North Pole is a one-trick pony: a town named as a means of first attracting toy manufacturers, then serving as a tourist attraction for the unlucky kids who have to grow up braving the Alaskan winter. Judging from the overall air of dilapidation that is apparent even when driving past on the state highway, the gambit didn't turn out to be quite as prosperous as the founders would have originally hoped. It's still good enough to pull the RV over for a bathroom break and to grab a quick picture in front of Santa's workshop, and if you've already stopped, why not grab a bite to eat at the friendly-looking silver Twinkie with all the cars parked out front? Little Richard's offers everything you might expect to find in a diner overly nostalgic about the 1950s: jukebox, I Love Lucy, old miscellany posted haphazardly on the walls, and a menu choked full of simple fried and griddled items that can be served en mass. They need to put it out quickly, too; despite being located several miles from the business center of North Pole, they are quite popular on the weekends. This not only affects the time it takes to get a seat, but also the food, as the hard-working cooks can become inundated. Sometimes this works out to your advantage, like when the sliced reindeer sausage is left to its own devices long enough to achieve some remarkably golden brown exteriors. The hash browns would have been a success in this vein, too, had both sides of the shredded potatoes received this treatment - browning only one side results in a missed opportunity. Other diners were not so lucky, and received a visibly well-done burger that was only half eaten before giving up. If it's not on the flat top, it's in the fryer. No complaints were had from the chicken fried steak, even if the copious amount of gravy turned the crust soggy by the time it made it to the table. The buffalo chips, like the rest of the frozen starches, are perfunctory and non-essential. A request for over easy eggs resulted in runny yolks, and taking everything else into consideration, is impressive. Little Richard's suffers from many of the same problems as other nostalgia diners: under-seasoned food, an over-reliance on the fryer, and an adherence to the classics, warts and all. The fact that they're able to put out a reliable breakfast is probably a testament to their longevity and popularity, especially in a town that has arguably been focused on superficiality since its very inception.
(3)
I S.
Best meal! Great service, large portions, priced right. Plus they give 10% military discount.
(5)
Robert P.
Maybe the first time I went, it was an off day. But upon returning for breakfast, it was pretty amazing. Not just Fairbanks/Alaska good, but really good breakfast food. Usually, when I find something on a menu I like, I will order the same thing every single time. But we have been back for breakfast twice, and both times, we were not disappointed. The pancakes...ermahgaaad! They were a pretty good size. Okay, they were huge. The batter looked very thick, and I thought it was going to be very dense. To my surprise, they were airy and fluffy. I retract my prior review about the mediocre food. Definite four stars for breakfast!
(4)
Janie S.
This is the perfect place to come to on a Saturday morning to Enjoy some freshly brewed coffee, an All American breakfast, and hear a good story or two from the regulars. My boyfriend and I visited after church on Sunday and ordered your typical eggs, potato and Bacon breakfast. Delicious! Nothing fancy, but you can taste the love. I got an order of pancakes and did not realize how big the portion would be. Luckily my boyfriend has a big appetite. I would recommend coming early to avoid wait lines, but even if you have to wait it will be worth it. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The inside is rather small, but it's what gives it that unique North Pole charm and makes it feel like home. Prices are reasonable and portions will not disappoint!
(4)
Sharon B.
Great service, good food, competitive prices. Friendly home town atmosphere. Wait staff is accommodating, attentive and friendly without hovering. Good food value and comes promptly and tasty.
(5)
Michelle S.
We stopped in to Little Richard's after passing it one day heading to North Pole. We had a short wait which wasn't too bad considering it was a weekend. We grabbed seats at the counter and placed our orders of fried eggs, bacon, toast and coffee and I had the Little Richard Burger with the buffalo chips. The burger was good and I enjoyed the buffalo chips but wanted them to be spicier. I ended up having lunch envy after seeing a steak and cheese go by. My partner loved the breakfast and has already asked (less than a week since) when we'll be going back. Nice staff and large portions. We'll be back.
(4)
Mary K.
