Fairbanks, Alaska : The Guide to the Golden Heart City - Where the Sun Never Sets and the Coffee Never Ends || Weezle (2025)
- WZL
- Nov 10
- 9 min read
Hungry?
Thirsty?
Sleepy?
Be Active
Go 2 Event
What is Fairbanks, Alaska famous for?
The northern lights, also known as the aurora borealis, the midnight sun, and sunsets and sunrises that last forever.
Is Fairbanks the coldest place in Alaska?
Fairbanks is the coldest city in the United States.
Can you see aurora in Fairbanks?
You can see the northern lights from anywhere in Fairbanks.
Is Fairbanks, Alaska worth visiting?
A fantastic place to visit if you're heading to Alaska. Though it is less mountainous as the coastal towns in Alaska, it more than compensates with incredible northern light shows, hot springs, and fun activities.
Key Takeaway: Fairbanks in 2025 is a wild, weird, and wonderful city where you can eat a cinnamon roll the size of your head, sip craft beer under the aurora, sleep in a glass dome, and dance with reindeer—all before brunch. This is your up-to-date, no-BS, millennial-approved guide to eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, and event-hopping in Alaska’s Golden Heart. Ready to spin the wheel for your next adventure? Let’s go!
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
Hungry? The Top Places to Eat in Fairbanks (2025 Edition)
Fairbanks’ food scene is as quirky as its daylight hours—think crepes for breakfast, Thai for lunch, and pizza with a midnight sun chaser. Here’s where to fuel up:
American Food or Breakfast Spots
The Cookie Jar Restaurant
The breakfast legend. With 790+ Yelp reviews and 1,185+ Google reviews, this is where locals and tourists line up for French Toast, Skillets, and cinnamon rolls that could double as pillows. Homey vibes, huge portions, and a cameo on Food Network.
The Crepery
Crepe dreams are made here. 1,000+ reviews, 4.7 stars, and a menu of sweet and savory crepes that’ll make you question your loyalty to pancakes. Try the Brie, Fig & Honey or the Cuban.
Asian Food
Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine
Fairbanks’ Thai MVP. 366 reviews, 4.4 stars, and curries so good you’ll forget you’re in the Arctic. Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, and a loyal local following.
Thai House Restaurant
Classic, cash-only, and always busy. 400+ reviews, 4.1 stars, and a menu that covers all the Thai comfort food bases.
Lin’s Asian Bistro
Chinese done right. Authentic flavors, spicy options, and a reputation for fresh ingredients.
Middle Eastern Food
Aurora Mediterranean Restaurant
The shawarma spot. 133 reviews, 4.8 stars, and a menu packed with kabobs, hummus, and the best lentil soup north of Istanbul.
Pita Place
Falafel fast, fresh, and fabulous. 122 reviews, 4.7 stars, and a cult following for their pita wraps.
Mexican Food
European / Best Pizza
The Hungry Robot
Pizza robots > delivery drones. 219 reviews, 4.3 stars, and creative pies with names like “The Robot.” Build your own or go wild with their specials.
House of Fire Pizza
NY/European style, Sicilian pan pies, and a wood-fired oven straight from Naples. 141 reviews, 4.2 stars, and a menu that’ll make you forget you’re 2,000 miles from Brooklyn.
East Ramp Wood-fired Pizza
Hidden gem near the airport. 66 reviews, 4.7 stars, and wood-fired pies worth the detour.
Thirsty? Top Places for Beer, Cocktails, and Coffee
Whether you want to sip a Kölsch under the aurora, dance at a punk bar, or caffeinate for your next dog mushing adventure, Fairbanks has you covered.
Hipster, Dive, Historical, LGBTQ+ Locations
Midnite Mine
Basement dive, pool table, and the strongest drinks in town. Cash only, no food, all vibes.
The Marlin
Punk bar, live music, karaoke, and a big outdoor deck. The go-to for the university crowd and the city’s alternative scene.
The Big I Pub & Lounge
Irish-themed, cash-only, and home to comedy nights, live music, and cornhole.
Golden Eagle Saloon (Ester)
Dog-friendly, historic, and full of local legends. Print nights, live music, and a true Alaskan saloon experience.
The Blue Loon
Bar, restaurant, and live music venue. Eclectic events, movie nights, and a cultural touchstone for the creative crowd.
Venue Lounge & The Marlin
LGBTQ+ friendly, with themed nights, drag shows, and Pride events.
Best for Music
The Marlin
Best live music in town, from indie to folk to metal.
Howling Dog Saloon (Fox)
Full-service bar, dance hall, and a stage for local and touring acts.
Lavelle’s Taphouse
Craft beer, live music, and a 4.7-star average.
Jazz Bistro on 4th
Cuban cuisine, top-tier jazz, and a #1 jazz club rating in Alaska.
Best for Dancing
Malemute Saloon
Swing, ballroom, and themed dance nights. Inclusive, lively, and a Fairbanks classic.
Ivory Jacks & Pioneer Park Dance Hall
Clogging, step dancing, and a welcoming crowd.
