Loose Ends - Food & Sleep - IgoUgo Fairbanks Journal

Alaska Salmon Bake

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Restaurant | "Not To Be Missed!"

Alaska Salmon Bake Photo - Alaska Salmon Bake, Fairbanks, Alaska

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Throughout our travels in Alaska we saw advertising for "salmon bakes". Back in 2006 we even went to a restaurant called Phyllis’ Café & Salmon Bake, which as I recall was OK but not spectacular. The salmon bakes that you will find around the state are a throwback to the old days; a family style buffet dinner of Alaska’s bounty from sea and land. I was especially happy we were able to take in the Alaskan Salmon Bake in Fairbanks . . . on their last night of their 2010 season. It was a glorious summer night; perfect for the outdoor picnic atmosphere that is the Alaska Salmon Bake. There are a lot of picnic tables throughout a small wooded area, as well as out on the lawn between th...Read More

Throughout our travels in Alaska we saw advertising for "salmon bakes". Back in 2006 we even went to a restaurant called Phyllis’ Café & Salmon Bake, which as I recall was OK but not spectacular. The salmon bakes that you will find around the state are a throwback to the old days; a family style buffet dinner of Alaska’s bounty from sea and land. I was especially happy we were able to take in the Alaskan Salmon Bake in Fairbanks . . . on their last night of their 2010 season.

It was a glorious summer night; perfect for the outdoor picnic atmosphere that is the Alaska Salmon Bake. There are a lot of picnic tables throughout a small wooded area, as well as out on the lawn between the cabins on the property. I was told that there was also an indoor dining area, but on this night, it was too nice outside to be indoors.

The all you can eat dinner featured more food that I can imagine eating even if only sampling. To be honest, we both ate very light leading up to our return weekend in Fairbanks, knowing this feast was awaiting our arrival! The buffet featured open fire grilled salmon, crab legs, fried cod and halibut, slow roasted prime rib, potatoes, baked beans, salad, rolls, dessert and soft drinks all for $31/person ($15 for kids 12 and under . . . or they can do the double hot dog kid’s meal for $6).

For my first plate, I went right for the best of the good stuff . . . salmon, crab legs and the prime rib. Oh my was it delicious! For mass prepared food on a buffet line, I was amazed at how moist and tender the beef was as well as the flavorful preparation used for the salmon.

David started a bit more conservatively, with a little salad along with fish and crab legs. Our second trips through the dinner buffet filled in the gaps, including baked beans and macaroni salad for me. After dinner, a trip to the dessert cabin was in order. I especially enjoyed the fresh blueberry topping on the white cake.

For beverages, there was unlimited Coca-Cola brand soft drinks, plus a wine & beer selection for an additional price. Because it was their closing night, they were offering specials on the alcoholic beverages.

Dinner is served nightly during their summer season, which for this year was May 9 – September 10; between 5:00p and 9:00p. For those staying in town without transportation, you can pay an additional $6 for roundtrip transportation from your hotel. For those wishing to imbibe, this seemed like a decent option. We did the shuttle so that we could leave the RV back at the campground. It was not only convenient, but also entertaining as our driver for the return trip was quite the comedian.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 29, 2010

Alaska Salmon Bake
Airport Way & Peger at Pioneer Park
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
907/452-7274

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Comfort Inn Fairbanks

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Hotel | "Great (AARP) Rate - Decent Location"

Lobby Area Photo - Comfort Inn Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska

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This was a bargain I scored through AARP nearly a year before our trip. With a rack rate of over $150 at the time of our trip, we were lucky to have it for just $65+ tax/night for the first night and $72+ tax/night for the second. While the location isn’t great given its proximity to the airport, it is definitely a good location for most visitors to Fairbanks. It is an especially great location for those coming to town to visit in March during the International Ice Art Championships or the Open North American Championships (ONAC) sled dog races. For us, it worked out to be a good landing place upon our arrival into Fairbanks . . . and for the night before our departure home at the end of our great...Read More

This was a bargain I scored through AARP nearly a year before our trip. With a rack rate of over $150 at the time of our trip, we were lucky to have it for just $65+ tax/night for the first night and $72+ tax/night for the second. While the location isn’t great given its proximity to the airport, it is definitely a good location for most visitors to Fairbanks. It is an especially great location for those coming to town to visit in March during the International Ice Art Championships or the Open North American Championships (ONAC) sled dog races. For us, it worked out to be a good landing place upon our arrival into Fairbanks . . . and for the night before our departure home at the end of our great adventure.

