What a great dive. A hidden gem with live music and great backcountry vibes. Food was solid (though some may be surprised at the high prices), and portions were generous. Desserts looked great but service was a little slow and we didn't feel like waiting - the New Yorker in me gets impatient. In any event this location feels like the kind of atmosphere and experience and influencer would want to recreate but wouldn't be able to. Does that make sense? It's a great roadside stop. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Halibut Fish Tacos - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

We're back again!! Try the pickle shot if you like a little nip. A staple of your Kenai experience.

Very authentic. Food was great. Traditional roadhouse. Not big on pretentiousness. But friendly and good comfort food. Try their chili.

What a great find. We had the grilled halibut with sweet potato fries. Sooo good. The fries alone were worth the stop. Halibut was great, well seasoned cooked perfectly. Staff was friendly and helpful. Hubby loved the draft beer, Matanuska snow bike white. Pricing was on-par with most places. Not cheap but no gouging. Would absolutely go back. read more

My husband and I were in cooper landing for the opening of sockeye salmon fishing on the Russian river. We were camping and ended up running out of food so we stopped here at the end of one of our fishing days and it was one of the best places we have been in Alaska! We absolutely loved this lodge we can hear 3 separate times! It's a beautiful rustically decorated lodge with such friendly staff and a family-oriented customer base. If we lived in the area we would absolutely be coming here on the regular for the friendliness alone! I highly recommend any or their specialty drinks and their burgers with the garlic aioli sauce! read more

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It was great food and service for the location. I need 85 characters so this is my 85 characters read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

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Only by being distant from anywhere better, could this place possibly exist. Let's begin with the sign that said, "Live music tonight," which was a lie. Then, let's talk about how the floor slopes as if you're in one of those mystery spot places that evokes a vague sense of vertigo. Now let's speak of the smell, did someone burn some cleaning solution on the grill? Now we need to talk about the food. They ran out of grilled chicken, but they were able to produce chicken parmigiana. How is this possible? After an interminable wait, the mysterious chicken parm arrived and it made 7/11 hot dogs taste like gourmet food. My partner ordered local halibut fish and chips. The cook must hate himself, people, and halibut. Somewhere under some nasty crust, may have been some halibut, but it also may have been left over sushi crab or perhaps packing peanuts. This place exists in a land of fish - how do you screw that up? Now let's talk about the scam. We were informed that they had run out of regular French fries, so they would be substituting sweet potato fries as the included side. When the bill came, we were charged $4 extra per person for the upgraded fries. I would have loved to stay and argue about this, but the world was passing us by during the time we had spent sitting there waiting for this mediocre meal. Total for crappy chicken parm, and sad pretend halibut, and a beer that got warm by the time the food arrived was $62. Anchorage is only an hour and a half farther down the road. Just drive on. Or hunt for your own food, berries and fish and whatever else you can scavenge will taste better. read more

I used to absolutely LOVE coming to Gwin's! But my mind has been changed. Second time visiting Cooper Landing/Gwin's this summer. Quality of food has dropped a bit (carrot cake is still to die for!) and the seasonal bar tender could use some training. In 2 trips NONE of the mixed drinks were enjoyable! Paid for all but returned all of them. Recommend sticking to drafts or cans this summer! read more

Their website and Yelp say Gwins is open until 10 pm but they close at 8 pm every night.

Was here 3 years ago and couldn't wait to come back. Don't know what happened but 100% opposite experience 2 times in a row. Service was awful, out of many entries both times without a care in the world. Not to mention orders where incorrect without options to change or get it corrected read more

I always love coming here for breakfast after the big fish weekend! The service is amazing, the food is delicious... But if you want a chill Alaska vibe, this is the perfect place. The potatoes have this amazing blend of seasonings on them that I just can't get enough of! Highly recommend. Also, if you're not driving, best bloody Mary! read more

Good Halibut tacos and fireweed vodka cocktails. The service was a bit slow but made for a relaxed dinner.

