Anchorage’s barbeque scene is Alaskan soul food, and we’re fiercely proud of it. From downtown smokehouses to family-run pits tucked in the mountains, our city’s obsession with slow-cooked perfection runs deep. It’s a smoky, savory landscape where brisket meets midnight sun, and these 12 spots prove why Anchorage has become a must-visit for ribs, pulled pork, and everything in between.
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue
$ | (907) 375-9988 | WEBSITE
L & L Hawaiian Barbecue, the Tudor location with its spacious layout and amazing vibe, should really be called L & L Authentic Hawaiian. It’s not that the standard barbecue options are disappointing—the generous portions and good variety are pretty solid. But it’s the Hawaiian specialties that are the standouts. Swing by during quieter hours for that delicious spam musubi and authentic Hawaiian cuisine, or brave the crowds during peak times.
The friendly service and enjoyable atmosphere make the experience worth it.
UMAMI BBQ (#1 Vietnamese BBQ & Hot pot in Alaska)
$$ | (907) 743-7599 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Vietnamese BBQ—nay, any grilled meat at all—get yourself to UMAMI BBQ, pronto. The fried rice with ribeye steak is savory, the fried tofu with fish sauce is crispy, and the hot stone fried rice with pineapple and veggies is always flavorful and satisfying.
The restaurant takes up a larger space than it appears from the outside, with nice decor that creates a welcoming atmosphere, and the friendly, attentive service moves smoothly, so come solo for a comforting dinner, or with a big group for an interactive hot pot experience.
Smokehouse BBQ
$ | (907) 802-8748 | WEBSITE
Smokehouse BBQ is a two-part delight. The main dining area of this no-frills, wood-accented restaurant has been serving huge portions of tender ribs, flavorful brisket chili, and the city’s best BBQ sauce for years, while the takeout counter offers quick service for family dinners or solo cravings. It’s a solid option in Anchorage for groups looking to share massive platters of excellent food, but it’s casual enough for a quick order of cowboy fries.
Check out their cornbread and potato salad when you’re in the mood for classic sides.
Ding How Mongolian BBQ
$ | (907) 345-0033 | WEBSITE
Anchorage locals swear by Ding How Mongolian BBQ (get there early or resign yourself to a Titanic-it’s-been-84-years level line at the buffet). The draw at this cozy spot is their Mongolian grill, whether you load up on thinly sliced beef or go for the honey sesame chicken combo, but you’d be missing out not to sample the Chinese buffet offerings or watch the chefs work their magic on the flatiron griddle.
Don’t let the dated decor and stained benches fool you—groups may be settling in for quiet get-togethers, but it’s more for the flavorful bowls piling up on the table than the worn vinyl seating around them.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (907) 333-8930 | WEBSITE
Steak enthusiasts swear by Texas Roadhouse, and for excellent cause. The Anchorage barbecue joint is a destination, loaded to the rafters with everything from sizzling appetizers and hearty sides to cinnamon butter and kid-friendly deals. But it’s the steak—served as their famously tender 6oz. sirloin, always cooked just right—that’s unforgettable. The perfectly grilled meat comes with options like baked potatoes or chili, and sides like fried pickles or onion blossoms.
There can be waits and the atmosphere is bustling, but one taste of that sirloin (paired with steak bites, mashed potatoes, and gravy) is worth a little patience.
Main Event Grill, Catering and Event Spaces
$ | (907) 677-6888 | WEBSITE
Main Event Grill is the straightforward, no-frills barbecue joint we’ve been craving. You’re settled into a spacious booth and greeted promptly at the bustling venue on the edge of downtown. But the simple industrial decor and lively trivia-night atmosphere is no comment on the food—these burgers, arguably the best in Anchorage, have the juiciest, most flavorful beef patties we’ve tasted, and every plate comes loaded with those absolutely phenomenal garlic fries.
BBQ Kitch’n
$$ | (907) 339-1922 | WEBSITE
The stretch of Anchorage’s dining scene has its share of barbecue joints, from Texas-style smokehouses to Kansas City rib spots. Lucky for us, there’s also BBQ Kitch’n, a hidden gem serving up Southern comfort with Alaskan heart. We love the tender 3/4 pound brisket platter and incredibly crispy corn fritters. But the slider meal for two, packed with nine Hawaii rolls, four large corn fritters, and your choice of meat like brisket with smokey BBQ sauce, is a must-try.
The rich flavors of traditional BBQ sauce, baked beans, and corn on the cob are balanced by the fast, friendly service. Order a key lime pie to finish your meal right.
Korean brothers bbq
$ | (702) 505-0254 | WEBSITE
This Anchorage restaurant serves—you guessed it—Korean BBQ. But thinking that’s all they do is like thinking LeBron James just does a little basketball. They also have amazing beef short ribs (if they have the bronze special during lunch, get it), along with endless sides that complement the top-quality meat. The beef short rib is perfectly tender, the endless sides are deliciously varied, and the bronze special is a must-order.
Pop into the cozy space anytime you’re feeling hungry—the attentive staff is always friendly—but it tends to get busy on the weekends, so make a reservation if you’re going with a group.
Home Town Restaurant
$$ | (907) 277-2211 | WEBSITE
Sometimes we don’t know what kind of late-night comfort food we’re in the mood for, but the good news is that Home Town Restaurant serves (almost) all of them. On the menu side, the cozy spot has Korean dishes made with fresh and authentic ingredients, like the Spicy BBQ Pork, Short Rib & Cabbage Soup, or the Budae Jjigae (the best we’ve had in town). The portions are generous, and the staff here won’t rush if you linger for a comforting meal.
Whether it’s date night or a random Wednesday evening, slide this spot into your nighttime rotation.
Yakishabu Sushi House
$$ | (907) 561-7807 | WEBSITE
The quintessential Japanese fusion spot, Yakishabu Sushi House sits at the center of Anchorage’s dining scene (or what we affectionately refer to as “Sushi Row.” If you’ve ever tried to snag a table here on a Friday night, you would, too). Its walls are decorated with charming Japanese murals, warm lighting illuminates the bustling dining area, and the open kitchen lets you watch chefs crafting perfect rolls.
It can easily fit large groups (and frequently does), but service is always swift and attentive. There’s something for everyone on the exciting menu, but you can’t go wrong with the baked salmon roll, spicy scallop roll, or the tender Yakiniku platter where you cook your own meat.
L & L Hawaiian BBQ
$ | (907) 865-8188 | WEBSITE
The next time you want to dive into a satisfying meal, enjoy a lively atmosphere, and forget the rest of the world exists, come to this Hawaiian BBQ spot in Anchorage. While it’s perfect for a solo mini plate, they also have generous portions great for a group to share the fan-favorite Chicken Katsu, BBQ chicken that comes with the signature macaroni salad, or crispy chicken katsu coated with a savory sauce.
Pair any of them with the quick, friendly service and upbeat vibe that makes you feel right at home.
Chowder Express
$ | (907) 240-3187 | WEBSITE
Chowder Express is tucked away in a parking lot just south of Fireweed, sharing space with Leroy’s Restaurant, and you really can’t miss it—there’s a bright red sign with “Chowder Express” in bold white letters that practically glows against the building. Your options at this classic Anchorage barbecue spot are both very focused and wonderfully varied.
You’re getting barbecue (it’s pretty much the only thing on the menu), but there are at least a dozen different combinations you can make with the meats and sides alone. The fall-off-the-bone ribs and creamy clam chowder are what we always get, but order whatever feels right because there’s no bad meal to be had here. And the pulled pork—which is tender and smoky, flavorful and juicy—is arguably the best in town.