You’re driving through Wasilla, probably heading toward Hatcher Pass or just running errands at Carrs, and you’re hungry. Not "fast food burger" hungry, but "I need a sandwich the size of my forearm" hungry. That’s usually when someone points you toward 405 East Herning Avenue. Krazy Moose Subs Wasilla isn't just a place to grab lunch; it’s a bit of a local legend.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the smell of the bread. It’s the vibe. You walk into this historic building—it’s got that old-school Alaskan charm with wood everywhere and random memorabilia—and you realize you aren't in a sterile franchise. There's a Santa statue standing guard. Seriously. It feels like a mix between a cozy cabin and a Western saloon.
What Makes Krazy Moose Subs Wasilla Different?
Most people think a sub is just meat on bread. They’re wrong. It’s about the ratio. At Krazy Moose, they’ve spent over 12 years perfecting the "Mat-Su stack."
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The bread is the secret. It’s baked fresh, and it has this specific chewiness that doesn't just fall apart when the oil and vinegar hit it. If you’ve ever had a soggy sandwich, you know why this matters. It’s fluffy inside but has enough crust to hold back the tide of toppings.
People talk about "subs that will break your arms lifting them." It’s barely an exaggeration. The 10-inch is the standard move, but if you’re feeling brave (or have a family to feed), the 20-inch is basically a geological formation.
The Menu Hall of Fame
You can’t just walk in and order "a sandwich." Well, you can, but you’d be missing out on the heavy hitters.
- The Italian: This is the benchmark. Salami, pepperoni, capocollo, and ham. They don’t skimp. It’s loaded with banana peppers and pepperoncinis that give it a kick without being "call the fire department" hot.
- Cheese Steak: They do this on the grill. It’s hot, messy, and filled with grilled onions, green peppers, and mushrooms. The provolone actually melts into the meat rather than just sitting on top like a cold blanket.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch: A crowd favorite. They use real Swiss cheese and ranch that doesn't taste like it came out of a gallon jug from a warehouse club.
- The Kinley Burger: It’s technically a sandwich on sourdough, but it’s got ham, bacon, and Swiss. It’s aggressive. It’s delicious.
Not Just a Sub Shop
kinda funny how many people forget they have soup. The Broccoli Cheese and the Chicken with Wild Rice are staples. On a January day in Wasilla when it’s -10°F outside, a cup of that soup next to a hot Pastrami sub (with sauerkraut and 1000 Island) is basically survival gear.
They also do wraps and salads for the folks trying to avoid the "bread coma." Interestingly, their wraps are known for being massive too. Nicole, a regular reviewer, mentioned they remind her of California burritos because of how much they cram in there.
The Reality of Eating Here
Let's be real for a second. This isn't a "30 seconds and you’re out" kind of place. They make the hot stuff fresh off the grill.
If it’s noon on a Friday, you’re gonna wait.
The staff is usually flying around, and while they're fast, quality takes a minute. Some people complain about the prices going up lately—and yeah, a 10-inch sub with a bag of chips and a drink might push $20—but you have to look at the volume of food. You’re usually getting two meals out of one sub.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Parking: There’s a free lot, and it’s usually pretty easy to find a spot.
- Seating: They have an upstairs and a downstairs. The upstairs is great for people-watching or just escaping the rush at the counter.
- Hours: They generally open at 10:30 AM. They close earlier on Saturdays and are shut on Sundays. Don't be the person pulling on the door at 5 PM on a Sunday; you'll just be sad and hungry.
- Community: They’ve won "Best of the Valley" awards multiple times from the Frontiersman. Even DoorDash put them on a "Most Loved" list nationally back in 2022. That’s not easy for a single-location shop in Alaska.
Why Locals Keep Coming Back
It’s the consistency.
You’ve got your big chains like Jersey Mike’s or Subway nearby, but they lack the soul. Krazy Moose Subs Wasilla feels like the Valley. It’s eclectic. It’s a little bit "krazy" (hence the name). The walls are covered in historic photos of the area, reminding you that this town has roots.
The owners—historically a local family—have kept the quality high enough that even when a sandwich gets expensive, people still justify the trip. It’s the "treat yourself" lunch spot.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you want the best experience, skip the peak 12:00 PM rush. Go at 2:00 PM. The grill is still hot, but the line won't be out the door.
Order the Italian but ask for extra "spices." It’s a small tweak that wakes up the deli meat. And honestly? Grab a cookie. They’re huge, they’re thick, and they’re usually soft in the middle. If you're traveling through, these subs hold up surprisingly well in a cooler, making them the perfect "top of the mountain" meal if you're hiking nearby.
Check the board for daily specials too. Sometimes they’ll have a soup or a specific sandwich combo that isn't on the permanent printed menu. It's usually worth the gamble.
Don't forget to look at the old photos while you wait. It’s a quick history lesson on Wasilla while your steak is sizzling.
Support local, eat a sandwich the size of a log, and enjoy the fact that places like this still exist in a world of cookie-cutter fast food.