We chose to dine here based on yelp reviews. What a wonderful experience it was. Its a rail car diner with great atmosphere. The family owned diner was fun, food was delicious and owner talked to us making us feel at home. Loved it. The coffee was fantastic and service was great. I don't visit North Pole, AK often, but if I do come back, I would definately revisit this diner. Thanks again to Little Richards for making us feel so welcome.
(5)
Caz N.
Awesome food, great portions, you will not leave hungry. All American breakfast, with emphasis to Alaska treats as well. Careful not to drive past it, you may miss your next great meal.
(5)
Wilbert C.
Awesome breakfast skillet with reindeer sausage. Fast service with a smile. I'd definitely come back!
(5)
Betty G.
Service is a little slow and there is no line for paying. Regardless it was delicious! I had the buffalo sausage and a few friends had the reindeer. It had a large portion size so I can say you can share a plate. Eggs were cooked right and fluffed. Of course the sausage was delicious, biscuits and gravy was amazing! Hash browns reminded me of Denny's but hey it was still good. Friends has philly cheese steak omelet, meat skillet omelet and French toast! Enjoy the pictures my fellow yelpers
(5)
Laydee R.
The food was delicious. I ordered the buffalo burger and curly fries and it was very tasty. It's such a cute dinner, it gets pretty busy so we go early mornings to avoid the line. This is the best diner we have eaten in North Pole, and we definitely will be coming back for more.
(4)
Adriana L. R.
Very good! We were traveling back to Fairbanks and decided to stop here. We order a chili hot dog and fries and it was pretty good. Also the portion size is huge and not expensive at all.
(4)
Anthony G.
A classic! Exactly what it should be, and none of what it shouldn't! Love this place.
(4)
Judith M.
Went in hungry and came out stuffed! My go-to place in the North Pole. Food and service is always great!
(4)
David G.
Excellent food!!!!
(5)
Jeff T.
Updating to 5 stars. We come back to this place often and have really enjoyed it. The family who run it are really wonderful and the food is always really good. I highly highly recommend frequenting the diner.
(5)
Brandon M.
I have been stopping here for years and have never been disappointed. Great food in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
(5)
Kymberly G.
Came by for lunch on our way out of town after having spent a few days at Hotel North Pole for a business meeting. Service was friendly, and the place was packed. Food was excellent. Burgers were perfect and the fries were fresh.
(4)
John H.
If there's one thing I miss about Greater Fairbanks, it's this place. By far the best food I had during my month-long stay in the area. Service was excellent each time; food was delicious and came in HUGE portions. Everything else about this place was so good I completely forgive that it's out on the side of the highway outside of the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole. But totally worth stopping in. Just be mindful that Monday or Tuesday they are closed. But this place needs to be recognized...! :-)
(5)
Krisa H.
This is a great 50s style diner right in North Pole, Alaska. You can get a great meal quick before heading over to meet Santa. The milkshakes are tall and topped with a ton of whipped cream and a cherry. We loooved the corn fritters and hush puppies. The curly fries and the buffalo chips were also pretty exceptional. I come from NJ which is the land of diners and this diner can definitely hang with the best of them.
(5)
Anthony M.
The hamburger steak can feed two. The best hamburgers in North Pole. Food is great and the service is better.
(5)
Mario C.
food and service were stellar, had the chilli pieces of bison and meat. great flavor will be back to try biscuts and gravy. a plus is they service breakfast till 2pm.
(5)
Leann M.
Breakfast here is good. Pancakes are huge!! burgers are great, and I LOVE the milk shakes. Have taken family there when they have come up to visit. The staff was awesome, and friendly
(5)
Dale W.
It's one of those chrome, roadside diners that I'm always tempted to check out; and when I finally stopped here I was so glad that I had. Big servings of good food made with love and served by caring, fun staff. My delicious malted milkshake was served with the metal mixing cup! I just wish that it was closer to Fairbanks.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
Great little diner. Family friendly, nice staff, feeling of eating at home. The place smelled a little greasy, but you can see the fry cook from where you sit. the fried chicken was awesome as were the buffalo chips. I'll go back and take visiting family. :-)
(4)
Kurtis J.
