Soapy Smith's Pioneer — Restaurant in Fairbanks

Four of us stopped in to look around earlier, then stopped back a little later. The walls are filled with memorabilia and artifacts that really depicted the history of Alaska. The owner told us countless stories, very knowledgeable and entertaining which included family anecdotes. His father was the territorial governor of Alaska when statehood was granted & he himself was born in the governor's mansion. A very enjoyable last night in Alaska was spoiled when he found out we were from Minneapolis and the discussion became political. At that point he told us Minneapolis was horrid, that George Floyd was dying before he confronted the cops and basically caused his own death. We lived through those terrible times and know the truth. He went on that everything wrong with our country is caused by the CIA & strongly inferred the fault of the Democrats. When asked where he gets his news he said he doesn't listen to or read the news--that he gets his information from a friend. He spewed on out of control about conspiracy theories, etc., until he took a big enough breath one of us could ask for our check. Yes, we had excellent food and saw a lot of Alaskan history in one place. But the political soapbox monologue and the criticism of our home city caused us to leave his establishment and Alaska with a dark disturbing cloud...

Walked by today and the Owner was outside in the street yelling at people not to patronize the other restaurants in town,but to come in his place instead. Hollered at one group not to go eat BBQ ,but come there instead. One of his Kitchen Boys I'm assuming was outside walking up to people trying to drum up business,while Bad Mouthing the other Restaurants trying to make a living. Said the Tour Company People send the customers to places they get kickbacks and free meals from,all while pooping on the little man like him. The whole thing seemed shameful, disgraceful and without class of ANY kind. If you want more business, improve your food! The photos don't look good,or appealing, like something special that would bring me in! However, you're questionable business practices,and shady ethics, would probably keep me...

Because of what I like to blame on their limited hours, but what really amounts to my lack of planning, I don't get to go to this place enough. However, when I do, it feels like I've never been away. There is a very friendly waiter there who has a special place in our hearts and all of the staff are wonderful. Their clam chowder is the best I've ever had and the blt is a perfect compliment. No one can make swiss miss hot chocolate taste as good and the decor is always comforting to me. Get there at a lucky time and the owner himself will give a tour of the many things on the walls of the restaurant. You get a history lesson, with a museum like feel, while also feeling like you are eating a meal with friends and family. Whether its 80 above or 50 below, these...