Visit Anchorage: South Restaurant + Coffeehouse

Our hotel provided a free breakfast buffet, but on our last day in Anchorage, I suggested we go out for brunch, so we went to South Restaurant + Coffeehouse. 

We dined in the restaurant side, and ordered:

Vegas, Baby! Omelet

This omelet consisted of honey-cured bacon, roasted garlic, red onion, tomato, avocado, pepperjack, ranchero sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Sourdough Pancakes with Side Bacon

Sourdough is very significant to Alaska's history, so we had to try the Sourdough Pancakes.  You could definitely taste the tang in the pancakes. 

Death by Bacon

I love bacon, so this sandwich was the obvious choice.  It had simple, quality ingredients that made it delish - egg, bacon, arugula, cheddar, and maple bacon aioli.

Chorizo Burrito

You can add ranchero, salsa verde, or both for extra. 

Service was a bit on the slow side because there was a huge mishap with a table next to us, and a lot of attention was being spent on them, but the food was good.

After we ate, I went over to the coffeehouse side to pick up some sweet treats to go.

Walnut Brownie

Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

McNeill Bar

Oatmeal Scotchie

Turtle Bar

The fresh baked treats were great!

South Restaurant + Coffeehouse
11124 Old Seward Hwy

Anchorage, AK 99515

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Visit Alaska: Palmer Alehouse

We went to Palmer Alehouse after visiting the Reindeer Farm.

Pretzel & Beer Cheese

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Steak Tacos

Raspberry Habanero Wings

Philly Burger

Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Wrap

The food was typical bar type food.  I had the wrap, and it was good!  It was stuffed with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, bacon, and cheddar. 

It did take a very long time for our food to come out, however.  The Pretzel & Beer Cheese came out 25 minutes after we ordered, but our meals came out nearly 45 minutes after we ordered.

I did notice other tables had lengthy wait times too.  I just wish there was better communication from our server.  

Palmer Alehouse
320 E Dahlia Ave
Palmer, AK 99645

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Visit Anchorage: Alaska Sausage & Seafood

We stopped at Alaska Sausage & Seafood for omiyage.  

They offer a nice selection of sausages, smoked fish, and more.

There are even samples for you to try!

They also process and pack fish and game that you may catch!  

At the shop you'll find lots of European-made goods, as the original owner was from Europe.

Definitely stop in for some omiyage!

Alaska Sausage & Seafood

2914 Arctic Blvd

Anchorage, AK 99503

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Visit Alaska: Mirror Lake

On the way to Eklutna Lake, we passed a sign for Mirror Lake, so on the way back, we made a stop so we could check it out.

We saw several families picnicking and fishing, and it's a popular spot where people go paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing thanks to calm waters.  

And yes, it is aptly named mirror lake.

Capturing shots with the reflections makes for stunning photos!

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Visit Anchorage: Simon & Seafort's

 I wanted to eat Alaskan Black Cod, and Simon & Seafort's had it on the menu.

Pan Seared Black Cod

You can opt for a variety of Alaskan Catch - black cod, wild king salmon, copper river sockeye salmon, and halibut, to be prepared grilled, baked, pan seared, or blackened.  The fish is topped with a beurre blanc and is accompanied by an herb couscous and veggies.  Everything on the plate was delicious - the cod was so tender and mild.  

Wild King Salmon

The menu also offers fish prepared in a variety of other ways if you prefer.

Oven-Roasted Chicken Dijon

Surf & Turf

The Surf & Turf included char-grilled sirloin and garlic shrimp, along with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

Grilled Honey Chipotle Shrimp

The food, view, and service were all great!

Simon & Seafort's
420 L St,

Anchorage, AK 99501

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Visit Anchorage: Kinley's Restaurant

We had a delightful dining experience at Kinley's Restaurant.

Side Caesar

Calamari Steak

Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch

Lemon Ricotta Ravioli

Ahi Tacos

Coconut Crusted Rockfish

Tenderloin Burger

I had the ravioli, and I enjoyed it.  It was made with fresh Alaska pasta, and topped with a basil and sunflower seed pesto, focaccia crumbles, and shaved pecorino-romano.  The dish was well balanced in flavors and textures, and the sauteed veggies were a nice accompaniment.  

I thought it was great that you could order from the bar menu if preferred (one of my kids ordered a burger; another ordered a chicken sandwich).

Service was exceptional!  

Kinley's Restaurant
3230 Seward Hwy
Anchorage, AK 99503

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Visit Alaska: Reindeer Farm

While in Alaska, we only had one thing on the itinerary (a glacier cruise), and we just went on random explorations on all the other days.

One day we found ourselves close to Palmer, so we went to the Reindeer Farm, where they not only raise reindeer, but also other rescued and adopted animals.

You go on a self-guided tour where there are educational encounters along the way, during which time you can feed some of the animals (moose, reindeer, bison, yaks, alpacas, and highland cattle).

I sure learned a lot about the animals, and feeding them was quite the experience.

On the farm you'll also find a reptile house, a play area for kids, lots of photo ops, and a fun "Who's Your Reindeer" game that my kids could not stop playing!

It was so fun getting up close to the animals, especially ones we rarely see, and feeding them.

It was a great, impromptu stop!

Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg Loop

Palmer, AK 99645

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