Dining Guide

from Bellingham Alive April 2022

Culinary Events

DINING KEY

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . up to $9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10–19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20–29 . . . . . . . $30 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lunch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dinner . . . . . . . . . Family-Friendly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Takeout . . . . . . . . Outdoor Seating . . . . . . . . . Reservations . . . . . . . . . . Happy Hour . . . . . . . . . . New Review

Menu items and prices are subject to change, so check before you go. See all our restaurant reviews on our Eat and Drink tab at bellinghamalive.com * Local restaurants need you now more than ever! However, due to COVID-19, some restaurants may be temporarily closed. Remember to call ahead or check online for delivery and pick-up options.

WHATCOM

7 SPICE CAFE Mediterranean 122 E. Magnolia St., Bellingham 360.393.3554, sevenspicecafe.com 7 Spice Cafe owner Helen Neville dreamed up the idea for 7 Spice after falling in love with late-night shawarma shops in Europe. The cafe’s menu is straight-forward, simple, and affordable enough to become your new weekday lunch destination. Choose from street-food style items like Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shawarma, or Falafel, all served on fresh pita baked-to-order behind the counter.

11TH HOUR TEA & COFFEE BAR Tea, Coffee 833 N. State St., Bellingham 360.788.4229, 11thhourteaandcoffeebar.com 11th Hour Tea & Coffee Bar has an extensive menu of drinks around $3–5, with a variety of teas, golden milks, tea lattes, superfood lattes, and a full line of espresso items. The intimate space is cozy and encourages conversation between friends and strangers alike. The energy, menu, and location attract everyone from college students and families to health-minded folks. ACCOMPLICE American 1232 N. State St., Bellingham, 360.778.2336 If you’ve been to Carnal in downtown Bellingham, you know meat is their forte. For even more protein-forward goodness, head to the restaurant’s burger offshoot, Accomplice, located right next door. Originally created as a destination for casual takeout during the pandemic, the space was remodeled to include a quirky dining area plus variety of sandwiches and house-made sauces.

THE BIRCH DOOR CAFE American 4192 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.306.8598, birchdoorcafe.com The Birch Door Cafe does not fall short on charm, variety, or serving size. Brunch enthusiasts will be delighted by the three pages of breakfast options. Dishes include traditional pancake breakfast platters, Frenchstyle baked omelets, egg scrambles and Benedicts, and plenty more. Listen for the ringing of the kitchen bell every time one of these massive breakfasts is served.

BRANDYWINE KITCHEN Regional NW 1317 Commercial St., Bellingham 360.734.1071, brandywinekitchen.com Named for the farm where they began growing their decadent heirloom tomatoes, Brandywine Kitchen sources many of its ingredients locally, upholding their “from seed to plate” philosophy. The menu offers vegetarian and gluten-free options and a rotating selection of beer from local breweries.

CAMBER COFFEE Coffeehouse, American 221 W. Holly St., Bellingham 360.656.5343, cambercoffee.com Camber is more than just a coffee shop. Customers can order at the counter for a quicker bite, or enjoy table service for the restaurant experience. Throughout the day, customers will find a full menu for breakfast (or brunch, depending on your wake-up time), lunch, and dinner. The food is best described as “new American comfort.”

COSMOS BISTRO American Bistro, Comfort Food 1151 N. State St., Bellingham 360.255.0244, bellinghamcosmosbistro.com The comfort food at Cosmos is always made in-house from scratch at their historic Herald Building location. With award-winning service, plates brimming with creativity for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, Cosmos Bistro offers something for everyone.

D’ANNA’S CAFE ITALIANO Italian 1317 N. State St., Bellingham 360.714.0188, dannascafeitaliano.com If you’re looking for good Italian food without having to resort to a national chain, D’Anna’s may be the place for you. The emphasis here is on the food, not the frills. The restaurant stands out in many ways, but D’Anna’s delicious, homemade pasta is what really makes it special.

FIAMMA BURGER American 1309 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 360.733.7374, fiammaburger.com One word speaks volumes about Fiamma Burger: variety. With a multitude of patty types and more than 20 menu options, there are endless possibilities for a burger masterpiece. All burgers are served on a freshbaked bun, with crisp lettuce and all the usual fixings. You can even get a “burger in a bowl,” served without the bread. Spice it up with chipotle ketchup, spicy mustard, or curry mayo, then cool it down with a beer or milkshake.

FIRESIDE MARTINI & WINE BAR

Eclectic, Bar 416 W. Bakerview Rd., Bellingham 360.738.1000, firesidemartini.com Fireside is out to make a name for itself. Their menu changes on an almost daily basis and uses only fresh, local ingredients. Cocktails are based on in-house infusions of spirits, a collection found only at Fireside, and their beer options range from local to obscure to international.

