Our Favorite Homer, Alaska Restaurants & Watering Holes
Homer, Alaska may be just a small town located on the southern coast of the Kenai Peninsula, about 200 miles south of Anchorage but despite its small size, Homer has a thriving culinary scene that reflects the diverse and abundant natural resources of the surrounding area.
One of the most distinctive features of the culinary scene in Homer is, not surprisingly, the abundance of fresh seafood. Located on the shores of Kachemak Bay, Homer is home to a number of seafood processing plants and fishing boats that bring in a variety of fish and shellfish, including salmon, halibut, cod, and crab. Many local restaurants feature seafood prominently on their menus, offering dishes such as salmon chowder, halibut tacos, and crab cakes. In addition to traditional seafood dishes, Homer’s culinary scene also includes a number of innovative and experimental seafood-based dishes, such as sushi rolls made with local salmon and halibut and seafood chowder made with locally-sourced clams and mussels.
In addition to seafood, Homer’s culinary scene also includes a number of other local and regional specialties. One popular dish is the reindeer sausage, which is made with locally-raised reindeer meat and is often served as a topping on pizzas or in sandwiches. Other local favorites include moose and caribou, which can be found on menus at a number of local restaurants.
In addition to traditional sit-down restaurants, Homer also has a number of food trucks and food carts that offer a wide variety of dishes. These mobile eateries are a popular choice for tourists and locals alike, and they offer a more casual and laid-back dining experience.
Overall, the culinary scene in Homer is diverse and dynamic, with a strong focus on locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Alaskan dishes. Whether you’re looking for a fancy seafood dinner or a quick bite from a food truck, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in Home
Below you’ll find some of our favorite Homer, Alaska restaurants but we don’t want to forget about our favorite places to grab an adult beverage. You’ll find those below as well.
the Chart room @ Land's End
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a view then look no further. Sure, there are restaurants all along the Homer spit boasting views of Kachemak Bay. And while those are great views, none of them compare to the views from the outside patio found at the Chart Room. It sits at the southern most part of the Homer spit and its patio and large panoramic viewing windows sit as close to the Kachemak Bay glaciers as you can get.
The Chart Room offers a wide variety of menu options featuring locally sourced, sustainably harvested seafood and produce. With innovative, seasonal dishes and a commitment to sustainability, the Chart Room is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning surroundings of Homer and Kachemak Bay.
Fat Olives
Fat Olives is a renowned restaurant located in an old-school bus barn. Its unique atmosphere and delicious menu, featuring seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients whenever possible, have made it a hit with both tourists and locals. During the summer, seafood lovers can indulge in a variety of seafood options such as Kachemak Bay oysters, salmon, halibut, mussels, shrimp, and scallops.
But don’t let the seafood options fool you, Fat Olives is also known for its top-notch pizzas, which can be enjoyed with a selection of excellent local beers. The combination of quality, quantity, price, and elegant atmosphere make this restaurant a great value that consistently delivers on taste.
Duncan House Diner
The Duncan House Diner is probably our first thought every morning if we have time for a proper breakfast. With a happy and welcoming atmosphere, the diner is filled with fun knickknacks and Alaskan artwork,
Unlimited coffee refills and delicious, hearty breakfast options, and very generous portions of high-quality, homestyle cooking. The Duncan House Diner’s breakfast menu features everything from breakfast burritos to omelets to the “Hearty Homesteader,” a dish made with oatmeal, blueberries, cranberries, raisins, and brown sugar. The lunch menu includes tasty items like the “Rockin’ Rein Dog” and the Alaska Burger, as well as fresh fish, salads, and homemade soups.
You know that great breakfast diner experience that you love? Well this is that.
Alice's Champagne Palace
Alice’s Champagne Palace has been around a really long time. It may have started as a cafe way back in 1946 according to legend.
One part bar one part restaurant and one part live music venue, Alice’s Champagne palaces is one of the largest places around. It has a really large stage and it’s not uncommon to find live music here several nights a week during the summer.
The food is primarily pub finger food such as burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, pizza’s, salads and a few different entrees. If you’re looking for basic pub food with a good atmosphere you won’t be disappointed here.
The Kannery Grill
We’re very pleased to be able to put this restaurant on our list. It was a little uncertain what might happen to it through the covid crisis and we’re super happy to see them thriving.
