13 Alaska Seafood Shacks Worth Every Mile For Fresh Catch And Ocean Views
Alaska has a way of making simple things feel special, especially when it comes to seafood. Drive along the coast and you’ll spot small shacks and diners where the day’s catch goes straight from the dock to the grill.
No fancy setups, just honest food cooked by people who know the water better than anyone. I stopped at one on a rainy afternoon and watched the cook flip halibut like it was second nature.
That’s the kind of meal you remember. If you’re heading north, these Alaskan seafood stops are worth every mile.
1. Tracy’s King Crab Shack, Juneau
Right on the waterfront in Alaska’s capital, this little spot has been serving up massive king crab legs for years. The owner sources directly from local boats, so what you’re eating was probably swimming around yesterday.
You can crack open your crab at outdoor picnic tables while watching seaplanes land in the harbor. The menu is simple, but that’s the point. Fresh crab doesn’t need much dressing up.
Locals stop by after work, and cruise ship visitors make the walk down. It gets busy during summer months, but the line moves fast and the portions are generous enough to share.
2. Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos, Juneau
Tucked near the docks, this taco stand has a cult following among locals who know good fish when they taste it. Dave worked on fishing boats for two decades before opening this place, and he knows his halibut.
The fish is battered lightly and fried just right, then tucked into soft tortillas with cabbage and a tangy sauce that has a little kick. You can grab a bench nearby and watch the boats come in while you eat.
It’s cash only, so come prepared. The prices are fair and the servings are big.
3. Alaska Fish House, Ketchikan
Ketchikan calls itself the salmon capital of the world, and this place backs up that claim with some of the best grilled salmon you’ll find anywhere. They get deliveries straight from the fishing fleet that docks just outside.
The deck seating gives you front row views of boats unloading their catch. You can order salmon five different ways, plus halibut, rockfish, and whatever else came in that morning. The chowder is thick and loaded with chunks of fish.
Service is friendly without being pushy, and the atmosphere feels authentic rather than touristy.
4. Skagway Fish Company, Skagway
This tiny operation sits in a historic gold rush town surrounded by mountains. The building looks like it could’ve been there since 1898, though the kitchen equipment is thankfully more modern.
They smoke their own salmon using traditional methods, and you can watch the process through a window. The fish and chips are made with cod that was caught that same day in nearby waters. Everything tastes clean and fresh.
The location is perfect if you’re exploring the old downtown area. Grab your order and find a spot along the waterfront to enjoy it.
5. Ray’s Waterfront, Seward
Resurrection Bay spreads out in front of this longtime favorite, with mountains rising straight up from the water. The view alone is worth the visit, but the seafood keeps people coming back year after year.
Ray’s has been around since the 1940s, and they’ve perfected their recipes over decades. The halibut is grilled with just butter and lemon, letting the fish speak for itself. They also serve excellent crab cakes and a seafood platter that’s big enough for two.
Reservations help during peak season, though the bar area takes walk-ins.
6. Chinooks Seafood & Grill, Seward
Just up from the harbor, Chinooks has a laid-back vibe that makes you want to linger over your meal. The outdoor patio fills up fast when the weather’s nice, and you can watch fishing charters head out for the day.
Their specialty is grilled seafood with Asian-inspired glazes that add flavor without overwhelming the fish. The salmon teriyaki is a favorite, and the rockfish is underrated. Portions are solid and prices are reasonable for what you get.
The staff knows their stuff and can tell you where your fish came from.
7. Captain Pattie’s Fish House, Homer
Out on the famous Homer Spit, Captain Pattie’s sits right where the fishing action happens. Halibut boats unload their catch within sight of the dining room, and that fish goes straight into the kitchen.
The halibut here is legendary among locals. It’s available grilled, fried, or in tacos, and it’s always cooked perfectly. The clam chowder is creamy and full of clams, not just broth. Windows wrap around the building, so every seat has a water view.
Go early if you can, especially on weekends when it fills up.
8. Boardwalk Fish & Chips, Homer
Sometimes you just want simple, perfect fish and chips, and this little spot delivers exactly that. The fish is fresh halibut or cod, battered in a light batter that stays crispy even in Homer’s damp air.
Order at the window, grab a picnic table, and enjoy your meal with the bay stretching out in front of you. The fries are hand-cut and the coleslaw is tangy and fresh. It’s the kind of place where fishing guides stop for lunch.
Cash or card both work here, and the line moves quickly even when it looks long.
9. The Saltry, Halibut Cove
You can only reach this place by boat, which tells you something about the experience. A water taxi from Homer drops you off at this tiny artist community, and The Saltry sits right on the dock.
The menu changes based on what came in that day, but expect incredibly fresh seafood prepared with care. The setting is magical, with the restaurant perched over the water and eagles circling overhead. Reservations are required, and the water taxi schedule limits your time.
It’s a special occasion kind of place, worth the extra effort to get there.
10. Halibut Point Crab & Chowder, Sitka
This cozy spot in downtown Sitka specializes in chowders and crab, and they do both exceptionally well. The crab chowder is loaded with big chunks of Dungeness crab meat, and the broth has a depth that comes from making it from scratch.
You can also get whole crab to crack yourself, plus fish and chips and grilled salmon. The space is small and fills up during lunch, but turnover is quick. Windows look out toward the harbor where fishing boats tie up.
Prices are fair and portions are filling without being overwhelming.
11. Ludvig’s Chowder Cart, Sitka
What started as a small cart has become a Sitka institution. Ludvig serves up bowls of chowder that locals swear by, made fresh every morning with whatever fish is running.
The salmon chowder is the signature dish, rich and hearty with big pieces of fish. There’s also halibut chowder and a rotating special that changes with the seasons. Grab a bowl and find a bench nearby to enjoy it while watching the boats.
It’s open for lunch only, and they close when the chowder runs out, so don’t wait too long to visit.
12. Swiftwater Seafood Cafe (Varly’s), Whittier
Whittier is a quirky little town at the end of a long tunnel, and this cafe fits right in. Varly’s serves straightforward seafood in a no-frills setting that puts the focus on the food.
The fish comes from boats that dock right outside, and the kitchen keeps things simple. Grilled salmon, fried halibut, fish tacos, and chowder make up most of the menu. Everything is cooked to order, so it takes a few minutes but it’s worth the wait.
The views of Prince William Sound and the surrounding glaciers are stunning from the outdoor tables.
13. The Fat Mermaid, Valdez
The name makes you smile, and the seafood keeps you happy. This funky little spot in Valdez has personality to spare, with nautical decor and a menu that focuses on local catches prepared with creativity.
The fish tacos are outstanding, with blackened rockfish and homemade slaw. They also do a great job with halibut and salmon, offering different preparations each day. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable for the quality.
It’s a favorite among locals and visitors who appreciate good food without pretension. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.