Description: The Pump House provided such a marvelous dining experience last year, that I wanted to be sure that we got out at least one night for a special fine dining experience. While more your Alaskan saloon and seafood house, The Pump House has been delighting locals and tourists alike for decades. Our night out, our last in Fairbanks, did not disappoint.
The atmosphere is outstanding, with the hundreds of antiques and items reflective of the Yukon Gold Rush era in Fairbanks. Hanging directly overhead, was an old native sled used around the turn of the century by a local Alaskan hunter. While the wooden structure seemed to be in decent repair, it was difficult for me to imagine a team of dogs pulling this sled down the Chena River seemed impossible.
For dinner we collectively had quite the representation of Alaskan delights. OK - Cathy and Jon did while I stayed with a more "lower 48" favorite - the NY strip steak. Cathy ordered the Alaskan king crab legs. You really have to look at the photo attached to this review. Yes, that is TWO legs for one pound! The crab meat she pulled out of those legs were huge lumps. At $36, they had better delight . . . and by all accounts, she was very pleased with her choice.
Jon went a bit more adventurous, choosing the reindeer tenderloin. Good for the young man, willing to take a risk with dinner entrees. We all sampled his meat, agreeing that it was very good and not gamey at all. All entrees included soup or salad and a basket of warm sourdough bread.
After dinner, we asked to see the dessert tray. OH MY GOODNESS! It was better than I recalled it from a year ago. The theme of the night, however, was clearly chocolate. Jon did the chocolate éclair, Cathy the chocolate mousse and I did the chocolate cheesecake creation. They were all outstanding!
If you decide to partake in the Pump House, plan to have a leisurely dining experience. While the service is very attentive and good, the meal will progress at a pace that will allow for good conversation and full enjoyment of the company of your dining companions. For us, it was the perfect night out for our last night in Fairbanks.
Close