WELCOME TO KODIAK

Where rugged coastlines meet wild abundance. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a long stay, you’ll find that everything in this place, from the food to the friendships, is shaped by the sea. Our community lives close to its source, drawing flavor, craft, and inspiration straight from the tides.

From cozy coffee shops and small breweries to forest trails and shoreline views, Kodiak has something for every kind of appetite, and not just for food. This island’s seafood heritage runs deep, and we’re honored to share a taste of it with visitors from near and far.

While Kodiak Island Smokehouse isn’t a sit-down restaurant, we love sending people toward the spots that capture the spirit of this island best. Below you’ll find our local guide to where to eat, sip, explore, and shop, along with a few ways to bring a piece of Kodiak home through our smoked salmon, halibut favorites, and other hand-crafted specialties.

WHERE TO EAT IN KODIAK

Whether you’re craving wild-caught seafood, a cozy local favorite, or something quick between adventures, Kodiak’s restaurants serve flavors shaped by the island and the sea.

Seafood & Local Favorites

From dock-to-dish freshness to long-loved local staples, these restaurants showcase the best of Kodiak fish and coastal cuisine. 

  • Kodiak Hana – Sushi and Japanese cuisine, with Alaskan crab appearing on the menu when in season.
  • Chart Room at the Best Western – Beautiful harbor views and fresh seafood dishes, including occasional Alaskan crab specials.
  • Olds River Inn – Comfort food with a view, featuring truly local catches like yelloweye, black cod, halibut, and salmon.

Casual & Quick Bites

When you’re out exploring and need something satisfying without the wait, these local favorites serve hearty island flavors and quick comfort food Kodiak-style.  

  • Nuniaq – Fresh, fast island fare with rotating specials and generous portions.
  • Noodles – Asian-inspired comfort food, from stir-fries to noodle bowls.
  • Henry’s Great Alaskan Restaurant – Local favorite for hearty pub-style meals and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cafes & Breakfast

Start your day in Kodiak with the warm welcome of local cafés, fresh-baked goods, and hearty breakfasts fueled by island hospitality. 

  • Java Flats – Cozy roadside café known for its fresh-baked goods, hearty breakfasts, and friendly vibe.
  • Nuniaq – Great coffee alongside fresh, made-to-order breakfast favorites.
  • Fly-By Coffee – Drive-thru or dine-in café where you can sip your latte while watching float planes take off from the lake.

Something Sweet

From famous cookies to flaky pastries and frozen treats, these sweet stops are perfect for ending your island adventures on a delicious note. 

  • Barefoot Bakery – Fresh-baked breads and pastries made daily, plus their famous cronuts — a flaky croissant-donut hybrid you won’t forget.
  • Java Flats – Known island-wide for their enormous, gooey cookies — perfect after a hike or beach walk.
  • Island Freeze – Serving frozen yogurt, boba tea, and other sweet treats — a refreshing stop after exploring Kodiak.

WHERE TO SIP IN KODIAK

Whether you’re after a morning latte, a crisp local cider, or a nightcap with friends, Kodiak’s drink scene offers plenty of places to relax and savor the island’s pace. 

Coffee & Cafes

  • Bean & Bloom – Specialty coffee drinks and fresh pastries with stunning channel views right on the waterfront.
  • Harborside Coffee & Goods – Local coffee roaster with harbor views, breakfast sandwiches, and fresh-baked treats.

Cider & Brewery

  • Double Shovel Cider Company – Alaskan craft cider with rotating seasonal flavors, made from locally sourced and Pacific Northwest apples.
  • Kodiak Island Brewing & Still – Kodiak’s hometown brewery serving small-batch beers, craft cocktails, and spirits in a laid-back taproom setting.

Bars & Nightlife

  • B&B Bar – Holding the oldest liquor license in Alaska, this is a true Kodiak institution.
  • Rendezvous Bar & Grill – Great food, excellent drinks, and often live music—even outdoors when the weather cooperates.

THINGS TO SEE & DO IN KODIAK

Beyond the table, Kodiak’s wild landscapes and rich history invite you to explore—whether it’s hiking, wildlife viewing, or soaking in our island culture. 

Outdoor Adventures

  • Pillar Mountain Trails – Multiple trail options with sweeping views of Kodiak and the surrounding waters.
  • Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park – WWII history, forested trails, and dramatic ocean cliffs.
  • Kodiak Connections – Kodiak Walking Tours – Guided walking tours highlighting local history, culture, and hidden gems around town.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge – Guided bear viewing in their natural habitat.
  • Marine Wildlife Tours – Local charters offering whale, puffin, and sea otter viewing in the wild waters that are also our community’s wild source of seafood and inspiration.
  • Buskin River & American River – Salmon runs bring eagles, bears, and seals close to shore.

Cultural Experiences

  • Alutiiq Museum – Learn about Kodiak’s Native heritage through artifacts and exhibits.
  • Kodiak History Museum – Stories of the island’s Russian and Alaskan past.
  • WWII National Historic Site at Fort Abercrombie – Restored bunkers and interpretive displays.

Family Friendly Activities

  • Kodiak Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – Interactive exhibits and kid-friendly learning.
  • Abercrombie’s Lake Gertrude Trail – Easy loop trail for all ages.
  • Buskin River State Recreation Site – Sandy beaches, picnicking, river fishing for salmon, and nearby camping.

GUIDES, CHARTERS & TOURS IN KODIAK

From breathtaking bear encounters to deep-sea fishing adventures, Kodiak’s guided tours offer unforgettable ways to explore Alaska’s untamed beauty. Local captains and guides share the island’s wild spirit through the waters, forests, and skies that define life here.