I love dinners and this one is pretty good. Gives off a very welcoming environment and the staff is very nice . I had the crispy chicken sandwich and it was a lot of crispy and not a lot of chicken . The curly fries should be seasoned because they seem very plain. Didn't come with any special sauce though. My friends burgers seemed like just plain . Seemed to expensive for a meal that is less exciting then something that I can get from Wendies .
(2)
Linda H.
Ed and Ann. I miss your hamburger steak with onion and green peppers or "Rich's Special". Haha. Thanks for accommodating our diet request. Decan could always make it JUST the way we can eat. THANKS. I'll stop by next time in the area. Maybe I'll get ice cream too. Miss you all.
(5)
Crystal B.
Friendly service, food was pretty bland and lacked seasoning but not greasy which I was thankful for, and very large portions. Was nice to see the cooks wash down their station between orders and actually wash their hands when handling defrosted raw meat.
(4)
J T.
Great quick diner food that is about all I can say. Huge burgers and sandwiches plus it was clean.
(4)
He And She I.
This was a fun place to eat, more for the people watching than the food, which was predictable diner fare.
(3)
Judy S.
It's really hard for me that I'm visiting and paying such high $ for mediocre food but I keep being told that we're in AK.. anyway... I had the special of pot roast, mash potatoes & corn. The pot roast was tender and tasty but then they covered it w/ gravy either out of the jar or powder... mashed potatoes tasted also like it was out of a box and my corn was over cooked and chewy. my daughter had the buffalo burger which she liked. the party also ordered a club sandwich which looked good. Overall, the food is just average so definitely over priced, but my friends swear by their malts.
(3)
Jeff G.
haven't written a review in a while, but dinner tonight was at best OK, while we were eating. 20 minute's later, it was terrible. it stopped just short of giving us food poisoning. thankfully neither of us vomited. we ended up with terrible indigestion and gas. both of us had the hamburger steak with mushrooms and onions. buyer beware. if you are brave enough to eat there, avoid the hamburger meat. obviously we don't plan to return. too many other places to eat.
(1)
Lya A.
Came here since we were having some car work done close by and this restaurant is right off the main road easy to get too and great :) it's super small but food was really good!! Alittle pricey but I have learned that everything is Alittle more in AK lol for two adults two children was just under $50 but worth it and would go back for sure
(4)
Brad B.
Good food & service. It's a dinner and they do well at what they do
(4)
Ryan M.
Best place in North Pole for breakfast, come pretty often country fried steak is grand, omelettes are delicious, biscuits and gravy are just ok, reindeer skillet was a little off when I ordered it but my buddy swears by it. Service may be the best part, servers are so polite, the decor is 50's diner and the place has a very comfy feel to it. can't go wrong with breakfast here
(3)
Joshua G.
Great breakfast and lunch. Buffalo chip fries rock. Only complaint is the overall space. So popular that from time to time during rush times it feels overly crowded. Would recommend to anyone looking for great burger that isn't fast food.
(4)
Naomi V.
This is our number 1 place to go for food. We love it. The wait staff is friendly, and on top of refilling drinks and making sure everything is right. The food is always good and timely. There is something for everyone on their menu.
(5)
Nancy J.
It took the waitress a very long time to get to us to take our order. For a small place it was busy, but once our order was taken they delivered it so fast I think the cook anticipated what we wanted. Reindeer sausage is really good.
(4)
John M.
This place is pretty awesome. The classic diner atmosphere is cool, the food is hearty and the portions are so American, they're huge. Awesome stuff. Delicious chili and buffalo chips are superb. All that being said, the kicker is the service. Really cool folk, which includes a blonde waitress who is drop dead gorgeous. seriously, a stunner. It all comes recommended from me.
(4)
Donald S.
Nothing special but the burger was tasty, the curly fries were above average and the service was excellent. Prices were low considering it's Alaska.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast, Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Brad S.