THE FORK AT AGATE BAY American, Seafood 2530 Northshore Rd., Bellingham 360.733.1126, theforkatagatebay.com Nestled at the fork between Y and Northshore roads near Lake Whatcom sits The Fork at Agate Bay. This relaxed and boat-housechic restaurant offers a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all featuring fresh, local ingredients. The bar boasts an impressive drink menu, with a drink selection based on fresh and local ingredients and tastes.

GRAHAM’S RESTAURANT American 9989 Mount Baker Hwy., Glacier 360.599.9883 Graham’s Restaurant is the classic, rustic stop for a good burger and brew in Glacier,

A Taste of Colombian Coffee Culture

COF&

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY COCOA LANEY

AT SUNNYLAND’S NEWEST coffee shop, expectations are raised before visitors even step inside. It’s impossible not to notice a bold proclamation printed on the entrance: “Enjoy the best coffee in the world.”

“It looks funny, but for Colombian people, we are so sure that we have the best coffee in the world,” Owner Oscar Quintero says. “The main reason is that Colombia has the perfect physical environment to grow good coffee.”

You don’t have to take Oscar’s word for it: The beans at COF& — pronounced “cof-y”, with the “y” signifying the Spanish word for “and’’ — are designated as specialty. Specialty coffee is the highest quality available, and to be certified as such, beans must score above an 80 on a 100point quality scale, be hand-picked at a mature stage, and have five or fewer defects per 12 ounces.

COF&’s beans are sourced by trading directly with small-batch coffee farmers in Oscar’s native department of Santander, Colombia. The beans are grown under the natural coverings of trees, and while sun-grown is the industry standard, shade-grown coffee is more environmentally sustainable. In addition, the forested setting provides natural pest control and allows beans to slowly develop until mature.

So what can be done with specialty coffee? Thanks to the knowledge of Oscar and barista Kristina Garcia, customers have a wealth of options. Beyond traditional offerings such as espresso and lattes, they brew drinks using a variety of techniques and equipment, including aeropresses and Japanese siphons.

COF& also offers specialty drinks such as the Espresso Bonbon (condensed milk, a double shot of espresso, and whipped cream) and Cappuccino Gold (a cappuccino topped with honey and rimmed with crushed almonds). I tried the Cappuccino Gold, and it far surpassed my (admittedly very high) expectations.

Of course, delicious coffee is just the beginning of the COF& experience. The cozy wooden decor — built by Oscar and his wife, Heimy — creates the perfect atmosphere for lingering over a drink, preferably with a good book or the company of a friend. Garcia and Oscar know how to make patrons feel at home, and Oscar is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of Colombian coffee and culture. Above all, he makes an effort to approach customers as a human being, not just a businessperson.

In addition to made-to-order drinks, bagged coffee and branded merchandise are available for purchase.

The shop also sells Wayuu bags and jewelry from PHIA handmade, Heimy’s company. Oscar says that selling coffee alongside her jewelry at markets was the first step to opening his own business.

For an added treat, customers can purchase empanadas, pastries, and sweets from local companies including Go Natural Foods and Resonate Chocolate.

“We are a Colombian coffee shop, so we sell Colombian foods,” Oscar says. “We sell empanadas and some sweet products typical from Colombia, so the idea with the food is to have this same experience with the coffee — to be different.”

Unsurprisingly, COF& has become a hub for the local Colombian community — and it’s also been a hit with customers who previously knew little about Colombia. Garcia says there is a desire to see more cultures represented in Bellingham’s local businesses, and as a result, the community has embraced Oscar’s endeavor with open arms.

“Bellingham is really diverse,” Garcia says. “I love just being able to see that diversity, and people being able to experience different cultures — but yet still staying in Bellingham.”

To learn more about COF&, patrons can follow at them on social media at @cofy.wa. 784 Kentucky St., Bellingham, 360.824.1018, colcofy.com 

especially for hungry travelers. Built in 1904, the building represents a long-gone era in the Mount Baker wilderness. Connected to an oldtimey grocery store, the cabin-like restaurant is made complete by black-and-white photos of the cast from the 1935 film “Call of the Wild,” starring Clark Gable and Loretta Young, warming their hands over the little stove oven which still sits there today.

JALAPEÑOS MEXICAN GRILL Mexican 1007 Harris Ave., Bellingham, 360.656.6600 501 W. Holly St., Bellingham, 360.671.3099 2945 Newmarket Pl., Bellingham 360.778.2041, jalapenos-wa.com Jalapeños Mexican Grill lures you in with promises of a cheap lunch special, but after looking at the menu, you won’t stop there. There’s a variety of flavored mojitos and margaritas, and the “Big Mama” alone is proof that Jalapeños doesn’t play around with their drinks. The glasses are huge, and the drinks are good to the last drop.

