After two years of closure due to damage from the devastating Terminal Building fire of December 2023, Dirty Dan Harris Steakhouse will soon reopen its doors to the public, ushering in a new era for the beloved and historic Fairhaven institution.
Brought back under new management, Co-Owners Steve Marandola and Heather Everett have big plans for the iconic restaurant. Together, they have over four decades of combined hospitality experience, plus a deep understanding of what Dirty Dan’s means to the Fairhaven community.
“When I was a kid, going out to eat was always a special occasion, and restaurants treated it that way. That’s how we want people to feel here. Whether you’re just coming in for dinner or celebrating something big, it’s always your special occasion. This restaurant belongs to the community as much as it does to us,” says Marandola, former-employee-turned-restaurateur.
Everyone seems to have a story about Dirty Dan’s, whether it’s where your parents first met or where you’re planning your next birthday get-together. It’s long been a pillar of Fairhaven’s community, and luckily, it’s here to stay.
With minimal menu changes, Marandola says, “About 80% [of the menu] will feel familiar, but we’re expanding the seafood and wild game options. We’ll always have a bison tenderloin, and we’re adding more dry-aged steaks and affordable sirloins. We’re also focusing on consistency, same great experience every time you visit.”
With an outpouring of community support and endless preparation, the table is set and Dirty Dan’s is ready to come back better than ever. 1211 11th St., Bellingham, 360.676.1011, dirtydanharris.com
Photograph by Griffin Ritzo
