13 Best Restaurants in Fairbanks, Alaska

Silver Gulch Brewery

Name and Location: Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co., located at 2195 Old Steese Hwy, Fairbanks, AK 99712.

History and Significance: Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. was founded in 1998 and is the northernmost brewery in the United States. The brewery has won numerous awards for its craft beers and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

What to Expect: Visitors to Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. can sample a variety of craft beers, including seasonal and limited-edition brews, in the brewery’s taproom or restaurant. The restaurant menu features pub fare such as burgers, sandwiches, and pizza, as well as a selection of Alaskan entrees.

Visitor Information: Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co. is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Tours of the brewery are available by appointment. The brewery is located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual.

Hearty Pub Fare & Craft Beer

A city in Alaska wouldn’t be complete without its own artisan brewery. That distinction belongs to the Silver Gulch Brewery in Fairbanks. Established in 1996, Silver Gulch has been a significant player in the Fairbanks local brewing sector, having run the first brewpub in the city. There are plenty of beers to sample from their selection of 12 or more on tap, including house favorites like Fox Creek IPA and Old 55 Pale Ale, as well as specialized small-batch beers. This place is a haven for beer lovers.

You can’t survive solely on beer, of course. The inventive pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and entrees on Silver Gulch’s large menu surpass standard pub fare to a great extent. Some of their specialties are the Homer halibut fish and chips, the vegetarian moussaka, the wild salmon Caesar salad, and the caribou burger, which is topped with ground caribou meat. Delicious food is served alongside excellent beers at Silver Gulch Brewery, which is why it’s a local favorite hangout.

Gambarini’s Pizzeria

Name and Location: Gambarini’s Pizzeria, located at 511 W 4th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501.

History and Significance: Gambarini’s Pizzeria has been serving authentic New York-style pizza in downtown Anchorage since 1996. The restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors for its thin-crust pizza and casual atmosphere.

What to Expect: Visitors to Gambarini’s Pizzeria can enjoy a menu featuring classic New York-style pizza, as well as calzones, salads, and beer and wine. The restaurant’s decor is simple and casual, with a few tables and a counter for ordering.

Visitor Information: Gambarini’s Pizzeria is open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, within walking distance of many hotels and attractions. Dress is casual. Takeout and delivery are available.

Traditional Italian Recipes and Pizzeria Fare

Gambarini’s has been providing the Fairbanks community with delicious Italian food and well-liked pizza for almost 50 years. Being family-run since the beginning, they have mastered the casual eating scene, offering generous servings, welcoming staff, and affordable costs. Their pizza has an incredibly thin, crunchy crust with heaping servings of premium ingredients on top. The traditional menu is completed with baked subs, lasagna, ravioli, chicken parmesan, and spaghetti with their homemade meat sauce.

The entire eating experience is improved by Gambarini’s cozy, welcoming ambiance, even though the food takes center stage. The lively, varied interior design alludes to the restaurant’s lengthy local history. Families, college students, and friend groups enjoying some of Fairbanks’ greatest pizza should all be expected.

Hot Licks

Name and Location: Hot Licks, located at 1230 W 27th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503.

History and Significance: Hot Licks has been serving homemade ice cream in Anchorage since 1986. The shop is known for its creative flavors and commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.

What to Expect: Visitors to Hot Licks can choose from a variety of ice cream flavors, including classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla, as well as unique Alaskan-inspired flavors like birch syrup and spruce tip. The shop also offers sundaes, milkshakes, and other frozen treats.

Visitor Information: Hot Licks is open daily from noon to 10:00 pm. The shop is located in the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage, approximately 3 miles from downtown. Dress is casual. Seating is limited, so most visitors opt for takeout.

A lover of ice cream paradise

Hot Licks is the go-to ice cream shop and dessert destination in Fairbanks. What better way to cap off a meal? Hot Licks serves delectable housemade ice cream, gelato, and sorbet in addition to a variety of pies, cakes, cookies, and other baked items in a charming Cape Cod-style cottage. In addition to the traditional choices of chocolate, vanilla, and so much more, there are also fun tastes like Boysenberry Cheesecake, Pumpkin Praline, and Moose Drool. Diners who avoid dairy are also catered to with vegan coconut choices.

But Hot Licks is more than just a confectionery. It’s a Fairbanks institution. Experience is enhanced by the welcoming personnel, quaint interior filled with locally created artwork, and dedication to providing desserts that are free of preservatives and entirely natural. Locals swarm in for a special treat on sunny summer evenings, and lines frequently snake out the door.

Lemongrass

Name and Location: Lemongrass Thai Cuisine, located at 388 Old Chena Pump Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709.

History and Significance: Lemongrass Thai Cuisine has been serving authentic Thai dishes in Fairbanks since 2004. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and friendly service.

