Reviews Two Rivers Lodge Fine Dining

Delicious! I have been here many times and it never disappoints. The crab and lobster stuffed mushrooms were amazing. Our salads were crisp and refreshing with fresh ground pepper to top it off. I had the peppered steak that was deliciously spicy and juicy and cooked perfectly. In the past my steaks were cooked different each time I ordered medium but today was perfect. Service was awesome and we got our own pitcher of iced tea that I never had to pour because our waitress always did. One time they were busy and the food was a little slow coming out and we requested it to go (I had a little one close to bed time) and it was no problem. Definitely going back again :)

Best place in Fairbanks!. I stopped here on a whim driving down Chena Hot Springs Road and was blown away. I couldn't decide between the five tenderloin medallions in a peppercorn sauce and the California-grilled halibut in an avocado/roasted pepper sauce, so my server checked with the chef, and I ended up with bit of both--both of which were absolutely to die for.

The meat was extremely tender and flavorful (they get organically-raised beef from Mistly Isle Farms in Washington) and I couldn't get enough of the peppercorn sauce (a creme fraise and wine base). The halibut was flaky, moist, and perfectly done, and the avocado sauce was delicious--very mild but with noticeable roasted pepper flavors and a hint of tanginess. Sides of slightly toasted mashed potatoes and butter-roasted carrot slices completed the artfully-presented plate.

I was full after the dinner, but judging from the quality of the meal, there was no way I could pass up their desserts. I opted for a freshly-whipped (an hour and a half before) chocolate mousse, which melted in my mouth, and a decaf coffee, brewed rich and dark (almost a European style).

The meal plus a glass of San Pellegrino sparkling water netted $46.50--not bad by Alaskan standards and definitely worth the quality of food served. The service was excellent (I appreciated their willingness to go out of the way to accommodate both of my cravings) and the ambiance very nice. While the restaurant's web site bills itself as a five-star restaurant, I'd put it in the four star category (although the food quality may make it a contender for a five-star rating). The only thing I'd suggest avoiding is the tap water--it has the same taste of iron that nearly all of the Fairbanks North Star Borough's well water contains (they'd do well to put a few more filters on their tap).

All in all, I enjoyed the restaurant and would consider it one of the highlights of the Fairbanks area. I'd certainly recommend that every Fairbanksan who likes good "gourmet" food and every traveler who wants to sample the finest that Fairbanks has to offer give it a try. Enjoy!

(Based on my experience in the summer of 2006)

Update: On a recent trip to Fairbanks with five friends, we stopped at Two Rivers on the way to Chena Hot springs. Filets, halibut chunks, pastas, and Chateaubriands filled the table, and all six of us (including three very discriminating New Yorkers!) concurred with my original review from my 2006 experience. It's definitely worth the stop!

It was a cool drive and a nice surprise steakhouse in the middle of nowhere. I had the dilmonaco and my friend had bacon wrapped filet. Both were very good. They also gave fresh baked bread.

Great prime rib, salad and dessert. All for a good price. Staff is quick and fast. Will be going back.

The food and service was great. Was a very busy night due to the start of the Yukon Quest. The only down side was the indoor temp of the restaurant. Has to be in the 50s and they ran out of pellets for the pellet stove. We ate our prime rib with coats on. Menu is perfect, everything for burgers to steak. What you should expect for prices 30 minutes north of Fairbanks.