Wasilla, Alaska : The Guide to the City who gave us, Portugal the Man || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 10
- 8 min read
Hungry?
Thirsty?
Sleepy?
Be Active
Go 2 Event
Who is the famous person in Wasilla, Alaska?
Sarah Palin
What is Wasilla, Alaska famous for?
headquarters of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race
What's it like living in Wasilla, Alaska?
a small town lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with mountains, lakes, and abundant wildlife
Is there sales tax in Wasilla, Alaska?
The City of Wasilla collects a 2.5% sales tax on all sales, services, and rentals within the City unless exempt by WMC 5.16.
Where do the richest people in Alaska live?
The suburbs of Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks contain most of Alaska's wealthiest
Do you get $1000 for living in Alaska?
Alaska will go back to sending $1,000 automatic payments to its citizens as part of a program called Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD).
Key Takeaway: Wasilla in 2025 is where the wild meets the practical—think epic mountain views, cinnamon rolls the size of your face, lakeside speakeasies, and a business scene that’s as bustling as a moose on a caffeine bender. Whether you’re here for the Iditarod, the hiking, or just to say you’ve been to the city that gave us 'Portugal The Man' (The Band), this is your no-BS, up-to-date, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Alaska’s fastest-growing city.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Wasilla (2025 Edition)
Wasilla’s food scene is as practical and diverse as its residents—think hearty breakfasts, bold Asian flavors, and pizza that’s worth the drive from Anchorage. Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
Restaurant | Review Highlights | Specialties | Website |
Mat-Su Family Restaurant | 400+ reviews (across platforms), 4.0+ stars | Classic diner breakfast, biscuits & gravy, omelets | |
The Wandering Cafe | 4.8/5 (Yelp), 4.7/5 (Google) | Creative brunch, specialty coffee, pastries | |
Crema Coffee House and Pastries | 4.6/5 (Google), 4.5/5 (Yelp) | Artisan coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches |
Key Finding: Mat-Su Family Restaurant is the local legend, but The Wandering Cafe is the new brunch darling for the TikTok crowd.
Asian Food
Restaurant | Review Highlights | Specialties | Website |
Basil Ginger | 4.5/5 (Yelp), 4.6/5 (Google) | Thai-Japanese fusion, sushi, curries | |
Cafe Khao Neow Sticky Rice | 4.8/5 (Yelp), 4.7/5 (Google) | Thai & Lao, papaya salad, sticky rice | |
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant | 4.0/5 (Yelp), 4.2/5 (Google) | Sushi, sashimi, Japanese entrees |
Middle Eastern Food
Restaurant | Review Highlights | Specialties | Website |
Meraki Hellenic Grill | 4.7/5 (Yelp), 4.6/5 (Google) | Greek/Mediterranean, gyros, spanakopita | |
Marcello’s - Wasilla | 4.1/5 (TripAdvisor), 4.5/5 (Google) | Italian-Mediterranean fusion, pizza, pasta |
Mexican Food
Restaurant | Review Highlights | Specialties | Website |
Tacos Cancun Mexican Grill | 400+ reviews (across platforms), 4.3/5 | Tacos, burritos, salsa bar | |
Taqueria Los Magueyes | 4.5/5 (Yelp), 4.6/5 (Google) | Street tacos, burritos |
European / Best Pizza
Restaurant | Review Highlights | Specialties | Website |
Cadillac Cafe | 4.4/5 (TripAdvisor), 4.5/5 (Google), 4.4/5 (Yelp) | Pizza, American-Italian, breakfast | |
Leo’s Döner Kebab & Pizzeria | 4.7/5 (Yelp), 4.6/5 (Google) | Euro-style pizza, döner kebabs | |
Bearpaw River Brewing | 4.5/5 (Yelp), 4.6/5 (Google) | Artisan pizza, craft beer |
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a Kölsch, dance at a dive, or caffeinate for your next hike, Wasilla’s got you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
No dedicated LGBTQ+ bar, but Mug-Shot and Schwabenhof are known for their inclusive, welcoming crowds.
Best for Music
Bearpaw River Brewing Company
Live music, comedy nights, and a taproom that’s the epicenter of Wasilla’s craft beer scene.
Schwabenhof
Karaoke, open mic, and the occasional live band.
Everett’s
Lakeside fine dining with live music and comedy shows.
Best for Dancing
Mug-Shot Saloon
The only dedicated dance floor in town. DJ nights, themed parties, and a crowd that knows how to have fun.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
Alaskana Social Club (at Meier Lake Resort)
Lakeside speakeasy, craft cocktails, and chef-driven small plates. Open weekends, reservation recommended.
Bearpaw River Brewing Company
Craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and a lively taproom.
Last Frontier Brewing Company
Rustic brewpub, house beers, and hearty pub fare.
Best Sports Bar
Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill
Wall-to-wall TVs, wings, and the best game-day energy in Wasilla.
The Grill
Family-friendly, great food, and a relaxed sports vibe.
Best Coffee
Crema Coffee House and Pastries
Bright, modern, and the highest-rated coffee shop in town. Art shows, open mics, and killer pastries.
The Awakening Espresso
Drive-thru, quick service, and classic espresso drinks.
Perkup Espresso
Locally owned, strong coffee, and efficient service.
Band of Brothers Coffee Shop
Rustic, cozy, and perfect for remote work.
The Alaska Cat Cafe
Coffee, pastries, and adoptable cats. Yes, really.
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Wasilla
From lakeside luxury to cozy B&Bs, Wasilla’s got a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Mat-Su Resort
Boutique hotel on Wasilla Lake, fine dining, live music, and year-round outdoor fun. $180–$250/night.
