15 Must-Try Places to Eat & Drink in Valdez, Alaska
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Wondering where to eat in Valdez, Alaska?
This remote coastal town might be small, but the Valdez, Alaska restaurants serve up some seriously memorable meals if you know where to go.
From fresh halibut tacos and waterfront patios to food trucks with global flair, there’s way more to the Valdez food scene than meets the eye.
I’ve spent time exploring and eating my way through Valdez, and I was honestly surprised by how many delicious spots we discovered after arriving on the ferry from Whittier.
Some are local legends, others are hidden gems…but every place on this list is one my family would happily return to.
In this guide to the best places to eat in Valdez, Alaska, I’ve organized everything by food type so you can quickly plan where to eat, whether you’re on a tight schedule or just craving something specific.
Let’s dig in!
15 Best Restaurants in Valdez, Alaska
You already know Valdez has more food gems than you’d expect. This list dives deeper, breaking down where to go based on what you’re craving.
Are you looking for a quick bite before a glacier cruise, a cozy breakfast spot, or a place to unwind with a local beer?
Here are the best places to eat and drink around town, organized to make planning (and snacking) easy!
1. Local Favorite: The Potato
The Potato is arguably one of the very best places to eat in Valdez with thoughtfully prepared offerings and fresh ingredients. It’s right near the waterfront, so you can’t beat the location!
We love their lunches, and my son, especially, is a fan of their Spudniks Supreme—a very filling and delicious plate of homemade curly fries, topped with sausage gravy, cheese, an egg, and jalapeñoños.
I’m a big fan of their hummus wraps and their salmon roll that has just the right amount of fresh tarragon in it. Lunch and dinner are both great here, and they serve beer and wine as well! The Roadside Potatohead also has a location in McCarthy, AK.
Stop by for some smoked salmon chowder and to take in the view! They are open from early May to mid-September.
Food Trucks and Quick Bites in Valdez
Valdez has a surprisingly good food truck scene for such a small town. Whether you’re craving comfort food, something quick before a glacier cruise, or flavors that might surprise you this far out, these casual spots deliver.
Just note—many of them are seasonal and have limited seating, so plan to eat outside or take your meal to-go.
2. Nat Shack: Vegan Crunchwraps & Halibut Tacos
Looking for a delicious vegan lunch? Nat Shack has you covered. Their veggie crunchwrap is a favorite that’s so tasty you might come back for another the next day. Their most recent crunchwrap addition to the menu has tofu and chipotle and is packed with flavor.
They also serve halibut tacos, and yup, they are really good. Everything here is handmade, so leave yourself a little extra time to order and wait before you gobble it down too fast.
3. Aunty Yum Yum’s Thai Food: Bold Flavors & Fresh Herbs
This is the real deal! The food is authentic, and the ingredients are super fresh and high quality. In the summer months, the herbs used in dishes are grown right on the patio.
What’s exciting is that if you love spicy food (like me), when you ask for spicy, they actually deliver! The panang curry, drunken noodles, shrimp pad thai, and beef curry are a few favorites.
4. Poor Betty’s: Fried Shrimp & Reindeer Sausage To-Go
This little food truck is perfect if you’re craving fried shrimp, chicken po’ boys, reindeer sausage, or cheese curds.
The portions are generous, and everything we’ve tried has been solid. It’s fast, casual, and great for takeout.
5. Magpie’s On The Fly: Coffee, Sandwiches & Artsy Vibes
This fun little stop combines great coffee with a big dose of character. In addition to tasty baked goods and sandwiches, Magpie’s often hosts live music, quirky pop-ups, and even dinner theater performances in the summer.
It feels like part café, part community hub — a place where locals gather and travelers feel instantly welcome. If you’re looking for a cozy spot with personality and a little creative spark, this is it.
6. Turo Turo Food Truck: Authentic Filipino Comfort Food
I highly recommend you visit Turo Turo for a delicious lunch while in Valdez. It is family-owned and they serve authentic and scrumptious Filipino food from this eye-catching food truck parked in town.
My favorites are the chicken adobo and the lumpia (fried spring rolls). Everything is really extra special and flavorful. The pancit is a stir-fry made with tasty wide noodles and is a great choice for kids.
Breakfast & Coffee Spots in Valdez
Fun fact: Valdez has more coffee shops than gas stations, and after a few chilly mornings here, you’ll understand why.
7. TraDas Breakfast Diner: Hearty Plates & Local Charm
Craving a hearty breakfast? TraDas is a real-deal mom-and-pop diner that delivers pancakes, burritos, French toast, omelets, and more.
Portions are big and satisfying. It’s a local favorite, but it does fill up fast on summer weekends, so arrive early if you can.