What to Expect: Visitors to Lemongrass Thai Cuisine can enjoy a menu featuring a variety of traditional Thai dishes, including curries, noodles, and stir-fries. The restaurant’s decor is simple and elegant, with Thai-inspired artwork and a cozy atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Lemongrass Thai Cuisine is open daily for lunch and dinner, with varying hours depending on the day. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The restaurant is located approximately 5 miles from downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual to semi-formal.

Authentic Thai Cuisine

For a taste of Thailand without leaving Alaska, head to Lemongrass in downtown Fairbanks. This contemporary Asian restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine sources fresh ingredients and makes everything from scratch each day. Tantalizing curries, noodle and rice dishes, and classic Thai appetizers pack robust flavors that will transport you straight to Southeast Asia. Menu standouts include the pad Thai, drunken noodle, yellow and green curries, satay chicken skewers, crab wontons, and papaya salad. They offer substitutions and adjustments to cater to gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb diners as well.

While Lemongrass’s hefty portions and reasonable prices make it a favorite lunch and dinner locale, they also serve a phenomenal weekend brunch. Dishes like Thai-style omelets, French toast, and fruit pancakes add a delightful twist to classic brunch fare. An extensive bubble tea menu provides liquid refreshment. With its festive decor and efficient yet warm service, Lemongrass brings a true Thai dining experience to Fairbanks.

Turtle Club

Name and Location: Turtle Club, located at 2098 Old Steese Hwy N, Fairbanks, AK 99712.

History and Significance: The Turtle Club has been a Fairbanks favorite since 1972, offering hearty meals and a lively atmosphere in a log cabin setting.

What to Expect: Visitors to the Turtle Club can enjoy a menu featuring steaks, seafood, and other Alaskan favorites, as well as a full bar and live music on weekends. The restaurant’s decor is rustic and cozy, with a large stone fireplace and mounted game on the walls.

Visitor Information: The Turtle Club is open daily for dinner from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The restaurant is located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual to semi-formal.

Pub Fare and Live Music in a Historic Setting

The Turtle Club is without a doubt the greatest location for live music in Fairbanks, according to locals. The cherished bar is located in Clinton Hall, a structure that Felix Pedro first built in 1907. Currently recognized as a National Register of Historic Place, the building maintains its allure from the gold rush era, brimming with musical memorabilia from the numerous bands that have played there over the course of a century. In addition to practically nightly concerts, open mic and karaoke nights provide amateurs a chance to perform on the historic stage.

The cuisine at the Turtle Club is equally important as the music, which makes it a must-visit spot for Fairbanks nightlife. Ample salads, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and appetizers keep music lovers full and ready to sing along. There are also daily specialties like prime rib evenings. A great tap list with mostly Alaskan microbrews and you have the makings of a classic Fairbanks evening.

Sam’s Sourdough Cafe

Name and Location: Sam’s Sourdough Cafe, located at 4408 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517.

History and Significance: Sam’s Sourdough Cafe has been an Anchorage institution since 1971, serving hearty breakfasts and lunches in a casual diner setting.

What to Expect: Visitors to Sam’s Sourdough Cafe can enjoy a menu featuring classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, omelets, and biscuits and gravy, as well as sourdough bread baked fresh daily. The restaurant’s decor is simple and cozy, with Alaskan memorabilia on the walls.

Visitor Information: Sam’s Sourdough Cafe is open daily from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. The restaurant is located in the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage, approximately 3 miles from downtown. Dress is casual. Seating is limited, so visitors may have to wait during peak times.

Favorite local family recipe since 1970

Since 1970, generations of Fairbanks residents and visitors have drawn to Sam’s Sourdough Cafe for classic diner meals in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Road-weary tourists in search of a hot meal or sweet treat are drawn in by their enormous red sign, which is conveniently positioned right off the main routes into town. But its trademark hotcakes are what have made it most famous. Sam’s is a neighborhood institution thanks to its light and fluffy sourdough pancakes, which are served with whipped cream and your choice of pecan, strawberry, or blueberry toppings.

In addition to breakfast, the menu also features hearty sandwiches, burgers, skillet dishes, and Alaskan seafood selections. Daily delicacies such as prime rib and salmon spreads reflect regional preferences. Another one of Sam’s specialties is pie, and their mile-high coconut cream pie is the best. At this well-liked family eatery, portions are generous and tastes are abundant.

Big Daddy’s BBQ

Name and Location: Big Daddy’s BBQ, located at 1550 S Cushman St, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

History and Significance: Big Daddy’s BBQ has been serving authentic Southern-style barbecue in Fairbanks since 2009. The restaurant is known for its slow-smoked meats and homemade sides.

