Just off the lobby of the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, the Whistle Stop serves up tasty pub fare and Alaska seafood; it also has a full bar, featuring Alaska brewed beers on tap and 45 wines. Stop in for a reindeer burger or fish and chips, or enjoy sunset with a pint of Alaskan amber on the bustling deck overlooking the Wrangell St. Elias Range. The Whistle Stop is the only lunch option in the lodge and offers the same menu for dinner, though you can also order off the dinner menu at the lodge’s Two Rivers Restaurant.
Like the lodge itself, the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill is an unexpected find in this remote corner of Alaska. For independent travelers, the food is a welcome break from greasy spoons. And the views and service are terrific; the wait staff is made up of professional servers who come to Alaska for a summer of work and adventure, so they’re often as excited as you are about the area. Chat with them about fishing or hiking when you’re not discussing the menu.
When it comes time to order, try the Copper River Salmon BLT, an Alaska twist on an old favorite. Chef Colin rubs the famed sockeye in seasoned cornmeal and serves it with a chipotle pepper aioli on focaccia. The cheese curds and prawn cocktail make for great afternoon snacks. Colin has listed suggestions of beers or wines on the menu, so you can find an appropriate beverage. Or try one of their specialty drinks, like the smoked salmon Bloody Mary, made with Alaska Distillery smoked salmon vodka.
Whether you’re a hotel guest looking for an afternoon snack and drink, or an independent traveler looking to break up the drive to Valdez or McCarthy, the Whistle Stop Bar and Grill is where to go for pub fare made from scratch. And if you’re on the road and want to stretch your legs, the Copper River/Kulitna River junction is a 20-minute walk from the restaurant.