The Kannery Grill is one of the higher end restaurants around Homer, With an open kitchen you can see the food being prepared.
The Kannery has great appetizers, fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, calamari, clams and focuses on a locally caught and locally sourced menu. It also serves great win and local beers from Homer and throughout Alaska.
Captain Pattie's Fish House
Captain Pattie’s Fish House is one of the better known eating options right on the Homer spit.
They have a wide range of menu options but mostly focus on local catch. And it’s a great place to eat it since you’re looking right at Kachemak Bay through the windows.
It’s definitely not a cheap place, and it’s pretty well known so it gets very busy. Your best bet is to try and get an early dinner seating if you can or there’s a chance you won’t be able to get a seating in the peak of the summer season.
AJ's Old Town Steakhouse & Tavern
AJ’s has an amazing history. The front part of the building was built as the original women’s club in 1937. Laura & Walt purchased it from the women’s club and it opened as the first cafe & bar in Homer in 1941. They named it the Homer Cafe & Club. It featured just a few bar stools, a pool table, and a tiny kitchen. Over the years it has had many owners including Tex & Marge Sharp. They named it the “Waterfront” and it became known as the best place on the peninsula to get a good steak! In the 1970’s folks would spend hours at the Waterfront being entertained by local legends Harley Hess & Hobo Jim. In the 1990’s it became Duggan’s and featured a friendly, Irish Pub atmosphere. Now, as AJ’s Steakhouse, the old town building has come full circle back to the ol’ Waterfront days, featuring great Steak, Seafood, Spirits & Entertainment, along with the same friendly old town hospitality that has been a tradition for over 70 years.
Alibi Bar & Cafe
This is one of our favorite spots known more by the locals than our summer visitors. The food here may be considered more traditional and handheld pub food but don’t let that fool you – this is some of the highest end pub food around.
The portions are generous, substitutions are usually no problem, and the staff is always attentive and friendly.
The Alibi is also one of the few places in Homer you might discover some live music as well. They often have Bands/DJs on the weekends and aren’t afraid to stay open a little later.
The salty Dawg Saloon
The Salty Dawg is one of the first cabins built in Homer in 1897. It has transformed over the years from a cabin, to a lighthouse to a post office, and to the saloon that it is known as today.
it is incredibly convenient to get a drink or cocktail here as it’s right next to the harbor and next to Buttwhackers if you want to see some big halibut being filleted.
They only accept cash for your drinks but they’re also happy to give you marker so you can write you name on a bill and add to the thousands upon thousands that adorn the walls of the Salty Dawg Saloon.
We feel like no halibut trip is complete until you’ve stopped by the Salty Dawg Saloon for a drink but most importantly to purchase one of their classic hoodies that are not only incredibly comfortable, but they are reasonably priced, and recognized all over the world when you wear them. Seriously, buy the hoodie.
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3/4-Day Halibut
$275 May & September
$325 June, July, August
- Meet 7:30 AM For 8:00 AM Departure
- 5 – 7 Hours Duration
- 45 – 70 minutes to fishing grounds
Full-Day Halibut
$350 May & September
$400 June, July, August
- Meet 6:30 AM For 7:00 AM Departure
- 8 – 9 Hours Duration
- 1 – 1.5 hours to fishing grounds
Trophy Halibut & Rockfish
$400 May & September
$450 June, July, August
- Meet 6:30 AM For 7:00 AM Departure
- 8 – 9 Hours Duration
- 1.5 – 2 hours to fishing grounds
Halibut & Salmon
$400 May & September
$450 June, July, August
- Meet 6:30 AM For 7:00 AM Departure
- 6 – 8 Hours Duration
- 1 – 1.5 hours to fishing grounds
Triple Threat: Halibut,
Rockfish & Salmon
$450 May & September
$500 June, July, August
- Meet 6:30 AM For 7:00 AM Departure
- 9 – 10 Hours Duration
- 2 – 2.5 hours to fishing grounds
Salmon & Rockfish
(Wednesday Only)
$400 May & September
$450 June, July, August
- Meet 6:30 AM For 7:00 AM Departure
- 8 – 9 Hours Duration
- 1.5 – 2 hours to fishing grounds