Petersburg, Alaska is a small town. About 3,200 people, one main drag, and a restaurant scene that reflects exactly that. What’s remarkable isn’t the quantity, t’s the quality and variety that somehow exists in a Southeast Alaska fishing village most people have never heard of. Thai food, a nationally recognized bakery, Mexican, pizza, Chinese, seafood straight off the docks. For a town this size, it over performs.
Quick Petersburg Restaurant Guide
My Experience with Petersburg Restaurants
Filming in Alaska often means sleeping on a salmon troller and reheating a precooked meal on the diesel stove. So we are overjoyed whenever a story takes us back to shore and to a town like Petersburg. Not only does that usually mean we can take a warm shower in a hotel, but it also means we aren’t too far away from Pad Thai and a cold beer.
When I first traveled to Petersburg, Alaska, in 2015 to film a new TV show for the National Geographic Channel, I remember eating at the local pizza place multiple times and grabbing burritos to go from a truck on the street. Since then, multiple restaurants have opened up. I continue to travel through Petersburg at least a half dozen times a year and enjoy the number of restaurants Petersburg, Alaska offers.
Petersburg Alaska Restaurants: Few options but a few surprises as well.
The best part of Petersburg may be its size. It’s just big enough to have a thriving community and economy but small enough that you can start recognizing faces after spending just a few days there. It’s a community that still shuts down its Main Street (North Nordic Ave) for the occasional festival, and nearly the entire town comes out for frybread, dunk tanks, and egg tosses. So, the frustrating fact that there are very few restaurants open year-round would be contradictory to the value that its smallness offers. I can’t complain about the lack of restaurants if I also love the smallness of this beautiful place.
What is remarkable about Petersburg, Alaska’s culinary scene, is the diversity and quality of some of its restaurants. From their seasonal outdoor Thai restaurant to their nationally reviewed bakery, Petersburg, Alaska, has something for everyone.
If you’re lucky enough to be staying put in Petersburg, Alaska, for more than a night, Check out Petersburg, Alaska: Essential Guide
Inga’s Galley
One of my favorite joints in town, Inga’s Galley, is only open during the warmer months. While I’m glad they get the winters off, I miss their Tofu Pad Thai and Green Curry during the colder seasons. The food is excellent. The restaurant is a glorified food truck they’ve constructed additions to over the years. You place your order at the window, and they serve everything in to-go containers. They have a fun outdoor sitting area with firepits and a covered area in case the weather turns.
They offer beer and wine, but the real draw to this place is the eclectic and consistently excellent food. The Pad Thai is always a good choice, as is their stir fry, egg rolls, curries, and veggie dumplings. It is one of the few places in town with vegetarian options. They have a black bean burger, and several entrees have a tofu option.
The last time I was in Petersburg, Inga’s offered a breakfast menu. I’m unsure if that was the new norm or a fleeting enterprise. Either way, Inga’s is an unavoidable and pleasurable culinary choice while visiting Petersburg, Alaska.
ADDRESS: 104 N Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 11 am-8 pm.
Papa Bear’s Pizza
I think Papa Bear’s Pizza was probably the first sit-down meal I had in Petersburg, Alaska, more than eight years ago. We had a full crew dinner at Papa’s, and I remember everyone having a good time before heading out to Prince of Wales Island. There is nothing spectacular about their pies, which is just fine. Every town needs a reliable, decent pizza place. Let’s be honest: no matter how good the food is in your town, I bet the place you most frequent is still your closest burger or pizza joint. Papa Bear’s is that place for most of Petersburg. Good pizza and reliable service all year long.
The menu is traditional. They offer all the usual toppings on 12”, 14”, or 16” pizzas, with fun names like the Sassy Mama Bear, the Chubby Chicken, and the Crab Bait. They also offer sandwiches and burgers if you’re not in the mood for a pizza.
I’ve never had a kitchen in Petersburg since I always stay in a hotel. If you are fortunate enough to have a kitchen, Papa Bear’s does sell take ‘n’ bake pizzas, frozen pizzas you can cook at home. I’ve considered taking them out on the boat and heating them in the diesel oven, but I haven’t had the opportunity yet.
ADDRESS: 219 N Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 12-7 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday).
Perspective Eatery
Perspective Eatery is the newest addition to Petersburg’s restaurant scene and has quickly climbed to the top of the local ratings. We haven’t been back to try it out, but it sounds delicious. The menu leans toward modern American with fresh local ingredients, Southeast Alaska seafood, and rotating specials. Check their current hours before you go, as new Petersburg restaurants can have evolving schedules.
ADDRESS: 200 Chief John Lott St, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 3-9 pm (Closed Tuesdays and Wednesday).
The Salty Pantry
Undoubtedly, the Salty Pantry serves the best food in town and stands out as the most culinary creative restaurant in Petersburg, Alaska. The baked goods are too good to exist in this small joint across from the harbor. The food here is incredible, offering unique meals like the recent Spinach artichoke jalapeño stuffed portabella, served with a salmon quinoa patty and braised sesame cabbage with roasted vegetables.
