The burger search Part II
- Deb Wood, PhD, ND
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
🍔 The Search Continues: In Search of Alaska’s BEST Burger (Part II)
Previously on our burger quest:
We set out to find the BEST hamburger in Alaska — one bite at a time. From riverside diners to roadside stands, my grandson Gannon (chief taste-tester and teenage metabolism) and I have been crossing the state with open minds, empty stomachs, and a rapidly growing spreadsheet of grease stains.
So, Gannon (and me — some) are still eating cheeseburgers and rating them. He’s convinced that once restaurants figure out what we’re doing, they’ll start paying us to eat there. I told him if that happens, I want royalties and a lifetime supply of napkins.
I’m just trying to write this in such a way that no one sues me. Ha.
We’ve been at this for eight days now, and yes — Gannon has eaten a cheeseburger every single day. Yesterday, though, he waved the white napkin. Too full. So instead, he ordered the BEST Buttermilk Pancakes and Reindeer Sausage at Little Dipper Diner in Anchorage, washed down with the BEST Hot Chocolate in Alaska. (We didn’t rate it, because … well, no burger. Rules are rules.)
I didn’t eat a burger either, because I can’t keep up with him. But I do research the spots, ride along, and help document this noble quest for burger glory. I usually order the soups, the veggie burgers, or ice water with lemon. Occasionally ice cream. And yes — I now carry baking soda for indigestion. Oh, to be fifteen again.
🏆 Today’s Stop: Miller’s Market, Houston AK
This unassuming roadside gem just rocketed to the top of our burger leaderboard. Miller’s scored a perfect 10 out of 10, pushing Arctic Roadrunner to the #2 spot.
Here’s why:
Burger: 10/10 — Perfectly grilled, juicy, and unapologetically Alaskan.
Ice Cream: 10/10 — Thick, creamy, and gone in sixty seconds.
Atmosphere: Classic small-town charm with a touch of nostalgia.
We also tried the ice cream at Little Miller’s in Wasilla — pretty good, but no cigar. The Houston location has the magic.
That said, nothing beats the vibe of Arctic Roadrunner — on the river, cozy inside, beautiful outside. Their milkshakes are legendary, with more flavors than a fishing-lodge menu in July.
For me, Arctic still wins on variety — because if I eat one more hamburger, I may explode.
But Gannon? He’s living his best burger life.
🧾 Current Leaderboard
🔜 Coming Up Next (Recommended by Alaska Native Robert Kennerson, Kennerson Excavation)
Next on our Alaskan Burger Trail: Burger Jim, Palmer (Reviews: 4.4).Will Jim topple Miller? Will Gannon survive another week of beef? Stay tuned — and pass the Tums.
Final Thought: Eight days, eight burgers, one teenage metabolism, and one grown-up with a notebook, a camera, and a bag of baking soda. Life is short. Eat the burger (or at least take notes and cheer while someone else does).
Stay tuned for Part III: The Palmer Showdown.
Until then… may your fries stay crispy and your humor well-done.
BE WELL ~ BE SAFE ~ BE HAPPY
IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE
Deb Wood, PhD, ND
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