What to Eat in Anchorage: Alaska Red King Crab, Wild Sockeye Salmon, Reindeer Dogs & Moose's Tooth

Alaska's North Pacific and Bering Sea waters produce over 60 percent of all wild-caught seafood in the United States, and Anchorage is the dining table where it comes together. From steamed Red King Crab legs overlooking Cook Inlet to a smoky reindeer sausage from a pavement cart after cycling the Coastal Trail, here are the culinary icons of Anchorage.

1. Know Your 3 Alaskan Crabs (Red King, Snow / Bairdi & Dungeness)

• Alaska Red & Golden King Crab: massive, spiky legs packed with thick, sweet snow-white meat.
• Alaska Snow Crab (Bairdi / Opilio): longer, slender, sweet legs that snap open easily by hand.
• Dungeness Crab: prized by local fishermen for its sweet, rich body and claw meat.

2. Top 4 Downtown Seafood & Crab Restaurants (Book Ahead in Summer)

1. Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill (420 L St, Overlooking Cook Inlet): a downtown institution since 1978 with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Mount Susitna, famous for steamed Alaska King Crab legs, Macadamia-Nut-Crusted Halibut and Prime Rib.
2. Glacier Brewhouse (737 W 5th Ave): an wood-fired rotisserie hearth and craft brewery serving Alder-Wood-Grilled Wild Alaska Salmon, Seafood Chowder and Steamed Bairdi Crab.
3. 49th State Brewing (717 W 3rd Ave): multi-level brewpub with a rooftop patio overlooking Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range; order the Yak Burger, King Crab Grilled Cheese or steamed Crab Legs.
4. Crow's Nest (Top of Hotel Captain Cook), Kincaid Grill, Jens' Restaurant & Club Paris (1957 Steak & King Crab Classic on 4th Ave).

3. Local Favourites: Moose's Tooth Pizza, Snow City Cafe & Reindeer Dogs

1. Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria (3300 Old Seward Hwy in Midtown): a lively rock-climbing-themed brewpub serving over 40 gourmet pizzas; try the Avalanche or Santa's Little Helper with spicy reindeer sausage and house-brewed craft beer.
2. Snow City Cafe (1034 W 4th Ave): join the online waitlist from your hotel before walking over for Kodiak Eggs Benedict (with Alaskan King Crab cakes) and Tundra Cakes.
3. 4th Avenue Reindeer Sausage Carts & Wild Scoops Ice Cream: grab a smoky Alaskan Reindeer Dog on 4th Avenue, and finish with Sitka Spruce Tip or Fireweed ice cream at Wild Scoops (429 E St).