A FOODIE'S Guide
PRICE KEY
EXPLORING OUR LOCAL EATERIES
WRITTEN BY ANNE GODENHAM AND KRISTEN BOEHM
PRETTY MUCH EVERYONE likes food. It’s practically a prerequisite for existence. But in order to earn the colloquial title of “foodie,” you have to go above and beyond just liking it—you’ve got to want to explore, experience, and really savor it! We’re lucky enough that our local dining culture boasts decadesold establishments and brand-new culinary ventures, which is amazing, but can be kind of a beast to tackle when you’re just trying to decide what place to try next. We put together this Foodie’s Guide to help you food-lovers out there figure out your next spot. We go over cuisine, atmosphere, location, and price to make it simple for you. So keep this handy, and never be stumped when the question “where do you want to go” rears its ugly head!
Photo by Teo Crider
5 Restaurants That Make the List
Time and Time Again
While there’s definitely something to be said for the draw of a new restaurant, we all have our favorites that we return to again and again. For us, these five are always at the top of the list!
The Steak House at Silver Reef, Ferndale
When you’re craving a great steak, this is the place to go! From Filet Mignon to Bone-In Cowboy Cut Ribeye, their aged prime steaks are cooked to perfection.
Nell Thorn Waterfront Bistro & Bar, La Conner
A favorite stop in Skagit for elevated Italian-American cuisine, served in a casually elegant dining room with a side of waterfront views.
Keenan’s at the Pier, Bellingham
Another waterfront favorite, Keenan’s offers a mellow, welcoming atmosphere and delicious Pacific Northwest dishes made with locallysourced ingredients.
The Birch Door Cafe, Bellingham
This Bellingham institution is a favorite for weekend brunch, but their lunch is fantastic too— get there early, because they don’t take reservations and they fill up fast!.
Anthony’s Restaurants, Anacortes & Bellingham
With 24 locations across the Northwest (plus 10 affiliated restaurants), this popular chain is a go-to for great seafood, delicious burgers, and friendly service.
WBreakfast
HETHER YOU’RE LOOKING for a quiet cup of coffee and a pastry with your newspaper or a spot of socializing with something a little more substantial, the North Sound has you covered. From diners to coffee shops to fresh-squeezed orange juice with a view, here are some great restaurants to start your day off right.
Country-Fried Steak and Eggs
Monte’s Just a Bite Cafe, Blaine
Cuisine: Home-cooked American breakfast with classics like country-fried steak, french toast, corned beef hash, and omelets.
Atmosphere: A certain humor infuses the close-quarters bar and dining area at Monte’s. Be prepared for signs that say “be nice or go away” and other quips, Americana, and friendly regulars.
Location: The small brick cafe is located in Blaine’s charming downtown, with the harbor just visible from the back windows.
Price: $
The Daisy Cafe, Bellingham
Cuisine: Modern American cafe and diner serving locally-sourced classics, new and old.
Atmosphere: This family-owned business strives to give you a classy but relaxed “real cafe experience.” Their cozy space is usually bustling, even with their slow-service, made-from-scratch model.
Location: Daisy Cafe benefits from being located inside the historic 1927 Montague & McHugh building, known today as the Crown Plaza building.
Price: $$
Hard to beat a well-made classic like this: Country-fried steak topped with an extremely rich sausage gravy, hashed potatoes, eggs, and buttery toast.
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Monte's Just a Bite Cafe
Camber Coffee, Bellingham
Cuisine: Breakfast sandwiches, toasts, bowls, and baked goods complemented by creative tea, espresso, and drip coffee drinks.
Atmosphere: This gem is local roastery Camber Coffee’s flagship cafe. Their premium espresso and seasonal menu are served in a modern, upscale setting.
Location: Camber sits right on the corner of West Holly Street and Bay Street in downtown Bellingham. Their reputation precedes them, so make sure you plan accordingly if you’re hoping to snag a first-come, first-serve table.
Price: $
Famous Old-Fashioned Cinnamon Roll
The classic we all know and love, but about twice as big and gooey—they also do apple, caramel nut, and maple bacon versions, among other seasonal flavors. If you're a fan of cinnamon rolls and you haven't tried the ones at Calico Cupboard yet, you're doing yourself a disservice!
Calico Cupboard Café and Bakery, Mount Vernon, Anacortes, and La Conner
Cuisine: Classic West Coast all-day breakfast and lunch fare, elevated by locally-sourced produce and from-scratch baked goods.
Atmosphere: These family-friendly cafes are like larger versions of your mom’s dining room: wooden tables and chairs, at least a few of which are suited to large groups, lots of windows, and the smell of freshly-baked pastries permeating the air.
Location: Each Calico Cupboard location is different from the others, but they all have a central urban location and cozy, homey style.
Price: $$
The Rusty Wagon, Lynden
Cuisine: An American melting pot of cuisines with a nod toward Tex-Mex. Their breakfast menu has got you covered, whether you want a hearty Country Pile-Up or decadent Stuffed French Toast.
Atmosphere: The Rusty Wagon brings the Old West to Whatcom! Cowboys, horses, wooden booths, and a bar make this quite the family-fun novelty stop.
Location: This restaurant is on Hannegan Road in Lynden, about halfway between Bellingham and the Canadian border. Price: $$
Photo by Anne Godenham
Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery
Wild Mushroom Omelet Progressive Meal: Restaurants
to Hit in One Day
Want to make a day of it? Try our dream itinerary!
Start with a hearty breakfast at Skylark’s Cafe in Fairhaven—try a Belgian Waffle if you have a sweet tooth, or Steak and Potato Hash if you’re feeling more savory. If the weather is nice, you can snuggle up under a heat lamp on their outdoor patio.
For lunch, get your taco at COA (locations in Bellingham, Mount Vernon, and La Conner)! Their fish tacos are fresh and flavorful, with tender pan-fried cod and mango pico de gallo on top.
When you’re ready for a snack and an adult beverage, stop in at Penny Farthing in Bellingham for happy hour! Indulge in a hand-crafted cocktail, made with their own excellent spirits, and a shareable plate of their incredible Bourbon Braised Beef Sliders to get you through to dinner.
The dinner menu at Scotty Browns in Bellingham can cause major decision paralysis— everything calls to you at once, from Thai Chicken Soup or Salt and Pepper Dry Ribs to The French Dip. Whatever you choose, you’ll be happy.
Save room for something sweet from Pure Bliss Desserts in Bellingham—even if it’s just one of their famous Petite Cupcakes! We like to keep it simple (but still indulgent) with the Chocolate Bliss.
A mix of tender sauteéd wild mushrooms mingle with wilted greens in this buttery, umami-ful omelette, which comes topped with diced chives and served with crispy breakfast potatoes.
New Leaf Cafe, Eastsound
Cuisine: New American with an international preparation twist—their version of chicken and waffles is Crispy Confit Duck Leg + Waffle
Atmosphere: A wall of windows facing the sound brightens the room and offers water views from some tables, and black and white woven cafe chairs give the restaurant a Parisian feel.
Location: On your left as you enter Eastsound from the island’s main ring road, New Leaf sits a bit apart from the main drag. Still, it’s only a block from the beginning of downtown, so the effect is one of distinction rather than isolation.
Price: $$
Little Cheerful Cafe, Bellingham
Cuisine: American diner classics, if they were made by your college roommate who was destined for Michelin stars. They throw a lot of stuff at the wall, and it works! We recommend trying the Steaky Wakey or the Mystery Burrito.
Atmosphere: A diner with Bellingham’s specific brand of funky charm. Cartoon foods are painted on the windows, and local artists’ work is on the walls. Their familiar dishes and friendly service make for a laid-back start to your day.
Location: Right on Bellingham’s main drag, Holly Street, Little Cheerful is a go-to hot-spot within walking distance of every downtown destination.
Price: $$
Friday Harbor House, Friday Harbor
Cuisine: Contemporary American breakfast with a focus on local seasonal ingredients.
Atmosphere: The dining area gives off a vibe of understated elegance without being too fussy—no fancy clothes required. The spacious outdoor patio overlooks the harbor and is a perfect setting on sunny mornings.
Location: Set back from the main downtown area of Friday Harbor, this isn’t the kind of breakfast spot you stumble onto. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just looking for a quiet, delicious breakfast, it’s worth a visit.
Price: $$$
Photo by Anne Godenham
New Leaf Cafe
Brunch
WHILE YOU’RE UNLIKELY to go out for both breakfast and brunch in one day, we think brunch merits its own category. After all, brunch is its own thing: usually on weekends, often celebratory and/or boozy, and always at least a little bit indulgent. Here are some of our favorite places to gather with your people!
