Best Places to Eat and Drink in McCarthy, Alaska
Tiny McCarthy, Alaska has 100% local restaurants
The historic town of McCarthy and neighboring Kennecott area is made up of entirely local businesses. Unlike other National Park towns, there is no large concession that runs the hotels and restaurants. Every business is locally owned and unique. Our frontier town is filled with creative, hardworking folks that put their own personal flair and ideas into their businesses. Each lodge, restaurant, and guide service has its own local character, offering visitors authentic, Alaska vacation experiences. Enjoy our local eateries in our small town!
GLACIER VIEW GRILL
Outdoor Restaurant, Bar, and Campground
Burgers as big as the Wrangell Mountains! BBQ foods, beer & wine, oh my! Enjoy a million dollar panoramic view of the Root Glacier and surrounding mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park from the comfort of this outdoor cafe that’s famous for its “Glacier Burger”. On top of the amazing food, Glacier View Grill is located at the Glacier View Campground, which is at the base of the Kennecott Glacier, less than a mile from the glacier’s terminal moraine itself. Enjoying unreal camp views and unreal eats at this McCarthy staple!
Glacier View Grill Menu
Hamburgers
- Glacier Burger – White Cheddar & Jack Cheese
- Texas Burger – Pepper Jack Cheese, Bacon, Onion, BBQ Sauce
- Hawaiian Burger – Pineapple Slice, Teriyaki Sauce
- Italian Burger – Mozzarella Cheese, Marinara Sauce, Onion
- Mexican Burger – Pepper Jack Cheese, Jalapenos, Salsa
- Swiss Burger – Swiss Cheese, Mushrooms, A-1 Sauce
- Wrangell Burger – Lettuce, Tomato, Onion
*Substitute Veggie Patty on any Burger.
*Substitute Salmon Patty on any Burger
Chicken Sandwiches
- BBQ Jerk – Jerk Spice, Grilled Pineapple & Creamy Slaw
- Teriyaki – Onions, Pineapple Ring & Teriyaki Sauce
- Classic American – BBQ Sauce, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onion
Hot Dogs
- Reindeer – Alaska Reindeer Dog
- Polish – Polish Dog, Sauerkraut, Onions
- Sled Dog – Good ol’ Dog and Bun – Choose your Condiments
Drinks
- Soda
- Beer
- Wine
- Water
- Juice
AS THE GLACIER MELTS CAFE
This sweet little cafe offers the best Alaskan-made ice cream and Alaska Roasted espresso in the entire Kennecott Valley. Warm up on a cold day with a hot Steam Dot Espresso, or cool down on a warm summer afternoon with ice cream made by Alaska Supreme Ice Cream. Located right before the footbridge to McCarthy, Alaska, and at the entrance to Kennecott River Lodge and Cabins. Yes, you can walk from your cabin in the morning to the cafe and get that amazing latte and incredible Alaska views! The cafe is next to the McCarthy River Tours Rafting Expeditions check-in center. Follow As The Glacier Melts Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.
THE ROADSIDE POTATO HEAD
Known locally as “The Potato”. From the famous potato head burrito to their rotating dinner entrees, they do their best to use local produce and made-from-scratch ingredients. Don’t forget their locally famous curly fries! The Potato Head accommodates all different diets, from gluten-free to vegan to carnivorous. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning espresso in McCarthy, or sitting down for a relaxing lunch after touring the historic Kennecott Mill, you’ll find a casual, friendly atmosphere filled with local faces and happy tummies.
THE MEATZA WAGON
This is a small, family-friendly spot owned and run by a chef who also happens to be a local! Enjoy their covered seating area overlooking the Kennecott Glacier and Mt. Blackburn. All of the food that The Meatza Wagon serves is made from scratch, from original recipes with local flare & ingredients. The Meatza Wagon is extremely passionate about their food and guest experience. The Meatza Wagon caters to all dietary restrictions and has delicious gluten-free and vegetarian options on their menu.