Trailside Cafe - Seasonal Takeout Reopens May 2025

24850 Gratiot Dr, Willow, AK 99688, United States
+1 907-203-6323
$$$ Cafe
(94 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Trailside Cafe, a hidden gem situated in the picturesque town of Willow, Alaska, where the vibrant spirit of local culture meets the heartwarming charm of a family-friendly cafe. Nestled at 24850 Gratiot Dr, this seasonal takeout haven will be reopening in May 2025, and it’s the ideal pit stop for anyone craving delightful comfort food infused with a taste of Alaska.

The cafe’s extensive menu promises to entice your palate with a delightful mix of kid-friendly options and truly unique Alaskan specialties. For the little ones, the Kraft Mac n Cheese sets a comforting standard at just $8.00, while the Chicken Corn Dog served with chips and pickles offers a fun twist sure to please. And don’t miss out on the Uncrustable, which will fuel their play with simple, satisfying flavors!

For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Alaskan Specialty Milkshakes are a must-try highlight. Picture this: the Rhubarb Crumble Milkshake showcasing house-made rhubarb jam with a delightful crumble topping. It's decadent yet refreshing at $10.00, and perfectly captures the local produce from Willow. Meanwhile, the Alaskan Birch Syrup w/ Bacon Bits milkshake introduces a unique taste of wilderness, combining rich sweetness with savory hints for an unforgettable treat.

If caffeine is your calling, you've come to the right place. Trailside Cafe features an impressive lineup of espresso drinks that will awaken your senses. Whether you choose a smooth, velvety Latte or a robust Americano, each sip is crafted to perfection, paired with an inviting ambiance. Visitors rave about the specialty espresso drinks, where the Honeybee brings together notes of sweetness and depth.

But it's not just about the food and drinks; Trailside Cafe excels in creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests of all ages. As you savor your meals, take advantage of an array of games that promise to engage both kids and adults alike. It’s an environment where you can let your little ones play while you unwind with a delicious latte or milkshake, as recounted by Amber Wilborn in her glowing review. She enjoyed the spacious setting while her children entertained themselves with games, exemplifying the cafe's family-first approach.

The cafe isn’t just known for its delightful menu but has also garnered praise for its dedication to the community and the joy of meeting and interacting with sled dogs, as highlighted by visitors like Katherine Cecil and Kim Chen. These heartfelt interactions add a memorable touch to your dining experience and highlight the cafe’s commitment to Alaskan culture.

With its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and unique offerings, Trailside Cafe in Willow is not merely a stop on your journey; it’s an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit of Alaska. Set your calendars for May 2025, and prepare to discover this charming cafe for yourself! Whether you're passing through or looking for a local hangout, your taste buds will thank you for visiting this delightful culinary destination.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Does not have assistive hearing loop
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has drive-through
Offers takeaway
No delivery
Highlights
Has fireplace
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Payments
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
94 Reviews
Amber Wilborn

14 Aug 2025

New reaident here! Still adjusting and this is a lovely way to chillax after unpacking boxes fo sho. I ordered a milkshake (The Rhubarb Crumble) which was delicious, let my little monster play, and didnt worry a lick. This place is large, spacious, and has plenty of games for kids AND adults to have fun with while your meal is prepared - which I highly encourage you take a look at their menu online or just go in! They do have pups, and as always aak before petting or interacting (as one should always do with working pups!) There are salmon based dog treats and souvenirs available. Take moment to reflect on their history as it is also available! Thanks guys! Cant wait to sample more of your menu!

Maria Diaz (hosakiddo)

22 Jul 2025

We enjoyed our visit Thank you Carrie for a great educational tour and enjoyed our time with the dogs!

Katherine Cecil

21 Jul 2025

Great sandwiches, we tried the Honeybee specialty espresso drink and enjoyed it. Got to pet some sled dogs and play some yard games while we waited on the food. It’s a cute little spot and it’s nice to support a good cause

Kim Chen

18 Jul 2025

Amazing food!!! Butternut squash soup nd salad and the turkey panini. Really surprisingly good for the side of the road. Great little mushing center with some merchandise for purchase. If you need any skijoring gear or dog booties and harnesses, ask them to see their gear room!

cdirth

13 Jul 2025

Best food and coffee in Willow. I’ve been in. Willow for 5 years and finally went to Trailside a couple weeks ago and realized what I’ve been missing out on! The food is amazing, the breakfast sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever had. The coffee is perfect every time and they have a bunch of unique options. My kids love going there to play the games and see the dogs. Skip the little drive up coffee stands and stop at Trailside!

Matthew B

11 Jul 2025

Fantastic place to stop between Anchorage and Denali; super friendly people, great service, excellent food (sad I missed breakfast, though), and the sled dogs were beautiful. The only bad thing is they don’t have covered seating (yet— it’s on the list of upcoming improvements they are working hard on), but in decent weather it’s great! Loved having lunch here.

Alex Peterson

05 Jul 2025

Fantastic food. I had the BBQ Sliders with a hot cinnamon honey latte. The sliders were perfect: not too sweet, balanced with smokey savory flavor. Chips on the side to scoop up your drippings. Nothing like a warm cinnamon drink. 100/100 stars

Lauren Stenberg

11 Jun 2025

Amazing food and amazing cause. We tried the Mac and Cheese with reindeer, phenomenal. And the BLT and turkey panini were both delicious and filling. And to go we got a French toast latte that was 10/10. Highly recommend this place. Food was made to order so it was nice and freshly hot, too.

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