.

Ocean View Restaurant (1831 Tongass Ave., 907/225-7566, www.oceanviewmex.com, daily 11 a.m.–11 p.m., dinner entrées $11–21) is a favorite of locals, and with good reason. The food is varied and nicely prepared, the atmosphere is classy (but noisy), prices are reasonable, and delivery is free. The menu encompasses pasta (including halibut fettuccine), steaks, seafood, burgers, and the best pizzas in town, but fajitas, burritos, chile rellenos, house-made guacamole, and other Mexican dishes are the real attraction. All meals come with chips, salsa, and Mexican tunes from the speakers. Most luncheon specials are $9–10, but you can also get a taco or enchilada for $4. There’s a full bar with margaritas and other drinks and a covered outside deck facing the Tongass Narrows for summer dining.

Next to the footbridge at the north end of Creek Street, Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant (907/225-1818) has upstairs seating overlooking the water. It’s decent and reasonable, including an $8 lunch of sweet-and-sour pork or spicy kung pao chicken. À la carte dinners are $11–15, and service is quick and friendly.

Fine Dining

With its 1920s-style decor, Annabelle’s Keg and Chowder House (326 Front St., 907/225-6009, www.gilmorehotel.com, daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. summer, daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. winter, dinner entrées $19–32) wins the “best atmosphere” prize among Ketchikan restaurants. The menu features seafood (including four kinds of chowders), steaks, salads, and sandwiches, along with prime rib on weekends. There are daily specials, cocktails, and free Wi-Fi. Located in the historic Gilmore Hotel, this is a good place to impress a friend.

Bar Harbor Restaurant (2813 Tongass Ave., 907/225-2813, www.barharborrestaurantktn.com, lunch daily 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m., dinner Sun.–Thurs. 5–8 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 5–9 p.m., dinner $18–26) fills a tiny building south of the ferry terminal, and the back deck provides outdoor dining with a view of this busy harbor if it isn’t raining too hard. The food is dependably good and includes such specialties as scallops a la Paula, bleu steak salad, crab cakes, and weekend prime rib. Reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner.

Héen Kahídi Restaurant and Lounge (800 Venetia Way, 907/225-8001, www.capefoxlodge.com, daily 7 a.m.–9 p.m., $24–39), inside Cape Fox Lodge, serves seafood and steak dinners—try the pepper steak or halibut Olympia—in a quiet and romantic setting. Reserve ahead to get a window seat for an evening sunset over town.

Located 17 miles north of Ketchikan, Salmon Falls Resort (907/225-2752 or 800/247-9059, www.salmonfallsresort.com, daily 5–9 p.m. May–Sept.) is a large octagonal restaurant specializing in steaks and seafood, with blackened halibut, king crab, steaks, lobster, and other filling fare for $22–33. The building vaults 40 feet overhead, with views across Clover Passage and an impressive waterfall nearby.

Fish House (907/225-4055 or 877/732-9453, www.alaskafreshketch.com, daily 10 a.m.–3 p.m. May–Sept., $9–14) has a little storefront next to the Lumberjack Show downtown. Drop by for outstanding fish and chips, salmon chowder, fish cakes, halibut and bacon sandwiches, and blueberry-rhubarb bread pudding. The owners also do five-course “Chef’s Table” gourmet dinners daily if you want to learn from the pros.

Groceries and Sweets

The closest grocery store to the ferry is Alaskan & Proud Market (907/225-1279 or 800/770-8258, www.alaskaandproud.com) right across the road, while Safeway, 0.75 miles south of the ferry, has a salad bar and the biggest selection of groceries. Tatsuda’s IGA (633 Stedman St., 907/225-4125) is on the south edge of town.

Salmon Etc. (907/225-6008 or 800/354-7256 outside Alaska, www.salmonetc.com) has two locations: on Creek Street and downtown at 322 Mission Street. It sells high-quality canned, smoked, or frozen salmon, halibut, crab, clams, and other sea critters.

KetchiCandies (315 Mission St., 907/225-0900 or 800/225-0970, www.ketchicandies.com) makes hand-dipped chocolates, and they will ship your purchases.

© Don Pitcher from Moon Alaska, 10th Edition