Lucky Wishbone

Lucky Wishbone

1033 E 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, United States

+1 907-272-3454

Chicken restaurant
(2171)
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska, Lucky Wishbone is a cherished chicken restaurant that has mastered the art of classic comfort food with a genuine, nostalgic twist. For anyone craving a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace of traditional Americana, this spot is an absolute must-visit.

At Lucky Wishbone, the spotlight shines brightly on their Air Fresh Pan-fried Chicken, a menu staple that locals and visitors alike rave about. Whether you opt for the generous Pop 5 Piece—which includes a breast, thigh, leg, wing, and back—or prefer customizing your order to all dark meat or all white, each piece comes cooked to golden, crispy perfection with tender, juicy meat that simply melts in your mouth. Customers like Christian Nadavallil praise the “gigantic” size of these pieces and the meticulous cooking that delivers excitement with every bite.

Beyond chicken, this restaurant offers a rich variety of dishes that showcase a love for timeless flavors and hearty portions. Their onion rings are thick-cut, crispy, and a beloved companion to many meals, while the corn fritters served with honey butter bring a delightful sweetness and texture contrast that keeps diners coming back. For sandwich lovers, the Chicken Sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and spicy honey mustard offers a flavorful punch, perfectly balanced and fresh. And don’t miss the Bacon Cheese Burger or the indulgent Grilled Pastrami with Swiss cheese on rye if you’re looking for something equally satisfying outside of the fried chicken realm.

The charm of Lucky Wishbone extends beyond its food. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a classic diner, filled with warmth and a welcoming vibe that makes every guest feel right at home. The friendly, attentive servers enhance the experience by ensuring guests enjoy not only their meals but the genuine hospitality the restaurant is known for. Reviewers like Kyuwon Lee emphasize the attentive service and generous portions, painting a picture of a spot that truly values its patrons.

To complement your meal, be sure to sample their famous milkshakes, crafted with an impressive array of flavors from salted caramel and cherry to Nutella and peanut butter. Each shake is a rich, creamy indulgence made fresh to order—a perfect dessert or a delightful treat alongside your main dish. Indulgences like the Hot Fudge or the Knickerbocker Glory add that nostalgic finish, reminiscent of times when food was as much about joy as it was nourishment.

Lucky Wishbone stands as a beacon of consistency and authentic comfort food in Anchorage. With dishes that evoke memories while creating new favorites, it successfully blends generous portions, expertly prepared recipes, and a nostalgic atmosphere. As Steven B thoughtfully points out, sometimes it’s the simple things done to near perfection—the fried chicken and chowder here that “takes the prize”—that define the dining experience.

Whether you’re a longtime local or a visitor discovering Anchorage’s culinary scene, Lucky Wishbone promises a deeply satisfying, memorable meal. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a welcoming gathering spot where flavor and tradition meet, where every bite feels like a celebration of sumptuous home-cooked comfort.

Visit Lucky Wishbone at 1033 E 5th Ave, Anchorage, or call +1 907-272-3454 to experience true Alaskan fried chicken goodness.

Service options
Delivery Drive-through Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee Great dessert Serves local specialty
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Historic
Crowd
Groups Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Saturday
    11:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Sunday
    12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Christian Nadavallil
    4 week ago

    I really think that this is a place that everyone who comes to Anchorage needs to check out! The place is definitely a throwback to years gone by and they have mastered the fare they specialize in (just check out the reviews) I ordered the 4 piece Famous Pan-Fried Chicken (and let me tell you the pieces were absolutely gigantic - breast, leg, thigh and wing) cooked to absolute perfection! The fries were salted well and were thin and crunch! and their cornbread that came with it can not be understated... warm and perfect! The Wishbone Buffalo Chicken Salad was extremely fresh and plentiful and more meat than salad - is that even possible??? I honestly could not finish everything as the portions were massive. I regret not trying their milkshakes because they looked absolutely phenomenal as did the floats and I was impressed with the steady flow both in the restaurant and for takeout. There is tons of parking. The serving staff who were predominantly female were great - knowledgeable, efficient and pleasant! I just enjoyed this meal on so many levels! The place is completely old school - maybe from the 80's (and it has character! They also have some really cool apparel! This year is their 75 anniversary and it doesn't surprise me one bit that they have been around that long! They just operate with a pretty simple recipe - good customer service and great burgers, chicken and milkshakes! Would love if they would franchise lol and am definitely looking forward to coming back again the next time I am in town!

  • J Frank (JF1973)
    4 week ago

    The Lucky Wishbone stands out as a beloved local eatery, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious comfort food. One of their signature dishes that truly deserves the spotlight is the pan-fried chicken. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the enticing aroma of fried goodness, setting the stage for an enjoyable dining experience. The pan-fried chicken at The Lucky Wishbone is nothing short of spectacular. Cooked to golden perfection, each piece boasts a crispy, seasoned coating that gives way to tender, juicy meat inside. The balance of flavor is impeccable; the seasoning enhances the natural taste of the chicken without overwhelming it. Served with your choice of sides, the dish offers a hearty meal that satisfies even the most discerning palates. What sets The Lucky Wishbone apart is not just the food but also the service. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that each diner feels valued and welcomed. Whether you're there for a casual meal with friends or a family gathering, the ambiance is always inviting. For those seeking a taste of traditional American comfort food, The Lucky Wishbone’s pan-fried chicken is a must-try. It's a dish that embodies nostalgia and familiarity while exceeding expectations in flavor and quality. I highly recommend visiting The Lucky Wishbone to indulge in this delightful culinary experience—your taste buds will thank you!

  • Kyuwon Lee
    2 month ago

    A classic diner-type restaurant attended by very nice server crews. Generously served and authentically presented. The onion rings were very delicious.

  • Steven B
    3 month ago

    The fried chicken was amazing. But the chowder was close to perfect. The chicken sandwich was good but the fried chicken took the prize. The corn nuggets were sweet little bites of delicious gold.

  • Dom Caspari
    4 month ago

    We moved to AK in 2002 and were told about how good the chicken was at the Lucky Wishbone. Apparently, we've been missing out! My wife and I had the Mom/Dad baskets, one with fries and the other with coleslaw. We also had the Sourdough Mining Company corn fritters with honey butter. We miss the Sourdough restaurant, but the fritters and honey butter were really good here. The chicken was great as it was juicy, lightly breaded, and not overly greasy. The fries and slaw were ok, with the slaw being different than any I have ever eaten. It had a creamy texture and taste that I cannot place. Sort of like a frozen yogurt kind of sweetness. The service was fantastic. All the servers had each other's back and ours did a wonderful job. Maybe a sign of the times, but it seems like our meal was on the pricier side, although not by much. Despite the price point, we enjoyed our meal and will return a lot sooner than 22 years!

  • Dr. Elliot
    4 month ago

    Hands down best fried chicken and shakes!! I love sitting at the counter and looking at the history on the walls. Mac and cheese bites and corn fritters were amazing , as always a staple place to stop in town.

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