My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state. If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.
Planning a Trip to Talkeetna, Alaska
Talkeetna is a unique Alaskan town with lots of quirky characteristics, and before your visit there's a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Because there's so much to do in Talkeetna, parking can get extremely crowded especially during the summer months or special holidays. If you didn't bring a car, that's actually ok, Talkeetna is super walkable - I'd just make sure to bring comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. If you're planning a longer trip and don't want to eat out for every meal, make sure to stop and get groceries before you make it to town. You can find a few items at Nagley's, otherwise you'll need to drive to the main road to visit Cubby's Marketplace - which can be a bit more expensive than grocery stores in Anchorage, Palmer or Wasilla.
Talkeetna is also very seasonal. You'll find that if you visit in the summer just about everything is open and has a line, whereas if you visit in the winter about half the restaurants in town are closed. I always recommend checking each restaurant's website before visiting to make sure they're open, even though they say "open in the winter", chances are they've adjusted their regular hours a bit. As for reservations, most restaurants in town don't take them and are first-come first-served, so I recommend going a bit early if it's especially busy in town.
If you're looking for a place to stay, there's a few I'd recommend. During summer months there are a few different restaurants downtown that have live music, and chances are you'll either be able to hear them or the crowd when you're trying to go to bed. Instead, I recommend staying at the Aerie Domes or Keetna Hideaway - they're both unique stays that are a few minutes outside of town so you'll need a car, but they're secluded and quiet with more amenities like hot tubs and saunas. If you don't have a car and are looking for a stay that's more walkable, then I'd try looking into the Fairview Inn.
My Favorite Tours in Talkeetna :
- Denali Flightseeing Tour - Anchorage to Talkeetna Railroad - Denali Zip Line Tour
Best Restaurants in Talkeetna, Alaska
1. Talkeetna Spinach Bread
This small food stand is one of the state's favorites. You'll see them at most big events throughout the summer, from the Girdwood Forest Fair to the Alaska State Fair. Their specialty is their Spinach Bread, but they have a few other options on their menu too. Even though they're occasionally busy at other events, if they're in town you'll find their set up just off main street in downtown Talkeetna. If there's lots of people in town there will likely be a line, but I think it's worth it!
2. Conscious Coffee
This small coffee shop has a little bit of everything (coffee, tea, bagels, smoothies, crepes, milkshakes, and a great London Fog). With a small seating area outside, and an even smaller indoor space that doubles as a local library and bookstore - this is a great spot to stop if you're looking to grab a coffee or snack on the go. We love their parmesan bagel with the chive cream cheese and their Sunrise Sandwich.
3. Y Knot BBQ
With two locations (one right downtown and one on main road intersection), you'll find delicious BBQ and sides at their little stands. My husband and I asked what they recommended most, which was their brisket and their potato salad. Honestly I thought it was delicious!
4. Denali Brewing Co. & Brewpub
With two locations, their "Brewpub" is conveniently located right in downtown Talkeetna. They have a large beer garden and a pretty diverse menu that has a little bit of everything. This is a great place to go if you're looking for a restaurant with a laid back feel. My personal favorite item to get at their downtown location is "The Aleutian" - a delicious grilled Alaskan Cod sandwich with a side of their awesome sweet potato wedges. They also have a fantastic Chuli Stout Brownie for dessert. Located a little ways out of town is their "Tasting Room", and brewery. They have a few different menu items but primarily focus on their pizzas and salads. My favorite is their Pickle Pizza and Kale Salad!
5. Mountain High Pizza Pie
This is usually one of my husband's first stops in Talkeetna, what can I say he loves his pizza haha. They have indoor and outdoor seating (in the summer months), and sometimes some live music. We've tried other items off their menu in the past, but personally I'd recommend sticking to their pizzas. Our favorite combos are the Greek White Pie or the Main St. Gossip. 
