When grabbing a bite to eat, sometimes all you’re really craving is a place where you can sit outside to enjoy the midsummer heat and smell the faint sea breeze merging with the scents of delicious food emanating from a nearby kitchen. If this is what you’re looking for, then trust me when I say you definitely do not have to venture far!
Photograph by Maya Heinselman
One of my favorite outdoor spots in Bellingham is Storia Cucina. Using fresh, stone-milled flour from the local Cairns Spring Mills, this Italian restaurant serves some of the best bread, pizza, and pasta in town. An order of their Homemade Focaccia, made with a sourdough starter dating all the way back to 1971, paired with the Calabrese, a flavorful cocktail with a spicy kick, is the perfect way to kick off your evening any day of the week. Make sure you dine on their patio so you can people-watch pedestrians milling about Grand Avenue while you eat.
Photograph by Maya Heinselman
Otherlands Beer is another great choice, especially if you’re searching for appetizing vegetarian meals. This rustic cafe has a completely vegetarian menu, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options that are all European influenced. From Beet Carpaccio to Curry Pierogies, their dishes offer unique takes that you can’t quite find anywhere else. The Shakshuka with Burrata is always my go-to at Otherlands. It combines a rich tomato and red pepper sauce with a velvety crème fraîche, all topped with a runny egg and spicy jalapeño zhug that results in a meal you’ll have to try, especially while sitting in their covered outdoor area. If you stop by in the later hours, the patio takes on a more romantic feel, with string lights suspended around the seating area to create the ideal intimate ambiance.
Photograph by Maya Heinselman
Some people might say seafood is best relished while you’re basking in the sunshine on a hot summer day. If this happens to be you, keep Chuckanut Manor Seafood & Grill in mind the next time you’re craving such an experience. With plenty of space in their outdoor dining area, it won’t be difficult to find a spot to yourself where you can look forward to eating some succulent fish and shellfish while appreciating the stunning view of Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands. The Fork at Agate Bay is another fantastic choice when you’re craving good seafood. Their alfresco seating area is almost entirely shaded, making it the ultimate place to loosen up on the hottest of days. They offer Oysters on the Half Shell, Half and Whole Dungeness Crabs chilled or steamed in their shells, and much more—all sourced from local Pacific Northwest suppliers.
With what’s possibly the most comfortable outdoor seating in Bellingham, B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar might be just what you need when seeking to spend some serene quality time in the open air. You can sit back and relax in one of their spacious padded armchairs while eating their delectable, seared ahi tuna or salmon dishes.
Photograph by Maya Heinselman
Barbecue is another popular summertime delicacy, and Sunnyland residents can’t get enough of Homeschool BBQ. The community-style shared seating arrangements at Homeschool will make you feel like you’re at just another good old-fashioned family cookout, but the menu is on a whole other level. There are some classic favorites like ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, that you can enjoy by themselves or on a loaded sandwich—all are smoked to perfection in-house. Or there are some more unique pieces that are worth a try, like a Pork Belly Bánh Mì with smoked pork belly on a bed of pickled carrot, daikon, and jalapeños, as well as other fresh veggies, on a soft roll.
Big Stick Barbecue is yet another tasty option for slow smoked meats. There’s a reason people are calling it the “best BBQ in Whatcom County,” as you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu! They have plenty of possible selections for how you’d like to savor your brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more, so regardless of whether you choose to have it on a delicious potato rosemary bun or with their creamy mac and cheese, your mouth will be watering either way. You can eat it on their tables right out front or even visit their food truck location at Stemma Brewing, where you can grab a bite and a cool, refreshing drink all at once.
