Recommendations for restaurants and stores

Question

We are flying in the day before our land tour starts and staying at Springhill Suites. We are renting a car for the day so we can explore on our own before we start the land tour with Princess. I am hoping to get some recommendations for the following:

restaurants - (looking for local restaurants to try - son is allergic to shellfish, so if it is a seafood place need somewhere good with allergies)

stores - looking to pick up a few snacks to have on hand for our trip and also any good places to look for Alaskan made items.

Any help is appreciated!

Answer

Fairbanks has a mix of local restaurants and stores where you can enjoy Alaskan cuisine and pick up supplies for your trip. Since you have a shellfish allergy to consider, it’s important to choose places that offer clear menu options and are accommodating to dietary restrictions.

Restaurant Recommendations

The Cookie Jar: Popular for breakfast and brunch, with a variety of hearty American dishes. Allergy-friendly options available, and the staff is generally accommodating.
Pike’s Landing: Located on the river with scenic views, serving American and Alaskan cuisine. Offers meat and fish dishes beyond shellfish, and they are usually able to accommodate allergies if you mention them in advance.
Lavelle’s Bistro: Upscale dining with locally sourced ingredients and a variety of meats and non-shellfish options. Beautiful ambiance and excellent for a special evening meal.
Alaska Salmon Bake: Casual riverside dining with traditional Alaskan fare. They offer salmon, chicken, and vegetarian options; be sure to check about shellfish cross-contamination.
Thai & Sushi Restaurants: For a change of pace, local Thai restaurants such as Thai House can be accommodating for allergies. Avoid sushi with shellfish unless clearly specified.

Stores for Snacks and Alaskan-made Items

Safeway or Fred Meyer: Large grocery stores where you can stock up on snacks, drinks, and basic travel essentials.
Dog Gone It: Specialty store with Alaskan-made items, including local jams, chocolates, and souvenirs.
Alaska Geographic or Fairbanks Visitor Center Shop: Good selection of Alaskan books, maps, and locally made crafts.
Local Farmers’ Markets (if open during your visit): Seasonal produce, baked goods, and handmade Alaskan products.

Tips for Dining and Shopping

Call ahead to restaurants about shellfish allergies to ensure safe options are available.
Consider dining early or making reservations, especially at popular spots like Pike’s Landing and Lavelle’s, to avoid long waits.
For Alaskan-made items, look for local craft labels and avoid generic souvenirs found in big-box stores.
Pack snacks for your land tour, including protein bars, trail mix, and fruit, which can be purchased at grocery stores or specialty shops in Fairbanks.

Overall, Fairbanks offers a good balance of local dining, allergy-conscious restaurants, and stores for both practical items and authentic Alaskan souvenirs. With a day to explore, you can enjoy a nice meal, pick up supplies, and experience a taste of local culture before your land tour begins.

Recommendations for restaurants and stores

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