The Quest for the Best Salmon in Juneau

Salmon accounts for approximately 47 percent of all fish harvested in Juneau. In 2021, 233.8 million salmon fish were harvested. So you know when you’re ordering salmon in Juneau, it will be fresh and delicious.

But the big question is, where are the best places to order salmon dishes? This guide will help you find the most delicious salmon entrees and snacks as you enjoy exploring Juneau.

Best Places to Order Salmon in Juneau

While visiting Juneau, make sure to enjoy some of the incredible fresh seafood the area has to offer. As you enjoy sightseeing and other tourist activities, try these restaurants with the best salmon dishes.

1. Deckhand Dave’s

139 S. Franklin St., Juneau, AK 99801

All around, Deckhand Dave’s offers some of the best fish tacos you’ll find anywhere. The owner is a former commercial fisherman and knows how to find and prepare the best locally sourced fish. 

The breaded salmon tacos are worth the visit. But if tacos aren’t your thing, try the salmon tenders and fries to enjoy the Panko breaded tenders with your favorite sauce or even plain. 

On Tripadvisor, the restaurant is ranked number one for restaurants in Juneau, boasting 5 out of 5 stars on 488 reviews. While the restaurant has a rustic vibe, the food is outstanding, and the service is quick to help you get back to exploring quickly.

2. Alaskan Crepe Escape

139 S. Franklin St., Juneau, AK 99801

When you think of crepes, you might envision a sweet delight or a breakfast entree. But savory crepes make for a delicious way to wrap up savory delights. 

At Alaskan Crepe Escape, you can order The Gastineau, which features Alaskan smoked salmon, cream cheese, spinach and herbs all wrapped in the light, ultra-thin pancake. Guests say that the salmon is incredible. Crepes are also easy to eat while continuing to walk around downtown to enjoy sightseeing.

The restaurant is known as a quick bite in downtown Juneau thanks to moderate wait times and speedy service. Another perk of eating here is that you can snag a sweet treat on your way out or get a smoothie or espresso to help power you through the next phase of your adventures.

3. Island Pub

1102 2nd St., Douglas, Juneau, AK 99824

You have a few options for how to enjoy salmon while visiting Island Pub. The smoked salmon spread is great as a sharable appetizer or to enjoy as a meal. It comes with parmesan pizza skins for dipping and is a true delight.

Or if you’re feeling chilly after spending the day outside, opt for the smoked salmon chowder. You can get a cup of the chowder as a side to go with your sandwich or order a bowl to enjoy as a full meal. It comes with a side of toasted garlic parmesan focaccia, which in and of itself is a delight for your taste buds.

Because the restaurant is located in Douglas and not downtown Juneau, it has a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists. And it’s close to Savikko Park, a must-see sandy beach with a playground and hiking trails.

4. Red Dog Saloon

278 S. Franklin St., Juneau, AK 99801-1324

Stop in for a mouthwatering salmon burger and stay for the live music and fun. Whether you’re looking for nightlife while staying in Juneau or you just want a relaxing place to enjoy lunch in downtown Juneau, you’ll find it at Red Dog Saloon.

Warm up with the Yakobi Smoked Chowder, a clam chowder with many hunks of Alaskan smoked salmon. Or order a sharable appetizer of Pt. Retreat Smoked Salmon Spread that comes with crackers to share with your table. 

Another enjoyable way to order the salmon at the restaurant is to get an order of the Icy Strait Salmon Cakes. These lightly seasoned cakes are served with chipotle tartar sauce that will awaken your senses. 

5. Sandpiper Café

429 W. Willoughby Ave., Juneau, AK 99801

Looking for salmon for breakfast? You’ll find several options at the Sandpiper Café. Enjoy smoked salmon as part of an omelet, including bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, cheddar, Monterey jack, parmesan and mascarpone cheese.

Or opt for a classic salmon breakfast of bagel and lox. You’ll get cold smoked sockeye salmon lox with capers, mascarpone cheese and red onions. The bagel comes with potatoes for a side. If you want a more classic breakfast of eggs, bacon and toast, you can also get a side of the cold smoked sockeye salmon lox to go with any entree of your choosing. 

Enjoy a latte or cappuccino with your breakfast to get caffeinated and ready to go for the day.

6. The Hangar on the Wharf

2 Marine Way, Suite 106, Juneau, AK 99801

The smoked salmon spread has a hint of horseradish and comes with grilled pita bread for dipping. It’s a delicious appetizer or main dish. Or get started with the dip and then order the citrus salmon as your main dish. It is prepared with grapefruit and orange citrus glaze and served with sticky rice and steamed veggies. 

If citrus isn’t your thing, you can order the wasabi salmon burger, which is prepared by basting a king salmon fillet with soy and ginger. The sandwich is topped with lettuce, tomato and onion as well as wasabi mayo for a pleasing kick.

The restaurant has an incredible view of the wharf with a laid-back atmosphere. Another major draw to the restaurant is the fact that it offers more than 100 beers to choose from.

7. Gold Creek Salmon Bake

Admittedly, this isn’t a restaurant you can just pop into at any time. But it’s worth the added effort of booking in advance. Plus, because it is an excursion, it is only available from late April until early October, so you’ll need to be in the area at the right time.

But if you’re looking for an authentic Juneau experience and great food, you’ll want to join in on this all-you-can-eat buffet that features classic Alaskan dishes. The experience offers transportation from the cruise docks as well as live music and 1.5-2 hours’ worth of fun. Other dishes available as part of the buffet include: 

• Bonanza barbecue ribs
• Chilkoot baked beans
• Tongass wild-rice pilaf
• Hot chowder
• Salads
• Beverages
• Homemade blueberry cake

8. Alaska Fish & Chips Company at the Flight Deck

2 Marine Way #124, Juneau, AK 99801-1256

The smoked salmon chowder is delicious and offers options for a cup or bowl to best suit your needs. Or order it in a sourdough bread bowl for the ultimate experience. You can get it as a side with a delicious burger or as a starter before getting the Alaska halibut and chips, which offers another fresh fish experience during your Juneau experience.

The menu is somewhat more limited compared to some of the other options on the list, but you’ll enjoy friendly service and neat views of the ocean as you enjoy your meal. 

Booking Your Juneau Stay to Enjoy Fresh Alaskan-caught Salmon

For the best options and the most extensive restaurant hours, you’ll want to visit Juneau from May through September as that’s the well-known tourist season. But you’ll still find many outstanding restaurant options, just with more limited hours during the off-season. 

And of course, you can also snag some of the best hotel prices and enjoy less traffic while staying in Juneau if you book outside the most common tourist season.

Review specials at Frontier Suites and book your stay now to enjoy some of the best salmon dishes you’ll experience anywhere in the world.

Further reading:

• Juneau Gold Rush Days 2024 – An Overview of the Event
• Embrace the Edge: Extreme Sports and Activities in Juneau
• Mushing for All: Family-Friendly Dog Sledding Experiences in Juneau
• Cruising Alaska on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips and Strategies
• Gold Panning Tours in Juneau: Finding Your Own Gold Flecks