What to Expect: Visitors to Big Daddy’s BBQ can enjoy a menu featuring pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and other barbecue favorites, as well as sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The restaurant’s decor is casual and rustic, with wooden tables and a laid-back atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Big Daddy’s BBQ is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. The restaurant is located approximately 1 mile from downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual. Takeout and catering are available.

 

Northern BBQ in the South

Big Daddy’s BBQ is Fairbanks’ own producer of real southern barbecue, so barbecue lovers and homesick Texans rejoice. Since oil was discovered, a large number of people from Texas and other southern states have moved to Alaska, and Big Daddy’s allows these newcomers have a true flavor of home. The unique flavor of mesquite smokers is imparted to their hot links, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. Generous serving sizes, amiable staff, and food appropriate predominate.

Try their mac and cheese, baked beans, collard greens, jalapeño cheese grits, and cornbread in addition to their typical meat meals. There are three sauce options: moderate, hot, and their famous Golden Nugget. The Meat Lover’s Plate, which comes with two meat options and two sides, is the perfect option for those with large appetites. In addition to providing free self-serve peanuts for you to snack on while you wait, Big Daddy’s is a great place to escape Alaskan cuisine and have real southern BBQ.

Pita Place

Name and Location: Pita Place, located at 3101 Penland Pkwy, Anchorage, AK 99508.

History and Significance: Pita Place has been serving healthy and delicious Mediterranean cuisine in Anchorage since 2011. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes.

What to Expect: Visitors to Pita Place can enjoy a menu featuring falafel, shawarma, kebabs, and other Mediterranean favorites, as well as a selection of vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant’s decor is bright and modern, with colorful tiles and artwork.

Visitor Information: Pita Place is open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. The restaurant is located in the Northway Mall in East Anchorage, approximately 5 miles from downtown. Dress is casual. Takeout and delivery are available.

 

Greek and Mediterranean Specialties

Pita Place has been a mainstay for top-notch, freshly prepared Mediterranean and Greek food since 1995. The cornerstone for their amply loaded gyros, falafel, chicken, and souvlaki wraps—perfect for a hurried lunch or a laid-back dining out—are their trademark handmade pitas. Starters such as hummus, spanakopita, and dolmades allow you to try a variety of Greek favorites.

Pita Place excels in light fare and wraps, but their large dining area and complete bar let you stay for longer and enjoy heartier fare like moussaka, seafood spaghetti, kebabs, and fresh fish. On Friday and Saturday nights, belly dancers perform cultural dances; other evenings feature live music. Pita Place, located in downtown Fairbanks, embodies the essence of Greece and the Mediterranean with its affordable rates, substantial menu, and lively atmosphere.

Cookie Jar

Name and Location: Cookie Jar Restaurant, located at 1006 Cadillac Ct, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

History and Significance: The Cookie Jar Restaurant has been a Fairbanks favorite since 1987, serving homestyle meals and baked goods in a cozy diner setting.

What to Expect: Visitors to the Cookie Jar Restaurant can enjoy a menu featuring classic American dishes like meatloaf, pot roast, and fried chicken, as well as a variety of pies, cakes, and cookies baked fresh daily. The restaurant’s decor is homey and nostalgic, with vintage signs and artwork on the walls.

Visitor Information: The Cookie Jar Restaurant is open daily from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. The restaurant is located approximately 1 mile from downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual. Takeout and catering are available.

 

Remarkable Restaurant & Bakery

Any resident of Fairbanks will tell you that the Cookie Jar is always near the top of the list when asked about local restaurants. Since 1992, people have been filling their bellies and satiating their sweet tooths at this well-liked restaurant and bakery close to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. As the name suggests, the Cookie Jar specializes in baked delicacies, serving up everything from its namesake cookies to cinnamon buns, pies, cupcakes, bars, and much more. Locally, salted caramel and triple chocolate chunk cookies are well-known. In addition, traditional sandwich cuisine is available, such as a delicious Reuben, to keep you fueled in between escapades.

But their dessert menu offers much more than just sweets; it also includes classic breakfast, savory lunch, and inventive supper selections. Appetizers such as Thai curry bowls, polenta, and wild salmon chowder offer a distinctive take on traditional dishes. Fresh seafood from local fishermen in Alaska is frequently included in daily specials. Be not misled into believing that the Cookie Jar just sells baked goods and cookies. This quirky restaurant is a favorite in Fairbanks because of its varied and reasonably priced cuisine.

Alaska Salmon Bake

Name and Location: Alaska Salmon Bake, located at 2761 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901.

History and Significance: The Alaska Salmon Bake has been a beloved Ketchikan tradition since 1978, offering visitors a chance to experience a true Alaskan feast in a beautiful rainforest setting.

What to Expect: Visitors to the Alaska Salmon Bake can enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring grilled salmon, beer-battered cod, slow-roasted prime rib, and a variety of side dishes and desserts. The outdoor setting includes a covered dining area and a campfire where visitors can roast marshmallows and enjoy live music.

