Are you planning a trip to Fairbanks and eager to explore the local culinary scene? As someone who’s lived in Fairbanks and returns frequently, both to visit friends and work as a guide, I can confidently say that Fairbanks is a hidden gem for food lovers in Alaska. In fact, I’d argue it’s one of the top two food destinations in the state! Whether you’re enjoying the endless daylight of a Fairbanks summer or seeking a cozy retreat during a winter evening, get ready for a delightful gastronomic adventure.
Enjoying a summer afternoon at Pike’s Landing deck before the evening crowd arrives, a perfect example of Fairbanks food scene ambiance.
For me, a truly great dining experience goes beyond just delicious food. It’s about the atmosphere, the ambiance, and soaking in the local vibes. Join me as I guide you through some of the best food Fairbanks has to offer, ensuring you experience the true taste of this Alaskan city.
Start Your Day Right: Breakfast in Fairbanks
Sunrise Bagel and Espresso: The quintessential Fairbanks breakfast experience, kickstarting your day with the best coffee and bagels.
My absolute go-to for breakfast in Fairbanks is Sunrise Bagel and Espresso. Hands down, they serve the best coffee in town and the most incredible bagel breakfast sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring Fairbanks.
Keep in mind that Sunrise Bagel and Espresso is primarily a drive-through coffee stand with multiple locations across Fairbanks, not a traditional sit-down restaurant.
If you prefer a classic sit-down breakfast experience, The Bakery Restaurant and Cookie Jar are excellent alternatives. The Bakery Restaurant is a local favorite known for its hearty breakfast options, while Cookie Jar, despite its name, offers a diverse breakfast menu beyond just cookies, ensuring a satisfying start to your day.
Lunch Spots in Fairbanks: From Quick Bites to Relaxing Meals
For a fantastic lunch, especially if you have a car, I highly recommend Chowder House for their amazing soups and sandwiches. Aurora Mediterranean is another superb choice, offering flavorful Mediterranean cuisine. Both are conveniently located near downtown Fairbanks, though slightly further than walking distance for most.
If you’re looking for lunch options right in downtown Fairbanks, you’re in luck. Soba offers unique Moldovian food, Thai House serves up delicious Thai cuisine, The Crepery is perfect for sweet and savory crepes, and Big Daddy’s BBQ provides hearty barbecue.
Speaking of Big Daddy’s BBQ, this place is a must-visit! Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Big Daddy’s BBQ is famous for its truly amazing barbecue. Located in the distinctive orange building downtown, it’s hard to miss. Being from Seattle, I hesitate to claim BBQ expertise, but I’ve had numerous tour guests from traditional BBQ states rave about it. Don’t miss the brisket and be sure to try at least one of their incredible side dishes. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait – good BBQ takes time – and remember to bring your patience and kindness for a truly rewarding Fairbanks Food experience.
Don’t let the exterior fool you – Big Daddy’s BBQ is where you’ll find some of the most incredible Fairbanks food.
Coffee and Pastries: Relaxing at Alaska Coffee Roasters
Need a place to unwind, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and indulge in a delicious pastry? Alaska Coffee Roasters is the perfect spot. It’s an ideal place to catch up with friends or get some work done. Whenever I’m in Fairbanks, I often find myself at Alaska Coffee Roasters, using their comfortable atmosphere to be productive while enjoying the local coffee culture.
Sunday Brunch at The Pumphouse: A Fairbanks Tradition
The Pumphouse is a Fairbanks institution, known for its unique decor and exceptional food. It’s a wonderful choice for a special occasion dinner and boasts a fantastic deck along the river, perfect for enjoying those long summer days.
However, my favorite Pumphouse experience is their Sunday brunch. Their all-you-can-eat buffet is truly impressive, featuring a wide array of seafood, meats, vegetables, and fruits. And don’t even get me started on the bottomless dessert tray – it’s simply mouthwatering! Brunch also includes a mimosa, making it an extra special treat, especially on a cold, snowy Fairbanks winter morning.
Just a glimpse of the amazing dessert options available at The Pumphouse brunch, a highlight of Fairbanks food experiences.
Pike’s Landing Deck: Summer Dining with River Views
Pike’s Landing is another excellent Fairbanks food destination, offering great food including seafood, which can be a bit harder to find in Fairbanks compared to other parts of Alaska. While Pike’s is enjoyable year-round, it truly shines during the summer months when you can dine on their deck.
Be prepared for longer wait times for dinner, especially during peak season. However, you can usually find quicker service earlier in the day when many visitors are out on tours or haven’t yet checked into the nearby hotel.
