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The Best Restaurants in Palmer, Alaska for After Your ATV Tour
Plan your trip with our off-road reports. You’ll find articles about everything from the best trail food to activities in Alaska that are worthy of the 49th State.
Riding in the backcountry sure works up an appetite! Whether you come along for a Full-Day Knik Glacier Adventure and need a restaurant recommendation for dinner, or just have time for a quick Knik River Trail Adventure and want to grab a snack afterwards, these recommendations will help you fuel up before your next excursion!
Ride With Us to Work Up an Appetite
Our ATV tours are designed to be rugged, adventurous, and so much fun! Come explore the Knik Valley and see the true Alaska from off the paved highway. The views are so wild you’ll just have to see them for yourself!
Choose between a Full Day Adventure where you get to ride up to the Knik Glacier, and Half Day Adventure to take in the sights and get an adrenaline rush from the trail, or our 90 Minute Adventure perfect for those with a jam packed itinerary or who want a quick introduction to off roading.
Each of our adventures will have you splashing through creeks, riding along the dynamic trails through trees and across meadows, and taking in some incredible views. You can see iconic mountains like Matanuska and Pioneer Peak alongside bright blue rivers. If you are lucky you may even spot a moose and some Dall Sheep!
No experience necessary for our tours. Just bring some layers & rain gear for creek crossings, and we’ll provide helmets, goggles, and rubber boots to keep you safe and dry!
All the excitement is bound to leave you feeling hungry, especially after a big day of adventure! Don’t be hangry for your next stop – get some ideas of where to eat for your favorite post adventure meal!
Where to Eat After Your Adventure
Choose between a spot to grab lunch on your way to your next destination, a relaxing restaurant for a sit down dinner, or a quick stop for a snack on your way to your next adventure. Palmer is full of incredible restaurants and there is something suitable for every group.
Go off the type of food you crave after a day of adventures, or find a space that fits the vibe you are going for. Some spaces are great for long hang outs and may have live music in the afternoon. Others are perfect for quick stops so you can take your meal along on a hike or in the car to your next destination.
Plus, if you are heading up to Denali we included some of our favorite spots in Wasilla in case you don’t want to make the short detour into Palmer.
The Best Restaurants in Palmer
Palmer is the closest town to the trailhead and offers some great restaurants, quick stops for lunch, and some of the best ice cream around if you just need a sweet treat!
Big Dipper Ice Cream – Enjoy dessert before you head to dinner! Grab a few scoops of ice cream at this new roadside location on your way into town. Head through the drive thru, stay and hang out on the patio in the sun, or go for a walk alongside the Matanuska River. Big Dipper highlights some of the best local flavors in their ice cream from blueberries to fireweed!
Butte Burger – Looking to grab a quick bite and get back on the road? Butte Burger is just down the street from where we end our tour and has great burgers, fries, onion rings and more. It’s the perfect greasy and hearty meal to end an adventure.
Turkey Red – This is the perfect spot for brunch or lunch, a sandwich and salad, or a hearty meal to take on the go. Enjoy their selection of homemade pastries and desserts too!
Reuben House – This seasonal summer food truck makes delicious reubens and fries perfect for after any adventure. It’s right by 203 Kombucha and Lekker Coffee so you can also enjoy a drink and pick me up!
Palmer Ale House – Their pub grub menu has something for everyone from burgers, to pizza, to sandwiches. Choose from over 40 local taps and cocktails. Grab a seat out on the patio and enjoy the mountain view on a nice day. You can even catch some live music on the weekends!
Matanuska Brewery – Enjoy burgers, tacos, or sandwiches and some yummy appetizers from this local gem. The brussel sprouts are worth trying! Choose from one of their craft beers, cocktails, or sodas to have with your meal.
Bleeding Heart Brewery – Right next store to Matanuska Brewery, this spot is great for relaxing and enjoying a local beer in their funky and spacious garage turned tap room. Grab a snack from the menu, or enjoy a brew before heading off to your next adventure.
Sweet Gypsy – For those with a sweet tooth this is the spot for you! Enjoy delicious cheesecake after (or before we won’t judge) a tasty panini, soup, or salad for some of the best comfort food in the valley. Take it to go as you head to your next adventure.
Bonus! The Best Restaurants in Wasilla
Heading to Talkeetna or Denali after your ATV tour? Make a stop in Wasilla instead of detouring to Palmer for some great restaurant options!
Chepo’s – Craving tacos and a margarita? Chepo’s has excellent Mexican food and is a perfect spot for large and small parties. Enjoy authentic cuisine from enchiladas to fajitas. The food is delicious so be careful not to fill up on tortilla chips!
Bearpaw River Brewing Company – This spot is perfect for delicious and unique pizza and beer. Enjoy a small craft beer or soda from this local brewery.
Mat-Su Family Restaurant – As the name implies, this is a great spot for you and your family to enjoy lunch or dinner at. Choose from old school diner classics like chicken fried steak or a milkshake. Breakfast is served all day!
Cafe Khao Neow – Try authentic Laotian food for a flavorful and healthy meal. The curries and pho are perfect for warming up after a cooler adventure, while the roasted pork and traditional laab are delicious.
See You on the Trail This Summer!
We can’t wait for you to experience an epic ride in the backcountry of Alaska. There’s no better place in the state to go off road!
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll enjoy the rugged trail and insane views. Grab your camera so that you can capture it all and get ready to have the best adventure of your trip!
