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 being everything.
Michael M
Everyone here is super friendly, and real nice outdoor area to catch some live music!
Jeff Babitt
I asked for a single she definitely gave me a very generous double
Heather Ferguson (Alaska)
Favorite go to
Ivan Pavlov
Excellent place with beautiful view and music 😍😍😍
Jerome Hastings
Terrible place
Johnny G
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 great place!
Cody King
Food trucks are available outside the Boatel in the summer. The owners do a great job with atmosphere and entertainment on the weekends! You might even spot local celebrities like Raleigh and Jomo.
Jeff Caldwell
Good bar but very clickish.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
Nap Crowe
Super friendly bar on the water with firepits out back. Lots of fun
This is the Cheers Bar of Fairbanks. Very Local and everybody knows everybody. Stopped in for a few cold ones on Presidential Debate night and was very interesting. Cool bar and would stop by again but had a plane to catch. My vacation time was up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bridger Terra
Ok, it is the best dive bar in Fairbanks it has a great view, good bands and cash only. Trivia nights are fun, and so worth going winter or summer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Kristie Hastings
It's illegal to discriminate against people with medical conditions I'll be contacting my lawyer, or was it because you saw my military id
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jake Adams
Bouncer needs to be tested extra chromosomes, maybe hit the gym too on his way. Drinks were mid, cash only. You’re better off drinking at home.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Fernando García
It is a very good place to have a relaxing beer. If the weather is good it has a large terrace with live music. The problem is the waiting time to order, the queue is immense.
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 being everything.
Everyone here is super friendly, and real nice outdoor area to catch some live music!
I asked for a single she definitely gave me a very generous double
Favorite go to
Excellent place with beautiful view and music 😍😍😍
Terrible place
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 great place!
Food trucks are available outside the Boatel in the summer. The owners do a great job with atmosphere and entertainment on the weekends! You might even spot local celebrities like Raleigh and Jomo.
Good bar but very clickish.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 5
Super friendly bar on the water with firepits out back. Lots of fun
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the Cheers Bar of Fairbanks. Very Local and everybody knows everybody. Stopped in for a few cold ones on Presidential Debate night and was very interesting. Cool bar and would stop by again but had a plane to catch. My vacation time was up.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ok, it is the best dive bar in Fairbanks it has a great view, good bands and cash only. Trivia nights are fun, and so worth going winter or summer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
It's illegal to discriminate against people with medical conditions I'll be contacting my lawyer, or was it because you saw my military id
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bouncer needs to be tested extra chromosomes, maybe hit the gym too on his way. Drinks were mid, cash only. You’re better off drinking at home.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
It is a very good place to have a relaxing beer.
If the weather is good it has a large terrace with live music.
The problem is the waiting time to order, the queue is immense.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 3
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