Illya Williams
Google
Let me just start by saying, if you’ve never had *truly fresh* crab, you’re missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures. My wife and I, being seasoned crab lovers (thanks to the recent crab boil craze that’s swept the Midwest), thought we knew good crab. Turns out, we didn’t. Tracy’s King Crab Shack in Juneau just reset the bar for us—*and then some*.
We arrived in Juneau on the Radiance of the Seas, but due to another ship docking downtown, we ended up about a mile away. Not a terrible walk, but after stuffing ourselves with crab and doing some shopping, we wisely chose to take the shuttle back to the ship!
When we got to Tracy’s, the line was already snaking its way out the door. Don’t let that deter you though—this place is a well-oiled machine. It took us about 30 minutes to order, which flew by because the line moves quickly, and you can review the menu as you wait. When you finally get to the front, the ordering process is simple: pay, give your name and where you're from (always fun to hear other folks do the same), and then grab a seat. The seating is communal, so you might make some new friends while you wait.
And speaking of waiting—it wasn’t long! Our food came out fresh, piping hot, and absolutely *to die for* in just 5-10 minutes. My wife ordered the snow crab, I opted for the Dungeness, and we both got the #1 combo, which includes 14 ounces of crab, a cup of luscious crab bisque, three mini crab cakes, and rolls. Everything was excellent, but let me tell you, that crab bisque? *Next level.*
The crab here is the real deal—*so fresh, you could practically taste the Alaskan waters*. Tracy’s doesn’t mess around with fancy seasoning or exotic spices because the crab doesn’t need it. It’s prepared simply, letting the natural sweetness and tenderness of the crab speak for itself. If you’ve never had crab this fresh, you’re in for a revelation.
And while we could’ve shared a meal (because portions are generous), let’s be honest—we’re not quitters. Every bite was worth it, and we left Tracy’s completely satisfied (and perhaps a little smug for having discovered what true crab heaven tastes like).
If you ever find yourself in Juneau, do yourself a favor: skip the fancy restaurants, head to Tracy’s, and experience what authentic Alaskan crab should taste like. Trust me, you won’t regret it!