With over 60 different places to grab a bite, get a drink, or enjoy a hot cup of coffee, downtown Bellingham will surely have something that will satisfy even the pickiest Bellingham residents.

With almost 25% of food & beverage options in downtown Bellingham falling under the category of bar & brewery, it’s clear that Bellingham residents enjoy a drink or two. Ranging from breweries who specialize in serving in-house brews, like Boundary Bay and Chuckanut brewery, or specialty bars who prefer to serve drinks with a twist like Culture Café at Kombucha Town, there is sure to be a place for both working professionals and college students alike.

Retail Restaurants Downtown Bellingham – 2018 Snapshot

If you’re a breakfast person, you’re in luck as the second most prevalent dining option in downtown Bellingham are places to grab breakfast or a cup of coffee. Whether it’s something you can take to work as you’re running late to the office, or a sit down breakfast with the family on Sunday morning, finding the appropriate breakfast spot shouldn’t be an issue as just under 25% of dining options in downtown Bellingham specialize in breakfast and coffee.

With just under 20% of dining options falling under the category of classic American, and options ranging from fast-casual to full service dining, downtown Bellingham has numerous options for those craving burgers, sandwiches, or anything else considered classic Americana. Similarly, about 20% of the restaurants in d

owntown serve food that is inspired by roots outside of the United States. Whether Latin American, Italian, Greek, or Indian, downtown Bellingham has plenty of options that will satisfy any craving.

Unique to Bellingham, one thing that you won’t find in the downtown retail area is large chain restaurants who serve cookie-cutter options. In fact, the vast majority of the dining options are single location restaurants, owned and operated by residents of Bellingham just like you and me. Indicative of the fact that over 2/3 of the dining options in downtown Bellingham have online ratings of 4 stars or higher, these locally owned restaurants serve food that is made with passion and love. Not only does the consumer get high quality products, there is the added benefit of keeping money in the pockets of Bellingham residents which keeps the local economy thriving. As many restaurants insist on sourcing from local Whatcom County farmers, buying local is something that Bellingham residents excel at.

So where can downtown Bellingham improve? One observation is the lack of high-end dining options for those looking to splurge, or celebrate a special occasion. Although there are plenty of sit-down dining choices, there are little to no options that allow a consumer to enjoy what most would consider to be true fine-dining. For those looking to enjoy Duck à l’orange while sipping on a 2005 Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque Rosé Champagne, you’re going to have to make reservations 3 weeks in advance, drive 90 miles south, and get a hotel for the night. Also, don’t forget your suit and tie because dress code is strictly enforced at the door.