Been going to Gwin's Lodge for years now, whenever we'd be coming through Cooper Landing, if the timing was right. It's a solid place to eat, the food is always good, and the fries are above par, I've been so many times, it's hard to recall anything that's particularly outstanding that I've eaten, where I'd go back JUST for that dish,, but it's always good, plentiful, and fresh cooked. The vibe is rustic, log-cabiny, Alaskan looking. There are dining tables, and there's a bar you can sit at also. Service is prompt, and very accommodating if you don't want this or that on your meal, or want to substitute sides. We were there yesterday, and i realized i had not yet written a review, so time to rectify that. I got the chicken sandwich with Sriracha Aoili, (Hold the onion, tomato and pickle - all give me bad digestive issues) and just lettuce please. You could have it crispy or grilled, so i asked for crispy, served on a Brioche bun. I subbed my fries for onion rings, as I'm also off potatoes - yes that's correct. I. Am. Off. Potatoes. Can't call myself The Potato Lady anymore. Husband got a bowl of chili. Now, as you can see from the picture, i was served an ENORMOUS sandwich. A DAUNTING sandwich. I immediately pulled out one of the 3 enormous chicken tenders, and gave it to husband, along with the dill spear, and an onion ring. He would have taken one anyway. It came out quickly, faster than i expected. His bowl of chili was substantial, and had 2 packs of saltines, and was sprinkled with chopped red onion and grated cheese. My chicken tenders in the sandwich were crispy on the outside, tender, moist and juicy inside. Perfectly cooked. Draped in a nice aioli which added a delicious piquancy to this sandwich. And the onion rings. Omg but delicious. The only reason i didn't give 5 stars was because i had nothing to dip them in, i should have asked for ranch or mayo or something so partly, that's my fault, but definitely, a dip for the onion rings could be one small improvement on an otherwise lovely lunch. I ate all the onion rings, but left a bit of sandwich as it was very filling and substantial. Will continue to visit Gwin's whenever we're down on the Peninsula, cos it's tasty and dependable with good service. I left a higher than average tip, because the server was very accommodating. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Chicken sandwich and amazing onion rings! - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

Hands down the best grilled halibut I have ever had. We were traveling through Cooper River, but this would be worth the drive regardless. We will be back. Blackened salmon was also amazing, but the halibut was next level. Six stars of I could. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Grilled halibut with Ceasar salad - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

After hiking locally we decided to stop by for a drink and an appetizer. A really nice old Alaska restaurant, store, and cabins. We sat at the bar and ordered cold beers. Can of Rainier was cold along with everyone else's beers. For an appetizer we ordered onion rings and a plate of fries. Both arrived hot and tasty. Bartender did a good job taking care of us. read more

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Gwin's! The food and drink were amazing! If I could eat there once a week, I would!!! I had salmon chowder one day and the halibut tacos another day. The halibut tacos were one of my favorite meals of our trip! Being by the river and the hiking trails, that was also great! There was a mixup with our reservation and it was cancelled for some reason. We were suppose to be in a cabin with a bathroom but in the end was given a dry cabin. The out houses need a lot of work. But the bathroom in the restaurant was all we needed. Good thing I'm a nurse and can hold it for 12 hrs. We bought several souvenirs and would highly recommend Gwin's and we would return. Thank you. read more

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This place ain't nothing fancy. The fish tacos w/halibut were really good. I would go back again when I'm in town. It's a busy little joint. read more

Gwin's Lodge is a hidden diamond in the rough. Driving along a scenic highway, you arrive in this small town of Cooper's Landing. You're starving and you see a small log cabin with a restaurant. That's how my family had our first big meal in Alaska. The interior is beautifully decorated with salmon caught from the river across the street, antlers, and other vintage items special to the Kenai Peninsula. The waiter was extremely attentive and welcoming. The food, although rather pricey, was delicious. That was some of the best salmon I've ever had. read more

the only reason I am leaving one star review here is because the service was very friendly. The food was absolutely disgusting. It was a simple burger, I don't know how you ruin a burger like that. Between the group I was with, each of had one bite and could not eat more. I don't know how you can ruin a burger like that. Mind boggling. I had heard the owner of this place, had recently had a complete staff walk out. Cool place, cool bar, friendly staff, don't eat at this place read more

This is a perfect food spot after a long hike. The menu has a lot of options! The food is very good and the service is great. We had a blue cheese burger and he gobbled up quickly! Fries were crispy. I had a Cesar salad with salmon (the salmon is grilled excellently). The price is reasonable for an Alaskan restaurant. Give it a try in between hikes! read more

We drove from Anchorage to Homer and stopped at Gwins for a perfect road trip lunch. We got a hamburger and burnt ends wrap...they were both tasty. The salmon chowder is thick and perfect for a cool cloudy summer day. Highly recommend! read more

Cool little spot to check out in Cooper Landing had a good burger and fries. Food was fresh made to order.

Food was excellent. Wait staff attentive and personable. Order came out wrong but was corrected quickly. Would return again.

