Fairbanks offers a surprising variety of dining options, from traditional Alaskan cuisine to international flavors. Here’s your guide to the best restaurants in Alaska’s Golden Heart City.
Fine Dining
Lavelle’s Bistro
Cuisine: Contemporary American, French
Price Range: \($-\)$$
Known For: Fine wines, elegant atmosphere
Location: 575 1st Avenue
Must Try: Fresh Alaska seafood, extensive wine list
The Pump House Restaurant
Cuisine: Alaskan, Seafood
Price Range: $$$
Known For: Historic gold rush era building, riverside dining
Location: 796 Chena Pump Road
Must Try: King crab legs, reindeer sausage
Local Favorites
Pike’s Landing
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Price Range: \(-\)$
Known For: Riverside deck dining, local atmosphere
Location: 4438 Airport Way
Must Try: Halibut fish and chips, riverfront views
Big Daddy’s BBQ
Cuisine: Barbecue
Price Range: $$
Known For: Authentic BBQ, large portions
Location: 107 Wickersham Street
Must Try: Brisket, pulled pork
Casual Dining
The Cookie Jar Restaurant
Cuisine: American, Breakfast
Price Range: $$
Known For: Home-style cooking, fresh baked goods
Location: 1006 Cadillac Court
Must Try: Cinnamon rolls, breakfast platters
Lemongrass Thai Cuisine
Cuisine: Thai
Price Range: $$
Known For: Authentic Thai dishes
Location: 388 Old Chena Pump Road
Must Try: Pad Thai, curry dishes
Coffee & Quick Bites
Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.
Cuisine: Coffee, Light Fare
Price Range: $-$$
Known For: Fresh roasted coffee, baked goods
Location: 4001 Geist Road
Must Try: House-roasted coffee, wood-fired pizza
Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream
Cuisine: Ice Cream
Price Range: $
Known For: Homemade Alaskan ice cream
Location: 3453 College Road
Must Try: Fireweed ice cream, Alaska wild berry flavors
Food Trucks & Markets
Tanana Valley Farmers Market (Seasonal)
Location: 2600 College Road
Known For: Local produce, food vendors
When: May-September, Wednesday & Saturday
Must Try: Local food vendors, fresh produce
Tips for Dining in Fairbanks
Many restaurants offer wild game and local seafood options
Summer brings extended dining hours due to the midnight sun
Winter may have limited hours or seasonal closures
Reservations recommended for fine dining establishments
Many restaurants source local ingredients when available
Look for “Alaska Grown” products on menus
Some restaurants offer aurora viewing during winter dining