Guest Author - Kimi Ross
Delta Junction is located at the junction of the Richardson Highway and the Alaska Highway. It is conveniently located about halfway between Tok and Fairbanks, and as such is a natural stopping point for road weary travelers.
At one time Delta Junction was known as Buffalo Center due to an introduced bison herd that roams the area freely. The herd numbers about 400 and is the largest of the state’s four herds. There is a very limited hunt each year and the permits for this hunt are highly coveted. Bison is the “new” healthy red meat, with a flavor similar to beef but with a third (or less) fat.
Fortunately, one does not have to stalk, kill, dress, and butcher one of these large animals (a full grown bull can way over 2000 lbs!) to enjoy a buffalo burger in Delta Junction. As it’s name suggests, the Buffalo Center Diner, located prominently on the Richardson Highway across from the IGA grocery store, serves buffalo.
The Buffalo Center Diner is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily (in the summer). Lunch is served from 11 am to closing, dinner from 5 pm to closing. The casual, family-style restaurant is not large, but tables and booths are well placed to provide a friendly, open atmosphere. The décor includes an electric train which runs on an elevated track around the perimeter of the dining area, lots of healthy philodendron plants, a large flat screen TV in one corner and of course, the obligatory buffalo head mount.
Menu items offer typical American fare. Dinner prices are in the $15-20 range and include options such as halibut, steak and fried chicken. A variety of sandwiches and burgers are available ($8-12); for those without an adventurous palate, the standard beef burger is also on the menu. A limited senior and kids menu are offered.
On a recent visit I had a buffalo burger with curly fries. The food arrived in good time and was filling, but not exceptional. I actually thought the burger was slightly overcooked (very easy to do with buffalo) and wished I had gotten a salad. An individual at a neighboring table ordered what appeared to be a chicken Caesar salad. The plate was mounded high with fresh looking lettuce and veggies and topped with strips of chicken. It looked quite appetizing.
Despite my slight disappointment in the food, it was nevertheless a nice respite from driving. Despite the large number of people in the restaurant – it was an early Sunday afternoon and appeared to be serving a lot of local folks on their way home from church – it was fairly quiet. Though the TV was on, it was not blaring or overpowering as is true in some restaurants. The employees were friendly without being overly enthusiastic or overbearing. In short, it was a good place to stop for an average meal at average prices (for Alaska). I’m sure I’ll eat there again if I’m passing through Delta Junction.
