Anchorage offers an excellent variety of brunch options to fuel up during the weekends. From classic American breakfast fare to global cuisine influences, the city is home to some delightful brunch spots that draw crowds with their creative menus and lively atmospheres. Whether you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, family-friendly vibes or a casual spot with outdoor seating, this guide covers 20 of the top restaurants renowned for their brunch menus featuring favorites like eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles as well as special dishes that highlight Alaska’s fresh local ingredients. From new hotspots to long-standing neighborhood gems, these eateries are perfect places to enjoy a lazy weekend morning meal with friends and family in the bustling city.
Biscuitclub
Located in downtown Anchorage, Biscuitclub is a hip breakfast and lunch joint known for its extensive biscuit menu. From the chicken biscuit sandwich to the lobster Benedict, creative ingredients are stacked high atop flakey, made-from-scratch biscuits.
The dining room has a laidback industrial vibe with concrete floors and an open kitchen. Besides biscuits, other morning fare includes waffles, pancakes and omelets. Coffee and cocktail options keep the crowd energized throughout the day. Biscuitclub earns rave reviews for creative comfort food in a lively atmosphere.
Judy’s Cafe
A local favorite for over 25 years, Judy’s Cafe exudes homey charm in an unassuming warehouse space. Regulars flock here for the unmatched pancakes, French toast and egg dishes. Favorites like huevos rancheros and chorizo scramble highlight the Southwest influences.
Casual and family-friendly, the casual cafe can get crowded during peak weekend hours. Takeout is available for those unable to snag a seat. With friendly service and hearty portions, Judy’s Cafe is a top choice for hearty and hearty breakfasts done right.
Read More: “Golden Corral Breakfast Hours, Menu and Prices [Updated]”
Kriner’s Diner
Located in midtown Anchorage, Kriner’s Diner is famous for its retro ambiance and huge portions of classic American breakfast fare. Vintage signs, Formica tables, and colorful wall art set the scene like a 1950s diner. Besides standard menu items such as pancakes, omelets and breakfast sandwiches, you can also find unique daily specials on the chalkboard such as French toast stuffed with Nutella. The staff is warm and friendly whether you dine-in or opt for take-out.
Large booths and counter seating with spinning stools keep the diner vibes alive while satisfying even the biggest breakfast cravings. It’s no wonder locals and visitors alike keep coming back to Kriner’s for reliable retro eats.
Snow City Cafe
In downtown Anchorage, Snow City Cafe offers respite from the bustle on the bustling street below. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the surrounding Snow topped peaks on sunny days. The scenic setting is matched by globally-inspired brunch fare and cocktail creations that taste as good as they look aesthetically.
Dishes along the lines of shakshuka, housemade granola with seasonal fruit and yogurt parfaits are perfect for leisurely weekend indulgence. A full espresso bar, beers on tap and creative brunch cocktails provide ample beverage options.
Outdoor heaters on the sidewalk patio allow for year-round al fresco dining. Snow City Cafe’s mountaintop ambiance and creative brunch fare make it worth the visit downtown.
White Spot Cafe
In business since the 1950s, the White Spot Cafe is an Anchorage institution. Located in Spenard, this neighborhood gem feels straight out of small town America with its classic diner decor. Specialties include the signature sourdough pancakes which are fluffy inside with a hint of tanginess.
Other favorites are the biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, and hearty stuffed French toast. Friendly staff have been serving loyal patrons for generations. It’s no wonder the White Spot remains as popular as ever, continuing to win Best Breakfast awards year after year. Stop in morning, noon, or night for a taste of Anchorage’s dining history.
Midnight Sun Cafe
In business for over 30 years downtown, the Midnight Sun Cafe maintains its reputation for high quality through attentive service and seasonal American classics. Eat your fill of scratch-made quiche, frittatas, waffles and omelets alongside local roasted coffee or custom Bloody Marys during Sunday brunch services.
The dining room is bright and cheerful with rich wooden accents, and outdoor seating offers views of the city hustle and bustle below during the warmer months. Whether you visit alone for breakfast or gather a group for a celebratory brunch amid lively weekend energy, the Midnight Sun Cafe is an Anchorage favorite that delivers consistently delicious fare all day long.
South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
Located in midtown Anchorage, South blends cultural cuisines with local flavors. The breakfast menu features global inspiration like Spanish tortillas, Turkish menemen scramble, and Korean mandu dumplings alongside American classics.