Peachy Keen
The Peachy Keen features baked brie, peach preserves, candied bacon, and sliced almonds on a thick, fluffy waffle. It’s as delightful as it is filling!
Sweet as Waffles, Bellinghame
Cuisine: Experimental sweet and savory waffles with elevated flavor profiles.
Atmosphere: Everything about this quirky waffle shop promises a good time: the teal and pink color scheme, the rotating “knock you to another dimension and back” waffles with titles like “Tiramisurous Rex” and “Egg Zeppelin,” the cocktails, and the toy dinosaurs served up with every plate.
Location: Sweet as Waffles is on the corner of Railroad Avenue and Magnolia Street, which means it has great parking and is easy to visit after some shopping at the Bellingham Farmers Market or Wonderz Market. Their covered outdoor seating is delightful in summer!
Price: $$
Sugar Mama Cafe, Anacortes
Cuisine: New American comfort food and desserts, plus wine bar and coffee shop fare.
Atmosphere: Walking into Sugar Mama feels like visiting family, and they believe in pampering their visitors with wine, dessert, and barista-crafted beverages! They have comfy seating for chatty visits and family recipes on the menu.
Location: The space is a renovated house in downtown Anacortes, which ups the homey factor. They’ve got a large deck with outdoor seating and even a small yard with games!
Price: $$
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Sweet as Waffles
Double Strawberry French Toast
CHICKEN CAESAR DEVILED EGGS
Tangy, creamy, Caesar-flavored yolks are topped with crunchy little nuggets of chicken, for a texture and flavor combination that fully justifies the long lines every weekend!
Martini Brunch, Mount Vernon
Cuisine: Classic American with an eclectic twist and a joyful, experimental vibe.
Atmosphere: Martini Brunch is a 21+ establishment and a very popular restaurant that doesn’t take reservations and has relatively few tables—this lends itself to a mellow-but-lively atmosphere, with groups of adults crowding around the door while others chatter over their brunch cocktails and Honeycomb Toast.
Location: Just south of Mount Vernon’s main downtown area on 2nd Street, the unassuming brick building that houses Martini Brunch is surrounded by residential homes; you’ll know you’re in the right spot by the line of hopeful diners waiting for a table on the sidewalk.
Price: $$
The restaurant’s neighbor, Mrs. Smith, gives all her rhubarb to cob + cork, and they freeze it for use throughout the year, including in the strawberry-rhubarb compote that tops this incredible vanilla custard soaked brioche bread French Toast—talk about sourcing local!
cob + cork, Bow
Cuisine: Contemporary PNW, with an emphasis on sustainability and made with local produce, wild seafood, and freerange meats.
Atmosphere: The space is small, the tables and walls dark, but with minimalist decor, a few cheerful plants, and a cozy fire the effect is warm rather than claustrophobic.
Location: Perched “at the crossroads” across Chuckanut Drive from the entrance to Edison, this unassuming little restaurant is worth turning away from the usual route. On sunny days, you can grab a table on the little deck overlooking Edison Slough.
Price: $$$
Photo by Anne Godenham
Photo by Brooke Martin
Martini Brunch
cob + cork
BISCUITS & GRAVY
Who knew such a heavy dish could have such a fresh flavor? Colophon Cafe achieves it! Their house-made buttermilk biscuit is smothered in aromatic gravy made with pork breakfast sausage and leeks, sautéed with mushrooms and sage olive oil from their neighbor, Drizzle Olive Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room.
Colophon Cafe, Bellingham
Cuisine: Creative, internationally-inspired cafe food.
Atmosphere: The ground-floor indoor space isn’t the brightest, but the comfy booths and friendly service make it feel cozy and welcoming.
Location: Right on Fairhaven Green, on the bottom floor of Village Books, the Colophon is located at the heart of Fairhaven. On sunny days, diners can sit outside on the Green and people-watch.
Price: $
Tweets Cafe, Bow
Cuisine: local sourcing.
Atmosphere:
you’d entered someone’s home and asked if you could buy a slice of their freshly-made Torta Rustica. Mismatched chairs and tables crowd the small interior space, and diners spill out onto the patio and line up along the block to get a taste of whatever the chef is making that weekend.