Bear Viewing & Wildlife Tours

  • Island Air Service – Scenic floatplane flights and guided bear viewing in Katmai and beyond.
  • Kingfisher Aviation – Specializes in small-group bear viewing tours with personalized service and spectacular views.

Fishing Charters

  • Happy Hooker Charters – Experienced local guides offering full- or half-day ocean fishing trips targeting halibut, salmon, and other Kodiak favorites.
  • Kodiak Marine Charters – Experienced guides for halibut, salmon, and multi-species trips.
  • Head Shakers – Guided river trips to Saltery for epic salmon fishing in a stunning remote setting.

Hiking & Walking Tours

Kodiak Connections – Kodiak Walking Tours

Discover Kodiak on foot with engaging local guides who share the island’s stories, landscapes, and history. From seaside trails to forest paths, every walk feels like uncovering another piece of the island’s heart.

(Photo courtesy of Kodiak Connections, featuring a picnic of local flavors, including items from Kodiak Island Smokehouse.)

Museums, History & Culture

Take a step beyond the scenery and explore the stories that shaped Kodiak — from ancient Alutiiq culture to the island’s fishing roots and wartime past.

Museums & Cultural Stops

  • Alutiiq Museum – Celebrating Kodiak’s Native heritage through artifacts, art, and exhibits.
  • Kodiak History Museum – Explore island history from Russian America to modern fishing.
  • Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park – WWII bunkers, trails, and stunning coastal views.
  • Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – Interactive exhibits and films showcasing Kodiak’s wildlife and conservation efforts.

Local Shops, Gifts & Handmade Finds

Bring a piece of Kodiak home with you through local crafts, unique finds, and specialty foods that celebrate our island’s spirit and seafood heritage. 

Local Crafts & Arts

  • Alutiiq Museum Gift Shop – Located inside the Kodiak Marketplace, offering locally made crafts and works from other Alaskan artists.
  • The Islander Bookshop – Independent bookstore with a curated collection of local crafts and jewelry alongside its shelves.
  • The Frame Shop – Local gallery and custom framing shop featuring art and handcrafted pieces from Kodiak creators.

Specialty Food

  • Kodiak Island Smokehouse – A must-stop for wild-caught Alaskan seafood, smoked right here in Kodiak. We take pride in offering the island seafood Kodiak is famous for. Browse our hand-packed gift boxes, local souvenirs, and unique flavors to bring home — or drop by for custom fish and game processing. 
  • Cactus Flats – Kodiak’s local health food store, offering organic groceries, supplements, and a curated selection of locally made foods, skincare, and cosmetics.
  • Kodiak Harvest Food Cooperative – A member-owned market featuring seasonal produce, island-harvested seafood, and artisan foods that showcase the best of Kodiak and Alaska. 

Outdoor & Adventure Gear

  • Big Ray’s – Outdoor outfitter stocked with gear for fishing, hunting, hiking, and Kodiak’s ever-changing weather.
  • Flow Sports – New to Kodiak, offering high-end outdoor apparel along with select hiking and camping essentials.

Souvenirs & General Shopping

  • Norman’s Fine Gifts – A long-standing local favorite for gifts, souvenirs, and unique finds.
  • Emerald Isle Market – Located inside the Kodiak Marketplace, offering mugs, magnets, Alaskan foods, and other giftable treasures.
  • Kodiak Island Smokehouse – Take home the taste of Kodiak with our wild-caught Alaskan seafood, smoked specialties, and locally crafted souvenirs.

Groceries & Everyday Essentials in Kodiak

From full-service grocery stores to quick convenience stops, these local shops keep your island stay stocked and stress-free. 

  • Safeway – Full-service grocery store with bakery, deli, and pharmacy. Has a liquor store attached.
  • Cost Savers – Warehouse-style bulk shopping, similar to Costco. No membership required. Has a small liquor store inside.
  • Walmart – Groceries, household goods, and general merchandise.
  • Kodiak Harvest Food Cooperative – Community-owned grocery offering locally sourced produce, Alaskan-made products, and a variety of organic and specialty foods. 
  • Bells Flats Little Store – Handy stop for snacks, drinks, or forgotten items on your way out the road.
  • Cactus Flats – Local health food store with groceries, smoothie bar, and convenience foods.
  • Emerald Isle Market – Small downtown shop for convenience foods, drinks, and toiletries. 

Before You Visit

Make the most of your time on the island with local travel tips, transportation options, and insider advice for navigating Kodiak with ease. 

Getting Here

  • Alaska Airlines – Daily flights from Anchorage to Kodiak.
  • Alaska Marine Highway – Ferry service for travelers who want to bring vehicles or enjoy a scenic voyage.

Getting Around

  • Local Air Charters – Local air charters can take you to remote villages, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing areas not accessible by road.
  • Car Rentals – Available at the airport; book ahead in summer.
  • Taxis & Rideshares – Limited availability, so plan ahead for transportation needs.
  • Kodiak Area Transit (KATS)– The island’s public bus system offers affordable daily routes within Kodiak and nearby areas. Visit the Kodiak Area Transit website for current schedules.

Island Etiquette

  • Weekly Tsunami Siren – Don’t be alarmed if you hear the sirens at 2 pm on Wednesdays; it’s just the island’s weekly test.
  • Wildlife Safety – Never feed wild animals — including eagles, foxes, or bears — for their safety and yours.
  • Leave No Trace – Dispose of trash properly, both in town and on the trails, to keep Kodiak pristine.

Shipping Your Catch or Souvenirs

  • Kodiak Island Smokehouse– Offering custom fish and game processing with convenient shipping for seafood, gifts, and other local treasures. We carefully pack each order using insulated materials and ship via FedEx, UPS, or Alaska Air Cargo to ensure quality arrives intact. Whether you’re sending a gift or taking a taste of Kodiak home, we make it simple to share the island’s flavor wherever you are.
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