Quick Treats Unique to Fairbanks
A shop that makes its own delicious natural ice cream started near the university and sells its creations in good restaurants all over Alaska. Hot Licks Homemade Ice Cream, at 3453 College Rd. (tel. 907/479-7813; www.hotlicks.net), has all the standard flavors, plus some of their own, including blueberry and cranberry made in season with local wild berries. If you have children, their joy will be completed by a visit to the playground behind the Radio Shack next door. Right across from Hot Licks on College Road, summer only, a travel trailer in the parking lot of a sporting goods store contains a bakery called Bun on the Run, which turns out fantastic cinnamon rolls and other baked treats, as well as hearty sandwiches.
Within Driving Distance
Besides the restaurants listed here, consider the salmon bake at Pioneer Park and the restaurant at Sophie Station Hotel.
Fairbanks has every flavor of fast food, many of them along the commercial strip of Airport Way, and many a greasy spoon diner as well. Among the best burgers and shakes can be had at two Brewsters restaurants: 3578 Airport Way (tel. 907/456-2538) and 354 Old Steese Hwy. (tel. 907/374-9663).
Some of the best pizza in town comes from College Town Pizzeria, near the intersection of College and University roads (tel. 907/457-2200), an East Coast, order-at-the-counter family place. The crust is wonderful -- crisp yet chewy -- and they prepare it either in the American style or as Italian gourmet pizza with pesto instead of tomato sauce and toppings such as spinach and chicken. A 16-inch combo is $25. They also serve beer and wine. The pizzeria is open from 11:30am to 9pm and closed Sundays and holidays.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