When arriving or departing Petersburg, this is the first and often last place our crew will end up. The restaurant is counter-serviced, with a small indoor eating area and a slightly larger outdoor area. The menu constantly evolves but always includes their remarkable baked goods.
When you walk in the door, there will inevitably be a line. When you finally get to the counter, you will be greeted by a glass case made from an old red window frame. Behind it, you will find the most visually stimulating food in Petersburg, from quiches and tray bakes to giant salads and sandwiches. The smells will overwhelm your senses. I guarantee you that if you are in Petersburg, Alaska, and looking for a restaurant, you will find yourself at the Salty Pantry multiple times.
PRO TIP: Get your food to-go and wash it down with a cocktail or beer at Kito’s Kave next door, one of our favorite bars in Alaska.
ADDRESS: 14 Harbor Way, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 6 am-2:30 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday).
Helse
Sing Lee Alley is a funky little street off the main drag in Petersburg, Alaska. It has a lot of character. At first glance, most of the buildings look derelict and worn, but if you look closer, there are a few shops and one tiny restaurant. Helse reflects the character of its location with its kaleidoscope of a menu.
The breakfast menu includes burritos, pancakes, chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and bagels. The lunch menu has a large selection of cold sandwiches like the Mushroom Magic, Mount Helse, The Whaler, and burgers. And to mix things up, the dinner menu is Chinese, including sweet and sour chicken, beef chow mein, and won ton soup. This place is a little funky, but I like it!
ADDRESS: 13 Sing Lee Alley, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 10 am-4 pm.
Coastal Cold Storage
This place is a bit confusing to the passerby. Coastal Cold Storage is a fishing processor catering to sport fishermen who need their fish processed and packed for their return flights home. In addition to offering Petersburg fish processing services, they also run a small restaurant. They are open for breakfast and lunch and offer frozen seafood for purchase.
They serve ten different breakfast sandwiches, all served on an English muffin. I recommend getting the reindeer sandwich since you will probably not get the opportunity to eat that back home. They also have breakfast plates served until 11 am. The lunch menu is pretty bang’n: Halibut Beer Bits, Rockfish Tacos, Crab Platter, and Clam strips. If you want seafood in town, this is the place to get it. Additionally, they have a few burgers and wraps as well.
ADDRESS: 306 N Nordic Ave, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: (Mon–Sat 7am–2:30pm)
Studebaker’s Pizza
There aren’t a lot of delivery restaurants in Petersburg, Alaska. As far as I know, Studebaker’s may be the only delivery option, which can be very convenient in the middle of winter when the roads are shitty and you don’t want to go out.
So, if you are hungry and have no desire to leave your hotel room, call (907) 772-5000 and get yourself a pizza delivered for a measly $2 delivery fee. I recommend ordering the Blue Hawaii (but maybe hold the almonds).
ADDRESS: 1280 Howkan St, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 4 pm-9 pm (open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
The Tinnery – Closed
The Tinnery, located below the Tides Inn, has operated sporadically over the years and appears to currently be closed. Worth a glance at the door if you’re staying at the hotel, but don’t count on it.
ADDRESS: 307 1st St, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 7 am – 10 am, 5 pm – 10 pm
El Zarape
This joint is one of my favorite restaurants in Petersburg, Alaska, and has a warm place in my heart. It’s been one of the most reliable restaurants in Petersburg ever since I started traveling there. Too many times to count, I’ve arrived in town too late for most of the restaurants to be open in the winter, but El Zarape was still lit up on Nordic Ave, welcoming me and my hungry friends. Their service is fast, the staff is always kind, and the food is consistent. The rockfish tacos are always a crew favorite.
It’s been fun watching this small business grow over the years. They now serve a breakfast menu, beer, and have added an outside seating area.
ADDRESS: 114 N Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 8 am -8 pm
Best Petersburg Restaurants: Coffee Shops
Petersburg mornings start early — especially if you’re heading out on the water. These two spots cover your coffee needs before the rest of town wakes up.
Common Grounds
This coffee shop is in the same building as the Scandia House Hotel. It’s a convenient spot for their guests to get a cup of morning joe and a quick snack. Common Grounds offers a selection of pastries and bags of locally roasted coffee (Alaska Island Coffee). The first thing you will notice when walking in is the delicious smell of their coffee. The sitting area is small but nice, and the walls are often decorated with local artist’s work.
This friendly establishment has pastries, bagel dogs, and oatmeal. I tend to get up early, and finishing my morning run with a stop at Common Ground for a to-go coffee has become a nice ritual on my frequent trips to Petersburg.
ADDRESS: 904 S Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 6 am-6 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday).
Glacier Express Cafe
The Glacier Express Cafe is a coffee shop that offers a small breakfast menu and packaged pastries. They have a nice large sitting area, which is rare in Petersburg. This may be the ticket if you’re looking for a nice dry place to hang out and have some coffee and snacks.
