Tucked deep in Alaska’s Copper River Valley, there’s a breakfast spot with a legacy as rich as its sourdough
Before the sun rises over the mountains, locals and travelers alike find their way to a rustic eatery that’s part living history, part culinary goldmine. At the heart of it all? Pancakes that trace their roots back to the Gold Rush era – and a sense of warmth that can only be found in a place where tradition is as important as taste.
You’ll find Nummy’s, a cozy dining room nestled inside the Old Town Copper Center Inn & Restaurant, serving up stories and flavors that span generations. Whether you’re a hungry traveler or a seasoned ‘Sourdough’ yourself, this charming log structure invites you to pull up a chair and taste a bit of Alaskan heritage – one fluffy, golden bite at a time.
This isn’t just any old building – it’s a preserved log communications station originally transported from the snowy Thompson Pass. Purchased by the current owner’s family back in 1948, this historic structure has stayed in the family ever since, lovingly cared for and rich with stories of Alaska’s frontier past.
And the crown jewel of the menu? Their legendary sourdough pancakes – locally adored and steeped in history.
These airy, golden pancakes have earned a loyal following thanks to a special starter that’s been bubbling since 1865. Brought all the way from Pennsylvania by a hopeful miner, the starter adds a deep, tangy complexity that makes every bite feel like a piece of Alaskan history on your plate.
To top it off, Nummy’s serves their pancakes with a homemade rhubarb sauce that’s bright, tart, and unforgettable.
Rhubarb is one of the first vibrant signs of spring in the Copper River Valley. The tangy sauce recipe comes straight from owner Kim’s grandmother, a spirited woman who ran her own café on the Glenn Highway during the 1960s and ’70s – serving up the same sense of warmth you’ll still feel today.
And while the pancakes shine, they’re far from the only star on this breakfast menu.
You’ll also find mouthwatering breakfast plates like perfectly poached Eggs Benedict, served with a drizzle of velvety hollandaise sauce. And for the full Alaskan experience? Pair it with a side of sizzling reindeer sausage – rich, savory, and uniquely local.
The dining room is named Nummy’s, a heartfelt nod to owner Tom’s grandmother, who once ran the Copper Center Lodge and restaurant with love and care for decades.
After a fire destroyed the original restaurant in 2012, the family transformed a neighboring tavern – Club 96 – into a brand-new space. The current dining room is adorned with rustic charm, including a custom-built stone fireplace crafted with rocks handpicked from the nearby Chitina River.
And when the weather’s right, nothing beats a seat on their inviting outdoor patio.
Bask in the gentle morning sun beneath wide umbrellas, enjoying your meal in the fresh valley air. It’s a peaceful, sun-dappled space that turns a simple breakfast into a leisurely experience surrounded by Alaska’s quiet grandeur.
Nummy’s Restaurant is located inside the welcoming Old Town Copper Center Inn & Restaurant, a local gem that blends comfort with heritage.
Open daily during the sunny summer season, Nummy’s welcomes guests from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., making it the perfect stop for breakfast, brunch, or an early dinner.
Address: Mile 101 Old Richardson Highway, Copper Center, AK 99573
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