8. A Rogue’s Garden: Organic Coffee, Soups & Smoothies
Looking for a delicious organic espresso and a nutritious lunch? Head to this health food store that has been a mainstay in Valdez since 1990. The store is located at 354 Fairbanks Drive.
They also have freshly-baked pastries, a smoothie bar, protein shakes, and lunch specials Tuesday–Friday from 11am–2pm.
I recommend their delicious homemade soups… paired with a panini it’s the perfect cozy lunch! They also have yummy homemade breads.
9. The Coffee Co: Cozy Cabin Vibes & Fresh-Baked Muffins
This spot has a cozy lodge-like feel and makes a great stop if you’re craving solid coffee and a warm place to relax.
Their muffins are excellent, and they’ve got savory breakfast sandwiches too. It’s a nice stop after a cold morning outing or while waiting for a tour.
Sit-Down Restaurants in Valdez, Alaska
10. The Fat Mermaid: Waterfront Dining with Seafood & Pizza
You can’t miss this spot—it’s right downtown with a big waterfront patio and a fun, laid-back vibe. The Fat Mermaid has a little bit of everything: burgers, sandwiches, seafood platters with fresh-caught halibut, salmon, or cod, plus tasty pizzas and desserts.
They also have a great selection of local craft beers on tap and a decent wine list. We’ve always found something we like here, and it’s a reliable stop for both lunch and dinner.
11. The Stampmill: Pub-Style Fare in a Historic Setting
Located in a beautifully restored historic building, The Stampmill has classic, delicious pub-style dishes with a cozy Alaska feel.
Think pizza, wings, burgers, and hearty sandwiches. It’s a solid option for a sit-down meal and has a good reputation with both locals and visitors.
12. Loco’s Gringos: Tacos, Burritos & Casual Mexican Eats
This yummy spot brings Mexican-inspired dishes to Valdez with tacos, burritos, nachos, and more.
It’s a casual place with friendly service and generous portions. Great for takeout or a relaxed sit-down meal.
Treats, Sweets & Breweries in Valdez
13. Northern Treats: Soft Serve, Milkshakes & Summer Fun
This bright pink and purple shack is Valdez’s go-to soft serve spot in the summer. It’s open seasonally and makes a great post-hike or post-dinner treat.
The milkshakes and cones are playful and packed with creative flavor combos—many with punny Alaskan names. Definitely try the Pine Tree if you’re a mint-chocolate fan like me…it is SO GOOD!
14. Growler Bay Brewing Company: Local Art & Small-Batch Brews
While they don’t serve food themselves, Growler Bay makes up for it with a cozy taproom, local art on display, and a rotating selection of small-batch beers.
Occasionally there’s a BBQ setup nearby, but it’s more of a drink-and-hangout spot than a food destination.
15. Valdez Brewing Company: Craft Beer & Food Truck Pairings
Valdez Brewing doesn’t serve food either, but let you bring in your own or grab something from one of the local food trucks parked nearby (often Poor Betty’s).
The vibe is casual and welcoming, with beers like their Salted Chocolate Porter and Prop Wash Pilsner on tap. A great place to end the day.
Tips for Dining in Valdez, AK
A few quick tips to help you plan your meals in town:
- Check hours — Many restaurants and food trucks in Valdez are seasonal or have limited hours, especially in spring and fall. Always check their current hours on Facebook, Instagram, or Google before heading over.
- Arrive early — At places like The Potato or TraDas Breakfast Diner, lines can build up fast, especially on summer weekends. We’ve had better luck showing up closer to opening than waiting for the lunch rush to pass.
- Outdoor-only or limited seating — Food trucks like Turo Turo and Nat Shack have no indoor seating, and some places only offer patio tables. Be prepared to take your meal to-go or eat picnic-style on the harbor.
- Order ahead when you can — Some spots offer online or phone ordering, which can save time if you’re in a rush or want to avoid waiting around with hungry kids (ask me how I know).
- Cash vs. card — Most places accept cards, but it never hurts to have some cash, especially at small food trucks or markets.
- Locals love takeout — It’s pretty common in Valdez to grab a meal and head to the waterfront or back to your lodging. Don’t be shy about taking your food to-go—it’s part of the rhythm here.
Final Thoughts on Restaurants in Valdez, Alaska
Valdez might not be known as a food capital, but if you know where to look, there’s no shortage of satisfying, delicious, and even exciting meals to be had here.
Whether you’re loading up on comfort food after a long hike or sipping local beer with takeout tacos, these spots offer a fun slice of the local scene.
Have a favorite I missed? Let me know so I can check it out on our next trip!
Planning your visit to Valdez? Check out my Valdez Travel Guide to make your trip even more unforgettable!
On a road trip? Read How to Get to McCarthy, Alaska and visit the largest National Park in the USA!
