Restaurants in Skagway

Restaurants go out of business and open up faster in Skagway's entirely seasonal economy than anywhere else we know. It's not unusual for a third of the restaurants to be new each year. Asking around for a current recommendation may pay off.

Restaurants that stay open year-round tend to be better for two reasons: They can keep their staff, and they have to be good or they wouldn't make it through the winter in a town with fewer than 1,000 residents. The Sweet Tooth Café, a diner at 315 Broadway (tel. 907/983-2405), has good food and service year-round, open for breakfast and lunch. Glacial Smoothies and Espresso, 336 3rd Ave., off State Street (tel. 907/983-3223), has built a year-round clientele serving good coffee, bagels, and wraps. It's a fun little place for a light meal where the kids can play Monopoly or Hungry Hippos while you sip.

A seasonal place good for a quick seafood lunch or dinner and a beer is Skagway Fish Company, on the boat harbor at 210 Congress Way (tel. 907/983-3474), with a casual, noisy dining room and a water view. You should also consider Olivia's (at the Historic Skagway Inn) and Poppies at Jewell Gardens, and Skagway Brewing Company.