Location: up the charming town of Edison, Tweets offers a perfect place to pause your wandering and fuel up before crossing the street and heading back the other way.
Price:
CROQUE MADAME
A classic brunch dish if there ever was one, this Croque Madame comprises a ham, Swiss, and dijon sandwich smothered in a Mornay sauce and topped with a sunny-side up egg.
Sweet Bay Cafe, Bellingham
Cuisine: From-scratch breakfast and brunch “classics, well made.”
Atmosphere: Sweet Bay is new, but it already has a relaxed, comfortable air. With buttery yellow walls and big open windows, it’ll make you feel like you’re indulging in a Southern Sunday brunch.
Location: When they moved in, the owners of Sweet Bay Cafe (and its attached sister restaurant, Red Star Taco Bar) renovated the space to pay homage to years gone by. The historic Bellingham building was built in 1930 to be the home office of the Puget Sound Power & Light Company, and also held a Union Stage Depot, and later a Greyhound station.
Price: $
Photo by Anne Godenham
PhotobyKristenBoehm
Sweet Bay Cafe
Colophon Cafe
TLunch REUBEN
HAT MIDDAY HUNGER is a powerful force, and everyone responds to it differently. Some of us want big portions of comfort food, while others avoid dishes that’ll make us sleepy—and sometimes you only have time for a quick bite. Whatever your lunch preference, there’s a restaurant here for you.
Grilled pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and special sauce on marbled rye, with a choice of horseradish, Thousand Island dressing, or both. This is their best seller!
The Fairhaven, Burlington
The Garage Cafe inside Shelley’s Shack, Sedro-Woolley
Cuisine: Hearty sandwiches, salads, and soup, plus sweets and coffee.
Atmosphere: All the charm of Sedro-Woolley’s smalltown appeal is packed into The Garage Cafe’s small-butmighty space, which is indeed a renovated 1930’s garage!
Location: This cafe is attached to Shelley’s Shack, an eclectic and beautiful boutique that’s packed floor to ceiling with finds from local businesses and beyond.
Price: $
Magnolia Southern Comforts, Sedro-Woolley
Cuisine: Southern comfort food, with some Cajun and American diner influences.
Atmosphere: This female-owned restaurant is on a mission to offer the famed comforts and hosting of the south to their patrons in Sedro-Woolley. From the friendly service to the extensive menu with something for everyone, they’re succeeding!
Location: Located on Ferry Street just a half block from Metcalf Street, Magnolia is in a great location for downtown Sedro-Woolley shoppers and workers.
Price: $
Filling Station, Bellingham
Cuisine: Creative American burgers and sides. Atmosphere: The curated retro “American byway” vibe at Filling Station includes gas station signs and license plates, and it sure is a fun pitstop!
Location: They’ve got two locations in Bellingham, one in Fairhaven and one in the Sunnyland neighborhood. They even have a summertime sister business, the Rain or Shine Riviera Club, in Bellingham’s Portal Container Village.
Price: $$
Cuisine: New American bistro/diner fare with a focus on local ingredients and international inspiration.
Atmosphere: The bright, light-filled interior space is small but inviting, and the friendly staff make it all the more so. When the weather is nice, their grassy, dog-friendly outdoor area is a lovely place to eat.
Location: They have a dedicated parking lot (entrance off the alley behind Alder Street) but it does fill up fast—luckily, street parking is easy just a couple of blocks away from the main drag.
Price: $
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Garage Cafe
CRAB SANDWICH
What's better than fresh dungeness crab? Fresh dungeness crab with just enough mayo to hold it together while still letting the sweet, rich seafood flavor shine through—add lettuce, tomato, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of dill and put it all in a crisp buttered roll, and you've got Northwest Washington in sandwich form!
Asian 1, Bellingham and Burlington
Skagits Own Fish Market, Burlington
Cuisine: Seafood-based cold dishes like shrimp and crab cocktail, plus sandwiches and tacos with freshly-cooked fish and shellfish.
Atmosphere: The restaurant side of Skagit’s Own is really more of a deli counter, and the atmosphere is bustling but friendly. Grab an Oyster Hoagie and some Crab Cakes and take your paper plate outside to enjoy the fresh flavors at a table.
Location: The big barn-like building is easy to spot from Highway 20, but make sure you enter from Pulver Road because the highway entrance is often closed.Pull into the huge gravel lot and head inside to shop and eat!
