The Best 10 Cafes and Restaurants in Ketchikan, Alaska

After living in Ketchikan for years, it’s safe to say that I’ve eaten my way through almost every coffee shop and restaurant on the island more times than I can count. (Just perks of living on an island with just 40 miles of road!) With my experience, I’ve created the ultimate list of the 10 best cafes and restaurants in Ketchikan.

Whether I was meeting friends for brunch or grabbing coffee before work, these are the places I LOVE going to over and over again. So if you need to know where to eat in Ketchikan, I have a few recommendations.

This guide focuses on the 10 best cafés and restaurants in Ketchikan within close walking distance to the downtown cruise ship docks. There are a bunch of fantastic places in other parts on the island, but if you’re visiting Ketchikan on an Alaska cruise and only have a few hours to explore, these are the spots I recommend the most. They’re also close to a lot of the free and cheap activities you can do as well.

At a Glance:

Best Cafes in Downtown Ketchikan

If you’re like me, a good cup of joe makes exploring a rainy Alaska town even better. While Ketchikan does have a Starbucks, it’s inside the local grocery store and isn’t easy to get to for most cruise ship passengers.

Instead, I’d recommend supporting one of Ketchikan’s locally owned cafés. Not only do they serve up cups from local coffee beans, but they each have their own personality. There are a few cozy corners perfect for journaling and a few colorful shops with unique Alaskan merchandise. Every one of the 5 cafés below is within walking distance of the downtown cruise ship docks.

1. New York Cafe (My favorite coffee shop in Ketchikan!)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 10 mins

What to Order: A vanilla latte or London Fog paired with the mexxe platter.

If I could only recommend one coffee shop in Ketchikan, this would be it!

New York Cafe has been one of my favorite spots for years. While it’s really a restaurant with full espresso capabilities, there’s something about its cozy atmosphere, large windows, and welcoming vibe that keeps me coming back. On those classic rainy Ketchikan days, there’s nothing better than getting a chair in the corner with a warm London Fog while watching the rain fall outside.

They also serve delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes, vegan options, and seafood options. I’ve never had a bad meal here, and it’s one of those places that both locals and visitors genuinely love!

2. The Salty Siren (Cutest Merchandise and Best Flavor Options)

Price: $

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 5 mins

What to Order: Elephant Vanilla Chai

This newer café has an adorable mermaid aesthetic and feels bright, fun, and welcoming the moment you walk inside. They also sell cute merchandise, including hats, stickers, mugs, and apparel that make great Ketchikan souvenirs without feeling overly touristy. (I personally adore their hats.)

Salty Siren’s drink menu is also one of the most creative in Ketchikan. They’ve got classic espresso drinks and also offer dozens of flavored syrups, specialty chai blends like Elephant Vanilla and Tiger Spice, and refreshing Lotus energy drinks for people who aren’t coffee drinkers.

It’s also located right in the heart of downtown, so it’s an easy stop while exploring the shops.

3. Island Brew Cafe (Coziest vibes)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 7 mins

What to Order: A latte with a warm cinnamon roll.

Island Brew Café is one of my favorite places to slow down for a bit and to grab a sweet treat <3. They serve coffee and fresh pastries like cinnamon rolls and scones, making it the perfect place for a relaxing breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up.

If you’re looking for something more filling, they also have breakfast burritos, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch sandwiches. (My husband is from New Mexico, and this is one of his favorite breakfast spots because breakfast burritos are hard to come by in town!)

They have both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to take a break from sightseeing and recharge before exploring some more.

4. Bootleggers Creek (Cute shopping)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 8 mins

What to Order: Ask about their specialty drink of the day.

Bootlegger’s is the perfect grab-and-go coffee stop before exploring Creek Street, Ketchikan’s most well-known attraction.

While there isn’t any seating, the coffee is excellent, and they often feature fun drinks inspired by Southeast Alaska. What makes this spot unique is that it’s connected to a beautiful local boutique, so you can browse jewelry, clothing, gifts, jams, locally canned salmon, and my personal favorite, Salmon Sisters apparel, while you wait for your drink.

Since it’s only a short walk from Creek Street, I recommend grabbing a coffee here before wandering onto the historic boardwalk and snapping photos.

5. Alaska Coffee (Serves Local Coffee and Closest to Cruise Ships)

Price: $

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 2 mins

What to Order: A smoked salmon bagel and a cup of Deadman’s Reach coffee.

Located just steps from the cruise ship docks, Alaska Coffee is the quickest and easiest place to grab a coffee before exploring downtown or to warm up before heading back onboard the ship.

One of my favorite things about this coffee shop is that they proudly serve Deadman’s Reach Coffee, a Southeast Alaska coffee that’s become one of my favorites over the years. The shop has a fun rock-and-roll vibe, carries plenty of local merchandise, and is a popular stop for both visitors and locals.

They also make a smoked salmon bagel, which I highly recommend if you want to try one of Alaska’s most iconic foods.