After your meal, linger over local coffee, tea or wine in the sunlit dining room accented with artwork. South also bakes bread and pastries in-house daily. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options abound, and the attentive staff ensures all dietary needs are met. South’s diverse breakfast and friendly ambiance make it a top pick for global flare alongside Alaska hospitality.
Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant
Just outside downtown Anchorage, Gwennie’s evokes the spirit of gold rush era Alaska. Rustically elegant tartan drapes and trophy mounts set the historic scene. Go for homemade pies and baked goods, beloved biscuits and gravy, or the towering Alaska sourdough French toast. Generous portions satisfy even the largest miners’ appetites.
Booths and a bar provide plenty of seating whether visiting solo or with a large group. Stick around after your meal to peruse photos lining the walls depicting Alaska’s early frontier days. Gwennie’s majestic mountain views and hearty cuisine make it worth the short trip outside city limits.
Harley’s Old Thyme Cafe
Tucked inside an cozy historic home, Harley’s emanates vintage charm. Creatures of habit pack this small Spenard diner for Norwegian pancakes, omelets cooked to order, and lemon ricotta pancakes. Friendly servers remember your name and favorite dishes.
Outside, bakery shelves burst with homemade pies, muffins, and cookies too tempting to pass up. Decorated withintage photos and antiques, it feels like stepping into grandma’s cheery kitchen. Harley’s is worth seeking out for down-home cooking and hospitality in a picturesque setting.
Spenard Roadhouse
A neighborhood landmark since the 1940s, the Spenard Roadhouse stands out with an eclectic vibe and hearty classics. Dine between the salvaged timber walls and booths on steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, or housemade corned beef hash.
Breakfast is served until 3pm daily. The lunch menu boasts creative burgers and seasonal local ingredients. While the patio fills with regulars, old photos line the walls sharing the B&B’s rustic charms through eras past. Generations of Alaskans keep coming back to this welcoming establishment.
Jackie’s Place Restaurant
Perched above Tudor Road, Jackie’s Place offers beautiful views of mountain sunrises alongside French press coffee and creative comfort food. Breakfast options range from omelets stuffed with Alaska seafood to housemade waffles and pancakes.
The lunch menu carries the creativity into sandwiches and fresh salads featuring locally sourced ingredients. Friendly staff keep the mountainside getaway running smoothly while customers relax indoors by the river rock fireplace or out on the peaceful patio overlooking Cook Inlet. It’s worth venturing up the hill for this quiet brunch hideaway.
Kava’s Pancake House
- Family-run restaurant located in Spenard neighborhood
- Specializes in sweet and savory homemade pancakes
- Popular varieties include macadamia nut pancakes, banana pancakes, and potato pancakes
- Also serves waffles, omelets, eggs benedict, and breakfast sandwiches
- Large portions at reasonable prices make it a local favorite
- Casual diner decor with booths and counter seating
- Pet-friendly outdoor patio seating available
- Offers gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly options
- Fresh baked goods available including muffins, scones, cookies
- Consistently warm and friendly service from staff with many longtime employees
The Pantry Café
This cozy neighborhood café in Midtown feels like stepping into your friend’s well-loved kitchen. Regulars pack communal tables for baked eggs, creative sandwiches, and specialty coffee. A daily quiche and homemade scones or muffins entice newcomers to linger.
Art adorns the walls between mismatched furniture and plants, cultivating a lively bohemian spirit. Outdoor tables provide mountain views. Whether working or relaxing, The Pantry Café ensures all feel welcome with its charming atmosphere and handcrafted comfort foods.
Middle Way Cafe
Conveniently located downtown, Middle Way Cafe buzzes with activity on weekends. Patrons crowd the marketplace-style cafe for savory crepes, waffles, and omelets made from scratch with all-natural ingredients. Meat and cheese boards satisfy groups while coffee, beer, and mimosas flow freely.
Outdoor seating offers city people-watching. Global flavors influence the menu but a relaxed, inviting ambiance attracts patrons of all cultures. Middle Way is ideal for fueling up before exploring downtown Anchorage.
Waffle Rush
This bustling Spenard sandwich shop expands its breakfast offerings on weekends. Along with salads, soups, and signature melts, Waffle Rush whips up decadent waffles with unique toppings like Nutella, seasonal jam, and banana foster.