Burgers and fries was excellent. Fresh and delicious. Staff was polite and friendly. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Chugach burger and fries. - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

Stopped and had a grilled salmon sandwich with fries. Sandwich and fries were really good

Best Dive bar restaurant on the Kenai Peninsula. After a great day on the water with Jason's Guide Service this is a great place for an appetizer and a cockta read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Rainbow Trout caught with Jason's Guide Service - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

If you're in Coopers Landing, this is the place to stop and recharge. Beer menu is extensive, we had a local porter and Alaskan berry mojito. Fish and chips were amazing, must try the Halibut (don't recommend the cod). Prompt, polite service, delicious desserts and clean bathrooms make this the place to have lunch. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Perfect find! - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

Food was delicious and made fresh to order. We ordered fish and chips, spicy fried chicken sandwich, salmon sandwich, crab Rangoon and calamari. Everything was delicious read more

It has been 20 years since we were at Gwin's back in 2003 for our 20th wedding anniversary. We decided to return to Alaska for our 40th anniversary. We both have fond memories of this cute little restaurant so we returned. We were in the area for five days and only eat here once. The food was awful. My fish was way over cooked and my husband sandwich was just "OK." we waited quite a long time to even be served even though we were able to sit down immediately. The people standing behind the counter chatting, couldn't be bothered to come over and wait on us. Finally one of the girls behind the counter asked the guy who brought us water if he was waiting on us and he said that's not my table so she came running over. Maybe if y'all weren't so busy chatting you could've waited on people! read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Two pieces of my cod we're over cooked and in edible. The other two pieces did not taste good. The fries were just OK. - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

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Great food on way to Homer. Smash burger and salmon sandwich. Didn't balk at request for gluten free bread. Lots of draft beers and friendly service. read more

Gwin's is a cute little place. It has a lot of history in it and our waitress was sweet to tell us about the owners and their story. The service was good and the food came out quick. I got the BBQ nachos and they were really good and hit the spot. The rest of the food our table ordered was just okay. However, if you've been out for a long day hiking or fishing, this is a good place to just get a plate-full of good hearty food. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - BBQ nachos - huge portions, simple, tasty - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

A local spot in Cooper Landing for food and drinks. A trout on the wall and fishing magazine adorn the tables, with room for groups both inside and outside. Gwin's has a full bar as well. I had the fried pickle chips and white chicken chili. Dog friendly. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

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I love this place, breakfast is so good and so is lunch! Years I have passed this place and never stopped. This year was the first and now it's a regular stop. I could go into detail every time I eat here but why...it's awesome, just stop here and you're welcome. read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - Caesar salad with chicken - wonderful - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

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I really wanted to like this place. Unfortunately the food just wasn't up to par. We ordered Caesar salads, a bowl of chili and fried pickles. The salads were swimming in dressing like absolutely drenched and it was so sour but I was so hungry. I ate half. My eating partner ate none. He also asked for blue cheese dressing and they brought a Caesar with a side of blue cheese crumbles. Yikes. The chili, which is made in house, was very bland. It tasted as if the beans had turned into a paste. No salt, no flavor. I just feel like it's hard to mess up salad and chili but they were both super messed up. What made me give them 3 stars is 1. Our server was so sweet and very attentive, & 2. The mixed berry pie and ice cream was divine. I don't think I would come back based on today's experience. read more

What can I say, this place is an absolute side of the road gem! The food, service and rustic ambiance will make anyone wanna come back. Y'all definitely are doing a great job, we where in on the 3rd of July and we're blown away on how busy it was but the wait time wasn't unreal and the food was top notch! read more

Food was great! We didn't know what to expect but it was an amazing little gem. Highly recommend it to anyone traveling by.

Stopped at Gwins today for lunch - our waitress was so sweet and attentive , the atmosphere was cute , small mountain lodge vibe. We got a bowl of chili and crab rangoon's - they were good , but nothing out of the ordinary. I also ordered a Gin & Tonic , which was pretty much just water . Overall I would shy away from any mixed drinks - and as far as food goes - it gets the job done but don't expect anything spectacular. read more

Don't be fooled by the rednecky looks, the food here is pretty legit! From the outside the place looks rustic and charming. But it looks like the type of place that will have only fried foods from a freezer and only Coors Light on tap. WRONG. They have many local Alaska beers, and for pretty good prices. The menu is refreshing for Alaska. In addition to the usual "bugers/french fries/fried fish" you'll find some more unique items: Grilled fish, steaks, veggies, pita, etc. The waitresses were friendly, attractive, and efficient. Summer workers? Maybe. They were great at their jobs, anyway. We stayed in one of the cabins onsite, it was wonderful. read more

Great burgers! Friendly service. Nice authentic Alaskan ambience. Would highly recommend! read more

Gwin's Lodge Restaurant - American Near Me - Cooper Landing, Alaska

Great location. Lovely rustic atmosphere. Staff was great other than the manager who will make you regret ever coming to Alaska. This restaurant is really on something. They're just missing one piece: getting rid of their manager visit Cooper Landing but if you can avoid Gwins Lodge you should read more