Enjoy your meal or drinks while watching boats cruise along the river and basking in the midnight sun. Like The Pumphouse, Pike’s Landing offers a fantastic riverfront deck dining experience, making it a top choice for Fairbanks food with a view.
Thai Food in Fairbanks: A Surprisingly Popular Choice
On the Alaska Uncovered Podcast, many guests from Fairbanks consistently name Thai food as their favorite local cuisine. It’s a testament to the quality and variety of Thai food available in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks boasts an impressive Thai food scene with numerous excellent options. In downtown Fairbanks, try Thai House (my personal favorite) or Noodle House. Lemongrass, located on the other side of town, is another beloved local spot. You really can’t go wrong with Thai food in Fairbanks!
The Turtle Club: Experience the Local Alaskan Vibe
The Turtle Club in Fox, just outside Fairbanks, embodies the traditional Alaskan roadhouse experience, a must-visit for atmosphere and prime rib.
For a truly local Fairbanks food experience, head to the Turtle Club in Fox, just a short drive from Fairbanks. This long-standing institution is famous for its Prime Rib and its authentic Alaskan roadhouse atmosphere. The Turtle Club is less about fancy dining and more about embracing the unique local vibe.
Housed in a log building adorned with turtles and Christmas lights, the atmosphere is as much a draw as the food. In winter, the salad bar offers a welcome dose of fresh vegetables, and their dessert tray is definitely worth exploring (if you have room!). Don’t forget to order the mushrooms as an appetizer – they’re a local favorite.
Eastramp Pizza: Pizza with a Side of Plane Spotting
Eastramp Pizza in Fairbanks: Enjoying arguably the best pizza in Alaska with a unique view of airport operations.
In my opinion, Eastramp Pizza serves the best pizza in Alaska (though this is a somewhat controversial opinion, as many favor Moose’s Tooth in Anchorage). Their wood-fired pizza is absolute perfection, and their salads are equally amazing. If you spend any time in Alaska, you’ll quickly realize how much a good salad is appreciated – they can be surprisingly hard to come by!
Eastramp Pizza’s unique location at the airport (on the opposite side from the main terminal) provides a fantastic view of the runway and all the airport activities. The entire decor is aviation-themed, and you can track incoming and outgoing flights on large monitors and even use provided binoculars for closer plane spotting. Fairbanks International Airport is incredibly busy, with jets, floatplanes, ski planes, and small wheeled aircraft constantly coming and going throughout the year, providing endless entertainment while you enjoy your Fairbanks food.
Jazz Bistro: The Best Downtown Fairbanks Dinner Experience
For an unforgettable dinner in downtown Fairbanks, my top recommendation is Jazz Bistro. This tiny Cuban restaurant is a true gem, serving incredible food and often featuring live jazz music.
Reservations are essential at Jazz Bistro due to its limited seating. Prepare to savor your meal and the ambiance – it’s an experience worth lingering over. You’re also likely to meet Chef Rico, the owner and chef, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.
This salmon meal at Jazz Bistro was one of the best I’ve ever had, showcasing the high standards of Fairbanks food.
Lavelle’s Bistro is another excellent fine dining restaurant in downtown Fairbanks and is perhaps better known. However, Jazz Bistro gets my vote for its unique charm, intimate atmosphere, and, of course, its outstanding food. Both offer top-tier Fairbanks food experiences for discerning palates.
Fairbanks Drinks: Local Beer and Cocktails
Fairbanks isn’t really known for its wine scene – Lavelle’s Bistro is your best bet for a good wine selection. However, Fairbanks more than makes up for it with its fantastic breweries! You can even take a Fairbanks beer tour and leave the driving to someone else.
If you’re exploring on your own, be sure to visit Midnight Mine Brewing, Hoodoo Brewing, Black Spruce Brewing, and Lat 65. Each offers delicious local brews with its own unique atmosphere and flavors, reflecting the spirit of Fairbanks.
A flight at Lat 65 brewery, a taste of the local Fairbanks beer culture.
For cocktails, don’t miss Hoarfrost Distillery, especially their cranberry creations – they are absolutely delicious and showcase local Alaskan flavors.
Amazing cranberry cocktails at Hoarfrost Distillery, a must-try for unique Fairbanks drinks.
Downtown, The Library is a wonderful cocktail bar. Its unassuming exterior might not immediately catch your eye, but trust me on this one. Step inside and be transported to cocktail heaven – a perfect end to your Fairbanks food exploration.
Fairbanks offers a surprisingly diverse and high-quality food scene, blending local Alaskan flavors with international cuisines. From cozy breakfast spots to lively breweries and fine dining experiences, there’s something to satisfy every palate. So, when you visit Fairbanks, be sure to venture beyond the typical tourist traps and discover the incredible food that this Alaskan city has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