We had the standard king suite which was a very nice sized room complete with a sofa that could also be used to sleep one, hence the room rated for three people total. We also had a small mini refrigerator and coffee maker. The hotel also had a decent breakfast for all guests, featuring waffles, biscuits & gravy, an assortment of fresh fruit, plus some breakfast pastries and muffins. Add coffee, hot tea or juice and it was a breakfast good enough to get the day started.

They also have an indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, although the hot tub was out of service during our two visits. The lobby was spacious and provided a nice place for folks to lounge by the fireplace if they wanted to get out of their room for whatever reason.

They provide "on the hour" airport shuttle, which is convenient for the 15 minute ride to FAI Airport. One drawback to this location is that it is a bit remote, with nothing within walking distance, especially if you want or need a restaurant nearby. My recommendation would be to try to get a rental car and enjoy getting around the city. While they do have taxis, I have found that booking far enough out, you can get decent rental car rates. (We paid an average of $25/day for the three total days we had a rental car in town . . . also booked last fall via AARP.)

I found the young lady who checked us in for both stays as very nice and accommodating. She was friendly, offering to provide assistance to guests to find local attractions around town. The manager, however, who checked us out on our final morning in Fairbanks was a bit of a snit . . . giving me the third degree about "who I knew" to get such a great rate. When I told him it was booked through AARP, he challenged it saying that they only get 10% discounts and the weekend rate on our room was $189/night.

Oh well . . . I was prepared to show him my e-mail confirmation of the reservation made last fall but he finally backed off and closed out our receipt when I told him we had a flight to catch.

I may consider staying here again in the future, especially since they are right next to the Ice Park where the International Ice Art Championships are held each March. I’ll need to get another great rate, however, to do it.

p.s. For those traveling with pets, they do allow dogs for an additional per night fee. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 30, 2010

Comfort Inn Fairbanks
1908 Chena Landings Loop
Fairbanks 99701
(907) 479-8080

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Gallo's Mexican Restaurant

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Restaurant | "What? No Pitchers??"

David Checking out the Menu Photo - Gallo's Mexican Restaurant, Fairbanks, Alaska

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On our last night in Fairbanks we were both hankering for Mexican food so after our Riverboat Discovery tour we set about finding one. I had read about "good Mexican food" but didn't really know the name or location of such a restaurant. While Fairbanks has spread out a bit and has a few new retail areas spring up around the borough, I thought "How tough can it be to just cruise town and find one?" Well it took a bit more work that I expected.Being pretty familiar with the downtown area, I headed in that direction first. Up and down Second Avenue (the start/finish line area for the ONAC every March) and then Cushman (the main cross street) . . . nothing. From there I head out to wher...Read More

On our last night in Fairbanks we were both hankering for Mexican food so after our Riverboat Discovery tour we set about finding one. I had read about "good Mexican food" but didn't really know the name or location of such a restaurant. While Fairbanks has spread out a bit and has a few new retail areas spring up around the borough, I thought "How tough can it be to just cruise town and find one?" Well it took a bit more work that I expected.

Being pretty familiar with the downtown area, I headed in that direction first. Up and down Second Avenue (the start/finish line area for the ONAC every March) and then Cushman (the main cross street) . . . nothing. From there I head out to where the big Walmart is located since there were several newer restaurants open out that way (the Old Steese) but the best we could find was Boston’s Restaurant and Sports Bar which was not something either of us felt like.

I headed back down the Steese hoping maybe something would appear in that direction, but alas, not to be. I had pretty much given up and took a turn towards the Sam's Club, when there in pretty much the middle of nowhere and hidden by a car parts store, was Gallo's Mexican Restaurant. "Field Rep" driving (essentially going somewhere in a town with some limited familiarity and no map) has never failed me . . . and thankfully here in Fairbanks we lucked out again.

The place was pretty busy for a Sunday evening. We arrived around 6:00pm and had a very brief wait, maybe five minutes. Once seated, we were immediately greeted with ice water, chips and salsa, that were outstanding. I didn't realize just how parched and thirsty I was. Our server came by for drink orders. Ready to relax with an adult slurpee, I ordered a pitcher of frozen strawberry margaritas.

