Every Alaskan town is equipped with a diner serving hearty meals of typical American fare, often with a few Alaskan specialties thrown in for good measure. Eating out, as with many things in Alaska, is expensive when compared to dining in other US states as much of the food is imported. Beer lovers will be pleased to discover Alaska brews its own beers, which are available in all of the state’s watering holes. Evening entertainment is fairly thin on the ground or non-existent outside of the main cities and towns as the area is known for preserving and appreciating nature.

Finding consistently good restaurants in Juneau can seem like a challenge, yet there are several eateries that offer reasonable value for the money considering many of the foods must be imported by boat or jet. Canton House (8585 Old Dairy Road, Juneau), El Sombrero (157 S. Franklin Street, Juneau) and the Hot Bite (Boat Harbor, Auke Bay, Juneau) are popular choices.

Fairbanks, like Juneau, has a good selection of ethnic eateries, as well as seafood joints. Alaskaland Salmon Bake (2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks), Siam Dishes (338 Old Steese Hwy, Fairbanks) and Wok N’ Roll Express (3535 College Rd, Fairbanks) serve seafood, Thai and Chinese respectively. For a more Alaskan dining experience, try the Loose Moose Café (3450 Airport Way, Fairbanks) where huge buffalo burgers are the order of the day.

Anchorage has Alaska’s greatest choice of restaurants, from diners to taco houses, cafes and burger stops. Pizza lovers will want to try Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria (3300 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage), while the popular Glacier BrewHouse (5th Ave between H and G St, Anchorage) is perhaps the best place to eat downtown for its wide selection of dishes. For award-winning French and American cuisine, Crow’s Nest (4th and K (top floor of Hotel Captain Cook), Anchorage) is a safe bet.

Not to be missed wherever visitors dine are the famous Alaskan king crab legs. This local delicacy is served freshly cooked in butter, with lemon juice and Old Bay seasoning.