Visitor Information: The Alaska Salmon Bake is open daily from May through September, with seatings at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Prices are $39 for adults and $19 for children (ages 5-12), with discounts available for seniors and military. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant is located approximately 2 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and is accessible by car or shuttle bus.

A Snack of Regional Seafood & Traditions

Savoring wild salmon is a must-do experience while visiting Alaska. Large amounts of fresh fish cooked over an open alder wood fire have been served by the Alaska fish Bake for 45 years, all while being served in their outside pavilion. Enjoy delectable salmon filets that are perfectly cooked, served with rice pilaf, vegetables, cornbread, salads, and desserts. The all-you-can-eat menu truly brings out the subtle yet mouthwatering flavors of the fish.

Explore their Alaska Native village before and after supper, where local craftsmen provide demonstrations of everything from traditional dancing to antler carving. It’s a fantastic chance to sample the most famous dish from Alaska Native nations and learn about them. For families and those seeking a true Alaskan evening, the Salmon Bake is a hit, offering nightly performances suitable for all ages.

The Baked Alaska

Name and Location: The Baked Alaska, located at 325 Front St, Juneau, AK 99801.

History and Significance: The Baked Alaska has been a Juneau landmark since 1978, offering fine dining with a view of the Gastineau Channel from its waterfront location.

What to Expect: Visitors to The Baked Alaska can enjoy a menu featuring fresh Alaskan seafood, prime steaks, and creative pasta dishes, as well as an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. The restaurant’s decor features Alaskan art and vintage photographs, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.

Visitor Information: The Baked Alaska is open daily for dinner from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. The restaurant is located in the heart of downtown Juneau, within walking distance of most hotels and cruise ship docks. Dress is casual to semi-formal.

Innovative Fine Dining Based on Regional Customs

Visit The Baked Alaska for a more sophisticated yet authentically Alaskan eating experience. Located in a charming 1930s-era log cabin, the restaurant’s interior is adorned with old photographs that offer diners a window into Fairbanks’ history. The menu features delicacies like halibut and wild salmon linguine, baked Alaska for dessert, and caribou medallions, all of which pay homage to the area. While they try to use other products from nearby farmers and merchants, the majority of their food comes straight from their garden.

There are some wines from Alaska on the long wine list, which is nearly entirely composed of American labels. Their unique cocktail menu features items like vodka flavored with rosemary and birch syrup. The food is created with artistry, flavor, and attention to detail, and the service is superb. The Baked Alaska is a great option for elegant dining with a distinctively Alaskan flair.

Pikes Landing

Name and Location: Pikes Landing, located at 1020 W 12th Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99701.

History and Significance: Pikes Landing has been a Fairbanks institution since 1959, offering hearty meals and warm hospitality in a rustic riverfront setting.

What to Expect: Visitors to Pikes Landing can enjoy a menu featuring prime rib, seafood, and other Alaskan favorites, as well as a salad bar and homemade desserts. The restaurant’s decor features mounted game, wildlife art, and a cozy fireplace, creating a true Alaskan atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Pikes Landing is open daily for lunch and dinner, with varying hours depending on the season. Reservations are recommended for dinner. The restaurant is located on the banks of the Chena River, approximately 2 miles from downtown Fairbanks. Dress is casual.

Dining on the River with Stunning Views

Pikes Landing, which is located in the heart of Fairbanks and overlooks the picturesque Chena River, is hard to top for atmosphere alone. Situated on the location of the first settlement in Fairbanks, the restaurant and bar space is divided into two enormous log cabins connected by a breezeway. Walls of windows provide amazing views and an abundance of natural light. Even better spots to enjoy the view are from the deck at the back and the pier that juts out over the river.

Due to the generous serving sizes, arrive hungry. Highlights include wild game meatloaf, seafood pasta, stuffed halibut with crab, and their famous prime rib, which is served only on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you’d prefer a lighter lunch, there’s a sizable salad bar as well. A wide selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, and kid-friendly menu items ensure that everyone in the family will find something they enjoy. Pikes Landing’s riverfront dining experience is completed with an extensive wine and Alaskan craft beer list.

Conclusion

The eating scene in Fairbanks is just as unexpectedly varied as the untamed Alaskan environment that surrounds it. In America’s northernmost metro area, you’ll find cuisine ranging from Thai to barbecue and specialized in fresh regional seafood at everything from informal pubs to fine dining establishments.

The top restaurants in Fairbanks provide inventive meals using Alaskan products or hearty dishes to fill you up after a day of winter exploration. These twelve options give you a decent idea of what Fairbanks has to offer foodies and guarantee that you won’t go hungry while visiting Alaska.