Anchorage’s culinary scene isn’t just about fresh seafood and hearty Alaskan flavors — it’s also about the stories behind the dishes and the neighborhoods where they’re enjoyed. What sets Anchorage apart as a food tour destination is its blend of history, local culture, and mouthwatering food. Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s past while tasting reindeer sausage or exploring the quirky Spenard neighborhood’s true crime stories alongside a good meal, Anchorage offers a variety of options that put you right in the middle of the action. One tour I particularly like is the Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour, which combines local flavors with cultural insights in a small-group setting, making it both personal and informative.
If you want a comprehensive experience that mixes sightseeing with sampling Alaska’s best eats, the City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour is a fantastic choice. For those curious about the neighborhood history and darker tales, the Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour provides a unique mix of food and crime stories. For a flexible, van-based experience that offers scenic views and local fare, the Anchorage: Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van rounds out our list. Each offers a different perspective on Anchorage’s food scene and character, so let’s dig into what makes each one special.
1. Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour OUR MOST POPULAR!
At number one, this Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour is a crowd favorite, with a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 175 reviews. It’s ideal for travelers who want a shorter, immersive experience that combines local history with tastings. Over 3 to 4 hours, you’ll walk through downtown Anchorage, stopping at iconic spots like Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse for a seafood platter, and Biscuitclub, Snow City Cafe, and Tent City Taphouse for a variety of local flavors. The tour includes sampling Alaskan foods and drinks, making it a delicious way to learn about the city’s roots.
What makes this tour stand out is its small group size, which fosters personal interaction with your guide. Liz, a guide praised for her energy, friendliness, and Alaska expertise, helps bring the city’s stories alive. Guests love the easy-to-meet location and the balance between walking and tasting, making it accessible for most fitness levels. With reviews highlighting the diversity of food, relaxed pace, and engaging storytelling, it’s perfect for visitors wanting a taste of Anchorage’s culinary history without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a relaxed yet engaging way to explore downtown Anchorage, with plenty of local food and fascinating stories, making it an excellent introduction for first-timers.
2. City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour – Winter & Summer
For around $185, the City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour delivers a comprehensive six-hour experience blending scenic views, history, and local cuisine. Led by a passionate local guide, this tour includes food tastings from Anchorage’s best eateries along with sightseeing across key landmarks. It’s designed for travelers who want a fuller picture of the city’s character and enjoy sampling a variety of Alaskan dishes.
Guests rave about the informative guide, Chris, who shares stories about Alaska’s fishing, hunting, and local legends. The tour also features wildlife sightings, mountain views, and stops at local spots that are often overlooked by visitors. The inclusion of delicious snacks and unique vittles helps make this tour a hit among foodies and culture enthusiasts alike. Since it lasts nearly five hours, it’s suitable for those with a little extra time and curiosity about Anchorage’s diverse offerings.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a full day’s worth of sightseeing, eating, and storytelling, especially those eager to dive into both the landscape and the flavors of Alaska.
3. Anchorage: Downtown Food & History Walking Tour
This Downtown Food & History Walking Tour offers a 3-hour guided walk through downtown Anchorage, focusing on local foods and historical characters. It’s designed for those who want a compact, engaging experience that combines culinary tastings with storytelling. You’ll visit establishments that serve locally sourced foods and drinks, with stops that highlight Anchorage’s unique heritage.
The guide is knowledgeable about Alaska’s characters and the city’s evolution, making the stories as interesting as the food. This tour supports small local businesses, giving travelers a taste of Anchorage’s entrepreneurial spirit. It’s especially suited for visitors staying in the heart of the city, looking for an authentic, bite-sized experience that balances history and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a shorter, culturally rich tour with a focus on local flavors and characters, perfect for a morning or afternoon outing.
4. Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour
At number four, the Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour combines food sampling with the dark, gritty stories of Anchorage’s underbelly from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This 3 to 4-hour tour explores a neighborhood known for its mobster history, bars, strip clubs, and criminal legends. Stops include Alaska’s most famous bar, Chilkoot Charlie’s, and a walk along Spenard Road where stories of serial killers and underground dealings come to life.
Guests love the unique blend of true crime storytelling and local eats. The guide’s lively narration makes the tour both entertaining and educational. The tour includes a visit to Bear Tooth Theatre Pub for a bite and drink, along with stops at Market Juice and other notable locations. Rated 5 stars from 13 reviews, it’s perfect for visitors interested in Anchorage’s darker history, combined with a taste of neighborhood flair.
Bottom Line: This is an ideal choice for history buffs and crime story enthusiasts who want to combine a walking tour with local culinary treats.
5. Anchorage: Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van
Finally, if you prefer comfort and scenic views, the Anchorage: Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van offers a 4.5-hour journey through the city’s highlights. With a maximum of 14 participants, it balances personalized attention with the convenience of traveling in a comfortable van. Your guide shares fascinating tales of Anchorage’s history while you enjoy delicious samplings from local restaurants.
This tour is especially suitable for those with limited mobility or who prefer a more relaxed pace, as most of the sightseeing is through the windows with occasional stops. Guests praise the scenic views and the chance to peek behind the scenes of Anchorage’s food scene, making this a good choice for families or travelers who want to combine nature, culture, and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers seeking a comfortable, scenic overview of Anchorage’s landscape and food scene, with the added bonus of a small-group experience.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Anchorage
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, interests, and schedule. If you love history and a brisk walk, the Downtown Anchorage FOOD & HISTORY Walking Tour is a good pick. For those wanting a full day of sightseeing and tastings, the City of Anchorage SIGHTSEEING & FOOD Tour offers a deep dive. If neighborhood stories and local crime intrigue you, the Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour is perfect.
For travelers with mobility concerns or who prefer a relaxed pace with scenic views, the Guided Food and Sightseeing Tour by Van provides comfort and flexibility. Booking early is advisable, especially in summer when tours fill quickly, and always check if tours are suitable for your fitness level or interest in crime, history, or local cuisine.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage offers a wide array of food experiences that go beyond just eating — they are about the stories, the neighborhoods, and the history of Alaska’s largest city. Whether you want a short taste of downtown, a full day of sightseeing and sampling, or an adventure into Spenard’s secret stories, there’s an option for you.
If you’re traveling with family, prefer a scenic drive, or want an interactive walking experience, these tours cover all bases. To get the most out of your trip, consider booking early and choosing a tour that matches your schedule and interests. Anchorage’s food scene is waiting — all you need to do is pick your adventure.