KURUKURU SUSHI Japanese, Sushi 11 Bellwether Way, Bellingham 360.392.8224, kurukurubellingham.com KuruKuru Sushi, which translates to “go around Sushi,” offers not only a good meal, but a good experience as well. Along with the more traditional sushi, delicious lightly tempura-fried sushi also makes its way around the conveyor belt. If you don’t see something you like, the chefs behind the counter will gladly make something for you.

LORIKEET Tapas Bar 215 W. Holly St., Ste. 101, Bellingham lorikeetbar.com Designed to feel like a seaside resort bar, the atmosphere at Lorikeet is beachy, relaxing, and transporting. Food offerings rotate daily, but staples include small plates like ceviche and skewers. The extensive cocktail menu features numerous rum- and tequila- based creations.

LYNDEN DUTCH BAKERY American 421 Front St., Lynden 360.354.3911, lyndendutchbakery.com Guests of Lynden Dutch Bakery will have a hard time picking just one sweet treat. Options include pies, donuts, fritters, cakes, and seemingly countless more. The wide variety of scones are some of the shop’s most popular items, along with a savory selection for those missing their sweet tooth. Fruit pies use berries grown just a few miles from the shop, and the owners sell many of their pastries to local businesses for wholesale.

MILANO’S ITALIAN SEAFOOD Italian, Seafood 1210 11th St., Bellingham 360.599.2863, milanosrestaurantbar.com Formerly in Glacier, the Milano’s in downtown Fairhaven is your destination for fine Italian dining and seafood. Wine lovers will feel especially at home, as Milano’s boasts the largest wine list in Whatcom County. Despite being a high-end restaurant, it’s also informal. You don’t have to dress up, and everyone is welcome.

NICKI’S BAR AND GRILL/ NICKI’S BELLA

MARINA American, Seafood 2615 S. Harbor Loop Dr., Bellingham 360.332.2505, nickisbellamarina.com Harborside visitors can grab a bite at Nicki’s Bar and Grill or rent out the floor above, Nicki’s Bella Marina, for private events with spectacular views of Bellingham Bay. Once you’ve had a chance to check out the water, take your first glance at the large menu. The burgers are big, juicy (there are even Wet-Naps on the table), and flavorful.

OISHII Asian 424 W. Bakerview Rd., Ste. 101, Bellingham 360.671.6007, oishiiteriyaki.com The next time you find yourself craving Asian fusion, head to Bakerview Square for sushi, teriyaki, noodles, and more. “Oishii” means “delicious” in Japanese and-- as any of their longtime regulars will tell you-- Bellingham’s Oishii Teriyaki & Rolls more than lives up to its name..

SCAMPI OSTERIA Italian 4832 Alderson Rd., Blaine 360.393.4415 This Italian restaurant in Birch Bay is adjacent to The C Shop, just a short stroll from the beach. Scampi’s interior is dimly lit, with soft light entering through large windows at the front and from turned-down overhead lighting. The atmosphere has a romantic and upscale feel, with wall art adding a homier touch. The food can be described in one word: incredible. The menu is wide, and includes traditional Italian meals as well as unique seafood dishes.

SCOTTY BROWNS American Cuisine 3101 Newmarket St., Bellingham 360.306.8823 scottybrownsrestaurant.com Scotty Browns offers an edgy, energetic ambiance, a varied menu of mainstream and upscale creations, and excellent drink options for all ages. Outdoor dining is a popular option during warmer weather. Some items on the menu, like appetizers, change seasonally, so you know you’ll never get bored. Casual to upscale dining options range from hamburgers, rice bowls, and pastas to higherend seafood and steaks. Just flying through? Grab a bite at their second location inside Bellingham International Airport. SKYLARK’S HIDDEN CAFE Eclectic 1308 11th St., Bellingham 360.715.3642, skylarkshiddencafe.com Skylark’s Hidden Cafe in Fairhaven is worth seeking out. From decadent breakfast items and house specialties to hearty dinner entrees, the menu at Skylark’s is varied and every bite delicious. Come for the food and stay for the jazz on select evenings.

SLO-PITCH SPORTS GRILL AND CASINO

3720 Meridian St., Bellingham 360.733.2255, slopitchcasino.com Conveniently located right on Meridian, Slo-Pitch serves up a great burger and fries. With excellent happy hour specials in a casual, sports atmosphere, Slo-Pitch is a great place to watch the game or take a midday break.

THE STEAK HOUSE AT SILVER REEF

Steak, Seafood 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale 360.383.0777, silverreefcasino.com This award-winning restaurant offers elegant dining and an intimate atmosphere. Prime-grade steaks are broiled at 1,800 degrees to lock in the natural juices and finished with a special steak butter. They also have an extensive wine list. This dining experience rivals any of the big-town steakhouses in quality and service without the big-city price tag.

