Diner reviews of Soapy Smith's Pioneer Restaurant
A diner from North Pole, AK
Sep 13, 2012
Overall, lunch at Soapy Smith is so so. I went off the recommendation with the crab cake burger, it was on the overwell side. The price for lunch is more than other local restaurant. The server is friendly and sarcastic. If you do not get his humor you would probably think he is rude. Restaurant decoration is cater to tourist/ bar type atmosphere.
A diner from Washington, DC
Sep 9, 2011
Time to check on the Chowder Salt Level as it was way over the allowed limit for a normal diet. Value is not what would bring a dinner here. It is one of the last shops holding out in a deteriorating downtown. Fairbanks is in need of a face lift and soon. Alaska has funds and they need to invest in the cities, old time charm is nice but if tourists are wanted change is required.
A diner from Fort Morgan, CO
Dec 20, 2009
My wife and I were in Soapy Smith's in September during the Labor Day weekend. We had a great time. Bill was the best waiter anybody could hope to have, giving us a bit of local history while we had our meal. My wife had the crab burger and couldn't have been happier. She said it was the best crab burger she had ever eaten. While not a big seafood eater myself, I had a surf and turf platter. I almost forgot I had a steak, the seafood was that good. I would recomend this restaurant to anybody, and I can't wait until I get back to Fairbanks to eat here again. Thanks. Kenneth and Karen Clark
A diner from Kasilof, AK
Aug 1, 2009
Soapy Smiths restaurant in Fairbanks is a lousy place to eat. The Klondike chicken sandwich was overcooked and was very plain tasting. Even the french fries were over cooked. My wife's sandwich was a turkey sub that was supposed to be on homemade bread. The sub was bland, tough and plain. The service was hindered by some guy running around trying to be informative and another guy trying to be flamboyant. I would highly recommend not going to this place. What a complete ripoff.
A diner from Outoftown, US
Feb 15, 2009
We went there just after the finish of the Irondog race to eat a quick lunch. The interior is decorated with tons of Alaskan stuff memorabilia. Unfortunately they were short-staffed and it took over half an hour for a steak and cheese sandwich with fries. It was one of the priciest items and not very good. Probably normal (business) lunch prices for downtown Fairbanks. I did not try the apparently famous clam chowder. The relatively few fries (according to the menu the best in town) seemed to be oven heated fries that I make for my kids at home. When we paid, the waiter and later the owner(?) apologized for the long wait and also were very friendly. If I would go there again, then not for the food, but for the atmosphere and to look at the decoration.
A diner from green valley, AZ
Aug 29, 2008
this restaurant is what alaska is all about.. good people, good food, good times.. this place is a reflection of it's owner.. nick is all about family and community.. this guy just plain loves people.. i highly recommend a visit to soapy smith's.. make sure you get the clam chowder.
A diner from fairbanks ak
Jun 28, 2008
they have the best clam chowder i have ever ate in my life!
A diner from RI
Jun 27, 2008
THE OWNER WAS FAB. hE GAVE US A HISTORY OF THE STATE AND AREA. iT WAS OUR LUCKY DAY THAT WE ATE THERE. lOU IN RHODE ISLAND 2007
A diner from West Hollywood, CA
Apr 18, 2008
A group of workmates and I flew to Fairbanks for the day to visit some clients. We asked the cabbie if he could recommend a lunch spot. He did. Went to Soapy Smith's. What a great atmosphere! We were greeted by an incredibly friendly host/waiter who made us feel so much at home.
As he brought our drinks, he introduced us to Chela, the owner's daughter. She proceeded to follow him around the restaurant with her nonstop chatter. Later, some other "family" members joined and he introduced us to the newest little girl.
What a fabulous, hometown experience!
And lunch was great!
Would recommend this place to anyone visiting Fairbanks.
ActiveDiner diner
Dec 18, 2007
Good food, very attentive (almost overly friendly) service. The best thing about it is the prices, which are uncommonly low for this sort of food, and they haven't gone up with the inflation of every other restaurant in Fairbanks. Awesome! I haven't had too much of the menu, but the only thing I had and didn't like was the clam chowder.
A diner from North Pole, AK
Oct 11, 2007
A wonderful place to go relax and eat while on your lunch break. The service, food and atmosphere is great, and you get back to work on time.
ActiveDiner diner
May 27, 2001
Great Place! Great Food! Great Sevice! It made us feel good!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only wish it was closer to home.
I would like to say hello to an old friend!
If in fact, this is, the right Nick!
I'm from the Mission Valley Hunter. (A San Diego Restaurant Review.)
I met Nick many years ago. He use to come to my restaurant. I do believe he may have stollen a few of our secrets???Thats OK, I think he may have stollen my heart as well?
Just recently I realized
Nick Stepovich, my old friend was the man in charge there at Soapy Smiths. No wonder it was sooooooo aaaamazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep up the great work Nick!!
Love you!!!,
Wendy
Wendy Humphrey-Oliver [email removed]
5004 Dehesa Rd. Ph# [phone removed]
El Cajon, Ca.
92019
Write a review