6. Latitude 62
My husband and I stopped here for breakfast one morning and were pleasantly surprised. To be honest we weren't sure about going in, but it was one of the only breakfast spots open when we were visiting in the Winter. Although it also doubles as a bar & motel, their reindeer sausage breakfast muffins are delicious!
7. Annies
Annies is also a newer addition to my list. I stopped here because I received a recommendation from a friend saying they had a delicious "Fireweed Lemonade" - and they weren't kidding. They also have some snacks for sale like hot dogs and ice cream, but even if you just want a delicious cold drink the lemonade is worth a stop!
8. Main Street Coffee Shed
Located right on main street in downtown Talkeetna, this small coffee shed has a few grab and go items but primarily focuses on coffees and blended drinks. In the past my husband and I have tried the Mocha Frappe and the Matcha Frappe and both were delicious. If you need a little caffeine boost or a little pick me up while you explore Talkeetna, this is an easy stop!
9. Talkeetna Roadhouse
One of the newer additions to my list of restaurants in Talkeetna is the Roadhouse. I've heard they also serve lunch and dinner at their restaurant, but I've only ever stopped for breakfast. Unfortunately they only have black drip coffee, but their "Razzy" makes it worth a stop. A cinnamon roll with real raspberries, jam, and cream cheese frosting - delicious!
10. Brown Bear Espresso
Located right at the Parks Highway turn, this little coffee hut has great breakfast options if you're heading out early on some adventures towards Denali. Their coffee wasn't super strong, but their Alaska Reindeer Sausage Croissant and Biscuits & Gravy were delicious.
11. Shirley's Homemade Ice Cream
Shirley's is another personal favorite of mine, and I recommend that everyone stops to try their special, fireweed flavored ice cream! You'll only be able to try this unique flavor if you visit in the summer, but it's worth a stop. You'll usually be able to spot their stand from the long line of people and the fun photo cut outs they have.
12. Flying Squirrel Bakery & Cafe
Although this bakery is located a little ways out of town, the Flying Squirrel has a surprisingly large breakfast and lunch menu, including wood fired pizza nights on the weekends! They have all kinds of fresh baked goods, which is what I recommend getting here, and apparently the owner gets all her vegetables from her husband's garden. They also have free WIFI and lots of places to sit, so it's a great spot to grab a bite if you also need to get some work done.
13. Homestead Kitchen
This restaurant right off main street in downtown Talkeetna is one of the few places in town with indoor seating. They're open for lunch and dinner, and to be completely honest we weren't super impressed - especially for the price. My husband and I loved the Gouda Mac & Cheese Bites with blueberry dipping sauce, but found that the Homestyle Pie was generally just lacking in any kind of flavor.
14. The Burger Barn
One of the restaurants that came most recommended to me is The Burger Barn. I ended up getting their "Talkeetna", which was essentially a bacon cheeseburger. To be 100% honest, I thought the fries were delicious, and my husband really enjoyed the burger, it just wasn't for me. I'm curious to go back and try one of their other burgers next time I'm in town!
15. The Salmon Spot
One of Talkeetna's newest additions is The Salmon Spot - a restaurant that originated in Juneau. They have all kinds of Salmon centered menu items, from chowder to salmon burgers to salmon cakes. My husband and I tried their Salmon Cakes, which had great flavor! I only wish they were a bit crunchier and not so mushy.
Bonus : Alaska Birch Syrup
Another stop located closer to the Parks Highway is the Alaska Birch Syrup & Wild Harvest Products. Since they're technically not a food stand or restaurant, and more of a gift shop, I added them on as a "bonus." Most of their store sells locally produced products & gifts, but they also have some fun Maple Birch Sodas and Ice Creams to try - my favorite is their Birch Brittle Ice Cream!
Watch my Talkeetna Food Adventures Here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> Best Things to Do in Talkeetna -> Where to Stay in Talkeetna Alaska -> Visiting Denali NP For the First Time
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Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2022 my husband convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ 
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