Northern Exposure Creating a Buzz (Opinion)

Never let it be said that the Business Journal lunch team leaves a stone unturned. It is for that reason, and that reason only, that Northern Exposure was the destination for a recent lunch stop for a review for one of Fayetteville’s newest restaurants.

And why not? When the buzz we’ve heard centers around scantily clad waitresses, a full bar, hunting-lodge type atmosphere, upwards of 15 big-screen mounted televisions (all tuned to ESPN this day) and the promotion (temptation?) of perpetual $1 draft beer, what would be a better option?

Thinking this is just another sports bar? Perhaps. But patrons will just as easily notice the canoe hanging above the bar, the stuffed bear in the rafters or the stuffed fox on top of the fireplace.

“Think Hooters goes to deer camp,” one reviewer opined.

All kidding aside, lunchtime decisions aren’t always primarily based on atmosphere. The food itself is the bottom line, and Northern Exposure does not disappoint in that area, either. The menu offers burgers, BBQ, sandwiches, steaks and wraps.

One reviewer chose to keep it simple, and opted for the quarter-pound cheeseburger ($6). He liked the flavor and said it definitely was above average.

This reviewer, in fact, wished he’d chosen one of the bigger versions available on the menu. He also noted the fresh pickles, tomato slices, etc., and especially liked the seasoned fries.

“I’ll be back,” he said.

A second reviewer, who has found a recent affinity for all things meat-related, swung for the fences with the BBQ Burger. The $10 monster is a half-pound of beef patties covered with bacon, cheese and pulled pork then topped with barbeque sauce and fried onion strands. In other words, it’s one bodacious burger.

The burger itself, the bacon, the sauce – almost everything – was right on target, he said. The taste was good and everything prepped the way you’d want a big’un presented. The pork, however, was dry and lacking anything like a smoked flavor. It proved Northern Exposure doesn’t have a smoker out back and should stick to its guns: sports bar fare.

Another member of the group – a self-professed “wing” person – did, in fact, stick to the sports bar guns and opted for a basket of boneless chicken wings ($9), covered in mild sauce, with seasoned fries.

There was an abundance of both items, which made the basket certainly feel like a full meal. And without asking, our friendly waitress provided a generous portion of ranch dressing for dipping.

“This will be March Madness headquarters,” he said.

The seating areas were large (plenty of room for big groups to stretch out), the beverage glasses were a tad small (refill requests were plentiful) and the wait staff put their friendliest foot forward on this lunch visit. We think Northern Exposure is off to a good start.