North Pole is a one-trick pony: a town named as a means of first attracting toy manufacturers, then serving as a tourist attraction for the unlucky kids who have to grow up braving the Alaskan winter. Judging from the overall air of dilapidation that is apparent even when driving past on the state highway, the gambit didn't turn out to be quite as prosperous as the founders would have originally hoped. It's still good enough to pull the RV over for a bathroom break and to grab a quick picture in front of Santa's workshop, and if you've already stopped, why not grab a bite to eat at the friendly-looking silver Twinkie with all the cars parked out front? Little Richard's offers everything you might expect to find in a diner overly nostalgic about the 1950s: jukebox, I Love Lucy, old miscellany posted haphazardly on the walls, and a menu choked full of simple fried and griddled items that can be served en mass. They need to put it out quickly, too; despite being located several miles from the business center of North Pole, they are quite popular on the weekends. This not only affects the time it takes to get a seat, but also the food, as the hard-working cooks can become inundated. Sometimes this works out to your advantage, like when the sliced reindeer sausage is left to its own devices long enough to achieve some remarkably golden brown exteriors. The hash browns would have been a success in this vein, too, had both sides of the shredded potatoes received this treatment - browning only one side results in a missed opportunity. Other diners were not so lucky, and received a visibly well-done burger that was only half eaten before giving up. If it's not on the flat top, it's in the fryer. No complaints were had from the chicken fried steak, even if the copious amount of gravy turned the crust soggy by the time it made it to the table. The buffalo chips, like the rest of the frozen starches, are perfunctory and non-essential. A request for over easy eggs resulted in runny yolks, and taking everything else into consideration, is impressive. Little Richard's suffers from many of the same problems as other nostalgia diners: under-seasoned food, an over-reliance on the fryer, and an adherence to the classics, warts and all. The fact that they're able to put out a reliable breakfast is probably a testament to their longevity and popularity, especially in a town that has arguably been focused on superficiality since its very inception.
(3)I S.
Best meal! Great service, large portions, priced right. Plus they give 10% military discount.
(5)Robert P.
Maybe the first time I went, it was an off day. But upon returning for breakfast, it was pretty amazing. Not just Fairbanks/Alaska good, but really good breakfast food. Usually, when I find something on a menu I like, I will order the same thing every single time. But we have been back for breakfast twice, and both times, we were not disappointed. The pancakes...ermahgaaad! They were a pretty good size. Okay, they were huge. The batter looked very thick, and I thought it was going to be very dense. To my surprise, they were airy and fluffy. I retract my prior review about the mediocre food. Definite four stars for breakfast!
(4)Janie S.
This is the perfect place to come to on a Saturday morning to Enjoy some freshly brewed coffee, an All American breakfast, and hear a good story or two from the regulars. My boyfriend and I visited after church on Sunday and ordered your typical eggs, potato and Bacon breakfast. Delicious! Nothing fancy, but you can taste the love. I got an order of pancakes and did not realize how big the portion would be. Luckily my boyfriend has a big appetite. I would recommend coming early to avoid wait lines, but even if you have to wait it will be worth it. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The inside is rather small, but it's what gives it that unique North Pole charm and makes it feel like home. Prices are reasonable and portions will not disappoint!
(4)Sharon B.
Great service, good food, competitive prices. Friendly home town atmosphere. Wait staff is accommodating, attentive and friendly without hovering. Good food value and comes promptly and tasty.
(5)Michelle S.
We stopped in to Little Richard's after passing it one day heading to North Pole. We had a short wait which wasn't too bad considering it was a weekend. We grabbed seats at the counter and placed our orders of fried eggs, bacon, toast and coffee and I had the Little Richard Burger with the buffalo chips. The burger was good and I enjoyed the buffalo chips but wanted them to be spicier. I ended up having lunch envy after seeing a steak and cheese go by. My partner loved the breakfast and has already asked (less than a week since) when we'll be going back. Nice staff and large portions. We'll be back.