Price: $
Cuisine: Asian cuisine made in a healthy, “just like cooking at home” style.
Atmosphere: Fish- and leaf-shaped ceramic dishes, standout Asian decor, plants, and live-edge furniture give Asian 1 a fanciful energy.
Location: Both Asian 1 locations are in shopping districts, making them easily accessible!
Price: $$
STEAK AND SCALLOPS
Start with miso soup and house salad, then watch the rest of your meal be cooked right in front of you! Thick, juicy steak and plump scallops, as well as steamed or fried rice and veggies, all cooked fresh with flair by your chef for the evening.
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
Cuisine: Hibachi with steak and seafood, sushi, and other Japanese dishes.
Atmosphere: This is the classic hibachi experience! Red-accented tables with large inset flattops provide the perfect stage for talented chefs to turn your dinner into a performance that’s fun for all ages.
Location: Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse is on North Samish Way, a welldeveloped Bellingham road peppered with restaurants, lodging, and other conveniences.
Price: $$$
LakeLine, Bellingham
Cuisine: Sophisticated, light café bites.
Atmosphere: LakeLine is a small stylish eatery that serves neighborhood residents and beach-going visitors alike. They’re approachably fancy, making them the perfect place for a relaxing midday snack or meal.
Location: A recent addition to the Silver Beach neighborhood near Lake Whatcom in Bellingham, LakeLine serves the area as a coffee shop, cocktail bar, and kitchen.
Price: $
Photo by Anne Godenham
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Skagit's Own Fish Market
Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse
Happy Hours
Bars, Lounges, and More
MORE THAN JUST fantastic food, our local eateries provide gathering spaces to relax or be entertained with friends. Happy hour is a classic excuse to get out between lunch and dinner and reconnect with each other while sipping some good drinks, snacking on creative bites, and enjoying unique surroundings. For you foodies out there, we made sure to recommend places with noteworthy food menus to go along with the drinks!
PROSCIUTTO AND BURRATA DI BUFALA
Gooey buffalo-milk burrata sits in a puddle of bright green pesto, surrounded by pillowy, thinly-sliced prosciutto and snuggled up against a mound of grilled butternut squash. That whole delicious scene is then drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a touch of truffle oil, for an indulgent but somehow not heavy lunch.
Skagit Valley Larder, Mount Vernon
Cuisine: Specialty deli with cheese, charcuterie, and preserved fish/veggies, plus seasonal sandwiches, salads, and small bites.
Atmosphere: With so many delicious things stuffed into such a small space, it’s surprising that the Larder doesn’t feel claustrophobic, but the white painted brick walls and thoughtful displays are inviting rather than stress-inducing, and the outdoor tables and window bar are great spots for a cheese plate and a chat with a friend.
Location: Right in the middle of Mount Vernon’s historic downtown, this cheerful storefront is the perfect place to pop in for a warm-up during a winter wander or grab a drink before dinner.
Price: $
Train Wreck Bar & Grill, Burlington
Cuisine: Elevated bar food (like burgers on house-made buns) meets PNW specialties (like Wild Salmon Salad).
Atmosphere: Bare brick walls and the polished live-edge bar and tables lend themselves to a rustic west-coast look, and the 21+ rule means you’ll get to enjoy your visit without any small distractions running around.
Location: The Train Wreck is on Fairhaven Avenue but a bit off the beaten path, which means there’s usually plenty of parking but it’s walkable to other restaurants and shops.
Price: $$
Photo by Anne Godenham
Skagit Valley Larder
ITALIAN DEVILED EGGS
Calabrian chili aioli, crispy coppa, and chives make up these to-die-for deviled eggs. These are especially grand for sharing to whet your party’s appetite before a bigger dinner.
Bar Cicotti, Bellingham
Cuisine: Drinks and food inspired by traditional Italian wine and coffee bars. The menu has offerings under Spuntini, Antipasti, Insalata/Zuppa, Pasta, and Dolce, plus sandwiches and flatbreads. Atmosphere: This family-friendly eatery is intimate and cozy. You may feel like you discovered a secret oasis in the midst of an urban Italian city.
Location: Bar Cicotti is attached to the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building. For an amazing date night, book one of their Dinner & Curator Tour events for a prix fixe three-course Italian dinner and tour of the current exhibition.
