Reserve now:
The Pump HouseReservations
Restaurant Reviews List >
Anchorage Restaurant Reviews >
Fairbanks Restaurant Reviews >
Fairbanks Restaurant Reviews >
American Restaurant Reviews
The Pump House Reviews List
The Pump House
The Pump House Restaurant offers Fine Dining in a Historice Atmosphere overlooking the Chena river. We are listed on the National Registry of Historic Sites and are the recipient of the DiRONA Award. Seasonal closure - January 1st through February 2nd. Reopening February 3rd.
See more The Pump House details
56 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Rating Breakdown 56 reviews
5 stars
(15)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(6)
2 stars
(9)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- scenic view(24)
- special occasion(24)
- good for groups(20)
- great for brunch(17)
- great for outdoor dining(16)
- fit for foodies(15)
The Pump House Reviews List
Review 1 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Competent waiter staff? Sometimes.
OpenTable Diner Since
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As my last visits, the waitress was incompetent and friendly in a condescending way. No refills on coffee until asked for- when you could catch her. Inappropriate conversations between the waiter staff. Abrasive towards elderly guests and not able to find a solution, in a roundabout way telling them to leave. Inconsiderate towards family needs. I won't go there again until their staff is retrained. Then I am willing to pay the pricey brunch again."
Dined on 6/16/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Anniversary Dinner
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Steak was one of the worse I have ever ordered. Our waitress spilled a drink on our table. It was our 25th anniversary was not what we hoped for. My wife had the salmon which was ok."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good food in Fairbanks
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Pump House is a rare find in the generally uninspiring food scene found in Fairbanks.
Creative menu, good food and fun atmosphere."
Creative menu, good food and fun atmosphere."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Better late than never
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything was great except for the fact that although brunch started at 10am, it took until 1030 before all of the food was brought out and ready for service. As it was, customers who were seated early did not have access to the full menu."
Dined on 6/02/2013
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"While we always enjoy a nice meal out at the Pump House, Sunday's staff was CLEARLY understaffed and overworked. The restaurant was teeming with patrons, who well outnumbered the serving staff. I almost felt bad for our server, who, I believe, enjoyed ignoring our table.
I love Sunday brunch, and I love the Pump House, but they simply MUST increase staff to go along with the summer dining season."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I was pleased with the quality
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was pleased with the quality and taste of the food. My only complaint would be that the service was very slow and my dining experience would have taken half as long had the service been better/faster."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Food and exceptional service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food and service were again exceptional and we can't wait to go back."
Dined on 04/23/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food itself was decent.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food itself was decent. They did run out of several types of food though, and took 10+min to replace them. At one point they also ran out of dishes, so no one could even get food. Service was okay, but considering it wasn't very busy- not impressed. It took over 10min just for someone to come to our table to ask us what we wanted to drink. Didn't even receive water till I was essentially done eating."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of Fairbanks' finest dining.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Pump House is a great restaurant for nearly any occasion. A rustic dining area and great view enhance the excellent food and courteous staff. I recommend the bacon-wrapped scallops to anyone. By far and away the best I've ever had. Steaks are made to order and you won't be dissapointed with the portions. I hope you're hungry, because you definitely won't be when you leave. Parking is ample and if you're eager to get in early, the Pump House offers reservations. Truly a place for a wonderful dinner!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A truly Alaska Landmark, and
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A truly Alaska Landmark, and place not to be missed in Fairbanks. The food and service is always very a good."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
OK
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Nicely restored, food was OK, a bit expensive for what you get."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Didn't like returning home
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Didn't like returning home smelling of cigarette smoke, I guess it was from the bar. One steak dinner was under cooked. Service was a little slow but good."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Hostess was very rude on arrival.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Hostess was very rude on arrival. Waitress was rushed and took a while to take our order. Different parts of our dinner came out at different times."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2013
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Just so so
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food we ordered (rib steak) had a good flavor but was pretty tough (kind of gristly). The overall experience was just so so. I would neither recommend the Pump House nor discourage someone else from going there. I don't live in Fairbanks so this might have just been a bad batch of steaks or it could has been their usual. The waiter was ok - he didn't do anything wrong - he just didn't seem that excited to be there."
Dined on 03/20/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Had the reindeer tenderloin.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had the reindeer tenderloin. I get that they were trying to incorporate sweet, salty, and bitter all in one plate but it just didn't work. The meat was not seasoned or salty at all and the sauce didn't give the meat any help. The sweet potatoes were delicious, but I can't see myself ever paying 35$ for good sweet potatoes again.
Also, I asked if I might have a beer brought with my entree. It never came."
Also, I asked if I might have a beer brought with my entree. It never came."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2013
Special Features: kid-friendly
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 16 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
An Alaskan Must!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It really is a "taste" of Fairbanks. Food was quite good, had reindeer, sweet & lean. Husband had 18.00 hamburger which he said was good also.
The ambience was old time and charming. Service excellent. Made sure you have a reservation, local & tourist popular spot.
We recommend Pump House as part of your Alaska experience!"
The ambience was old time and charming. Service excellent. Made sure you have a reservation, local & tourist popular spot.
We recommend Pump House as part of your Alaska experience!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 17 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
A good choice if you're looking
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A good choice if you're looking for game (elk, bison, venison) while in Fairbanks."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2005
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 18 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Halibut was excellent. Prime
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Halibut was excellent. Prime rib was pretty bad, and desserts were average.
Server- Scott was fantastic!"
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 19 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
ok food and service. Price
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"ok food and service. Price is a little bit overpriced for the portion and the quality of food. I probably Will not visit again."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 20 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Pump House Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were promptly seated, service was great and the food couldn't have been any better. A great location for halibut"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 21 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Sunday Brunch Buffet at the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Sunday Brunch Buffet at the Pump House was fabulous! The variety of foods meant there was something for everyone. My husband raved about the banana praline syrup. Everyone enjoyed the rockfish. There was also a wide variety of salad/appetizer options and yummy desserts. This was our first visit for Sunday Brunch, but we will definitely do it again!"
Dined on 03/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 22 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding food and wonderful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Outstanding food and wonderful service. The brunch was a great experience."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 23 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great service, very good food,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great service, very good food, beautiful spot by the river, historic place!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 24 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best and almost only place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Best and almost only place in town to get a real steak! Entrees, drinks, and desserts were all perfect!"
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 25 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As always our experiance is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As always our experiance is always great at the pump house. That is why we keep coming back. keep up the good work!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 26 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Awful.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Terrible service, our waitress brought us our entrees after we got done with our appetizers and never filled out drinks. We waited 10 minutes just for her to notice us. When we were asking about the food on the menu, she honestly had to clue what any of the food was. She just agreed with some of the questions we asked. Your servers and waitresses should always be briefed on the nightly specials and what they actually are. last but not least, for what you pay for a plate, you would think you'd get at least enough food to fill you up. Im not a huge eater, i weigh 120. When I got home i had to make myself a snack. No kidding, you get two scallops if you order that for an appetizer. As for entrees, even more ridiculous. Save your money!!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 27 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was quality, just not
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was quality, just not stellar. Service was excellent. Dessert menu was deep, mixed drinks were STRONG! Overall, very good!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, special occasion, scenic view
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 28 for The Pump House
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As always the food, setting,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"As always the food, setting, and service are top notch. Perfect."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for The Pump House
Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
7 out of 8 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic