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Most restaurants fly in fresh salmon and halibut from the coast. Meat-and-potatoes main courses, pastas and pizzas, and pub fare dominate most menus, but an increasing number of both ethnic restaurants and establishments serving healthier fare have opened in and around Fairbanks in recent years. The food isn't the only thing full of local flavor: Alaskan pride runs strong, so expect to see snowshoes, bear hides, the state flag, and historic photos incorporated into restaurant decor. As for attire, even in the most elegant establishments Alaskans sometimes wear sweats or Carhartts.
This summer-only stand serves luscious artisanal ice cream made with local ingredients like fireweed, blueberries, and cranberries. Near the university, it's a favorite of locals—it can take a few minutes before you get your scoop, but the fun ambience makes the time go fast.