Best for Speakeasy, Brewery, or Hidden Bars
The Library Bar & Bites
Speakeasy vibes, craft cocktails, and prohibition-inspired décor. Reservations recommended.
Fairbanks Distilling Company
Gold medal vodka, historic Old City Hall, and a dark, sexy tasting room.
Ursa Major Distilling
Alaska’s first rum, award-winning gin, and a dog-friendly taproom.
Hoarfrost Distilling
World-class vodka, Prohibition Night, and Mardi Gras parties.
HooDoo Brewing Company
Central, spacious, and home to the city’s best Kölsch and IPA. Food trucks, running club, and a 4.7-star average.
Black Spruce Brewing Company
Gold medal IPAs, open-concept taproom, and pop-up art events. Dog-friendly patio and a favorite among the younger crowd.
Lat 65 Brewing Co.
Award-winning beers, ciders, and a taproom with rotating art exhibits.
Best Sports Bar
Lavelle’s Taphouse
Craft beer, big screens, and a lively game-day crowd.
Red Fox Bar & Grill
Delicious food, friendly staff, and all the major games.
Best Coffee
Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.
House-roasted beans, wood-fired pizza, and a cozy, student-friendly vibe.
Little Owl Café
Expert cappuccinos, minimalist décor, and a loyal following.
LUMI Coffee Bar
Bright, airy, and creative specialty drinks.
McCafferty’s, A Coffee House
Historic, eclectic, and home to live music and baked goods.
River City Café
Cozy, central, and a hub for community events.
GOOD Cafe
Coffee, cannabis, and community. A hidden gem for the creative crowd.
The Crepery
Not just crepes—killer espresso drinks, too.
Sleepy? Where to Crash in Fairbanks
From glass-domed luxury to historic mansions and riverside lodges, Fairbanks has a bed for every budget and vibe.
Luxury Hotels
Borealis Basecamp
Sleep in a heated glass dome, watch the aurora from bed, and eat gourmet Alaskan cuisine. $499–$799/night. Book early—these domes are hotter than a Fairbanks summer.
Aurora Villa
Modern, boutique, and built for aurora viewing. Floor-to-ceiling windows, personalized service, and a tranquil setting. $350–$650/night.
Chena Hot Springs Resort
Soak in natural hot springs, tour the Aurora Ice Museum, and book a private cabin. $250–$600/night.
Historical Hotels
Alaska Heritage House
1916 Victorian mansion, period antiques, and gourmet breakfast. $195–$275/night.
Bridgewater Hotel
Downtown, classic décor, and friendly service. $120–$180/night.
A Taste of Alaska Lodge
Family-run, 1950s lodge on 280 acres, homemade breakfasts, and aurora views. $189–$289/night.
Best Budget-Friendly Hotels
7 Gables Inn & Suites
Rustic, family-run, and includes breakfast and airport shuttle. $129–$209/night.
Golden North Inn
Classic roadside motel, clean and affordable. $99–$149/night.
Best Western Plus Pioneer Park Inn
Modern, free breakfast, and walkable to Pioneer Park. $139–$199/night.
Hampton Inn & Suites Fairbanks
Chain comfort, free breakfast, and an indoor pool. $159–$229/night.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport
Free breakfast, WiFi, and airport shuttle. $129–$189/night.
Best Boutique or Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Northern Sky Lodge
Handcrafted log lodge, 80 acres, and an on-site Iditarod Sled Dog Racing Museum. $199–$399/night.
Sophie Station Suites
Apartment-style suites, kitchenettes, and an on-site restaurant. $159–$259/night.
Best Trade Show or Conference Hotels
Westmark Fairbanks Hotel & Conference Center
17,000+ sq ft of meeting space, 400 rooms, and two restaurants. $169–$249/night.
Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Riverside, event space for 400, and classic Alaskan charm. $159–$249/night.
BE ACTIVE: Where to Get Your Sweat (or Chill) On
Fairbanks is basically a giant outdoor gym with a side of adrenaline. Here’s how to get moving:
Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
The Alaska Club Fairbanks South
7,000 sq ft weight room, pool, sauna, and cryotherapy lounge. 24/7 access for members. Family-friendly and the city’s flagship gym.
Red Strength
Strength training, powerlifting, and a supportive, inclusive vibe. Trainer Nikki is a local legend.
F & H Fitness Studio
Award-winning trainers, group classes, and nutrition coaching.
Planet Fitness
Budget-friendly, 24/7, and a “Judgement Free Zone.”
UAF Student Recreation Center (SRC)
Group fitness, drop-in passes, and outdoor equipment rentals.
Best Golf Course
Fairbanks Golf Course
9 holes, par 36, and midnight sun tee times. Open May–September.
Chena Bend Clubhouse and Golf Course
18 holes, 24-hour driving range, and golf simulators for year-round play.
Midnight Sun Golf Course
Virtual golf simulator for those -40°F days.
Best Hikes & Trails
UAF Trail System
15 miles of groomed trails for hiking, running, biking, and skiing.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Flat, accessible trails and prime wildlife viewing.