Price: $
Galloway’s Cocktail Bar, Bellingham
Cuisine: Award-winning craft cocktails and tasty bites with weekly special menus and events.
Atmosphere: Galloway’s is well-known for its art deco ambiance! Come casually to enjoy drinks with friends, or dress up to feel like you’re at a party thrown by Gatsby himself.
Location: Attached to the charming Fairhaven Village Inn, Galloway’s is an excellent place to start or end an evening in Bellingham’s Historic Fairhaven (especially thanks to their heated outdoor porch seating).
Price: $
PETIT CHEESE BOARD
The Temple Bar's Petit Cheese board comes with a rotating cheese selection, fresh fruit, honey, and pickled accompaniments, served up alongside a Mount Bakery baguette. Perfect for a happy hour snack or after-dinner drink.
The Temple Bar, Bellingham
Cuisine: Fine wine, beer, craft cocktails, and charcuterie.
Atmosphere: Eating at The Temple Bar feels like what we think finding a hole-in-thewall brasserie in an old church in Paris might feel like (but with much friendlier service).
Location: You’ll find The Temple Bar near art galleries, entertainment venues, and small business shopping in downtown Bellingham.
Price: $
The Vault Wine Bar, Bistro, & Event Space, Blaine
Cuisine: Everything from charcuterie to substantial European-American entrees. Atmosphere: This hospitality-focused eatery wants you to sit back and relax with music, locally-sourced food, classic cocktails, and over 700 bottles of wine to choose from.
Location: The name is an allusion to the past and present: The building was previously a Bank of America, and to this day the bank’s vault sits just off the dining room!
Price: $$
Photo by Teo Crider
Photo by Dean Davidson
The Temple Bar
Bar Cicotti
RAW OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL
Order off B-Town’s Raw Bar menu to enjoy raw oysters on the half shell with cucumber mignonette, yuzu marmalade, cocktail sauce, and lemon. They also serve sushi, poke, nigiri, and sashimi!
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar, Bellingham
Cuisine: PNW, Asian, and Mediterranean fusion, featuring fresh seafood. Atmosphere: Between the raw bar, covered patio with fire pits, and alwaysappetizing menu, B-Town feels urban and hip with a comfortable, casual air.
Location: B-Town is attached to the Four Points By Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center, and offers some distance from busy streets while still being just minutes from downtown Bellingham
Price: $$
FRIED GOAT CHEESE & BEET SALAD
This combination of arugula, beets, and citrus and white balsamic vinaigrette is rendered novel by the balls of fried goat cheese, which add hot, crunchy, and creamy sensations to the experience. And it tastes good, too!
Sugar
& Co, Bellingham
Cuisine: American bistro classics with worldly influences and cocktails with a twist. Atmosphere: Moody hot-pink lighting, dark walls and furniture, ostrich feathers, and live entertainment make Sugar & Co. feel fun, adventurous, and a little flirty.
Location: This spot is Fairhaven’s newest family-friendly lounge, right next to Village Books and Paper Dreams.
Price: $$
Bellingham Cider Company, Bellingham
Cuisine: Filling modern American, kind of a new-school meat-and-potatoes. Atmosphere: The slightly industrial feel inside the dining room and large wooden outdoor deck seating helps you remember this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a brewery! Order a cider!
Location: Bellingham Cider Company sits on the edge of a big hill in downtown Bellingham. You can look out toward the water while you eat on their large, open patio, or take a stroll down the stairs into Maritime Heritage Park after your meal.
Price: $$
MEATBALLS
Not to be confused with the average spaghetti-supported meatballs, these are delicious enough to stand apart from the usual carb pairing. Toothsome but tender, the rich meat is offset by a tangy marinara sauce—served with a buttered baguette, perfect for scooping!
Revival Lounge, Mount Vernon
Cuisine: Elevated bar snacks, shareables, and flatbread pizzas
Atmosphere: Step back into a more aesthetically pleasing time, complete with pressed tin ceilings! Take a seat at the ornate vintage bar and enjoy a stunning, impeccably-mixed cocktail while you watch the beautifully-dressed bartender mix up the next one, surrounded by mellow music and the low voices of groups sitting in comfy lounge areas.
Location: Revival is located on downtown Mount Vernon’s beautiful Pine Square, which is especially lovely when it’s lit up in the winter. Parking can be a bit hard to find, but the new Library Commons lot is just a block away!
