Utqiagvik Restaurants – Dining at the Top of the World
Utqiagvik Restaurants - Where to Eat in Utqiagvik
Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, faces a unique situation with food. Due to its remote location – the northernmost town in the US with no connecting roads – all groceries must be flown in, making them considerably expensive. This expensiveness is especially true for bulky, heavy, or frozen items.
Interestingly, despite the generally high cost of living, restaurants in Utqiagvik can be a more economical option than buying groceries. While still pricier than restaurants in the lower 48 states, they offer a more budget-friendly way to eat compared to buying groceries.
Check out the grocery prices below from Stuaqpak, the only grocery store in Utqiagvik.
A regular bag of Lays Potato Chips costs $11.56. In the frozen section, 30 El Monterey Burritos cost $70.49. I told you food is unbelievably expensive.
A Hungry-Man TV dinner fetches $11.89, and a gallon of milk goes for $17.99. These prices seem outrageous, but remember, all food has to be flown in on an airplane.
During my trip to Utqiagvik, I purchased food from four of the seven Utqiagvik restaurants. I did not sample the fish head soup – maybe on the next trip, I will give it a try.
Utqiagvik Restaurants – Dining at the Top of the World - Table of Contents
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Osaka Restaurant
The first Utqaigvik restaurant that I ate at was Osaka Restaurant. Osaka Restaurant features a variety of Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisine, including sushi, fried chicken, and American-style breakfasts. Assume you will spend between $20 and $40 per person on most dishes at Osaka Restaurant.
One perk of eating at Osaka Restaurant is that they allow guests to use their password protected WiFi.
Pictured below is the Osaka Restaurant menu. Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
One of the things I liked about Osaka Restaurant is that most meals are served with warm soup. Even in the summer months, temperatures in Utqiagvik are cool. A warm bowl of soup is an excellent way to begin a meal.
I ate twice at Osaka Restaurant. The first time I ordered the Mongolian Beef. I found the Mongolian Beef to be excellent and was impressed with the large portion.
The second time I ate at Osaka Restaurant, I ordered the Pork Belly. Once again, it was a delicious and filling meal. I highly recommend Osaka Restaurant for those looking for a place to eat in Utqiagvik.
East Coast Pizzeria
The next Utqiagvik restaurant that I visited was East Coast Pizzeria. Unlike Osaka Restaurant, East Coast Pizzeria does not offer inside seating. There are two small tables outside, but considering the climate of Utqiagvik, it is likely that almost everyone ordering food is ordering takeout.
East Coast Pizzeria offers pizza, submarine sandwiches, fried chicken, and typical Italian dishes such as spaghetti. Pictured below is East Coast Pizzeria’s menu. Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
I ordered a Philly Cheesesteak and fries from East Coast Pizzeria. It was one of the best Philly Cheesesteaks I’ve ever eaten. I highly recommend East Coast Pizzeria to anyone visiting Utqiagvik.
Mario's Pizza
There is another pizza restaurant in Utqiagvik called Mario’s Pizza. The biggest difference between Mario’s Pizza and East Coast Pizzeria is that Mario’s Pizza has an inside eating area.
Mario’s Pizza has a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, and pasta on their menu. I also want to add that the employees at Mario’s Pizza were very friendly and helpful, providing me with information about Utqiagvik. Pictured below is their menu. Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
I ordered the all-meat pizza at Mario’s. Like the other restaurants in Utqiagvik, I enjoyed my meal at Mario’s Pizza.
Sam & Lee's Restaurant
Sam & Lee’s Restaurant features a mix of Chinese and American dishes. During my visit to Utqiagvik, Sam & Lee’s Restaurant was temporarily closed until after the 4th of July.
Niġġivikput at the Top of the World Hotel
Located inside the Top of the World Hotel, Niġġivikput has a menu that consists of standard American-style dining. The restaurant is open to anyone, regardless of if you are staying at the hotel. I was disappointed that the front desk staff refused to let me use their WiFi during my meal. They told me that the WiFi is only for hotel guests.
One big perk of dining at Niġġivikput is the view. There are quite a few tables that overlook the Arctic Ocean.
The Niġġivikput menu was quite long. The six-page menu is posted below. Prices are accurate as of July 2024.
I ordered the Wagyu burger and fries. The food was excellent, and I do recommend Niġġivikput to anyone visiting Utqiagvik. At the same time, if you are staying at the Top of the World Hotel, be sure to venture out and sample some of the local restaurants as well.
Cruz's Mexican Grill and Thai Corner
There are two other restaurants in Utqiagvik that were closed or had limited hours during my visit. They are Thai Corner and Cruz’s Mexican Grill.
Both Cruz’s Mexican Grill and Thai Corner are located near the Whale Bone Arch and the Top of the World Hotel.
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