The beer scene in Bellingham has been a hot topic for a while now, but another beverage in town deserves a place under the spotlight: Coffee. Coffee is the lifeblood of many in the Pacific Northwest, and we are fortunate enough to have a robust coffee scene in Bellingham, too!
Inspired by Seattle's coffee scene, the coffee culture in Bellingham is low-key, friendly, and quirky. Not only do Bellingham coffee shops boast beautiful and unique spaces, perfect for meeting up with friends or kicking back with a book, but they also offer an array of approaches to the world's most beloved bean. From lattes and mochas to scones and croissants, add these cafes to your list of places to visit in Bellingham.
Camber Coffee first began as a roasting company out of Bellingham. After mastering their roasting techniques, Camber made their dream a reality and opened their downtown location in August 2017. Camber has been recognized for their unique blends, coffee knowledge, and expertise as one of the Best Coffee Roasters in the Country by Thrillist. In 2023, they were ranked as one of the top 25 coffee shops in the country, in 2022 they were named one of the best coffee roasters in the country, and in 2018 they were named Best Coffee in Washington State by Food & Wine Magazine.
Simply put: they make some of the best coffee Bellingham has to offer.
Their space is big, bright and open. They also serve wine, beer, cider, mimosas, tea, and incredible food for breakfast and lunch. If the weather is good, sit outside in their abundant, covered patio seating.
Woods Coffee has been a local staple for twenty years and counting. The company made its start in Lynden, Washington, and now has more than a dozen cafes stretching from Whatcom County to King County.
Woods also has a roastery that is an extension of their Lakeway coffee shop. At this location visitors have a first-hand look at their coffee roasting process. Each location is different, but you can count on quick service and yummy baked goods.
The most iconic location is a local and visitor favorite, the Boulevard Park Coffee Shop, which has a walkup window that’s great for strolls around the park, especially when you have a dog with you.
Located centrally on Railroad Avenue, this popular coffee shop in downtown Bellingham is made from a blend of Indonesian, Guatemalan, and Brazilian beans from Bellingham’s Lotus Coffee Company. For over two decades, Avellino has welcomed visitors to their comfy, at-home feeling space. Those who are gluten-free will be amazed by their tasty gluten-free options. For a crowd favorite, try the Fantasia (espresso, cinnamon, and orange zest.)
This adorable cafe in Fairhaven Village is the perfect destination for a rainy weekend pick-me-up or a slow Sunday morning spent with friends. Their coffee is delicious--especially their mochas and lattes--and the food menu is small but mighty. Choose from a variety of toasts and pastries, or stop by on Sundays for fresh everything bagels made in-house.
Grab a table outside or cozy up indoors at a table (or, if you're lucky, nab a seat on the coveted sofa). Grab a book from the library or sit back and admire the decorations: the walls are covered in funky, eclectic artwork that will have you quickly pointing out your favorites. The cafe also carries a small inventory of locally made jewelry, pottery, and more for purchase.
Caffe Adagio has always been a popular spot in downtown Bellingham. The traditional Italian coffee shop has tasty sandwiches, soups, pastries, and more. Their Mayan Hot Chocolate is delicious and popular and their baristas are skilled. You can stop by to order in person and sit outside or take it to go.
Old Independent Coffeehouse, formerly Tony’s Coffee, is a charming coffeehouse located in Historic Fairhaven Village. Though the cafe underwent a rebranding in 2022, it still serves the same delicious Tony's Coffee as always.
Customers can sit and sip, or order online for breakfast or lunch. The drink menu has all the classics, and the food at neighboring Harris Avenue Cafe is exceptional. Their menu features steak and eggs, scrambles, omelets, burgers, and more.
Located near the heart of downtown Bellingham is the Lettered Streets Coffeehouse, a neighborhood coffee shop that has many locals coming back for more. The cafe offers hand-made pastries along with yummy breakfast sandwiches. They are also the only shop north of Everett that serves Veltons’ full-bodied coffee.
Try their signature Choko-latte, a concentrate of warm winter spices, espresso, steamed milk and a pump of vanilla. Yum! Or choose your favorites that include their house-made chai (spicy more than sweet), or vanilla, hazelnut, and lavender syrups.
Bright, open, and airy, Makeworth's two-story location in downtown Bellingham is ideal for working remotely or enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. Their coffee is small-batch roasted for the fullest flavor and sourced as directly from farms as possible. Their breakfast menu features avocado toast, bagels, breakfast tacos, and breakfast sandwiches, so you can make it a cheerful morning meal.
Nestled in the alcove of historic (and some say haunted) Sycamore Square (built in 1890), Shirlee Bird Cafe offers handcrafted pastries baked fresh each morning along with locally-roasted organic espresso.
Your can also sate your hunger with grilled breakfast and lunch sandwiches featuring hand-sliced local meats, grilled and filled bagels from Bellingham’s Bagelry, and kombucha on tap. Shirlee Bird has also made sure there is a treat for everyone with many sweet and savory vegan and vegetarian options, and their entire menu can be made gluten-free.
You can call your order ahead and pick up, enjoy your meal at the outdoor seating along 12th Street, or stay and sip your coffee inside.