They have all the coffee drinks you would expect: mochas, lattes, and cappuccinos. They also serve bubble tea and breakfast. The breakfast menu includes a jalapeno bagel with sausage, egg, and cheese, an English breakfast sandwich, and three breakfast burritos. Everything is premade and reheated, so if you’re in a rush and need a quick coffee and burrito, stop by the Glacier Cafe to start your day.
ADDRESS: 400 N Nordic Ave, Petersburg, AK 99833 HOURS: 6 am-2:30 pm (Closed Sunday and Monday).
Exploring Southeast Alaska? heading to Prince of Wales Island? Check out our FULL GUIDE to Prince of Wales Island: Island Life in Alaska
Where to Drink in Petersburg Alaska
Petersburg punches above its weight on bars for the same reason it punches above its weight on restaurants, a tight-knit fishing community that works hard and drinks accordingly.
Harbor Bar
The Harbor Bar is one of my favorite bars anywhere in the world and I mean that without irony. I’ve spent days at a time here, literally, socked in by weather waiting for a weather window to fly out to Port Protection. Dive as fuck, free pool, stiff cheap drinks, weird popcorn, pull tabs, the occasional Alaskan bar fight, and a trough urinal that belongs in a museum. It’s everything a bar should be and nothing it shouldn’t. If you’re in Petersburg and you don’t go to the Harbor Bar, you went to the wrong Petersburg.
ADDRESS: 310 N Nordic Dr, Petersburg, AK 99833
Kito’s Kave
Kito’s Kave is the Harbor Bar’s more respectable cousin. Bigger, brighter, and slightly less likely to get you into a fight. It’s right next to the Salty Pantry which makes the pro tip almost mandatory: grab food from next door and bring it in. They make a great spicy Bloody Mary and occasionally run an in-house hot wing operation. Good bar.
ADDRESS: 11 Sing Lee Alley, Petersburg, AK 99833
Best Petersburg, Alaska Restaurants Map
Petersburg Alaska Restaurants FAQs
How many restaurants are in Petersburg Alaska?
Petersburg has roughly 10-12 restaurants and coffee shops depending on the season. Several are seasonal, open spring through fall only, which means winter visitors have fewer options.
What is the best restaurant in Petersburg Alaska?
The Salty Pantry is the consensus best restaurant in town, nationally recognized baked goods, creative daily specials, and the kind of food that surprises people who weren’t expecting much from a small Alaska fishing village.
What is Petersburg Alaska known for?
Petersburg is known as “Little Norway” — it was settled by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1800s and still has strong Scandinavian cultural ties. It’s one of Alaska’s most productive fishing communities and sits in one of the most spectacular fjord landscapes in Southeast Alaska.
What are the hours of restaurants in Petersburg Alaska?
Most Petersburg restaurants keep limited hours — many close by 2-3pm for lunch service and aren’t open for dinner. El Zarape (8am-8pm) and Papa Bear’s Pizza (12-7pm) have the most consistent hours.
Is there seafood in Petersburg Alaska restaurants?
Yes. Coastal Cold Storage is the best spot for fresh seafood, open seasonally April through October. They serve halibut, rockfish tacos, crab, and clam strips. Inga’s Galley also incorporates fresh local seafood into their menu in season.
Are there vegetarian options in Petersburg Alaska?
Inga’s Galley is your best bet, they have tofu options across most dishes, a black bean burger, and are genuinely vegetarian-friendly. The Salty Pantry usually has vegetarian options in their daily specials.
Can you get coffee in Petersburg Alaska?
Yes. Common Grounds at the Scandia House Hotel is the best morning coffee stop, open from 6am. Glacier Express Cafe on Nordic Ave is the other main option, also open early. Both serve espresso drinks and light breakfast.
How do I get to Petersburg Alaska?
Petersburg is accessible by Alaska Airlines from Juneau or Ketchikan, or via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system. There are no roads connecting Petersburg to the main Alaska highway system. The ferry is the classic way to arrive.
What else is there to do in Petersburg Alaska besides eat?
Quite a bit. LeConte Glacier is the southernmost active tidewater glacier in North America and is accessible by boat from Petersburg. Frederick Sound has excellent whale watching. The town has strong Norwegian cultural heritage with the Sons of Norway Hall and Clausen Memorial Museum. Sandy Beach is worth a walk. And the Friday Night Community Bingo is a genuine Petersburg institution. See our Petersburg Essential Guide for the full picture.
More Southeast Alaska Guides
- 7 Day Alaska Itinerary — plan the bigger trip
- Petersburg Alaska Essential Guide — everything else worth knowing about this town
- Prince of Wales Island — next stop in Southeast Alaska
- Best Bars in Anchorage — for when you’re back in the city
- Creek Street Ketchikan — Southeast Alaska’s most famous street
- Talkeetna Restaurants — another small Alaska town with a great food scene
- Nome Restaurants — the other end of the Alaska restaurant spectrum