This Buzzy Alaska Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

Wasilla, Alaska, has many claims to fame. It is not only a fabulous base camp for countless outdoor activities, and a town filled with a rich, fascinating history, but it is also where you’ll find the Wandering Cafe, one of the most charming, family-owned restaurants in Alaska, and a place where you can find some of the very best sandwiches in the Last Frontier, especially the unique and must-try Dilly Dally.

The Wandering Cafe is the type of place where you’ll feel right at home the minute you step inside its doors. This restaurant has always been the dream of Amanda Graydon, who owns and operates the establishment with her husband, Charlie, and their children. In 2019, Amanda took a big step toward reaching her dream by opening the Wandering Cafe food truck. And that leap paid off as it didn't take long for the food truck to gain incredible success. In 2021, the family opened its brick-and-mortar restaurant on Wasilla's Main Street.

After just a single visit to the Wandering Cafe, you’ll immediately realize why this is such a delightful place to eat. Amanda and her family put their hearts into this restaurant, from its charming vibes to its incredible menu.

And speaking of the menu, come hungry because you won’t want to leave a single crumb on your plate. Amanda takes pride in everything she serves and ensures that no detail is overlooked. “We keep things fresh and healthy and try to buy local whenever we can—even our coffee beans are roasted right here in Alaska by AK Coffee. We make all our dressings from scratch and use quality olive oils because details like that really matter,” she said.

The Wandering Cafe is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday each week. The breakfast menu is not large, but you’ll find options like a grilled breakfast burrito and avocado toast grilled cheese. There’s also a large selection of coffee, tea, smoothies, and other blended and iced drinks to help you conquer your morning.

However, many people come to devour one of the cafe's delicious sandwiches, and you will find quite a selection on the menu. All sandwiches are served in a wrap or on your choice of white, wheat, or sourdough bread. They are each served with kettle chips. According to Amanda, a big “crowd favorite is the Pioneer Sandwich: a panini-pressed turkey, bacon, and ranch creation that’s hard to beat.”

However, one of the most unique options on the menu and a must-try for pickle lovers is the Dilly Dally. This is a true pickle sandwich that uses a giant Boar's Head pickle in place of the bread. The pickle is stuffed with your choice of ham or turkey, cream cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

While sandwiches are one lunchtime dish that the Wandering Cafe does really, really well, Amanda says the seasonal salad specials are another big hit with the customers. They build the salads using the freshest ingredients of the season, often mixing in vibrant fruit and hearty proteins to create something new every time.

While there are many things that customers love about the Wandering Cafe, Amanda says the community is what brings her such joy. “Most of all, we love being part of this community,” she said. “We feature local artists and potters, know our regulars by name, and genuinely enjoy the connections we’ve made with everyone who walks through the door.”

For even more information about this charming restaurant in Wasilla, visit the Wandering Cafe website. I recommend following the Wandering Cafe's Facebook page for news and updates as well.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Wasilla using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.