Eat

Fish is the local specialty. The fishing industry in Southeast Alaska is not what it once was but vast amounts of salmon are still landed every year and processed and shipped to all over the world. Wild Alaskan salmon is world famous, and rightly so. Ask a local fisherman, however, and many will express a preference for the lighter-flavored halibut. Either is a fine choice, as are several other species caught in local waters, including rockfish, ling cod, and dungeness crab. Don't be afraid to ask your server what's fresh.
Crab A word on crab: many visitors, excited to be in Alaska, are eager to dine on the famous Alaskan king crab. What most don't realize is that king crab aren't commonly found anywhere close to Ketchikan and there is no commercial king crab fishery here -- the chief ports of the king crab fishery are Kodiak and Dutch Harbor far to the north and west of Ketchikan. In other words, if you order king crab, you're going to be served crab that has been frozen and flown in -- it won't be any fresher than if you'd ordered it at a restaurant back home. If you crave a crustacean sensation order local dungeness crab instead. Dungies aren't as large or as exotic as king crab and it takes a bit more work to eat them but their meat is pleasantly mild and sweet-tasting and you'll get a fresher meal at a cheaper price. Save the king crab order for when you've traveled much further north.
Filipino cuisine Ketchikan has a substantial Filipino minority population and there are a number of local restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine, either on its own or in conjunction with a more traditional American menu as well.

• Alaska Fish House, #3 Salmon Landing (Located right next to The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show), ☎ +1 907 247-4055. 9:00-4:30. Fresh Alaskan seafood. Located just three minutes from the cruise ship docks.
• Ocean View Restaurant. Serves from a wide menu of mostly Mexican and Italian dishes, is probably the most popular restaurant in town. The food is flavorful and the atmosphere is welcoming and family-friendly. Vegetarian options abound, something that cannot often be said in Ketchikan.
• The Galley, Located across from The Plaza shopping mall in the. An old local favorite. The Galley offers Asian food and diner fare, from pancit (a traditional Filipino noodle dish) to burgers. The addictive lumpia (a Filipino version of a spring roll), fried rice, and noodle dishes are the local favorites.
• Cape Fox Lodge, accessible from Creek Street via a bright red funicular lift. On the higher end of the price scale, overlooking downtown, is probably the best choice in town: they serve a good meal in a nice atmosphere. There is a respectable beer and wine list, and the views of the waterfront are very nice. Prices are a little on the high side for the quality of food and service received but are not out of line with Ketchikan norms.
• Chico's, downtown. Small family-run Mexican restaurant. Free chips and pretty good salsa. Food is pretty authentic, especially for up here. Very friendly service and good food.
• Burger Queen. A popular local take-out opposite the water just past the downtown tunnel. Fast food with a local flavor. It doesn't look like much from the road, but any trip to Ketchikan without a BQ halibut sandwich is a wasted trip.
• The Pioneer Cafe, 610 Main St. Formerly named "Pioneer Pantry", and still called that by many locals, the Pioneer Cafe has moved from its former location on Front Street and reinvented itself in a new Mission Street location as a 1950s-style diner. Mainly a three-egg breakfast place, you'll be inclined to order the blueberry pancakes or reindeer sausage. Both are great, but if you're in the mood for lunch, they make a mean Alaska Burger, 10 oz. of pure meaty bliss. Plus, if you're staying on the waterfront downtown, Billy Bob (that's his real name) will even deliver your breakfast right to your door!
• Anabelle's (on Front Street, directly across from the docks). This is a sweet little restaurant, lavishly furnished, that takes you back to the days when the nearby Red Light District was in full swing. Linen napkins and goblets for your water, along with servers in white shirts and black vests give this moderately-priced eatery an heir of sophistication. They are known for their chowder and the reputation is deserved. They also make a great Southwestern Halibut Wrap, but make sure to peruse the entire menu - you might get a kick out of its late nineteenth-century newspaper feel.