Top 5 Fairbanks Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Honest Review

If you are on the lookout for tasty spots around Fairbanks, well then you’re in luck. It’s almost like this interior Alaskan hub features some surprisingly terrific options to fill you up and wet your whistle. From tasty diners with portions fit for a musher to uniquely Alaskan watering holes, here’s a list that’ll get you pointed in the right direction.

1. The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon: History and Hearty Meals

So, the Pump House is really a Fairbanks staple, you know? I mean, you’ll find it right on the Chena River, and this place is practically oozing history, really. Originally built way back in 1933 to serve as a pipeline pump station, it was actually hauled down the river on a barge to its spot today, very cool stuff.

But anyway, let’s get to the important part: the grub. Actually, the Pump House nails that rustic Alaskan charm while offering something that might be described as really fantastic comfort food. Think along the lines of Alaskan king crab legs, perfectly cooked steaks, and halibut that’s, well, just unbelievably flaky, that is if seafood is what you crave. If not, don’t worry, as their burgers are quite juicy. Honestly, their French onion soup makes the spot worth visiting on its own!

They offer a wide range of Alaskan beers, too it’s almost criminal not to try one of their local brews, right? Really, their saloon is awesome, typically featuring live music on the weekends that could be best summed up as some pretty top-notch entertainment after a day exploring the Alaskan outdoors, eh? Basically, the Pump House is something that might be described as a really awesome spot for an authentic Fairbanks dining experience.

Read our full review: The Pump House Restaurant & Saloon Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a table)

2. Ivory Jacks: A True Alaskan Bar Experience

Now, if you happen to be searching for something akin to that authentic Alaskan bar experience, look no further than Ivory Jacks. And, I mean, this spot’s reputation is pretty strong, is that not correct? People just very consistently speak to the divey, relaxed atmosphere here. I think some people just end up finding something that they like very easily and that they are pleased to visit.

But, honestly, don’t let the term “divey” scare you. I mean, this bar’s personality just sort of has a lot going on, you know? Ivory Jacks offers up that uniquely Alaskan feel along with a friendly vibe that just encourages you to stick around a while, wouldn’t you agree? The walls practically tell stories, thanks to the many pieces of historical memorabilia. People will often mention a friendly, relaxed environment. Oh and don’t forget that the drinks are stout.

Actually, it’s not just drinks they do. I mean, while they do emphasize serving up cold Alaskan brews and solid cocktails, they also sling a respectable food menu, that might I add, that mostly emphasizes greasy bar foods to go along with the stiff drinks, usually. Actually, it’s a terrific spot to grab a burger and a beer after a long day and simply visit with some of the locals, I can attest to that.

Read our full review: Ivory Jacks Fairbanks Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Check them out)

3. Turtle Club: Quirky Decor and Crab Legs Worth Traveling For

If you feel up to a bit of a drive from Fairbanks, that is to say, heading out towards Fox, well, then you absolutely must hit the Turtle Club. In some respects, it is more or less an establishment that’s seriously popular amongst those who want to eat as many crab legs as they possibly can, you see?

Yet, so what makes the Turtle Club very special, then? Actually, it has a lot to do with how delightfully weird and eccentric the ambiance seems to be, too it’s almost like its packed wall to wall with quirky collectables that really gives the location some unique appeal. Also, the vibe tends to be fairly casual, the staff normally has a friendly, joking attitude that really makes the establishment an overall great spot.

Anyway, all the above information sort of obscures what makes the Turtle Club such a treasure: unlimited crab legs, like your ability to get enough is never in danger of going away. Actually, the restaurant just offers huge piles of Alaskan snow crab legs along with melted butter and lemon. I think that eating as much as you can makes for something special, right? Do be certain to come hungry! All you could potentially hope to eat in crab, really.

Read our full review: Turtle Club Fairbanks Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Crab Feast!)

4. Pike’s Landing: River Views and Relaxed Dining

So, Pike’s Landing is really a local favorite, anyway. It is practically tailor made to enjoy a meal accompanied by some sweet Chena River views, don’t you think? With a really expansive outdoor deck, well, it’s basically an awesome place to soak up the sun in the summertime. Seriously.

And I mean, you may or may not be wondering if the place only serves up food during the warmer months, or, is it only riverside views and nothing else. Yet, the grub there is a draw unto itself. Pike’s offers a fairly diverse menu but they focus a lot on that something akin to classic American cuisine, more or less, with a bit of an Alaskan spin here and there. You might find Reindeer sausage on your pizza, like your more local spin on American classics.

Of course, a full bar that just stocks local Alaskan brews and a lot of classic cocktails is to be anticipated. Anyway, I recommend grabbing some of the fresh Alaskan seafood with a view during the summer time! The outdoor seating and overall vibes that come with summer time makes for an overall special time.

Read our full review: Pike’s Landing Fairbanks Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dine with a view)

5. The Crepery: Sweet and Savory Treats

Well, you might be wondering what kinds of treats await people with more of a sweet tooth in mind, but, like your only looking for sweeter experiences and treats, anyway, then the Crepery has exactly what you’re on the lookout for! Actually, the business is almost certainly known to locals for their crepes, right?

Of course, they will whip you up sweet crepes along with a tasty caffeinated drink. Though, these guys do so much more than simply sugary goodness, too it’s almost like they can do it all. Anyway, they really nail all the savory items, anyway. Actually, the restaurant serves things such as delicious lunch crepes or various breakfast and brunch dishes that will have you thinking of the establishment every time you consider the sorts of options available in town. That said, sweet or savory? It seems like they have you handled no matter the direction you might happen to sway.

The ambiance has a great reputation in Fairbanks with its cute and cozy shop with fantastic employees who actually want to welcome customers and provide that next level type service and value. It’s basically, actually, always a very delightful visit! That shop seems to attract people from around the state for a solid reason. Honestly, I recommend checking them out for yourself and simply taking in the overall solid vibes. No better way than simply eating the cooking and hanging out for a little bit!

Read our full review: The Crepery Fairbanks Alaska Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Satisfy your sweet tooth!)