The Boatel Bar — Restaurant in Alaska

Walking into the Boatel in Fairbanks feels like entering a parallel universe where time stopped in 1978, the jukebox plays itself, and the air is permanently seasoned with beer, cigarette ghosts, and just a hint of sewer backup. And you know what? I LOVE IT.

Yes, it’s dark inside, darker than an Alaskan winter, but that’s just part of the charm. You don’t come to the Boatel for mood lighting or artisan cocktails. You come because it’s one of the last real places left in the world. It’s where grizzled locals, confused tourists, and that one guy who’s been sitting in the same stool since 1994 all coexist in gritty harmony.

Sure, the bathroom smells like a municipal emergency, but where else are you gonna get a bar fight and karaoke in the same 10 minutes while a taxidermied moose silently judges you from the wall?

It reminds me of the trashiest dive bar you’ve ever stepped foot in, only somehow… better. Because it’s Alaska. Because it’s honest. Because the Boatel doesn’t try to be anything it’s not… and in that weird, sticky-floored way, it ends up...

99% of the staff is amazing awesome people who I cannot say enough positive things about. But today upon entering the bartender jorda refused service to my friend. Stating that if I wanted to drink she would serve me. Cool. But my friend wanted to go somewhere else since he could not be served. Well we are responsible adults decided since we would be drinking, we would order a Uber to the bar. Since we decided to leave jorda said "if your not going to order a drink I'm going to ask you to leave cause your making me feel uncomfortable at my workplace" essentially forcing us to stand outside in the cold temperatures of Fairbanks Alaska. Like I said 99% of the staff is amazing. Jorda however will always cause my friends and myself to go elsewhere for a drink if she's on shift. I've never dealt with such an egotistical childish adult and I work in...

What a great friendly bar. Lots of locals but are very engaging with others. I would have loved to have given it five stars, but the lack of credit cards is an issue. Very short-sighted of owners to think they are saving money by not accepting credit cards, only to be losing money because people run out of cash. And no, we're not going to go to the ATM. But that doesn't bother you, I would definitely recommend it. Really, really...