Price: $$
Photo by Kristen Boehm
Photo by Katheryn Moran Photography
Photo by Anne Godenham Revival Lounge Sugar & Co.
B-Town Kitchen & Raw Bar
DDinner
ECIDING WHERE TO go for dinner can be a daunting task. This meal has a place of esteem in our going-out culture—it’s what you do on a date, when the in-laws are visiting, or to celebrate a big event. So we took extra care to recommend a range of dinner spots; while we do think you should try them all, this way you can also find the perfect one to end your day.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS
While this is one of Roe’s smaller dishes, it packs a punch of culinary delight. Fried Brussels are dressed in a local apple cider gastrique and fennel mayo, then topped with shaved bottarga, which is salted and cured fish roe pouch.
DUCK CONFIT
Roe, Bellingham
Cuisine: Seasonal Pacific Northwest seafood and share plates.
Atmosphere: Somehow both laid-back and the coolest place on the block, Roe marries neighborhood, community-focused vibes with the feeling of an upscale restaurant.
Location: This space in downtown Bellingham has a polished industrial vibe. In addition to a small-but-open dining room, there’s a chef’s counter at the front of the open kitchen and a full-service bar down a hallway.
Price: $$-$$$
Nonna Luisa Ristorante, Anacortes
Cuisine: Neapolitan classics including handmade pasta and Osso Buco.
Atmosphere: Nonna Luisa is everything you would expect from a traditional Italian restaurant, down to the red tablecloths, candlelight, and wine bottles lining the walls. Add in warm service and delicious, comforting food and you’re in for a great night!
Location: The restaurant sits at the north end of Commercial Avenue, twinkling in the night with inviting lights and guiding your way with a sign that features Nonna Luisa herself.
Price: $$$$
Oyster & Thistle, La Conner
Cuisine: Regional Skagit ingredients and seafood prepared through classical French discipline
Atmosphere: Dining at this “Old English country inn,” you might feel transported to a high society dinner by the sea in simpler times. Exposed wood, green walls, and white linen tablecloths are the backdrop for a fine meal.
Location: Perched up on a hill just one block from La Conner’s downtown, Oyster & Thistle is easy to reach but feels removed from the hubbub.
Price: $$$$
A crispy-skinned confit duck leg perched atop a pile of perfect fingerling potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and Brussels sprout hash with thick slices of salty ham. The perfect dish for a chilly winter lunch!
Photo by Anne Godenham
Photo by Teo Crider Roe
Oyster & Thistle
Late Night Bites in Bellingham
Whether you just finished a late shift, got out of a concert, or maybe even stayed till close at dinner, sometimes you just need a reliable place to go for some late night refreshment.
A classic Bellingham night out must include Redlight Kitchen & Bar, where you can get fantastic cocktails, a welcoming atmosphere, and some of the best bar food the city has to offer. Try a Fried Chicken or Pork Belly Bao, Snow Crab Fried Rice, or Beef Noodle Soup (seasonal). Tue.Thurs., 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Starla’s is one of downtown’s new wine bars, with a focus on natural wines. They’re also wellstocked with beer, including their own original German pilsner by Aslan Brewing, have a hearty snack menu, and recently started serving their exceptional pizzas every night too! Tue.-Thurs., 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
Hungrier? Out later? Nacho Problems serves up large plates of creative nachos in their funky, eclectic bar on Railroad Avenue. BBQ pork, chorizo, asada, veggies, and queso galore can be had alongside draft cocktails and beer as late as 1 a.m.! Thurs., 6 p.m.-12 am., Fri.-Sat., 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Sun., 6 p.m.-11 p.m.
A personal favorite for ordering in, Fat Shack is a late-night franchise that takes American comfort food to the extreme. Deep fried apps and desserts, huge sandwiches and burgers, wings, and shakes… you couldn’t ask for more. And it’s available past midnight every day! Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-1 a.m., Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 a.m.
GRILLED SKIRT STEAK
Tender skirt steak cooked perfectly to order on the fiery grill, then topped with rich, spicy urfa chile butter and served with roasted carrots, a tangy orange and carrot jus, and fried carrot tops (note: photo is of a similar steak dish from a previous menu).
Carnal, Bellingham
Cuisine: Fine dining-inspired, live fire-cooked dishes with a savory throughline.
