About
With a tip of the hat to an old English rhyme, Jack Sprat is your go-to for seasonal, creative world cuisine.
Do you remember the childhood rhyme?
Jack Sprat could eat no fat,
His wife could eat no lean.
And so between them both, you see,
They licked the platter clean.
Its playful spirit shapes the menu, which the eatery’s website describes as “fat & lean world cuisine.” Put another way, vegetarians and meatatarians get equal respect with the menu’s well-rounded offerings.
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Our story starts in 2001, when Michiganders Frans and Jen Weits acquired the lease to a 1986 chalet. The couple revitalized the aged building, adding rooms, an entry, an exterior deck, and a beer garden.
Chef Ryan Gelosa leads the kitchen, blending traditional global techniques with bold Alaskan ingredients. His cooking leans on foraged elements from the Chugach National Forest, sustainable Alaskan seafood, humanely raised meats, and organic local produce.
As it was at the start, the mission remains the same today: nourish and inspire diners with food made with high-quality, sustainable ingredients. This mantra translates into supporting local farmers, laborers, and transporters who make that food possible in this remote corner of the world.
For over 20 years, Jack Sprat has served Girdwood, becoming one of the area’s beloved restaurants. It's a welcoming reminder that healthy and indulgent food can live on the same menu.
Vibe
The renovated two-story chalet is easy to spot, with its geometric roof lines and large glass windows. Like its double entendre name, the facade blends with the mountains while also exuding a contemporary look.
Step inside and the warmth continues. The main dining room features an open-kitchen layout and large Bavarian-style booths. The decor mixes eclectic touches with a globally inspired aesthetic, giving the space a lived-in, personal feel.
Dining areas offer plenty of choices, such as the two-story glass solarium with views of Mt. Alyeska. In summer, the outdoor deck offers al fresco dining, while the seasonal beer garden hosts live music, and bar seating suits solo diners or a quick drink.
The result is an ambiance that matches the Alaska vacation you came for: unhurried, scenic, and rooted with local character.
Jack Sprat: Menu & Drinks
Diners tend to start with the I Yam Fries, and for good reason. These hand-cut yams come with a roasted jalapeño and arugula aioli. They strike the balance Jack Sprat is known for: indulgent yet made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
From there, the globally inspired menu takes over. The Bibimbap is a standout, a Korean dish served in a hot stone bowl. It layers rice, house-made kimchi, bean sprouts, pork, and a fried egg into a hearty, bright dish.
Seafood lovers gravitate toward the Alaskan Bouillabaisse, made with king crab, local mussels, seasonal fish, and clams. The tomato broth is seasoned with the world’s most expensive spice, saffron, which elevates this dish to dizzying heights. It arrives with in-house baked bread, perfect for soaking up every drop.
Meat lovers will celebrate being recognized with the United Steaks entree! A 14oz prime ribeye is grilled to your liking and comes with snap peas, confit fingerling potatoes, heirloom carrots, and asparagus. Tying these flavors and textures together is the smoked celeriac root puree in a red wine reduction.
Drinks like the house-crafted cocktails, which use seasonal ingredients, keep pace with the food. Beer fans can choose from local draft options and German lagers, while the full espresso bar turns dessert into a full experience.
Best of all, the menu changes with the seasons and ingredients come from Alaskan waters, local farms, and the surrounding forest. That connection to the land makes a meal here feel like part of the adventure rather than a break from it.
When planning your Girdwood getaway, adding Jack Sprat to your itinerary is essential. You get creative cuisine, warm service, mountain views, and a chance to taste Alaska's best.
Local Tips
- While food service isn’t until 4:30, you can order drinks starting at 4:00.
- Request the solarium or summer deck for the best Mt. Alyeska views.
- Check its Facebook page for live music and dinner specials.
- The kids’ menu makes it family-friendly.
