Everyone back in my home state of Ohio always ask what it’s like to live in Alaska. It’s beautiful, it’s secluded, it’s cold… yeah, yeah, yeah. But what I end up talking the most about is the food. Of course there are the usual chain restaurants and fast food joints, but the locally owned ones get all the credit for turning me into an amateur foodie and not letting me fit into my favorite jeans. If you ever find yourself in Fairbanks, Alaska make sure you stop in at one or all of these places for some great food.
The Oasis
The Oasis is a little bar in Fairbanks near the University of Alaska that does not skimp on food or service. It’s a very laid back atmosphere with a jukebox, a pool table, and a game on the television. Not only is it a good place for the locals to go out and grab a drink, but if you’re looking for good “bar food” this is your place. The burgers are only for the brave and very hungry. Some of them even require a knife and a fork… unless you like to get a little
messy. They are always served with a large helping of fries and a large soft drink if beer isn’t your thing (or you’re the designated driver). Beware of the appetizers though. They are bigger than you think. If you’re going to order the nacho platter, that should be the only thing you order for the night. The cooks use what it seems to be a whole bag of tortilla chips, lots of tomatoes and lettuce, lots of beef, and all the toppings you can imagine on a nacho platter. It may say appetizer, but it turns into a meal that can easily be shared between 4 people with everybody leaving fully satisfied. If you’re looking for a laid back night out with a few hungry friends, this is the place to go.
Harley’s Diner
Harley’s Diner is open seasonally from May to October and is located in North Pole, Alaska, just a short drive outside of Fairbanks. You can’t miss the restaurant, it’s a tiny, silver diner reminiscent of the 1950s. When you walk into the diner with the checkered floor and the Harley Davidson memorabilia you’ll notice that the kitchen is busy, the wait staff is very friendly, and that this is going to be a fun place. And it is. The food is authentic diner food with big burgers, big shakes, big salads with a decent helping of skinny fries and a nice big soda to wash it all down. You can even get the cherry or vanilla flavored syrup shot in your favorite soda. For those of you who like your food on the “wild” side, there’s even a buffalo burger on the menu. I wasn’t brave enough to try it, but my fiance said it was the best thing he’s ever eaten. I just know that the barbecue sauce used on the chicken sandwich was amazing… there wasn’t a drop left of it on my plate.
Pike’s Landing
Pike’s Landing is located right next to Pike’s Lodge, right next to the Chena River. During the summer months you can enjoy outdoor dining, but all year round you have a choice of dining in the bar or dining in the fancier dining room. Personally, I haven’t been to the fancy dining room side yet and I think there is a different menu for it, but I know about the bar side. The servers are friendly and like the Oasis there is a pool table and a good game on television. There’s a large selection of beer and drinks to choose from. The food on the bar side though seems to be limited, but it’s great all the same. It carries the usual appetizers- the mozzarella sticks are awesome and they keep them coming for you until you’re full. Then there’s a few burgers to choose from, which
I haven’t been able to pick a favorite, they’re all that good. There’s also a few salads and a seafood menu. It’s a great place for a laid back date night or if you want to go to a bar for a good burger and your partner would rather have a seafood meal or salad with a beer.
The Red Fox
The Red Fox is more along the lines of Pike’s or the Oasis, but I’m mentioning it because it is the least expensive of the three. Again, it’s another bar with great food. You’ll find a little more variety compared to Pike’s here, especially the Grizzly Burger- a burger topped with eggs, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and bacon. All of it is priced like you would find at a fast food place, which is good if you’re on a budget and you’re tired of Big Macs. I haven’t been there much, but it’s worth mentioning because the price of the food is cheap and the quality is great.
The Mayflower Buffet
And last, but definitely not least, is The Mayflower Buffet. It’s one of my favorite places to go in Fairbanks. For thirteen dollars a person, you get free refills on your favorite soft drink and a large buffet to choose from. If you’re into Chinese food and the Chinese restaurant atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed. The Chinese food is the main focus, with a large section of chicken, beef, and shrimp dishes to choose from. But it doesn’t end there.
Anyone can enjoy this place, even the pickiest of eater that doesn’t like Chinese food. There’s also pizza, mac and cheese, chicken wings, and a lot of American favorites to choose from. If you’re more of a daring eater, there’s even sushi and squid to choose from. Or if you’re like me, you can mix them all because no other place has that much freedom of choice. Eat as much or as little as you like, this place has it all… even dessert if you’re still hungry. It’s a good place for those who have no idea what they would like to eat that night, but want to go out. Or for someone who craves Asian food, yet the person they’re with doesn’t like it. You can find everything you could ever want to eat here, eat as much of it as you like, and please everyone with you. What’s not to like about that?
So if you’re in Fairbanks and you’re out looking for a place to eat, remember these restaurants. They each have great atmospheres and great food. If you live in Fairbanks and know of a place I should check out, let me know. I love trying new food at new places. Happy eating!