(4)Mary K.
We chose to dine here based on yelp reviews. What a wonderful experience it was. Its a rail car diner with great atmosphere. The family owned diner was fun, food was delicious and owner talked to us making us feel at home. Loved it. The coffee was fantastic and service was great. I don't visit North Pole, AK often, but if I do come back, I would definately revisit this diner. Thanks again to Little Richards for making us feel so welcome.
(5)Caz N.
Awesome food, great portions, you will not leave hungry. All American breakfast, with emphasis to Alaska treats as well. Careful not to drive past it, you may miss your next great meal.
(5)Wilbert C.
Awesome breakfast skillet with reindeer sausage. Fast service with a smile. I'd definitely come back!
(5)Betty G.
Service is a little slow and there is no line for paying. Regardless it was delicious! I had the buffalo sausage and a few friends had the reindeer. It had a large portion size so I can say you can share a plate. Eggs were cooked right and fluffed. Of course the sausage was delicious, biscuits and gravy was amazing! Hash browns reminded me of Denny's but hey it was still good. Friends has philly cheese steak omelet, meat skillet omelet and French toast! Enjoy the pictures my fellow yelpers
(5)Laydee R.
The food was delicious. I ordered the buffalo burger and curly fries and it was very tasty. It's such a cute dinner, it gets pretty busy so we go early mornings to avoid the line. This is the best diner we have eaten in North Pole, and we definitely will be coming back for more.
(4)Adriana L. R.
Very good! We were traveling back to Fairbanks and decided to stop here. We order a chili hot dog and fries and it was pretty good. Also the portion size is huge and not expensive at all.
(4)Anthony G.
A classic! Exactly what it should be, and none of what it shouldn't! Love this place.
(4)Judith M.
Went in hungry and came out stuffed! My go-to place in the North Pole. Food and service is always great!
(4)David G.
Excellent food!!!!
(5)Jeff T.
Updating to 5 stars. We come back to this place often and have really enjoyed it. The family who run it are really wonderful and the food is always really good. I highly highly recommend frequenting the diner.
(5)Brandon M.
I have been stopping here for years and have never been disappointed. Great food in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
(5)Kymberly G.
Came by for lunch on our way out of town after having spent a few days at Hotel North Pole for a business meeting. Service was friendly, and the place was packed. Food was excellent. Burgers were perfect and the fries were fresh.
(4)John H.
If there's one thing I miss about Greater Fairbanks, it's this place. By far the best food I had during my month-long stay in the area. Service was excellent each time; food was delicious and came in HUGE portions. Everything else about this place was so good I completely forgive that it's out on the side of the highway outside of the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole. But totally worth stopping in. Just be mindful that Monday or Tuesday they are closed. But this place needs to be recognized...! :-)
(5)Krisa H.
This is a great 50s style diner right in North Pole, Alaska. You can get a great meal quick before heading over to meet Santa. The milkshakes are tall and topped with a ton of whipped cream and a cherry. We loooved the corn fritters and hush puppies. The curly fries and the buffalo chips were also pretty exceptional. I come from NJ which is the land of diners and this diner can definitely hang with the best of them.
(5)Anthony M.
The hamburger steak can feed two. The best hamburgers in North Pole. Food is great and the service is better.
(5)Mario C.
food and service were stellar, had the chilli pieces of bison and meat. great flavor will be back to try biscuts and gravy. a plus is they service breakfast till 2pm.
(5)Leann M.
Breakfast here is good. Pancakes are huge!! burgers are great, and I LOVE the milk shakes. Have taken family there when they have come up to visit. The staff was awesome, and friendly
(5)Dale W.
It's one of those chrome, roadside diners that I'm always tempted to check out; and when I finally stopped here I was so glad that I had. Big servings of good food made with love and served by caring, fun staff. My delicious malted milkshake was served with the metal mixing cup! I just wish that it was closer to Fairbanks.
(5)Elizabeth K.
