The Top Five Downtown Restaurants in Anchorage, Alaska

Downtown Anchorage, Alaska is home to many great restaurants enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. There are many types of cuisine to be enjoyed under the midnight sun, all within convenient walking distance of hotels, galleries, and the popular Performing Arts Center. During my last two years as a resident of the downtown area I have had many opportunities to sample the local restaurant fare, and have found many favorites.

Sizzlin' Cafe - 523 W. 3rd Ave.
The family owned and operated Sizzlin' Cafe, located across 3rd Ave. from the Anchorage Downtown Hilton Hotel, is one of my favorite places to stop in for breakfast. They have a variety of fresh baked breads, including the best banana walnut bread, continental breakfasts, eggs benedicts, scrambles, and breakfast wraps. They also have a fresh and delicious lunch menu with many soups, panini sandwiches, wraps, and salads to choose from. The pasta salad that comes with the sandwiches and wraps is the best I've ever tasted. For dessert they have huge cookies and brownies. The Sizzlin' Cafe has a bright, relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and features the work of different local artists each month which is also available for purchase.

Teriyaki Box - 401 I St.
For healthy and tasty food in a hurry, try the Teriyaki Box across 4th Ave. from the new courthouse on I Street. Teriyaki Box serves a wide variety of Japanese dishes during lunch and dinner hours Monday through Saturday. You will have a hard time choosing from the extensive menu, including fresh sushi, curries, spring rolls, salads, noodle soup bowls with your choice of meats, dumplings or tofu. The spring rolls are fresh and delicious, and the spicy chicken broth in the noodle soup is especially welcome when you are trying to beat a cold. The food is served fast-food style on trays, and you can choose your table in the rustic looking dining room.