Portage Glacier Cafe - Girdwood, Alaska

Introduction

The Portage Glacier Cafe, nestled at 401 Portage Lake Loop in Girdwood, Alaska, is more than just a dining spot. It's a local gem, a pit stop for travelers, and a symbol of Alaskan hospitality. This cafe and gift shop combo offers a unique blend of culinary delights, breathtaking views, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that truly captures the essence of the Last Frontier.

Main Services

• Cafe: The Portage Glacier Cafe serves up a variety of dishes, from hearty breakfasts to comforting lunches. Their menu is a delightful mix of classic American fare and Alaskan specialties, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Gift Shop: Apart from its culinary offerings, the cafe also houses a gift shop filled with unique Alaskan souvenirs, local art, and handmade crafts. It's the perfect place to pick up a memento of your Alaskan adventure or find a special gift for someone back home.
• On-Site Services: The cafe offers a range of on-site services, including takeaway, dine-in, and delivery options. They also provide fast service, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a casual meal.

Location and Access

The Portage Glacier Cafe is located in the heart of Girdwood, a small town nestled in the Chugach National Forest. It's situated along the scenic Seward Highway, making it an easy stop for travelers heading to or from the popular cruise ship port of Seward or the stunning Kenai Fjords National Park.

To reach the cafe, take the Seward Highway (Alaska Route 1) from Anchorage. Drive south for approximately 37 miles, and you'll find the cafe on your right, just before the turnoff to the Portage Glacier Visitor Center. The cafe is easily accessible, with a spacious, wheelchair-accessible car park right outside.

Featured Characteristics

• Breathtaking Views: One of the cafe's standout features is its stunning views of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness. The large windows and outdoor seating area offer patrons a front-row seat to the natural beauty of the region, with the majestic mountains, verdant forests, and sparkling lakes providing a truly unforgettable backdrop.
• Historic Charm: The cafe is housed in a historic building that has been a beloved part of the Girdwood community for decades. The building's rustic exterior and cozy, cabin-like interior exude a warm, inviting charm that is quintessentially Alaskan.
• Community Hub: The Portage Glacier Cafe is more than just a business; it's a community hub. It's a place where locals and travelers alike can come together, share stories, and forge connections over a delicious meal or a steaming cup of coffee.

Practical Information

• Address: 401 Portage Lake Loop, Girdwood, AK 99587, United States
• Phone:9077833117
• Hours of Operation: The cafe is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, seven days a week. However, hours may vary by season, so it's always a good idea to call ahead.
• Payment Methods: The cafe accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

Positive Aspects Mentioned in Reviews

Several customers have praised the cafe for its friendly service, with one reviewer noting, "Some of the nicest people work here. They went above and beyond to help my family through a difficult situation." Another customer appreciated the cafe's quick service, commenting, "Service was fast and friendly though."

The cafe's unique location and stunning views have also drawn praise from customers. One reviewer remarked, "The building was in decent shape and the location was beautiful," while another noted the "nice views" of the surrounding wilderness.

Despite some mixed reviews about the food, many customers have still enjoyed their experiences at the Portage Glacier Cafe. One reviewer summed it up nicely, saying, "Stop in, buy some souvenirs or if you're not looking for that enjoy the ambiance and the views."

❓ Frequently asked questions about Portage Glacier Cafe

👍 Reviews of Portage Glacier Cafe

Jozef W.

4/5

Food was ok, this seemed to very clearly be a stop to take the tourist. I had the soup and it was nothing special. Service was fast and friendly though. Building was in decent shape overall and it was easy to find with ample parking.

Matthew S.

5/5

Some of the nicest people work here. They went above and beyond to help my family through a difficult situation. Stop in, buy some souvenirs or if you're not looking for that enjoy some coffee or a bite to eat.

Makanani C.

4/5

The food choices are small and the taste is alright. It’s what you would expect for a small tourist store. The customer service was very friendly, and the souvenirs they have in the store are cool.

Ryan S.

5/5

The Portage Glacier Cafe is the only restaurant you'll find in the Portage Valley. Nothing like a hot meal after hours of cold wind. You'll find hot pies, hot dogs, and other hot items. You'll also find cold items like cold drinks and sandwiches. There is plenty of seating and you'll have company with animals surrounding you. The restrooms may be out of order, but you'll find restrooms outside towards the Begich Boggs Visitor Center. If this review was helpful please click the Like button.

Jamie R. R.

5/5

Would give 7 stars if they would let me. In a time where there is an enormous staff shortage, it goes unnoticed here. The food is exquisite, we had the rib-eye sandwich and bread pudding, and they were the best ever. Their brews are truly excellent. Tried their highly popular key lime pie beer, has a very creamy end note, (which was not especially to my liking,) however, the beer was quite good! Their raspberry wheat ale was superb, and their whiskey flights are an absolute must!

Jake S.

3/5

Extra-mediocre premade food at unusually high prices in a not-super-clean dining room. $7 per slice of pizza? Really? 2 slices of pizza, a small premade salad, a small bag of chips, a piece of cornbread, and a piece of pie = $37 lunch for two. But at least the location was convenient and the taxidermy-style fish up on the wall taught me the differences between all the types of salmon.

Robert H.

5/5

We stopped here to get a coffee and go on a glacier tour

Simon C.

5/5

Great tasting food, even through the actual presentation of the food (cabinets they were in seemed 'amateurish'). In otherwords don't let it put you off selecting what you want. Place is very clean and tidy. Good range of local (not foreign made) souvenirs. Friendly staff.