West Rib Pub & Grill

The feel

West Rib sits on East Main Street in downtown Talkeetna, in a laid-back, country-style room with a bar, beer on tap and both indoor and outdoor seating. It draws visitors from around the world, locals, guides, bush pilots, trappers and miners, and many of the more than 1,200 mountaineers who come to Talkeetna each year to attempt Denali celebrate here afterward.

The name comes from one of the more difficult routes to the summit of Mount Denali, 20,310 feet high. Burgers and Alaskan King Crab legs are the staples, and diners often order the caribou chili and the caribou burger.

What to expect

Setting

A pub at 13650 East Main Street in downtown Talkeetna, with a bar, indoor seating and an outdoor patio.

Food and drink

Burgers, Alaskan King Crab legs, caribou chili and a caribou burger. The Seward's Folly challenge burger has been featured on Food Network's Man v. Food. On tap are micro brews from around Alaska, including Ice Axe Ale from Susitna Brewing Company in Big Lake and 9 Lives IPA from Midnight Sun Brewing Company in Anchorage, both exclusive to Talkeetna and available year-round.

Crowds and best time

Rated 4.2 from 363 reviews. Climbers celebrate here after Denali attempts.

Season and access

Seasonal. The pub closes for the off-season and reopens in May. Talkeetna is about 120 road miles north of Anchorage.

Mingo says

Plan around the May reopening, since the pub is closed in the off-season. Come after May for the patio, where the sun shines up to 22 hours a day.

Before you go

• Call (907) 733-3354 to confirm it is open before you drive up from Anchorage.
• Ask for a seat on the outdoor patio, where food is served in summer.
• Order Ice Axe Ale or 9 Lives IPA, the two beers found only in Talkeetna.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.