Valdez /vælˈdiːz/,/vəlˈdɛz/ (Alutiiq: Suacit) is a city in Valdez-Cordova Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. According to the 2010 US Census, the population of the city is 3,976. The city was named in 1790 after the Spanish Navy Minister Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán. A former Gold Rush town, it is located at the head of a fjord on the eastern side of Prince William Sound. The port did not flourish until after the road link to Fairbanks was constructed in 1899. It suffered huge damage during the 1964 Alaska earthquake, and is located near the site of the disastrous 1989 Exxon Valdez oil tanker spill. Today it is one of the most important ports in Alaska, a commercial fishing port as well as a freight terminal.
Things to do in Valdez
4.5 based on 303 reviews
We were excited to try this place after reading so many great reviews on TA. The place is obviously a local favorite, as evidenced by the massive crowds both eating in and taking out on a Sunday evening. We were confused as to how it works, it seemed as though some people were being waited on at a table and others were ordering at the counter. We finally asked someone and they said to order at the counter and take a seat, so we did. Husband got a burger and I wanted to try the halibut and chips. Food took about 20 minutes, but that's ok as we know how busy they were and they cook everything to order. I realized my husband didn't think to order his burger well done, as usually the server asks how he wants it done. I was able to get out of our booth easier than he, so I went up and inquired about how the burgers are cooked. The server, a young girl, pointed to the grill and said "on the grill." Don't know if she was being sarcastic or not, but when I explained we'd like it well done, she just said it was already done. Well, then where is it?? The cook overheard our conversation and offered to put it back on the grill for a few minutes, but not before lecturing me about asking for it that way when I order. Ok.
So our food comes out, but no one asks about what we'd like to drink. We see a fountain, but nothing labeled, so not quite sure if that even works. Then I saw a refrigerator case in a corner behind a bar type area, so again I get up and make my way through the crowds to ask the young server again for two bottles of water. The food was so-so, I was really disappointed with my halibut and chips, and my husband said the bun on his burger was dry and actually coming apart. For $40+, dinner shouldn't be this hard.
5 based on 17 reviews
I came across this coffee shop while walking around the harbor area. There is a comfortable seating area in the front with local art for sale on the wall. The woman was very friendly and made me an excellent hazelnut flavored cappuccino made with that bold Alaskan Kaladi Red Goat coffee. A large drink cost me $5.25. She charges 25 cents more for credit card transactions. She also has various pastries for sale.
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Heard about this spot for breakfast burritos and knew we had to find it when travelling to Valdez. It did not disappoint. Their breakfast burritos are excellent and couple of folks in our group tried the chili cheese fries(yes for breakfast) and a spud covered with gravy. It all was very, very good and fairly priced. There is limited seating inside so fortunately the weather was great and we could sit at a couple of the outside tables. This was a perfect way to start our day in Valdez.
4 based on 298 reviews
The Fat mermaid sits on the waterfront with a great view of the harbor and mountains. Chef Joel Brown has a fresh and innovative way to create seafood dishes that everyone enjoys and appreciates. We have a love for preparing great pizzas, burgers, steaks and pasta from scratch. We also produce gluten free, healthy and vegan items. Our bar host spirits and over 15 different craft beers on tap.
On a recent trip to Valdez ate here 3 times. Had the pork tacos twice and bacon and eggs once. The service was excellent two out of the three times. Food was consistently good though was more of a fan of the tacos than breakfast. One of the visits there was a local singing along with the music playing, didn't miss a note at all. Impressive in its own right. This place has a style of it's own with the add on part of the seating feeling more like you're in someone's back yard than a restaurant. However I'm a fan of unique places and will definitely be back on the next visit.
4 based on 139 reviews
I had to have salmon in Valdez.... lol, and this chef outdid himself. I can't remember the exact name of the dish I had, but it was baked salmon served on a risotto, heaven on a plate! Unfortunately, for my husband, my husband's cod burger was not very good. He felt it was a shame to crumb the cod, as it was dry & hard in his burger. He'd rather the fish was grilled or pan fried first, as it would've stayed more succulent. Another negative was the wait time for our meals, it took ages!!
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Natural & specialty grocery store, kitchenwares, books, supplements, and cafe featuring organic coffees, smoothies, and lunch served Tuesday - Friday.
Stopped in for lunch before heading over to McCarthy. Decided to eat here as it was the only place rated decently in Valdez. Go in and there are 5 employees not really doing anything, but none of them address us. Okay... After standing there for...MoreThank you for your observation and input. Your comments will be shared with our entire staff. Customer service and quality goods are our top priority, and it hurts to know we failed to deliver that to a visitor to our town.
3.5 based on 276 reviews
I found the food in Valdez expensive and below par. Mike's food was OK and the portions were generous.
5 based on 22 reviews
The lady running this food truck was friendly and was happy to add extra "heat" to our order. A pleasant way to end the day; sitting outside on a warm summer evening eating a satisfying portion of tasty Thai food. The habour and the mountains beyond provided a great backdrop.
3.5 based on 88 reviews
I had the Salmon fingers with chips and my son had the Halibut fish and chips. It was two very good meals and the price was moderate. The young lady at the cash register could not have been more helpful.
We enjoyed this place very much! They also have a small salad bar if you wish.
5 based on 12 reviews
Service is awesome and the ice cream is delicious. Always seems to be a line, but the workers are fast and efficient. Went twice during our short visit!
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