Meier Lake Resort
Private, 120-acre lakefront property, wellness retreats, and pedal boats. $200–$350/night.
Historical Hotels
Pioneer Ridge Bed & Breakfast Inn
Alaskan heritage suites, breakfast buffet, and a game room. $150–$220/night.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
Alaska’s Select Inn Wasilla
Spacious rooms, full kitchens, and a homey vibe. $100–$140/night.
Grand View Inn & Suites
On-site dining, event facilities, and business-friendly. $140–$160/night.
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn
Lakeside, free breakfast, and friendly service. $141–$172/night.
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed & Breakfast
Lakeside, period décor, and legendary breakfasts. $148–$180/night.
Susitna Suites
Modern, central, and well-reviewed. $158/night.
The Vintage Villa
Vintage décor, private deck, and garden views.
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
Grand View Inn & Suites
Banquet and meeting rooms for up to 130 people, on-site catering, and AV equipment.
Mat-Su Resort
Lakeside event spaces and fine dining.
Meier Lake Resort
Private meeting spaces for retreats and business events.
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Wasilla is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Grizzly Family Fitness
Full-service, group classes, childcare, and a 14-day free trial.
The Alaska Club Wasilla
Gym, pool, spa, and personal training.
Denali Fitness
24/7 access, group classes, and a rock climbing wall.
Fearless Fitness
Personal training, weight loss, and a judgment-free zone.
Peak Performance
Personal and small group training, yoga, and youth sports.
Best Golf Course
Settlers Bay Golf Course
18 holes, Chugach views, and a killer restaurant.
Palmer Golf Course
18 holes, glacier views, and regular tournaments.
Sleepy Hollow Golf Course
9-hole par-3, golf simulator, and family-friendly.
Best Hikes & Trails
Hatcher Pass
Gold Mint Trail, Reed Lakes, April Bowl—choose your own adventure.
Crevasse Moraine & Matanuska Greenbelt
7+ miles of loops for hiking, biking, and skiing.
Reflections Lake
Easy loop, wildlife viewing, and a scenic tower.
Bodenburg Butte
Short, steep, and epic views.
Lazy Mountain Trail
Strenuous climb for the ambitious.
Lake Lucille Loop
Gentle, 1.5-mile stroll around the lake.
Best Ski Resorts & Winter Activities
Skeetawk Ski Area
Downhill skiing, lessons, and rentals in Hatcher Pass.
Arctic Valley Ski Area
Classic Alaskan skiing and snow tubing.
Alyeska Resort
Alaska’s premier ski destination, 90 minutes away.
Best Beaches, Lakes, and Rivers
Finger Lake State Recreation Area
Boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.
Wasilla Lake & Newcomb Park
Swimming, picnics, and fishing in the heart of town.
Big Lake North State Recreation Site
Camping, boating, and winter sports.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Best Fitness Coaches
Brady Dale (Fearless Fitness)
Personal transformation, weight loss, and strength training.
Ben (Peak Performance)
Personalized training, healthy habits, and performance optimization.
Best Hunting
Mat-Su Valley
Moose, caribou, black bear, and Dall sheep. Check adfg.alaska.gov for regulations.
Grouse Ridge Shooting Grounds
Sporting clays, trap, and skeet.
Fishtale River Guides
Guided salmon fishing trips.
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, History & More
Wasilla’s event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
Reindeer Farm (Palmer)
Feed reindeer, moose, alpacas, and bison. Book online for tours and seasonal events.
Musk Ox Farm (Palmer)
Educational tours and qiviut fiber.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Portage)
Orphaned and injured wildlife, specialty encounters.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
Curtis D. Menard Memorial Sports Center
Hockey, figure skating, basketball, soccer, and community festivals.
Mat-Su Guns N’ Hoses Hockey Game
Police vs. firefighters, family fun, and a beer garden.
Wasilla Warriors (High School Sports)
Football, basketball, soccer, and more.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Valley Performing Arts (VPA)
Community theater with a packed 2025–2026 season. Tickets $18–$25.
Music in the Park (Iditapark)
Free summer concerts, food trucks, and a beer garden.
Mug-Shot Saloon & Time Out Lounge
Live music, open mic, and a casual vibe.
Best Art Events or Locations
Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center
Rotating art exhibitions, Alaska Positive photography show, and free admission.
Alaska State Fair (Palmer)
Artisan booths, live demos, and competitions.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
Wasilla Museum and Visitor Center
Local history, Iditarod Trail, and community archives.
Knik Museum and Mushers’ Hall of Fame
Dog mushing heritage and gold rush history.
Iditarod Headquarters
Sled dog race exhibits and meet-the-musher events.
Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry
Alaska’s industrial heritage and annual festivals.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Richelle Killian, Keller Williams Realty—tech-savvy, highly rated, and a first-time buyer’s best friend.
Best Coach: Brady Dale, Fearless Fitness—personal transformation and a judgment-free zone.
Local Music Artist: Portugal. The Man—Wasilla’s Grammy-winning indie rock export.
Unique Businesses:
Meadow Lakes Market (local art, food, and gifts)
Spunky Monkey Alaska (90+ local vendors, workshops)
Alaska Chicks Company (Alaskan-themed apparel)
Gems Of The Earth And More (crystals, metaphysical supplies)
The Wagon Wheel Marketplace (vintage, antiques, upcycled goods)
Call to Action
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Key Finding: Wasilla is the rare city where you can hike a glacier, eat a cinnamon roll the size of your face, catch a lakeside drag show, and kayak with reindeer—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
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