Juneau is the humble capital of Alaska with a population just shy of 32,000 people. There are no roads in and out, meaning it’s a de facto city island only accessible by air or sea. Despite the geographic isolation, there’s a surprisingly great foodie scene. From absurdly fresh seafood to top tier Italian, there’s something for everyone.
But being a remote city means getting supplies in and out can be costly. Meaning eating out ain’t cheap!
If you don’t feel keen on shelling out $85 for the iconic Tracy’s Crab Shack red king crab combo meal, don’t worry… I’ve got you covered.
Here are 3 Juneau eats that won’t break the bank.
1. Cookies from the Alaskan Fudge Company, $3 (Downtown Location)
The story of the Alaskan Fudge Company begins with Blue and Debbie Bergmann– two Michigan natives would thought that Southeast Alaska would be ideal for fudge making. They set up shop in 1980, and locals went nuts for the smooth, creamy, decadent fudge and artisan chocolates.
While you’re sure to be happy as a clam noshing down on some chocolate and fudge, your wallet won’t be. One piece of fudge will set you back $10 bucks. The real gem of the Alaskan Fudge Company is the cookie counter.
These cookies have a sinfully gooey texture, edging towards underdone (AKA perfection) with loads of add-ins. Options include chocolate chip, lemon, white chocolate macadamia, peanut butter, and my personal favorite, Hopes Royale. Its chocked full of chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts, giving it a sinful balance of sweet vs salty and gooey vs crunchy.
For just $3 bucks, these cookies are some of the cheapest Juneau eats you’ll find! (But good luck eating just one…)
Tip: There are two Alaska Fudge Company locations. The one that’s downtown is the one with the cookies.
2. Pretzel and Beer Cheese from Devil’s Club Brewery, $11
Devil’s Club Brewing Company is the brainchild of 3 Juneau natives who all left the state to pursue other avenues. They returned to Juneau after racking up experience, and opened the taproom in 2018. Their “adventurous ales” and tasty menu quickly captured the hearts of Juneau locals and tourists alike.
Enjoy unique beers like the “MIM’s the Word Lavender London Fog Milkshake IPA”, “Cabin Candle Stout”, and “Taco Lager”. (Don’t worry, you can get a flight if you can’t decide!) But it’d be a crime to pass up on the pretzel with beer cheese appetizer.
Enjoy a huge serving of fresh, warm, melt-in-your-mouth pretzel bites dipped in ooey-gooey house made beer cheese. The pillowy pockets of joy pair perfectly with a crisp beer. It will set you back $11, but for the quantity and quality, I think it’s a god value.
3. Pelmeni from Pel’Meni, $9
Pelmeni are small dumplings filled with meat or potato and are traditionally topped with sour cream or butter and fresh dill. Pel’Meni adds a unique twist on the dish by dousing the little bites of goodness in rice vinegar, sriracha, curry powder, butter, and cilantro. The mixture is devilishly addictive with a pop of acid, zing of heat, and subtle freshness. I dare you not soak up every last drop with the slice of rye bread that’s served on the side.
The best part? A whole container is just $9! You can even snag a soda for $1, making Pel’Meni one of the best value Juneau eats.
These three Juneau eats will satisfy your taste buds without damaging your wallet.
My personal recommendation is to hit all 3!
Start at the Alaskan Fudge Company to get a couple cookies for later– they close at 7pm, and you simply can’t risk not getting one. Then make your way up to Devil’s Club for the pretzel and beer cheese app plus a beer. Finish off with a stop at Pel’meni! The whole journey won’t set you back more than $40, which is a fraction of what you’d pay at other spots.
Hungry for more Juneau eats? Check out THIS review of some spots in a food truck park. I went to this park numerous times in 2022, but as of May 2024, it’s being totally renovated.
