A Local's 13 Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks Alaska

Fairbanks is often known for it's incredible Northern Lights viewing, unique hot springs, and fun tours like their reindeer walks. But what most people don't realize is that Fairbanks is also a hub for delicious places to eat, with multiple restaurants and local chefs being featured on popular food and cooking shows like Gordon Ramsay's Master Chef and Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. If you're in the area, you'll definitely want to check out the local food scene.

​​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state.
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If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required).

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.

Fairbanks Food History & Influence

Fairbanks is a melting pot of cultures, and therefore, food. From Alaskan Native subsistence traditions to survival during gold rush times, and having to deal with the unique environmental factors of Interior Alaska, Fairbanks has a blend of cuisines you might not have expected. There's multiple culinary programs offered in the city, and a number of world renowned chefs (like my friend Lizzie who was a finalist on Master Chef), you'll even find a mix of cuisines like Thai, Korean, Latin American, really the list goes on.

My Favorite Fairbanks Tours : 
-> Dog Sledding + Mushing in the North Pole
-> Arctic Circle Winter Adventure
-> Aurora Chasing + Northern Lights Photography

The Best Places to Eat in Fairbanks

1.  Latitude 65, $$$
​This unique restaurant makes the top spot on my list because in addition to its' unique location (in a yurt with some amazing panoramic views) the food is top notch. Their Chef, George Easter, focuses on using local ingredients by partnering with local farms and wild caught seafood, and it really shows through his dishes. Although it's a bit more on the expensive side, you can save some money by visiting during their lunch (although the lunch and dinner menus are completely different). If you plan to visit for dinner I recommend making reservations, and planning to drive about one hour each way from Fairbanks (it's located out at the famous Borealis Basecamp). Plus, if you visit for dinner you can stick around in the area and hope that the northern lights come out at night!

My Go To : Bahn Mi, Mac & Cheese, Chocolate Brownie Dessert (menu changes seasonally)

2. Blue Roof Bistro, $$
​This locally owned & operated bistro is one of my favorites in Fairbanks, and I try to visit every time I'm in the area. They focus on fresh ingredients, have a variety of gluten free options, and have the coziest glass solarium to sit in.

My Go To : Chipotle Chicken (their burger was recently voted best in Fairbanks, so that's on my list for next time!)

3. The Hungry Robot, $$
​Another of my favorites is The Hungry Robot, featured on an episode of Guy Fieri's Diner, Drive-Ins and Dives (for their pickle pizza, the Dilly Dilly). My husband Tyler is basically a self proclaimed pizza connoisseur, and this is one of his favorites in the entire state. He makes us stop every time we're in Fairbanks. They have take out & dine in, but I would check their Facebook page to confirm their hours before going.

My Go To : Okie Dokie Artichokie, Dilly Dilly

4.  GR’s Empanada House, $
GR's is a new find for us thanks to a local friend. They're great for if you want a little snack or if you want to eat a couple for a hearty meal. They have 4 different varieties (original, diablo, veggie, and cheeseburger) of their Bolivian Empanadas, and all the ones I tried were tasty. Since they're smaller empanadas, they're a bit more "bready" than others I've tried in Mexico and Costa Rica, but super tasty with their cilantro crema sauce.

My Go To : Original or Diablo Empanadas, Cilantro Crema Sauce, Berry Berry Lemonade

5.  The Bite, $
​The Bite is a small food stand, but it's easily one of my favorites in Fairbanks. They serve Korean Toast - a popular street food in Korea. Personally I recommend trying one of their toast varieties, but if you want to try something different they also have mini pancakes available.

My Go To : Bulgogi Sausage Toast

*Update : as of December 5th, they had damage to their structure and were forced to close, I recommend checking their Facebook page for any reopening updates.

6.  Lemongrass Thai, $$
​Although I've only ordered take-out from them before, Lemongrass is my favorite Thai restaurant in the Fairbanks area. You can choose to do take-out like me, or what I recommend is dining in to enjoy their nice restaurant atmosphere.

My Go To : Tofu Pad Thai

7. Sassy Scoops, $
​If you're looking for dessert, then Sassy Scoops is the place to go for beautiful, over the top creations that will meet all your sweet tooth cravings - like their famous ice cream tacos. Be warned, these tacos are giant and super sweet, so I recommend splitting one between two people!

My Go To : Varieties of their Ice Cream Tacos

*Update : as of October, Sassy Scoops store location has closed but occasionally still does pop-ups, I recommend checking out their Facebook page for any pop-up updates!

8. Frozen Smoke BBQ / Lat65 Brewery, $$
​Located inside the Lat65 Brewery you'll find Frozen Smoke BBQ, technically two separate businesses but supporting each other in the same building. The space itself is nice, with outdoor seating for warmer months and usually a lively atmosphere if you visit on the weekend or evening. It's the perfect spot to meet up with friends, enjoy some beers and ciders and listen to some live music. I don't necessarily have a "go-to" here, but in the past my husband and I have tried Frozen Smoke's Brisket Over Mac and Lat65's Hibiscus Kombucha & New Sun IPA.

9. Little Owl Cafe, $
With two locations in Fairbanks, Little Owl Cafe is perfect if you're wanting something simple, like a coffee on the go or some small bites like one of their salads, sandwiches, or fresh baked goods. I don't have a "go-to" order here since I typically just order my usual iced vanilla latte.

10. Alaska Coffee Roasting Company, $
Another local coffee shop in Fairbanks is the Alaska Coffee Roasting Company. If you've been spending time outside, their coffees and soups are the perfect way to warm up. They have lots of seating inside and have other items on their menu like their special wood fired pizza. I don't really have a "go-to" here since I usually just get a coffee and their soup of the day.

11. The Cookie Jar Restaurant, $$
Another locally owned restaurant visited by Guy Fieri, this restaurant has evolved over the years, and began as a small bakery featuring their fresh baked cookies and cinnamon rolls. Now, they have everything from sandwiches and burgers to pasta and steak.

My Go To : Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls

​12.  Pumphouse Restaurant & Saloon, $$$
​Very last on my list is Fairbanks' famous Pumphouse. Everyone seems to recommend it and put it at the top of their restaurant list, but to me it just didn't live up to the hype. Although reservations are usually recommended, I've heard they aren't always required. My husband and I went for their Sunday brunch buffet, and honestly didn't think the food was that impressive, especially for the price. However, because it comes so recommended I'm determined to go back for their dinner menu.

13. Private Dining or Dinner Parties with Chef Lizzie
As a Gordon Ramsay Master Chef Finalist, Chef Lizzie offers private chef experiences and fun, themed dinner parties at Chena Camp throughout the year. If you're looking for a unique dining experience or just an unforgettable memory while you're in Fairbanks, this is one of my top recommendations!

Watch My Fairbanks Food Adventures Here!

Other Fairbanks Blog Posts :
-> Is Chena Hot Springs Really Worth It?
-> Fairbanks Best Winter Things to Do
-> How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?

Pin this Fairbanks Food Guide for Later!