Best Restaurants in Ketchikan

1. 108 Tap House and Burger Bar (My favorite restaurant in Ketchikan)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 6 mins

What to Order: Pacific Northwest Burger and an Earl Grey Old Fashioned.

If I had one dinner left in Ketchikan, I’d eat here. I adore this place!

108 Tap House is hands-down my favorite restaurant in town. It has the perfect balance between upscale and cozy, with a warm Alaskan atmosphere that makes you want to stay for a bit.

They’re famous for their creative burgers (they have one with peanut butter on it!), high-quality ingredients, and a big selection of Alaska craft beers. Every burger has its own unique twist, and somehow they make it work.

This is a local favorite, and it’s popular for work celebrations and date nights, and I think that says something when the town comes here for big occasions because they know the food is great!

I order the Pacific Northwest Burger almost every time, along with their Earl Grey Old Fashioned. It’s my go-to meal whenever I stop by.

2. Alaska Fish House (Best Fish and location)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐+1/2

Walking distance from cruise ships: 4 mins

What to Order: Halibut and chips with a local beer.

Alaska Fish House has a special place in my heart because my best friends actually met her husband while working here one summer. She was a waitress, he worked on the docks, and now every time I visit, I think of their story.

Beyond the memories, it’s one of the best seafood restaurants in downtown Ketchikan.

Located right on the waterfront, you can enjoy your meal while watching fishing boats come and go from the harbor. If it’s chilly outside, grab a table near the wood-burning stove. On a sunny day, the outdoor deck is hard to beat.

Their fish and chips are some of my favorites in town, but the fish tacos are equally delicious. Order your meal with a local beer or cocktail made with Alaska spirits for the full experience.

3. Timber and Tide (Best place for Crab)

Price: $$$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking distance from cruise ships: 3 mins

What to Order: Blackened salmon surf tacos

If you’re planning one seafood meal while visiting Ketchikan, make it Timber & Tide. It’s consistently one of the highest-rated restaurants in town (over 1000 reviews with an average of 4.9!), and for good reason.

You’ll find just about every Alaska seafood classic here, including king crab, halibut, salmon, scallops, chowder, and fish tacos. While it’s on the expensive side, you’re paying for incredibly fresh, locally sourced seafood that’s worth the splurge.

Because the menu is mostly seafood, I’d recommend another place if someone in your group isn’t a seafood fan!

4. Eagle’s Nest (Best view of the town)

Price: $$$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking time from cruise ships: 12 mins

What to Order: A wood-fired pizza and a local Alaska beer.

Come for the pizza, stay for the view!

Located high above downtown at Cape Fox Lodge, Eagle’s Nest offers some of the best panoramic views of Ketchikan. On a sunny day, you can look out and see over the harbor, cruise ships, Tongass Narrows, and the surrounding mountains.

The restaurant is known for its wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, local beer selection, and cannolis (yum). While the food is good, the views are what make this restaurant a gem.

5. Pioneer Cafe (Best portion sizes)

Price: $$

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Walking time from cruise ships: 6 mins

What to Order: Reindeer sausage with blueberry pancakes (and don’t skip a slice of pie!).

The retro atmosphere feels like stepping back into the 1950s, complete with homemade pies in the display case that are impossible to resist. Whether you’re craving biscuits and gravy, reindeer sausage, fluffy pancakes, or a big burger after a day full of walking and exploring, Pioneer Cafe delivers every time.

My husband isn’t from Ketchikan, but every time he came to visit while we were dating, Pioneer Cafe was always at the top of his list because he loves the portion sizes.

This diner serves exactly what you’d hope for from an old-school Alaska café: big portions and hearty comfort food. (My friend Tristen works as a chef in the kitchen and makes sure you’re well fed!) Honestly, it’s a great place to eat after walking around town all day.

Time to Explore!

I hope this guide was helpful. Did you agree with my list of best cafés and restaurants in Ketchikan? If you had any favorite places that you tried in Ketchikan, I’d love to hear what they were. Drop them in the comments below!

Keep Planning Your Alaska Cruise

Still planning your trip to Alaska? I’ve got you! Whether deciding what to pack or figuring out what to do in each port, these guides will help you make the most of your trip.

🎒 Getting Ready for Your Alaska Cruise?

Ultimate Alaska Cruise Planning Guide: My complete collection of Alaska cruise guides, from packing, excursions, wildlife, food, and everything in between.

What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: Exactly what to bring for Alaska’s unpredictable weather, including all the essentials you don’t want to forget.

Printable Packing List: A complete checklist of everything you need!

Alaska Cruise FAQ: 70+ Questions Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know: Answers to all the questions you’re probably wondering before you set sail.

☕ Stopping in my hometown, Ketchikan?

Ketchikan Cruise Port Guide: My local guide to making the most of your time in Ketchikan, including what to do, where to eat, and how to explore beyond the typical tourist stops.

The Best Ketchikan Excursions: My favorite Ketchikan excursions, including the adventures I think are truly worth your time and money.

Free & Cheap Things to Do in Ketchikan: You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing day in Ketchikan. Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly things to do.

Happy planning! I hope you fall in love with Alaska as much as I have.