Atmosphere: Living up to their namesake, Carnal leans into a sensation-driven dining experience. The dark dining room allows you to focus on the rich flavors of their food, and makes this an excellent date night spot.
Location: Carnal is tucked amongst the business fronts on State Street in downtown Bellingham, right next to fast-casual sister restaurant Accomplice.
Price: $$
13moons Restaurant, Anacortes
Cuisine: Fine contemporary Northwest, with a focus on sophisticated meat dishes and seasonal seafood.
Atmosphere: Up a flight of stairs, with windows overlooking Padilla Bay, 13moons provides a quiet retreat from the lights and sounds of the bustling casino floor. The dining room is casual but elegant, with bare wood tables and an attractive open kitchen.
Location: The restaurant is inside the Swinomish Casino & Lodge, which is a destination in and of itself. But even if casinos aren’t your thing, 13moons is well worth the visit.
Price: $$$$
Photo by Teo Crider
Carnal
SASHIMIDON
AME’s version of a classic Japanese sashimi donburi has all the usual components—sticky sushi rice, fresh, buttery slices of salmon, tuna, and yellowtail sashimi, and pickled ginger—jazzed up with a Thai-style lemongrass dipping sauce that adds a tart, spicy zing.
AME Thai Japanese Fusion, Mount Vernon
Cuisine: Japanese and Thai, with some dishes being a fusion of the two. Atmosphere: The restaurant is inside a rezoned single-family home, and between the layout and the friendly service it really does feel like being in someone’s house in the best way. Two large televisions play Asian-focused foodie travel shows (without sound) to whet your appetite while you decide what to order.
Location: Ame is on the less-busy end of East College Way in Mount Vernon, and it would be easy to miss if they hadn’t put tall flags calling out the existence of sushi at the entrance to the parking lot.
Price: $$
The Fork at Agate Bay, Bellingham
Cuisine: American with Southern and continental fine dining influence. Atmosphere: Both the Agate Bay location and its sister restaurant in La Conner, The Fork at Skagit Bay, serve up gorgeous food in laid-back, familyfriendly atmospheres. Both have lovely outdoor spaces as well.
Location: The Agate Bay location is on the north side of Lake Whatcom, between Silver Beach and Sunnyside. While it’s not close to much else, it’s well worth the beautiful drive.
Price: $$$$
Infusion Cuisine, Lynden
Cuisine: Mexican, Italian, Asian, and American dishes.
Atmosphere: This family-run restaurant serves polished classics in a relaxed environment, giving you the chance to rediscover familiar dishes. Come here when you need an easy win!
Location: Infusion Cuisine is easily accessible off of Hannegan Road in Lynden, and has ample free parking.
Price: $$
Leader Block Trattoria and Bar, Ferndale
Cuisine: Rich Northern Italian with PNW accoutrements.
Atmosphere: Enthusiastic familial hospitality meets fine dining at Leader Block. Their huge wine list and five-course menu will leave you beyond satisfied with your night out!
Location: When you visit Leader Block on Ferndale’s Main Street, you’ll notice that the interior is made up of several distinct dining areas, each with its own vibe.
Price: $$$
Enjoy the View
Packers Kitchen + Bar
Packers is on the Semiahmoo spit, surrounded by the icy blue waters of Semiahmoo Bay. When you peek out the windows, you’ll feel like you could jump in and swim to the nearby Canadian shore.
The Oyster Bar on Chuckanut Drive
Even driving out to The Oyster Bar is like going on a nature retreat. Once you’re there, surrounded by tall trees and overlooking the rocky shore and waters of Samish Bay, relaxation is irresistible.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
Breathe deep of the sea air and the smell of delicious food while you sit on the patio at Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, a part of Blaine’s waterfront downtown at Drayton Harbor.
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant
Traditional Italian inside and harborfront outside, the outdoor seating at Lombardi’s in Bellingham is a fantastic place to soak up the sunshine and watch the boats bob peacefully in Squalicum Harbor.
Lighthouse Grill
Lighthouse Grill faces out toward Bellingham Bay, with Squalicum Harbor to the right and Zuanich Boat Dock and the sunset dead ahead.
Rooftop Lounge at the Majestic Inn & Spa
From the Rooftop Lounge at the Majestic, you can look out across the tip of Fidalgo Island toward the waters of the Salish Sea.
Photo byAnneGodenham
AME Thai Japanese Fusion