Breakfast
What: Biscuits and Gravy
Where: Old Town Cafe
Why: As far as cafes go, Old Town Cafe is basically a church—and breakfast is their religion. Any of their dishes would start your day off right, but the Biscuits and Gravy ($12.75) in particular could tempt us out of bed on even the chilliest of mornings. Accidentally slept in? We have good news for you: Old Town serves up breakfast all day long.
What: Everything Bagel
Where: The Bagelry
Why: Whether you like your bagels topped with egg, cream cheese, or lox, the Bagelry has what you’re craving. This cozy eatery has been a Bellingham breakfast staple since 1984, and while their bagels come in almost every flavor and style imaginable, you just can’t go wrong with classics like the Everything Bagel & Cream Cheese ($3.65). Pair it with a cup of drip coffee and you’ve got the makings of an excellent morning.
Lunch and Dinner
What: Prime Rib
Where: Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse
Why: Named in honor of Fairhaven’s notorious founder, Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse has been serving up special occasion-worthy meals for nearly half a century. They’re one of Bellingham’s oldest established restaurants, and with one taste of their iconic Prime Rib ($34–$93), you’re sure to understand why. These slow-roasted, melt-in-your-mouth cuts can be ordered in portions ranging from 6 to 24 ounces, and they come served alongside your choice of starch and veggies plus a horseradish cream.
What: Fondue
Where: The Black Cat
Why: With its French bistro-esque atmosphere and windows overlooking historic Fairhaven, the Black Cat is one of Bellingham’s most elegant eateries. In addition to a can’t-miss happy hour, they’re perhaps best known for their Fondue ($13)—and rightfully so. If you ask us, this dish is what makes Black Cat such a perfect place for date nights. What’s more romantic than sharing a pot of rich, melty cheese with someone special?
What: Boundary Bay Mac and Cheese
Photo by Cocoa Laney
Where: Boundary Bay Brewery
Why: Bellingham’s flagship brewery is most famous for its beer, but the food at Boundary Bay shouldn’t be slept on. More specifically, their Boundary Bay Mac and Cheese ($16) is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. It’s made with three types of cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, and parmigiano reggiano), and yes, it pairs well with IPAs.
What: Bow Burger
Where: The Old Edison
Why: The tiny town of Edison wouldn’t be Edison without, well, The Old Edison. Since its establishment around 1900, this storied eatery has moved between (at least) four locations, gone by many names, and served a gathering spot for generations of Skagitonians. Nowadays, their Bow Burger ($19.99) is perhaps most emblematic of the Old Edison’s Skagit-centric ethos. It’s made using PNW meat, cheese from Bow’s own Golden Glen Creamery, and a bun from just down the road at Breadfarm.
What: Phad See Ew
Where: Rachawadee Thai Cafe
Why: At Rachawadee in Mount Vernon, dishes like Phad See Ew ($16.95–$20.95) are choose-your-own-adventure meals, as diners get to pick a spice level between one and four. Dear readers, please heed our warning: Level four is spicy. It’s so spicy, in fact, that you’ll be advised against ordering it unless you’ve already tried level three. Moreover, Rachawadee’s menu requests that new diners disclose their first-timer status to the staff because, and I quote, “we are known to be spicy!” In summary, their chef doesn’t play around when it comes to heat—hence Rachawadee’s notoriety.
What: Oysters
Photo by Kristoffer Arestol
Where: The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive
Why: Nestled in the trees on Chuckanut Drive, the Oyster Bar is iconic for more reasons than one. First of all, its uber scenic location makes it a destination for folks across the North Sound. Secondly, their lengthy oyster menu is second to none. Diners pick their oysters by origin, which might be as far-flung as Virginia or as close as Samish Bay. The menu also states each variety’s tasting notes as if they were fine wine; for example, the Cranberry Creek oysters from Pickering Passage are characterized by “mild brininess, crisp and clean with a slight honeydew finish.”
Late Night
What: Russian Dumplings
Where: Pel’Meni
Why: When the night is dark, the bars are closing, and you’re in desperate need of a late-night bite, there’s only one place to go. The Russian Dumplings ($9) at Pel’Meni are a Bellingham cult classic, mostly because they’re delicious (but also because they’re available to order until 2:30 a.m.). They’re made from just meat and potatoes and topped with a dusting of curry, cilantro, and hot sauce—but don’t let the simplicity fool you. These bite-sized, doughy balls of joy are what late-night cravings are made of.
What: Chicken and Waffles
Photo courtesy of The Horseshoe Cafe
Where: The Horseshoe Cafe
Why: We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Horseshoe is a veritable Washington institution. Both a diner and a bar, this “night-and-day cafe” is the state’s oldest continually operating restaurant, as they’ve been a local landmark since 1886. The Horseshoe’s most iconic dish is arguably its Chicken and Waffles ($14.95 sweet/$16.95 savory) and, depending on your preference, this unique treat can be enjoyed at brunch or as an after-hours indulgence.
Bonus: Libations
What: Big Mama Margarita
Photo by Kelly Pearce
Where: Jalapeños Restaurant
Why: The good folks at Jalapeños are generous with their portions and their tequila. Margaritas are available in four sizes—Mini, Chica, Big Mama, and Big Papa—but the Big Mama ($12) has garnered the most infamous reputation of them all. Stop in on a Monday to get yours at half price (and make sure to order plenty of nachos to balance out the booze).
