Skagway Restaurant Review

Part 3 – The Red Onion Saloon

When you think of restaurants, you probably don’t think of former brothels. Well, the Red Onion Saloon is about to change all of that. This weeks Skagway restaurant review is The Red Onion Saloon. It’s already a do-not-miss Skagway attraction, but you might just find that best dish in the house isn’t a “soiled dove.”

Uhhhh… What was I talking about? Oh right! Skagway restaurant review!

What is the Red Onion Saloon?

Back during the Klondike Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon was the most upscale brothel in Skagway. During those days, Skagway was a lawless United States Territory with more gambling, booze, and women than a Las Vegas bachelor party. Over 100,000 men left their homes in the Lower 48 in search of a gold fortune, but many ended up succumbing to vice and debauchery.

Times have changed for the better in Skagway. You no longer have to worry about getting robbed for your poke. You don’t have to wonder what your husband is up to when he says, “I’m going to do a little shopping. Be back in an hour.” And you may just find a hidden restaurant gem.

Today’s Red Onion Saloon is a Skagway restaurant you’re going to love

The Red Onion has a simple menu, but the product is quality. First and foremost, they make some delicious pizza. They also have clever names like Madam Jan’s pizza and The Dirty Lavoie pizza. I like the Dirty Lavoie pizza because it’s got sausage on it, which seems fitting given the Saloon’s history.

The other highlight for me is the nachos. They are piled high and covered in melty cheese. My wife says “melty” is not a word, but it aptly describes these nachos. Other menu highlights include chili, soup of the day, and hummus. In fact, The Red Onion is one of the few Skagway restaurants with food for vegetarians and vegans. They even have a gluten-free pizza crust, so that annoying person in your group can finally eat a meal without complaining and embarrassing you.

The staff at the Red Onion is fantastic. They are fun, bawdy, and friendly. They also accept tips, so don’t be such a tightwad.

There’s more to love at this Skagway restaurant than just the food. Of course, it’s the authentic Gold Rush bar!

Let’s not forget it’s the Red Onion SALOON!

Skagway may not have any brothels or gambling houses anymore, but thank the good Lord they didn’t get rid of the booze. The Red Onion boasts a full bar, so you can drink a white Russian, a cosmopolitan, or a cold draft beer. They won’t judge you.

More about the beer – The Red Onion has a large selection of draft and bottled beer. They feature multiple brews from the Alaskan Brewery in Juneau. I like an ice cold IPA with my Dirty Lavoie pizza. Sometimes I like more than one. You’re on vacation so you may as well go crazy.

The Red Onion is a Skagway restaurant with some quality local entertainment

When the cruise ships disembark from a memorable day in Skagway, the Red Onion gets its second wind. Local entertainment is featured just about every day of the week, and some of it gets downright crazy. There is trivia night, a dance night, and multiple local band nights. There are special annual events like a charity drag show and burlesque show. If you happen to stay overnight in Skagway, the Red Onion is a happening place you should definitely check out.

You can check out the Brothel Museum while you wait for your order

The bedrooms of the brothel were located upstairs during the Gold Rush (the restaurant downstairs was a dance hall). Much of the upstairs has been restored so you can get a taste of life during those lawless Days of ’98. We highly recommend it. Plus you can take your beer with you, so it’s a win/win.

If you’re only in Skagway for a day, you shouldn’t eat for two weeks so that you’re good and hungry when you’re in town. The Red Onion is worth checking out whether you’re looking for a Skagway restaurant, a local bar, or a place where you can immerse yourself in Skagway’s colorful history.

Review – 69 pizza slices!