Fairbanks: where NOT to go out? (College, North Pole: movies, construction, university)

[AKinAK]

Hi again. We've been here a week and have a pretty solid lay of the land, have eaten at a bunch of great restaurants (ok a lil pricey, but good food), been to the movies, a lil shopping, church, etc. Now we want to start checking out some of the crazy/interesting looking bars around town (I'm from NYC but before this we were in Alabama so I'm used to rural-ish bars, holes in the wall, VFWs, etc). Is there anywhere we really shouldn't go?

[tigre79]

I don't know where not to go, but if you want a fun little dive bar, go to The Marlin, near the university, and right next to Pad Thai (which is also awesome).

[gobrien]

I am not sure about this but maybe avoid bars on 2nd Avenue and the Klondike, but it has been a while since I have been to them.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by AKinAK

Hi again. We've been here a week and have a pretty solid lay of the land, have eaten at a bunch of great restaurants (ok a lil pricey, but good food), been to the movies, a lil shopping, church, etc. Now we want to start checking out some of the crazy/interesting looking bars around town (I'm from NYC but before this we were in Alabama so I'm used to rural-ish bars, holes in the wall, VFWs, etc). Is there anywhere we really shouldn't go?

Check the show schedule at "The Blue Loon" (they have different shows depending on their schedule). I don't go to any bars and such, but this is one of the most interesting places in Fairbanks.

Also, call the Museum at UAF and check their schedule. It's quite a nice place as a "museum;" take a look if you can.

And depending on how long you plan to stay in Fairbanks, the "Iron Dog" snowmobile race should take place (finish line) around Pike's landing by mid February, I believe.

For the best fillet of mignon (if you like eating such), try "The Balatta" on Gold Stream Road. It's a little out of town, and expensive, but quite nice. Call ahead of time, just in case

Chinese food? The Pagoda in North Pole. But it gets quite crowded in the evenings.

[roadfamily6now]

I have to second the Blue Loon. Great place. I'm not into the bar scene but they have great food! yummy hummus plates!

There is a bar in Fox that gets busy, cannot recall what it's called. (heck, night not even be in Fox!)

[warptman]

Pagoda's for sure!

[heathen]

Wait, wait, the OP asked where NOT to go. I don't think there's anywhere so bad that you have to worry about walking in. Just don't be an idiot once you're there. Like many places in the south, arguments in the bars in FBX can turn into fights real quick, just depends on how you carry yourself. 'Course, the last body I saw fly though a table was at the College Coffeehouse...HAHA!

[1stimestar]

Originally Posted by gobrien

I am not sure about this but maybe avoid bars on 2nd Avenue and the Klondike, but it has been a while since I have been to them.

Yep, those.

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

I have to second the Blue Loon. Great place. I'm not into the bar scene but they have great food! yummy hummus plates!

There is a bar in Fox that gets busy, cannot recall what it's called. (heck, night not even be in Fox!)

The one in Fox is the Howling Dog Sallooooooon! My favorite place but not open in the winter. It's "unique" Alaskan construction keeps it from being heatable in the winter.

[Teak]

Originally Posted by gobrien

I am not sure about this but maybe avoid bars on 2nd Avenue and the Klondike, but it has been a while since I have been to them.

Yeah, and not because they're dangerous but because they're boring.

The Blue Loon, the Howling Dog out in Fox, or Ivory Jack's along Goldstream Road, is where you want to go.

[Barkingowl]

What about the strip club out by the airport?