Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant

     Don't be fooled by Anchorage.  It is just another big city, but home to nearly half the population of the entire state.  When we arrived in Anchorage Barb and I knew we wanted the best of authentic atmosphere, food, service, and prices.  We hit the jackpot at Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant.  They advertise themselves as a 'lodge-like setting with homestyle food'.  It is located in an older section of town SW near the airport, but easy to find.   

 

     The inside décor of the restaurant is very Alaskan, from taxidermy, wall art, to downright Native Alaskan eclectic.  This is their idea of "Lodge Style".

 

 

 

 

 

 

     The menu  ( http://gwenniesrestaurant.com/menu/)  is 'down home' with some very exclusive Alaskan treats included.    They offer selections from breakfast through dinner.  A wide variety of soups, salads, a kids menu, burgers, sandwiches, BBQ, steaks, and of course GREAT ALASKAN SEAFOOD.  Their selection of nightly dinner specials can often be to die for.  Local travel guides (including my IPhone) list this place under "Eating on a budget", but we found that the locals eat here as well, enjoying the generous helpings at reasonable prices.  In fact we were the only non-locals during our visit.

     We visited on our last night in Anchorage.  We both had our sights set as we had previewed the menu before setting out.  Barb decided on the Reindeer Philly Sandwich and I went with the Crab Louie Salad with the intention that we would share. 

     Although the Reindeer Philly was delicious, it would have been nicer with a longer style Philly bun.  It has a generous helping of sliced Reindeer Sausage, Provolone Cheese, Mayo, Bell Peppers, and Caramelized Onion.  Even with both of us nibbling on it, we still ended up with a half sandwich to take home. 

 

     Although I have had Crab Louie before you are never really prepared for what awaits you.  A generous bed of lettuce mounded with fresh crab meat and surrounded by tomatoes, eggs, cucumbers, olives, and topped off with several stalks of fresh asparagus.  I chose the 1000 Island Dressing for this and was not disappointed.  The salad did not have the same luck with longevity as the Philly and was finished off by us in one sitting.   

 



 

     Gwennie's Old Alaska Restaurant was a find for us.  We enjoyed the generous portions of food, the excellent service, and the authentic atmosphere. We will be coming back this way after our visit to the Kenai Peninsula the next 3 weeks so a return visit might be in order.