Whether you're riding the Alaska Railroad to the bustling little town of Talkeetna, catching the local community events around Palmer and Wasilla, or on your way to Glacier View to visit Matanuska Glacier, there is a wealth of unique and flavorful dining options everywhere you go in Alaska's Mat-Su region. Take a look at some favorites, recommended by a few of our friends and neighbors, and plan on visiting a few of these places when you visit the Mat-Su!

Cole Chambers works for K2 Aviation, one of Talkeetna's top knotch flightseeing companies. Cole envies visitors who stay at the Talkeetna Roadhouse where guests enjoy a signature dining experience. "Their cinnamon rolls are the best I've ever had," she told me recently, and I completely agree with her! Cole also recommends the locally brewed beers at Denali Brewing Company, and the live music at Mountain High Pizza Pie is the perfect enhancement to their already phenomenal pizzas.

If your visiting the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, there are some fantastic dining options there. Mark Austin, owner of the Musk Ox Farm, says it can be hard to narrow down so many outstanding choices. Turkey Red is a favorite of his (I'm also a huge fan), as well as the local flavors of Bleeding Heart Brewery. Mark also says a 15 minute drive to Wasilla is hardly a sacrifice for the excellent wood-fired pizzas of Bear Paw River Brewing Company.

Mandy Garcia of Salmon Berry Travel & Tours couldn't be happier that their packaged tours to Matanuska Glacier include a stop at Long Rifle Lodge for a filling lunch, like their delicious Glacier Burger and fries. Salmon Berry also takes tours to Talkeetna, and Mandy echoes the popular praises of Talkeetna's epic dining scene.

Derek Van Kampen owns Adventures by True North AK, offering paddle tours, hiking, snowshoeing ice fishing and more. Derek says, "Our kids love the Noisy Goose Cafe in Palmer. Try the homemade pies!" He also recommends a stop at Fox Run RV Park and Campground to dine at their onsite Chinese restaurant.

I couldn't agree more with my friends' recommendations. These are just a very few of the great options available, too. Gourmet eats at Sheep Mountain Lodge, lakeside ales at Susitna Brewing Company, a great selection of wines at The Grape Tap in Wasilla, and the list goes on and on. Honestly, it's a crime to cut this short when there are so many great places I haven't even mentioned yet. Promise me you'll check out more of our dining listings after you read this. Me, I'm just about ready to eat my keyboard! Question is, do I want some out-of-this-world sushi at Basil Ginger, or do I go for those awesome Brussels sprouts at the Matanuska Brewing Company?