He was kind in the way he told me "Ma'am, here in Alaska we cannot serve cocktails in pitchers, only beer." WOW who'd have thunk it? David and I routinely handle a large pitcher of the frozen delight and in most places at around $6/glass, a pitcher is the most economical way to go. A recent trip to our local Mexican cantina (Su Casa of Menomonee Falls, WI) helped to put the Alaskan law into perspective however. After sharing a pitcher with David, I always seem to be right at the verge of "tipsy". My guess is their law in Alaska is to prevent over-imbibing on the sweet stuff that does go down like slurpees . . . brain freeze and all.

For dinner, David had the beef fajitas and I had the burrito/taco combo. Both platters came with the obligatory rice and refried beans. Our meals were outstanding and very filling. Their prices were also very reasonable, with our dinners being just under $10 each (about $1 more than we typically pay back home in Wisconsin for similar meals).

With one round of margaritas and dinner, our tab came to $38 plus $7 gratuity for our server. We were very happy with the dining experience, quality of food and service and relative value . . . even if we couldn't order a pitcher!

Unfortunately they do not currently have a website, so you'll have to just wing it and see what else they offer as dining choices.

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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 2, 2010

Gallo's Mexican Restaurant
60 College Road
Fairbanks, Alaska
(907) 455-9225

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Pike's Landing Restaurant

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "'Famous' Sunday Brunch - Now We Know Why"

The Dessert Spread Photo - Pike's Landing Restaurant, Fairbanks, Alaska

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Thanks to the internet, I've been fortunate to have met some really wonderful Alaskans both "online" and in person. Photographer extraordinaire Susan Stevenson of North Pole is one such person I'm happy to call my friend. We first got together ironically here in Wisconsin when she was visiting family earlier this year. On this trip, schedules worked out for us to meet with our spouses for brunch on our last full day in Fairbanks. She suggested one of their personal favorites, Pike's Landing, and we're so glad she did!Pike's Landing is located at the Pike's Lodge right on the Chena River. Many people will cruise up and dock riverside to come to Pike's for an overnight or perhaps a grea...Read More

Thanks to the internet, I've been fortunate to have met some really wonderful Alaskans both "online" and in person. Photographer extraordinaire Susan Stevenson of North Pole is one such person I'm happy to call my friend. We first got together ironically here in Wisconsin when she was visiting family earlier this year. On this trip, schedules worked out for us to meet with our spouses for brunch on our last full day in Fairbanks. She suggested one of their personal favorites, Pike's Landing, and we're so glad she did!

Pike's Landing is located at the Pike's Lodge right on the Chena River. Many people will cruise up and dock riverside to come to Pike's for an overnight or perhaps a great meal. For us, it was the more traditional mode of transportation arriving via the Airport Road. When we arrived for our brunch, our reservation at a river view table was ready. It was still a glorious weekend in Fairbanks. I do not think we could have asked for or wanted better weather.

Once seated our server Krissa was right on the spot with water glasses and to take our initial beverage orders. Coffee and hot tea for us, along with the offer of the standard champagne orange juice. I passed on the champagne version, but did enjoy the solo OJ.

It has been a very long time since I've done a Sunday brunch, so I was a bit overwhelmed with all of the great choices here at Pike's. Do I go for the breakfast . . . or lunch . . . or a mix n match? Figuring there would be plenty of time and tummy space, I started with breakfast. While that seems like that would help in terms of making choices, there were still too many to make a quick trip through the buffet line.

They had a lot of what I could consider very fine dining breakfast options including eggs benedict and crepes. If you've read anything I've ever written about other breakfast dining spots, I am a real biscuit lover and have been pretty critical of yucky hard premade or microwaved rocks. I have to say, the biscuits on the buffet here were to die for. I could have made a meal out of their light and fluffy homemade biscuits with just a nice fruit jam. David of course had his with the sausage gravy, which we said was outstanding.

With a bowl of fresh fruit (watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe), scrambled eggs, sausage patties and a wonderful au gratin potato dish, I had a pretty full first plate.

The others went about their plate selection a bit smarter sampling some of the breakfast and lunch items, which also included a fresh carving station of ham and beef, as well as several fish options (halibut and salmon). I did go back to sample the salmon and the beef, which about put me over the edge in terms of being full. I knew I had messed up with I saw what was coming back to the table from the expansive dessert table (nearly 20 linear feet of dessert choices).

Of course, I did see the dessert table first, how could you miss it. I just thought there would always be room for dessert but I did miscalculate and eventually had to take a pass on the sweets. Critical mistake! Next time I will remember my favorite Steven Covey line "Begin with the end in mind." Yes, his counsel applies to food choices as well as business! I should have paced myself through the brunch part of the meal knowing there were many tempting treats awaiting us.

