Whittier, Alaska, a town that used to only be available by boat or plane, has among the most remote locations to purchase fish and chips– Varly's Swiftwater cafe.
Every season, boat workers and individuals passing through the town flock to taste the restaurant's fresh clam chowder and fried-to-order halibut. So, the MUNCHIES team flew to Anchorage, then drove through North America's longest integrated vehicle-railroad tunnel to get a taste.
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Yaaay! I watched a mini documentary this guy did about this place. Loved the community.
It gives me Silent Hill games
Sounds like they got their own slice of unique paradise
It’s beautiful because there are only local folks and few city tourists there.
It’s 90% tourism
This town would be a great setting for a horror game.
Very 30 days of night
Back when I was a huge fan of TWD I thought the same thing but for a season based up there. Grew up about 20 mins from here and it’s always awesome to visit.
Thank you!
Can’t wait to visit!
0:35 Sad that this isn’t the primary tenet of all food establishments/businesses😢
Greetings from the coast of SoCal!
Man these munchies gives me the munchies
The fact they bought the restaurant only a couple of years before the tunnel opened is such a stroke of luck.
and then stopped in 2019 which seems genius if they sold
My man how long exactly do you think it takes to build a tunnel 🤣 a couple weeks ?
@Hannes FolzI’m gay and I think the tunnel was already built solely for trains, but after they bought the restaurant, it opened up to automotive traffic.
@sexbad oh, hey Gay ! Love your name
@sexbad why do u state that ur gay? What do i do with this information?????
I’d love to try Alaskan fish and chips… Being Australian and living on the coast, fish and chips are a staple here.
the halibut is pricey but it’s like butter!!
This is the first reason I’ve ever had to want to visit Alaska.
Thank you #Munchies for always bringing us the great real-life stories of people conquering their fears and making lives of those around better. Continued success and happiness in 2023 to everyone in #Whittier Alaska. #FishAndChips #Family #Friends #Restaurant
They stole this video idea though, look up ‘Alaskan Town That Lives In One Building’ to view original viral video
Honestly one of the most interesting ways I’ve seen to combat the cold. One big building to insulate. They killed the food too, might have to bucket list this spot lmao
They’re not in the big building haha. Big misconception that everything in the town is in the building.
Ok, but who owns it NOW? Because if you pay attention that couple said they owned it from 1997 to 2019. And the head chef said she came in “when her boss bought it”.
My boss owns it now and his name is Todd Perez. He also owns the Inn at Whittier and a jet ski glacier tour and a couple more places in Girdwood. He’s very hands-on with all of his places.
@Lana Adcock google says it’s temporarily closed, is it true/what’s the story
@Jason theyre not open year round. its seasonal
@chocobunny39 ahhh, I see. Thanks!
Grew up in Alaska and worked out of Whittier for a few years. This place has been the same since day 1. Worth the stop if you’re visiting Alaska.
Crazy how much attention Whittier is getting recently.
Journalist: How did you hear about swift water?
Guy: We live in a boat
Wow this is my favorite restaurant in Whittier ! ❤️ So cool to see it on one of my favorite YouTube channels (:
Only 60 miles from Anchorage?! Heading up in June for some fly fishing, will definitely stop by.
You want to catch trophy bows come out for a guided trip with me on the best stretch of water Alaska had to offer !!!
The original owner gave then all the knowledge and they followed it.
While living in Alaska I visited several times and found the folks both gracious and entertaining.
I love this serie munchies!!! would love to visit alaska one day
Growing up in Alaska, and have lived abroad for almost a decade. I am 32, and hearing “You are working, so no beer please”… reminds me of how weird that sounds, like that would be a big deal. But it was and and how far I drifted away. My dad hitched on the train and camped in the shale hills with his best friend in the 60s. And if no one said it already… “The weather is always …. in Whittier.” You fill in the blank. Even driving out of Anchorage… Whittier feels like a place to stare into the abyss for a day. I miss the air.