Bottomless mimosas and bloody marys pair perfectly. Counter seating keeps service quick, while cozy booths suit larger parties. Friendly servers keep the good cheer flowing along with bottomless cups of coffee. Waffle Rush makes indulgent weekend brunching accessible and affordable.
Sami’s City Diner
In downtown Anchorage since 1967, Sami’s exudes retro charm. Red vinyl seats and vintage signs set the scene for diner classics like crispy hash browns, buttermilk pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches made to order.
Staff deliver quick service with a smile whether you squeeze into a booth or grab a stool at the U-shaped counter. It’s easy to see why Sami’s remains a dependable go-to for visitors and locals alike craving nostalgia with their morning meal.
Peggy’s Restaurant
Perched above Tudor Road, Peggy’s serves up spectacular mountain vistas alongside hearty breakfast plates. Locals line up early for homemade corned beef hash, Belgian waffles, and eggs prepared in six enticing ways.
Generous portions and friendly prices make this family-owned operation invaluable to the neighborhood. Seating fills fast, so come soon or call ahead to-go for an Alaskan breakfast that will fuel the whole day’s adventures.
Leroy’s Family Restaurant
In business since 1969, Leroy’s attracts multigenerational families year-round for farm-fresh breakfast creations. Omelets are customized to perfection alongside chef specialties like Portuguese sausage hash and lemon ricotta pancakes.
While youngsters color within booth booths, parents relish bottomless coffee and the chance to linger. Later still, customers young and old return again just for the company and hearty cooking that built this landmark’s legacy.
Village Inn
This longtime southside staple dishes up hearty portions of American comfort fare. Generations of families squeeze into vinyl booths for weekend breakfast buffets overflowing with scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, potatoes, and daily specials.
Pancakes and waffles pile high, never leaving a guest hungry. Warm smiles and quick refills from veteran staff keep customers loyal for decades. It’s no surprise that the Village Inn remains a top choice for filling breakfasts without breaking the bank.
Cafe Amsterdam
For European flair, Cafe Amsterdam transports guests across the globe. Outdoor heat lamps and a cozy patio allow for al fresco dining year-round while gazing at Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
Fresh baked pastries and a daily crepe special delight sweet tooths, alongside signature Belgian waffles and egg dishes. An extensive coffee menu fuels patrons as live music serenades weekends. Cafe Amsterdam’s enviable mountainside views complement its globally-inspired breakfast fare for an unparalleled morning experience.
Get More Brunch Ideas
- Browse food blogs and magazines for unique recipe inspiration
- Look at photos on restaurant menu boards and social media
- Take note of trending brunch dishes at popular spots
- Ask friends to recommend their favorite brunch spots and dishes
- Search online for regional specialty brunch foods to try
- Check newspaper and website listings for upcoming brunch events
- Follow local chefs and restaurants on social media
- Look up brunch menus from hotels and resorts for elegant spreads
- Search Pinterest for creative presentations and do-it-yourself ideas
- Scan cookbooks for sections dedicated to weekend breakfast and brunch recipes
FAQ’s
How do I spend my day in Anchorage?
Explore museums and outdoor activities like hiking, then enjoy the local cuisine and nightlife.
How do you spend an afternoon in Anchorage?
Take in the scenic views from Flattop Mountain or Kincaid Park while also checking out the shops and cafes downtown.
Where can I take pictures in Anchorage Alaska?
Some top photo spots include the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Eagle River Nature Center, and Chugach State Park.
Where can I take pictures of the Anchorage skyline?
Head to Point Woronzof Park or Delaney Park Strip for panoramic views of the Anchorage skyline and Cook Inlet.
Conclusion
Anchorage offers an amazing variety of top-notch brunch options. From cozy cafes to bustling diners, each restaurant brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for classic American comfort foods, global culinary influences, spectacular scenery or a lively atmosphere, the city has no shortage of excellent spots to fuel up on weekends.
This guide just scratches the surface, but highlights some top neighborhood gems, long-standing institutions, and new hotspots that have proven hugely popular for breakfast and brunch. No matter your tastes or needs, you’re sure to find an outstanding choice suited to your tastes. Most importantly, the friendly hospitality at each place makes every meal a pleasure.
So grab some friends or family, peruse this list of the top 20 brunch spots, and set out to explore all the delicious options Anchorage has in store for your next weekend in Alaska’s largest city.