Great little diner. Family friendly, nice staff, feeling of eating at home. The place smelled a little greasy, but you can see the fry cook from where you sit. the fried chicken was awesome as were the buffalo chips. I'll go back and take visiting family. :-)
(4)Kurtis J.
I love dinners and this one is pretty good. Gives off a very welcoming environment and the staff is very nice . I had the crispy chicken sandwich and it was a lot of crispy and not a lot of chicken . The curly fries should be seasoned because they seem very plain. Didn't come with any special sauce though. My friends burgers seemed like just plain . Seemed to expensive for a meal that is less exciting then something that I can get from Wendies .
(2)Linda H.
Ed and Ann. I miss your hamburger steak with onion and green peppers or "Rich's Special". Haha. Thanks for accommodating our diet request. Decan could always make it JUST the way we can eat. THANKS. I'll stop by next time in the area. Maybe I'll get ice cream too. Miss you all.
(5)Crystal B.
Friendly service, food was pretty bland and lacked seasoning but not greasy which I was thankful for, and very large portions. Was nice to see the cooks wash down their station between orders and actually wash their hands when handling defrosted raw meat.
(4)J T.
Great quick diner food that is about all I can say. Huge burgers and sandwiches plus it was clean.
(4)He And She I.
This was a fun place to eat, more for the people watching than the food, which was predictable diner fare.
(3)Judy S.
It's really hard for me that I'm visiting and paying such high $ for mediocre food but I keep being told that we're in AK.. anyway... I had the special of pot roast, mash potatoes & corn. The pot roast was tender and tasty but then they covered it w/ gravy either out of the jar or powder... mashed potatoes tasted also like it was out of a box and my corn was over cooked and chewy. my daughter had the buffalo burger which she liked. the party also ordered a club sandwich which looked good. Overall, the food is just average so definitely over priced, but my friends swear by their malts.
(3)Jeff G.
haven't written a review in a while, but dinner tonight was at best OK, while we were eating. 20 minute's later, it was terrible. it stopped just short of giving us food poisoning. thankfully neither of us vomited. we ended up with terrible indigestion and gas. both of us had the hamburger steak with mushrooms and onions. buyer beware. if you are brave enough to eat there, avoid the hamburger meat. obviously we don't plan to return. too many other places to eat.
(1)Lya A.
Came here since we were having some car work done close by and this restaurant is right off the main road easy to get too and great :) it's super small but food was really good!! Alittle pricey but I have learned that everything is Alittle more in AK lol for two adults two children was just under $50 but worth it and would go back for sure
(4)Brad B.
Good food & service. It's a dinner and they do well at what they do
(4)Ryan M.
Best place in North Pole for breakfast, come pretty often country fried steak is grand, omelettes are delicious, biscuits and gravy are just ok, reindeer skillet was a little off when I ordered it but my buddy swears by it. Service may be the best part, servers are so polite, the decor is 50's diner and the place has a very comfy feel to it. can't go wrong with breakfast here
(3)Joshua G.
Great breakfast and lunch. Buffalo chip fries rock. Only complaint is the overall space. So popular that from time to time during rush times it feels overly crowded. Would recommend to anyone looking for great burger that isn't fast food.
(4)Naomi V.
This is our number 1 place to go for food. We love it. The wait staff is friendly, and on top of refilling drinks and making sure everything is right. The food is always good and timely. There is something for everyone on their menu.
(5)Nancy J.
It took the waitress a very long time to get to us to take our order. For a small place it was busy, but once our order was taken they delivered it so fast I think the cook anticipated what we wanted. Reindeer sausage is really good.
(4)John M.
This place is pretty awesome. The classic diner atmosphere is cool, the food is hearty and the portions are so American, they're huge. Awesome stuff. Delicious chili and buffalo chips are superb. All that being said, the kicker is the service. Really cool folk, which includes a blonde waitress who is drop dead gorgeous. seriously, a stunner. It all comes recommended from me.
(4)Donald S.
Nothing special but the burger was tasty, the curly fries were above average and the service was excellent. Prices were low considering it's Alaska.
(3)