The meal was great . . . and company even better. David and I really enjoyed our meal with Susan and Steve and I look forward to seeing them again when I am next back in Fairbanks. I exclude David in this remark as I know he is not one to want to venture to Alaska in the wintertime, and I suspect my next trip to the area will be an upcoming March when it is too cold for him to even consider it.

The Sunday Brunch Buffet was $21.95 per person and included all of the beverage choices available (coffee, tea, juice and champagne). With gratuity our meal came to $50 which we both felt was very good.

Pike's is also open for lunch and dinner. If you're interested in their menu options and pricing, check out their website: http://www.pikeslodge.com/pikes-landing.html . I'm sure that if the quality of the food at brunch is any indication, you cannot go wrong with this dining choice when in Fairbanks!

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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 2, 2010

Pike's Landing Restaurant
Pikes Waterfront Lodge, 1850 Hoselton Road
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
907-456-4500

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River's Edge RV Park & Campground

Best Of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Enjoyed Our Last Nights Camping Here!"

The Beast at the River's Edge (literally) Photo - River's Edge RV Park & Campground, Fairbanks, Alaska

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Given that their website indicated that the end of their season would be September 10th, we felt especially fortunate to have been able to book our last two nights in the RV here. The location was perfect right in town on the Chena River, yet out enough to have that "in the country" feel while camping. We were actually assigned a "premium" site right on the Chena River. It was very nice, with a great view. At $35/night (Good Sam rate) for full hook-ups, including sewer, cable TV, WiFI, a dumping station and on-site laundry; we were very happy.Perhaps the best value-added option afforded to guests is the transportation assistance they provided or coordinated for guests. On the night ...Read More

Given that their website indicated that the end of their season would be September 10th, we felt especially fortunate to have been able to book our last two nights in the RV here. The location was perfect right in town on the Chena River, yet out enough to have that "in the country" feel while camping. We were actually assigned a "premium" site right on the Chena River. It was very nice, with a great view. At $35/night (Good Sam rate) for full hook-ups, including sewer, cable TV, WiFI, a dumping station and on-site laundry; we were very happy.

Perhaps the best value-added option afforded to guests is the transportation assistance they provided or coordinated for guests. On the night of our arrival, we had plans to go to the Alaska Salmon Bake and show, and for $6/person we were able to obtain transportation roundtrip. The next morning, they provided complimentary transportation to the airport so that we could pickup our rental car for the last two days of touring around town. Some folks staying here also used the shuttle service to the Riverboat Discovery, which is actually right by the airport.

The RV camp is part of a larger resort facility which includes lodge style hotel rooms as well as cottages. Our shuttle bus driver from the Alaska Salmon Bake referred to them as the Gnome Cottages, which made everyone laugh out loud. As we walked through the property the next day, we sorta agreed with him. (Take a look at the photo attached to this review and judge for yourself!)

There are also a couple of full-service restaurants serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast is served buffet style in the Miner’s Hall located inside the main lodge building. For lunch and dinner, you have the opportunity to dine at Chena’s Alaskan Grill, which is on the property and just a short walk from the RV park. Because we were still camping in the RV, we didn’t have any need for dining at the resort.

For guests at the RV park, you can use their activities desk inside the main lodge. From there, you can book local tours as well as more adventurous trips like a drive or flightseeing trip to the Arctic Circle. In looking at their advertised prices, they are consistent with what I’ve seen if you were to book directly with the tour operator. They use Northern Alaska Tour Company, which is one I’m familiar with from my own winter Arctic Circle tour back in March 2007. They are a very good and reputable service provider, so you can book with them with assurance you’ll be well taken care of.

Like many locations in and around Fairbanks (and the rest of Alaska for that matter) they are seasonal and do close for the off season. We were told they had about another week to go before the lodge, cottages and restaurants would be closing until spring. Check out their website for more information on their tourist season, rates and reservations.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 1, 2010

River's Edge RV Park & Campground
River's Edge Resort, 4200 Boat Street
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709

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Why Fairbanks in March?

