Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Arctic Roadrunner - Local Burgerman...an Anchorage institution


I have been to the Arctic Roadrunner a handful of times since I moved down from Fairbanks in 1998. The burgers are of good quality and the fixings are fresh, but I don't think people frequent it just because of the burgers.

The Arctic Roadrunner has been around since 1964, and framed in virtually every nook and cranny are photographs of loyal clients. The walls are filled with frames, in fact, they have begun creepy up to the ceiling. Each photograph has a little tidbit of information, including where that person came from, when they moved to Alaska (Anchorage), and when they became an Arctic Roadrunner customer.

If you are looking for a huge selection in burgers, then you need to go to one of those crimson bird burger places. This menu is simple and straight forward, and you are bound to find a burger to satisfy your cravings.

I had the Arctic Cheese on a wheat bun. It is simply a cheeseburger. It does not overwhelm the palette with fancy spices or exotic toppings, but it is simply delicious....in a way I think we sometimes forget how good food at it's simplest can be. Now, don't get me wrong, I could have had the Kodiak Islander with it's mild green pepper, bologna, salami, ham, two cheeses, and an onion ring, but today I wanted the simple life.

The Seward Highway restaurant has a great wood burning fireplace with well lit booths and tables. You get the feeling that you are sitting in an old Alaskan roadhouse. Part of the restaurant looks over Cambell Creek and even has a summer patio with a few tables. Sitting at a booth brings a sense of connection with the heritage of the restaurant and the community.

Arctic Roadrunner:

Address & Phone - 2 locations
5300 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99518; 907 561-1245
2477 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503; 907 279-7311

Reservations - none needed, but be sure to bring cash, as it is a cash only establishment.

Overall Recommendation: Try it, and then don't forget to come back for a visit. It is like going home.

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