Top 3 Burger Joints in Anchorage, Alaska

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2477 Arctic Boulevard
907-729-7311

Arctic Roadrunner is an Anchorage stalwart, dishing out burgers, shakes and sides since 1964. With two locations - a full-service restaurant in Anchorage's midtown district, beloved as much for the food as the Alaskan decor and ambience, and a fast-food style service stop in the downtown/Spenard district - there's something for everybody at the Roadrunner.

The Arctic Boulevard location is fast-food styled service - order at the counter, take a number and wait for the staff to call your number. There's plenty of indoor booth seating, plus an outdoor patio for warmer months. There's also a drive-through. The midtown location is a full-service restaurant, loved as much for its Alaskan decor and ambience - rustling fire, Alaskan and wildlife adorn the walls - as the burgers.

Both locations serve basic hamburgers, a variety of Alaskan inspired burgers - such as the Kodiak Whopper, two half pound patties, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, green pepper and mozzarella cheese - and burgers with an ethnic twist, such as the Mexican turkey burger. Options for those avoiding beef or meat include chicken breast sandwiches and halibut and salmon burgers.

A side of fries or onion rings will cost extra, but the burgers are reasonably priced - $3.50 for a basic burger, up to $8.50 for a speciality one - so a side won't push the cost any higher than if you'd ordered a complete burger and fry plate at any other full-service restaurant. Thick, creamy milkshakes are available in basic chocolate and vanilla, as well as more out of the ordinary flavors like peanut butter and coffee.

The downtown Roadrunner accepts cash or local check only. Both locations are closed on Sundays.

Tommy's Burger Stop
1106 West 29th Place
907-561-5696

This small, hole-in-the-wall spot in Anchorage's Spenard district grills big, juicy burgers made to order- from basic cheeseburgers to the spicy pepper burger, served with pepperjack cheese and jalapeno's - in addition to a variety of traditional and Alaskan po' boy sandwiches. Order at the counter (fries are extra), and sit at one of the few tables while the sizzling aroma of grilling beef fills the air. In warmer months take your burger to the outside patio.

F Street Station
325 F Street
907-272-5196

F Street Station originated as a bar for the commercial and private airline pilots flying into town. Although its location has changed since its inception, its roots have remained the same, and flight memorabilia adorns the wall. Seating is limited and the menu is small - about a dozen fixed items, and a few specials - and their burger choices don't offer much in the way of variety - but that just means their attention is focused, and they've had time to perfect their methods. These burgers don't disappoint. Big, juicy, served with your choice of cheese and fixins' on buttered bun toasted lightly on the grill, the burger comes with your choice of regular or curly fries. Don't forget to grab a slice of cheese from the communal cheese block in the center of the bar, or a piece of candy from one of several candy jars on your way out.