Best Of IgoUgo

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Aurora Borealis 3/15/07 Photo - Fairbanks, Alaska

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OK so if you've read my reviews from this trip with any attention to detail, you've noted the reference to coming to Fairbanks in March. Sure it's cold (on one 11 day trip, it didn't get above zero degrees Fahrenheit until my last day in town) and dark (around seven or eight hours of daylight), but this city comes ALIVE in March! As much as I thoroughly enjoyed our time here this summer (or was it early fall?) . . . I simply love Love LOVE Fairbanks in March.First and foremost in my book . . . the aurora borealis, aka northern lights! This is what first brought me here in March 07 and again with friends in March 08. The crisp cold and clear night skies are perfect for viewing (and phot...Read More

OK so if you've read my reviews from this trip with any attention to detail, you've noted the reference to coming to Fairbanks in March. Sure it's cold (on one 11 day trip, it didn't get above zero degrees Fahrenheit until my last day in town) and dark (around seven or eight hours of daylight), but this city comes ALIVE in March! As much as I thoroughly enjoyed our time here this summer (or was it early fall?) . . . I simply love Love LOVE Fairbanks in March.

First and foremost in my book . . . the aurora borealis, aka northern lights! This is what first brought me here in March 07 and again with friends in March 08. The crisp cold and clear night skies are perfect for viewing (and photographing) the heavenly light show. Attached to this entry is my photo from that first March 07 trip that earned me my first IgoUgo award "Best Nature Photo of the Year".

With the cold and snow come many opportunities for skiing and skijoring (a version of skiing with a dog pulling you along). There are a couple of places to downhill ski, although there seems to be more people doing cross country skiing around the parks and on the frozen Chena River. Folks can also ice skate on one of the many frozen ponds and lakes in the area.

Another big draw is the Open North American Championship (ONAC) dog sled race. Mushing teams have three heats over the course of three days, with the fastest aggregate time the winner. The past couple of years the champion has been Egil Ellis, who I was fortunate enough to capture on his 2008 championship run to the finish line. The photo attached here was so well liked by the musher that he used it for his personal business postcard that year. It was out of my love for the ONAC that I returned to Alaska this past March to take in the Fur Rondy event in Anchorage that includes the world championships of this sport. Just as Egil seems to be the front runner at the ONAC, Blaine "Bud(dy)" Streeper of Ft. Nelson, BC is the hands down favorite at the Rondy. Watching the dog teams and drivers compete is exhilarating and something I look forward to now, every year, even if I can't get to Alaska.

Fairbanks is also home to the International Ice Art Championships. Ice carvers from around the world descend on this cold arctic place to take part in this event. Champions are crowned in the single block and multi-block carving competitions, with their work on display for roughly three weeks or until mother nature (and the sun) destroy them. In 2007 it was bitterly cold late into March so most were nicely preserved until the end of the show. The following year, however, there were warming temps and many of the more intricate carvings were badly damaged due to melting.

Chena Hot Springs Resort is about an hour from Fairbanks and a favorite destination for those interested in soaking in the therapeutic hot spring lake or taking the snow coach to the top of the ridge for a night of aurora viewing. They also have other onsite activities including snow machining (snow mobile riding for those of us in the lower 48) and sled dog mushing.

Speaking of dog mushing, you can try your own hand at mushing a team of dogs at several kennels in and around Fairbanks and throughout Alaska's interior. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to feel the power of these four-legged athletes. I've done it on every winter trip to Alaska (Fairbanks and Anchorage) and look forward to doing it again this coming March! I believe once you have mushed on snow in the winter, you will never "settle" for those lame dirt trail rides that are offered in the summertime.

I believe that no wintertime trip to Fairbanks would be complete without doing an Arctic Circle drive tour. I have done it both times I've visited and will continue to include it in any future winter trips. At roughly $200 per person, the 11-13 hour trip is a real land adventure. And with the recent popularity of the History Channel show "Ice Road Truckers", the Dalton Highway in the winter has gained a lot of public interest. Leave the driving to a professional tour operator and enjoy the scenery as you learn about the arctic tundra and the boom to Alaska when the pipeline came in the 1970's.

I have written several journals and many reviews on activities in and around Fairbanks in the winter. I hope you will check them out too. I think once you've read and seen what Fairbanks has to offer visitors, you too will become hooked. If only I could get David to give it a try, but alas, he's just too adverse to the cold, below zero temps. The good news for me is that after my first trip back in 2007, I have never been short on finding a friend interested in going on my next winter adventure.
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Loose Ends - Food & Sleep

Alaska Salmon Bake

Comfort Inn Fairbanks

Gallo's Mexican Restaurant

Pike's Landing Restaurant

River's Edge RV Park & Campground

Why Fairbanks in March?

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