A city of approximately 75,000, Bellingham, Washington has regularly been named by the national media as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Whether you are seeking easy access to boating, hiking, cycling, or snowboarding activities, a vibrant cultural scene for arts and entertainment, a smorgasbord of restaurants, or a variety of shopping opportunities, Bellingham has it. (Click here for Bellingham weather information.)

As a side-effect of an historic amalgamation of towns, Bellingham offers two thriving downtown areas, both close to Western’s campus. Downtown Bellingham is a ten-minute walk north of campus, and offers many restaurants, cafés, galleries, theaters, museums, and other services. The Fairhaven Historic District, located south of campus, has retained its own distinctive downtown as well.

With our location in such a beautiful environment, it should be no surprise that a general theme at Western is sustainability and environmental responsibility. Bus service, offered in close coordination with WWU, blankets Bellingham and the surrounding region.

For a guide to Bellingham Nightspots, click here.

Where to Eat in Bellingham

Downtown

Bagelry (360.676.5288) – Serving bagels and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.
Bandito’s Burritos (360.738.8488) – A great burrito place for a casual meal or to take-away. Veg-friendly.
Bob’s Burgers and Brew (360.734.1350) – Voted “favorite burger” in Whatcom County! Also has breakfast, brunch, and dinner options, and a special summer menu.
Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro (360.647.5593) – A local icon! Boundary Bay is a great place for lunch, dinner, or just drinking some brews. Veg-friendly too.
Cafe Akroteri (360.676.5554) – Greek restaurant.
Casa Que Pasa (360.756.8226) – Another local favorite, especially known for its potato burrito.
The House of Orient (360.738.4009) – Thai and Vietnamese restaurant.
India Grill (360.714.0314) – Good Indian food. They also have a lunch buffet.
La Fiamma Wood Fire Pizza (360.547.0060) – Pizza the Italian way! If you’re in the mood for something more American, they also have a burger place just down the street.
Little Cheerful (360.647.0060) – A breakfast favorite, they also serve sandwiches and burgers for lunch.
Mallard Ice Cream (360.734.3884) – Another local favorite! Known for its unique flavors. Also located near several restaurants, including Fiamma Burger, the Bagelry, and Casa Que Pasa, as well as a number of shopping boutiques.
Nimbus (360.676.1307) – Feeling more upscale? Head to this elegant, contemporary restaurant.
Pepper Sisters (360.671.3414) – Open at dinnertime for delcious and unique southwestern cuisine. Also serves great sangria! The back patio is open for great bay views, weather permitting. Veg-friendly.
Rocket Donuts (360.671.6111) – Another local icon! Offers donuts, pastries, savory brunch items and espresso. Veg-friendly.
Rudy’s Pizzereia (360.647.7547) – A college favorite, Rudy’s offers a ton of toppings so you can create your own pizza, or order one of their tried-and-true offerings. Just next door is the Up & Up bar, where you can play pool or just hang out and still order from the restaurant.
Swan Cafe (360.734.8158) – Located inside Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op, the cafe offers pastries, espresso, smoothies, soup, salad, and a variety of deli items to eat in or take to-go. Veg-friendly.
Temple Bar (360.676.8660) – A wine bar (they also serve beer) also serving tasty small plates.
Tokyo House (360.714.0500) – Offers sushi (including a sushi happy hour!) and tabletop barbeque.
Wasabee Sushi (360.738.2024) – Another place to get your sushi fix.

Fairhaven

The Archer Ale House (360.647.7002) – English pub style food and atmosphere.
Big Fat Fish Co. (360.733.2284) – Offering quintessential Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Colophon Cafe (360.647.0092) – Freshly made soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Also open for breakfast with espresso and pastries. Veg-friendly.
Dirty Dan Harris’ (360.676.1087) – Another Bellingham staple! Serving steak and seafood.
Dos Padres (360.733.9900) – A wide variety of home-cooked Mexican food.
Flats Tapas Bar (360.738.6001) – Spanish-style tapas bar.
Le Chat Noir (360.733.6136) – A slightly more upscale restaurant with a European ambience. Offers international cuisine.
Mambo Italiano Cafe (360.734.7677) – Italian food, bistro-style.
On Rice (360.676.9995) – Large selection of delicious Thai favorites. Veg-friendly.

Sehome Village

Busara Thai Cuisine (360.734.8088) – Another Thai restaurant, recommended if you like to indulge in the spciy side.
Espinoza Mexican Restaurant (360.676.0580) – Mexican restaurant.
Ginger Boat (360.647.6151) – Serving teriyaki and sushi.
Haggen’s Cafe – Located inside the Haggen’s grocery store. Deli foods, Asian cuisine, and sushi available.
Q.Q. Li’s (360.671.3540) – Q.Q. Li’s started as a stand on Western’s campus, and has since expanded to a full restaurant serving Chinese cuisine.
Sehome Diner (360.738.3311) – Serving American favorites for breakfast and lunch. May be a good stop the morning after trying out Bellingham’s nightlife!