Meals on the Spit

Yes, Homer [1] does have McDonald’s and Subway, but you’re much better off heading out on the Spit [2], where two summer-only places fish for your attention. Best-known is the perpetually crowded Boardwalk Fish and Chips (907/235-7749, daily 11 a.m.–9 p.m. early May–mid-Sept., but hours vary, $9–15) across from the harbormaster and Salty Dawg, with crunchy halibut fish-on-a-stick and chips that will have you smackin’ your chops.

On the same side, but not as far out on the Spit, Fresh Catch Café (907/235-2289, $19–27) has lightly breaded fish-and-chips that are not as greasy. They also serve a tasty halibut curry, plus scallop fettuccini and steaks.

A few doors from Boardwalk is Finn’s Pizza (907/235-2878, daily noon–9 p.m. early May–early Sept., pizzas $12–28, slices $4–5), with hot-from-the-oven wood-fired pizzas and daily soups, along with local beers on tap. Be sure to try the blue pear version, made with D’Anjou pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and roasted pine nuts. Climb the side stairs for rustic dining with a beach vista.

Open seasonally, Spit-Fire Grille (907/235-9379, daily 10 a.m.–7 p.m., but hours can be sporadic, $10–15) occupies a tiny shop just down from El Pescadero Restaurant. Eat inside on stools along the windows or at the picnic table on the deck. The food is amazingly good and reasonable, with daily fish specials, ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, salads, and buffalo burgers. The emphasis is local and organic, but be sure to sample the homemade ice cream and fresh lemonade. Walls are decorated with paintings by chef Mike’s wife, Margorie Scholl (www.margiescholl.com [3]).

Directly across the boardwalk is Spit Sisters Café (907/235-4921, www.spitsisterscafe.com [4], mid-May–early Sept., $8–10), serving pastries from Two Sisters, light breakfasts, grilled panini sandwiches, and espresso. They open daily at 5 a.m. to provide box lunches for folks heading out on fishing charters, closing at 4 p.m.