Community Overview

Bethel, AK

The community in Bethel, Alaska is a vibrant and close-knit one that is largely made up of indigenous Yup'ik people. Bethel is the largest community in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, and as such, it serves as a hub for surrounding villages and towns. The population of Bethel is around 6,000 people, with the majority being of Yup'ik or Alaska Native descent.

The community in Bethel is known for its rich and ancient culture, which is deeply rooted in the land and the natural environment. Traditional subsistence practices, such as hunting, fishing, and gathering, are still an important part of daily life for many people in Bethel. The community also has a strong sense of connection to their ancestors and traditions, which are celebrated through music, dance, and storytelling.

Despite being located in a remote area of Alaska, Bethel has a surprisingly diverse community with a range of backgrounds and experiences. This includes individuals who have moved to Bethel to work in healthcare, education, or other industries, as well as those who have lived in the area for generations.

Bethel also offers a wide range of outdoor activities. The area is known for its excellent fishing and hunting opportunities, with world-class salmon fishing and a variety of game including moose, caribou, and waterfowl. During the winter months, residents can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

While Bethel is no bustling city, there are grocery stores, more than a handful of family-owned smoke-free restaurants, a fitness center, a movie theater, and a place for auto parts. 

Grocery Stores 

  • Alaska Commercial Company (A/C) is the largest grocery store in town and offers fresh produce, items you will recognize from the Lower 48, as well as clothes, housewares, furniture, and four-wheelers/snow machines.
  • Swanson’s is an Alaska Native-owned store that has sold groceries, hardware, clothing, lumber, electronics, and furniture since 2014.
  • Meyer’s Farm is the only farmer’s market in Bethel and they offer locally-grown and sustainable sourced produce free of pesticides and herbicides.  

Restaurants

  • Alba’s Coffee Shop & Convenience serves coffee and tea and is known as “the Starbucks of Bethel.” It doubles as a convenience store.
  • Baba’s Pizza specializes in pizzas and subs (previously Brother’s Pizza).
  • Bethel Airport Restaurant (B.A.R.) is located at the Bethel Airport (above Yute Air) and serves a wide array of food.
  • Bun & Bake is a new sandwich and burger shop opening on Watson’s Corner. They also offer catering services.
  • Cup 2 Go is a small restaurant serving a streamlined selection of lunch & dinner bowls, Espresso, and other tasty treats.
  • Fili’s Pizza is popular for their pizza and being one of two (as of 2023) restaurants in town that serves alcohol on premises.
  • Front Street Café serves Chinese
  • Hawaiian BBQ recently took the place of long-time favorite Connie’s.
  • Red Basket serves American, Oriental, and Italian and is known for being attached to the Long House Hotel.
  • Sam’s Restaurant serves American, Chinese, and Teriyaki and offers low-cost lunch bowls.
  • Snack Shack is a long-standing institution of Bethel's food scene. Serving primarily American and Chinese dishes, Snack Shack is known for their burger selection and reliable Chinese-food menu.
  • The Three Tortillas is the only dedicated Mexican restaurant in Bethel.
  • Tundra Restaurant is a long-standing restaurant in Bethel and known for the Tundra Burger special (4 burgers, fries and sodas for a fixed price) as well as their menu of Chinese and Korean dishes.
  • UnCommon Pizza serves wings, pizza, sandwiches, and burgers with an chill sports bar atmosphere.
  • Wing House Café is a new restaurant in Bethel and serves an eclectic mix of Chicken, Corn Dogs, and assorted Korean dishes.
  • Quick Food Center is a convenience store that offers food and authentic Native merchandise
  • ZEN is a relative newcomer and serves sushi. 

Fitness Center 

  • YK Fitness Center offers a variety of fitness equipment, including cardio machines, strength training equipment, and free weights. The fitness center also offers group fitness classes, such as yoga, water aerobics, boot camp, cardo boxing, and functional fitness with none other than YKHC’s Outpatient Services Chief, Kevin Krenek. Lastly, one of the biggest attractions in Bethel is YK Fitness’s Olympic-sized heated swimming pool.  

Movie Theater

  • Suurvik Cinema is a two-screen movie theater with stadium seating open Friday through Monday and it features the latest movies and special screenings on Halloween and Christmas. 

Auto Parts 

  • NAPA aka Greatland Auto Parts offers car parts and auto accessories. 

Overall, the community in Bethel is known for its friendliness, strong sense of community, and outdoor activities. Residents of Bethel take great pride in their culture and traditions, and are often eager to share them with visitors and newcomers.

https://yk-health.org/wiki/Bethel_A_to_Z 
https://deltadiscovery.com/category/inside-bethel-news/
https://claypoolfamily.com/alaska-info/life-in-bethel/  

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