I was born and raised just forty minutes outside of Anchorage, but driving into the city was always a special treat for me. Compared to my hometown (and much of Alaska), Anchorage seems to have endless options for shopping and eating out. Now that I live just five minutes from the GoNorth office, I have to be careful not to overindulge while living within walking distance of so many of Anchorage’s best cafes and restaurants. Here are just a few of the ones I recommend to anyone visiting our special city:

In the mood for pizza and beer? Moose’s Tooth Pizzeria is probably the first recommendation that most locals will give you when asking where to eat. It’s completely packed with people most nights, but the wait is worth it. Plus, if you start feeling impatient, you can always order one of their many beers on tap and hang out by the outdoor fire pit while you wait.

In the mood for a bit of everything? K Street Market offers a glimpse of local life within walking distance of some of downtown Anchorage’s best hotels. Head to Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop for freshly baked pastries, as well as soups and sandwiches. Then grab some espresso from That Feeling Co (a plant shop that just so happens to have some of the best coffee in town), and maybe order a smoothie from Johnny’s Produce, too. You could even pick up a bottle of wine for later that night from La Bodega. All four businesses are located within the same building, so regardless of the weather, you’ll be able to get everything you need for whichever Alaskan adventure you have planned that day.

In the mood for Asian cuisine? Anchorage is a culturally rich and diverse city, which you can clearly see reflected in our cuisine. Enjoy some of the best Asian food within just a few minutes of the GoNorth office. We have Nepali/Tibetan (Yak & Yeti), Vietnamese (Ray’s Place), Japanese (Kami Ramen, Arigato Sushi), and Thai food (SoThai) all located within a 5–8-minute drive of the GoNorth Anchorage office. This allows you to quickly satiate your hunger after picking up your rental.

In the mood for a fancier dining option? If you’re looking for a high-end yet accessible lunch spot, I recommend Club Paris. Although it’s best known for its dinner, it has a delicious and affordable lunch menu for steak and cocktail lovers.

Not sure what you’re in the mood to eat? All owned and operated by the same management, Snow City Café, Spenard Roadhouse, Crush Wine Bistro & Cellar, and South Restaurant + Coffeehouse all offer impeccable food and service in different parts of the city. Whether you’re picking up your rental in Spenard, visiting museums downtown, or going for a hike in South Anchorage, one of these restaurants will be nearby.