STORIA CUCINA Italian, Pizza 109 Grand Ave., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.734.1929, storiacucina.com Storia Cucina offers a simple, no-fuss menu meant to reduce decision-fatigue and prioritize quality over quantity. All pasta is made in-house on an imported Italian pasta extruder, and ingredients are as local as possible. The restaurant itself is bright, cheerful, and tastefully decorated, certain to lift your spirits even on a drizzly autumn night.

SWEET AS WAFFLES Waffles 2039 Moore St., Bellingham sweetaswaffles.com Sweet As Waffles offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory waffles, all created from house-made ingredients. They like to get “weird” with the recipes and experiment with unique combinations of toppings.

SKAGIT

13MOONS AT SWINOMISH CASINO &

LODGE Seafood, Steak 12885 Casino Dr., Anacortes, 360.588.3525, swinomishcasinoandlodge.com Located on the waterfront within the casino, 13moons is sure to catch your attention. The menu offers a wide variety including first plates, entree salads, seafood, and steaks. Give this go-to place for locals a tryand you will be walking away satisfied.

A’TOWN BISTRO Regional NW 418 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.899.4001, atownbistro.com A’Town Bistro’s careful sourcing of ingredients, creative approach to food and drinks, and comfortable atmosphere are why it’s about to become your new go-to restaurant. Pair your meal with something off the ever-changing cocktail menu. Bitters, shrubs, and syrup are made in-house and the creative cocktails are composed by staff or sourced from a collection of vintage bartending books.

BOB’S CHOWDER BAR & BBQ SALMON

Seafood, American 3320 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.299.8000, bobschowderbarandbbqsalmon.com Treasured for its fresh and local seafood, Bob’s Chowder Bar & BBQ Salmon has long been a favorite dining destination in Anacortes. The restaurant specializes in all-things seafood, from fried calamari to oyster burgers and grilled wild prawns. Pair your meal with a huckleberry or sarsaparilla soda, wine by the glass, hard cider, bottled beer, or a featured beer on tap.

CALICO CUPBOARD American 901 Commercial Ave., Anacortes,, 360.293.7315, 720 S. 1st St., La Conner, 360.466.4451, 121-B Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon, 360.336.3107, calicocupboardcafe.com Since 1981, Calico Cupboard has been serving the purest, most heart-healthy, and high-quality ingredients. Using freshly milled, organically-grown, whole grain and unbleached flour, the cafe aims to promote its local farmers and gratify your body in the process. Sit down for breakfast or lunch, or just order from the bakery and grab an espresso to go. Calico Cupboard will leave you full, but feeling homey, healthy, and happy.

CHUCKANUT MANOR Pacific Northwest 3056 Chuckanut Dr., Bow 360.766.6191, chuckanutmanor.com Tucked along Samish Bay, Chuckanut Manor has been serving flavorful Pacific Northwest fare for more than 50 years. Open for lunch and dinner, including a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the restaurant is known for its mouthwatering seafood dishes, burgers, steaks, stellar service, and breathtaking views of Samish Bay. The dining room and bar are expansive and feature white tablecloths, nautical decor, and rows of windows that show off the magnificent views. In the summer, guests may also dine on the outdoor patio. While the tablecloths might allude to fancy attire, the vibe is casual and everyone is welcome just as they are.

FORTUNE MANDARIN Chinese, Mandarin 1617 Freeway Dr., Mount Vernon 360.428.1819, fortunemandarin.com Tea warmed over a candle, delicious drinks with a slight exotic twist, tender and flavorful meat, and vegetables cooked to perfection are expected at this peaceful bar and restaurant with Chinese decor. The owner and staff remember regular patrons, creating a sense of community alongside mouth-watering food.

GREEK ISLANDS RESTAURANT Greek 2001 Commercial Ave., Anacortes 360.293.6911, greekislandsrestaurant.shop Some of the very best Greek food in our area comes from this versatile and excellent menu, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and glutenfree options. They serve both authentic food, such as classic gyro plates and spanakopita, while also mixing in American and seafood options, such as pork ribs and fish and chips.

IL GRANAIO Italian 100 W. Montgomery St., Ste. 110 Mount Vernon 360.419.0674, granaio.com Owner Alberto Candivi gets up every morning to make some of the day’s pastas by hand, sculpting basic ingredients into the building blocks for lavish, rich Italian dishes served throughout the day. When the ingredients call for a lighter hand, his restaurant also turns out reserved, delicate dishes. Il Granaio is a practice in the intricacies of cuisine, displaying the best flavors Italian food has to offer. With more than 30 items on the entree menu, the list can be quite daunting—and the dessert menu is also impressive. The wine menu is also expansive, and the beer menu features several local craft brews. Their grappa selection does the Italian cordial the justice it deserves.