McCarthy’s Best Food & Drink: Top 5 Spots You Can’t Miss

McCarthy, Alaska is like, way out there, right? Tucked away in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, it’s not really what you might call a bustling metropolis. But that’s part of its charm, wouldn’t you say? This former copper mining town may be tiny, but it’s almost got a big personality – especially if you know where to look, like for, maybe, good food and a cold drink after a day of exploring the wild Alaskan landscape, you know? So, let’s get to it – here are some of the top places in McCarthy to grab a bite and maybe wet your whistle, too.

The Potato: A McCarthy Staple

You know, The Potato is sort of a McCarthy institution, in a way. If you ask anyone who’s ever set foot in this remote town where to grab some grub, they will usually point you straight to this place. And guess what, you may find yourself chowing down on, you know, quite possibly the best potato-based dishes in Alaska, and who could say no to that?

The atmosphere there is kind of rustic and laid-back, and it has sort of a friendly vibe, like almost everyone knows each other. They really pride themselves, don’t you think, on using local ingredients, and I’m saying that that almost always makes a difference in the quality of the food. The Potato is obviously pretty well known for, surprise, surprise, its potato dishes – think loaded baked potatoes, creamy potato soup, and even potato pizza. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the potato bread, so warm and fluffy. Besides the spuds, they have, too it’s almost like, a range of other comfort food classics, you know, burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Why It’s a Must-Visit: So, look, the friendly atmosphere, the locally sourced ingredients, and the super creative potato-focused cuisine make The Potato a real winner. Very much a guaranteed memorable dining experience in McCarthy, right?

Read our full review: McCarthy Alaska The Potato Review Full Review and Details

McCarthy Lodge & Black Smithy Bar: History and Hospitality

Like, stepping into the McCarthy Lodge, that can often feel almost like you’re stepping back in time, do you agree? This place, built way back in 1916, is soaked in history, right, and is known for its, very, super Alaskan hospitality, right? The Black Smithy Bar, actually tucked away inside the lodge, is a super cozy spot to grab a drink and hear a couple stories. Which bar isn’t?

The bar, if you go, has almost like, a definite old-timey saloon feel. It can have this tin ceiling, dim lighting, and walls, seemingly, covered in historic photos and memorabilia. I’m thinking, while you sip on your drink, like maybe a local Alaskan beer or a handcrafted cocktail, you can almost imagine, right, the miners and adventurers who, maybe, gathered here decades ago to swap stories of the wilderness. If you listen very, very carefully you can imagine them.

Food-wise, McCarthy Lodge is, perhaps, like, pretty well-known for its hearty Alaskan fare. Very rustic dining, very tasty looking things.

Why It’s a Must-Visit: If you enjoy the combo of history, comfortable surroundings, and genuine Alaskan charm, I feel that McCarthy Lodge & Black Smithy Bar is basically, just just just your ticket.

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (McCarthy Alaska Lodge Black Smithy Bar)

Meatza Wagon: Wood-Fired Pizza in the Wild

Okay, like, who would expect to find amazing wood-fired pizza, you know, in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness? Anyway, Meatza Wagon brings a bit of, well it has this big city flavor to McCarthy. Which isn’t a bad thing.

Basically, this mobile pizza operation serves up mouthwatering pies with a, almost it feels like, crispy crust and inventive toppings. They even, like, have everything, from your basic margherita to pizzas loaded with local reindeer sausage and wild mushrooms. A surprise to say the least.

There is usually, what looks like, an outdoor seating area is a great spot to chill, eat a hot pizza, and then enjoy, well that stunning backdrop of the Wrangell Mountains. So basically, you know, fresh air, the sunshine and delicious pizza, makes this one to not miss, wouldn’t you agree?

Why It’s a Must-Visit: Because Meatza Wagon is quite delicious, also inventive pizzas and has a seriously scenic location, what’s not to love? The food here is an absolute win.

Read our full review: McCarthy Alaska Meatza Wagon Review Full Review and Details

Currant Ridge Restaurant: Fine Dining with a View

Currant Ridge Restaurant, wouldn’t you say, is more of like, an upscale dining option in McCarthy? This is your place, you see, if you’re looking, say, for a fancier night out with almost breathtaking views.

Very elegant place to enjoy a range of dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients, is that so? The menu changes up depending on the what they have available, just right now, wouldn’t you know. The Currant Ridge focuses usually on showcasing, too it’s almost, Alaska’s flavors and is a beautiful scene to enjoy those flavors.

Also the restaurant sits high atop a ridge, anyway, so it provides some very picturesque, you know, views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Dining there while watching, maybe, the sunset over the mountains might just possibly be an almost unforgettable experience.

Why It’s a Must-Visit: Arguably, the stunning views, very delicious food and what one might consider impeccable service make the Currant Ridge Restaurant actually super ideal for a pretty romantic night or a real special occasion, am I right?

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (McCarthy Alaska Currant Ridge Restaurant)

Golden Saloon: A Taste of the Wild West

So the Golden Saloon actually transports you, literally, to, kind of, the Wild West the minute you come through the door, did you notice that? Sort of an old-fashioned saloon, anyway, with almost just, that, kind of rustic vibe. That place is super perfect, do you know, for grabbing a cold one and soaking up McCarthy’s, almost, colorful past.

Inside, what one might find is what could be described as a traditional saloon with this wooden bar, alright, then walls decked out with all sorts of vintage memorabilia, that, which always provides just this right setting, in some respects, for some swapping, some yarns and really meeting people who are alike.

The Golden Saloon can actually boast, too it’s almost, an enormous, also big selection of beers, wines, and spirits, as well as just these variety of, well, it tends to be, bar snacks, what are good with alcoholic drinks. Sometimes, too, they can have just some live music, which would just only actually enhance, you see, that real, almost Wild West atmosphere that makes you smile so big.

Why It’s a Must-Visit: Because of the Golden Saloon’s, too it’s almost, unique atmosphere, super historic charm, is almost just that place, you know, where you find what’s possibly just maybe the real soul of McCarthy, no matter where you go you may feel the draw of that Golden charm.

Read our full review: McCarthy Alaska Golden Saloon Review Full Review and Details