Angel Rocks Trail
3-mile loop, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic views.
Chena Riverwalk
Scenic stroll through downtown along the river.
Murphy Dome & Ester Dome
Elevation, sweeping vistas, and prime aurora viewing.
White Mountains National Recreation Area
200+ miles of wilderness trails for hiking, skiing, and fat biking.
Best Ski Resorts & Winter Activities
Birch Hill Recreation Area
40+ km of groomed Nordic ski trails, lighted for night skiing.
Ski Land
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and the farthest north chairlift in North America.
Moose Mountain
Unique bus lift system and terrain for all levels.
Unique Alaskan Outdoor Activities
Aurora Viewing
Prime spots: Murphy Dome, Cleary Summit, Chena Hot Springs, Borealis Basecamp. Book a guided tour for the full experience.
Dog Mushing
Rod’s Alaskan Guide Service, Black Spruce Dog Sledding, and Paws for Adventure offer rides, lessons, and kennel visits.
Ice Fishing
Guided trips with heated cabins and the chance to cook your catch.
Snowmobiling (“Snowmachining”)
Rentals and tours through Chena Outdoor Collective and others.
Summer Fun
Kayak the Chena River, midnight sun golf, berry picking, and camping galore.
Best Fitness Coaches
Red Strength Gym (Nikki)
Strength, powerlifting, and women’s fitness.
Coach Stacey
Marathon and endurance coaching, group runs at HooDoo Brewing.
Tailor Made Fitness
Personalized nutrition and performance coaching.
Go 2 Event: Top Event Locations for Concerts, Art, History & More
Fairbanks’ event scene is as eclectic as its weather. Here’s where to get your culture fix:
Best Zoos or Animals
R.G. White Large Animal Research Station (LARS)
Muskoxen, reindeer, and guided tours. Science meets cuteness overload.
Running Reindeer Ranch
Walk with reindeer, summer concerts, and Instagram gold. Reservations required.
Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge
Birdwatching, moose spotting, and interpretive trails.
Best Sporting Events or Local Sports Teams
UAF Nanooks Hockey
NCAA Division I action at the Carlson Center. Get your blue and gold on.
Midnight Sun Baseball Game
Play ball at midnight on the summer solstice. No lights needed, just the sun.
Yukon Quest & Open North American Championship
World-class dog mushing races. Sled dogs > Uber.
World Eskimo-Indian Olympics (WEIO)
Traditional games, dance, and culture. July 16–19, 2025.
Best Plays or Music Venues
Charles W. Davis Concert Hall (UAF)
Home to the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra and big-name concerts.
The Marlin
Live music, open mics, and the city’s alternative heartbeat.
Jazz Bistro on 4th
Live jazz, Cuban food, and a sophisticated vibe.
Bear Gallery & Centennial Center Theater (Pioneer Park)
Art shows, plays, and community events.
Best Art Events or Locations
Bear Gallery
Monthly exhibitions, First Friday Art Walks, and free receptions.
First Friday Art Walks
Downtown galleries, live music, and new exhibits every month.
University of Alaska Museum of the North
2,000 years of Alaskan art, ancient artifacts, and contemporary works.
Two Street Gallery & Gallery 49
Local art, jewelry, and gifts.
History of the Town & What to Be Proud Of
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Natural and cultural history, gold rush stories, and Alaska Native heritage.
Pioneer Park
Living history village, museums, and gold rush-era buildings.
Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum
Pre-WWII cars, period fashion, and immersive displays.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
Exhibits on Alaska Native traditions, local history, and free walking tour guides.
Fairbanks Community Museum & Ice Museum
Gold rush, ice art, and a walk-in freezer for the brave.
Community Shoutouts & Local Legends
Top Real Estate Agent: Jon at Invest Alaska Homes—your go-to for first-time buyers and investors.
Best Coach: Nikki at Red Strength Gym—strength, powerlifting, and women’s fitness.
Local Music Artist: Jake Chavez—alt-country, folk, and Alaskana. Frontman for Barcelona Boys Choir and a staple of the Fairbanks music scene.
Unique Businesses:
The Great Alaskan Bowl Company (hand-turned birch bowls)
HooDoo Brewing Company (craft beer, community events)
The Roaming Root Cellar (local foods market)
SunDog Studio (Alaska-made gifts and art)
The Cookie Jar Restaurant (iconic diner)
Lavelle’s Taphouse (craft beer, social hub)
The Blue Loon (live music, film, and culture)
Call to Action
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Key Finding: Fairbanks is the rare city where you can watch the northern lights from a glass dome, eat a cinnamon roll the size of your face, catch a punk show, and walk with reindeer—all in one day. The only thing missing is you.
Disclaimer Redux:
This blog is for educational purposes only. We don’t own the rights to any businesses listed. If you want your business removed, or have copyright concerns, contact us. All info is based on public reviews, research, and a dash of local gossip. We may earn a commission from bookings via our links. For marketing, hit up Weezle.com. For fun, spin the wheel at Weezle.io! By reading this, you agree we’re not liable for anything—except maybe inspiring your next great adventure.
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