So, you wind up in Kenai or Soldotna, Alaska. This is the part of Alaska that's about 3 hours south of Anchorage. You've got a gorgeous view of the mountains and a breathtaking view of the Cook Inlet. But what to eat? Don't harvest tiny blueberries just yet... Here's the five best little eateries in the area. Keep in mind, these are in no particular order - nor am I paid to write these!
1. Odie's Deli - Kenai and Soldotna. Who doesn't love fresh, local, delicious, and mostly-healthy sandwiches? Odie's makes amazing, well-sized, and rustic-looking light food. Their veggies are always crisp and the eatery is totally hip, complete with locally-bought decor and a cute reading area. Not to mention, they have a huge variety of homemade bread! My favorites are the chicken cashew salad with sprouts (light) and the Mel's sandwich - jalapeno cheese bread with lettuce, tomato, turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce (savory and sweet) - I add pickles! P.S., they make the best monster cookies, which is a fun take on the traditional no-bake cookies.
2. Veronica's Cafe - Kenai. This place has such a neat location! It's in Old Town Kenai, which features the gorgeous bluff and a really cool, old Russian church. I suggest you indulge in the sun room with a good book. Also, they have great, local live music. The menu and specials often change, but my go-to is a big ol' hazelnut cappuccino with a bowl of African peanut soup (comfort food). They make healthy soups, sandwiches, and light entrees. They have yummy bread, too! The feel of the place is cabin-like, natural, and Earthy.
3. Jersey Subs - Kenai and Soldotna. Okay, I know I'm killing you with the lunchy-type places, but Jersey Subs has been around a while and is a working-man's favorite! Their subs are killer in size AND taste. Their slogan is naughty and the subs are always quickly made, I hardly ever wait more than 5 minutes! My two favorites are the Philly cheese steak (hearty) and the classic Turkey with light onion (light). You'll fall in love with just the bread itself. They make a large variety of hot and cold subs with loads of extras.
4. Moose is Loose Bakery - Soldotna. If you're a sucker for donuts and cookies, this is our local version of Krispy Kreme or VooDoo Doughnuts. They have a huge, double-display selection of cookies, muffins, donuts, rolls, breads, cakes, pies, and other heart attack inducing goods. They're also made local and fresh, right behind the counter where they take your money! It's always busy when I go in, but they're quick and the taste never fails. I like the cinnamon bread from the gift shop area and maple dough boys - they're HUGE glazed donuts that look gingerbread man shaped (sweet). Also, kids love the iced sugar cookies. They do seasonal shapes, like fall leaves, smiley faces, hearts, snowmen, and more!
5. 1 Crazy Cupcake - Kenai. I'm not biased, but these are the best cupcakes on the Peninsula. You can get cakes custom made, but the front display has amazing cupcakes! They also make amazing gluten-free and vegan cupcakes, which is hard to nail - but they do! Everything is made from scratch, and they're SO rich and moist. They do over 300 flavors, and that includes "spiked" flavors, which are alcohol infused - and not baked out! My favorite flavors are gluten-free vegan white wedding and spiked margarita (sweet).
6. Burger Bus - Kenai. This quick-lunch shack is actually a bus! It's been around forever and is a local favorite, for sure. They have a variety of big, hearty burgers and savory seasoned fries. My favorite is the classic Bus Burger - just a traditional burger. A local favorite is the Kenai Killer, which is loaded with chili and jalapenos (spicy and savory). They also have awesome fish and chicken burgers. The service is so quick and simple! It's a fisherman's favorite.
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