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 by being named 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, 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, settle into a table on their outdoor patio.
COF& is a Colombian family owned cafe in Downtown Bellingham, specializing in unique Colombian coffees alongside a diverse menu. From artfully crafted espresso drinks to Colombian-inspired dishes, COF& offers a welcoming atmosphere for the whole family, including dogs!
Try the famous “cappuccino gold,” made with espresso and steamed milk topped with local honey and almond powder.
Located on the top floor of Village Books, Evolve Chocolate + Cafe is a beautiful place to enjoy an espresso (and a chocolate truffle) while reading a new book or chatting with an old friend.
For something heartier, the cafe also offers a diverse menu featuring delicious farm-to-table options. Plus, tables near the windows boast views of Bellingham Bay.
Open seven days a week, FireHouse Cafe is a historic firehouse-turned-coffee shop located in Fairhaven Village, attached to the FireHouse Arts & Events Center. Enjoy a latte or pastry inside next to the historic wood-burning fireplace or in the cafe's peaceful garden area under an expansive, historic sycamore tree. The café also serves sandwiches, hand pies, and quiches.
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.
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.)
Caffe Adagio is another 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.
Visit Hammerhead Coffee Roaster's flagship coffee shop in beautiful downtown Bellingham! Sip your favorite cup of coffee and savor a delicious biscuit sandwich for breakfast or lunch every day of the week. For those who don't like sweet drinks, the Matcha Latte is especially delicious.
New to the Silver Beach neighborhood in 2023, LakeLine is a neighborhood coffee shop that also serves delectable cocktails, sandwiches, toasts, salads, pastries, and more. For something special, order an affogato or root beer float.
One of the best parts about LakeLine is the view. Out the front windows, score stunning views of Lake Whatcom.
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.
All the best stories start and end with coffee. Head to Narrative Coffee--located right next to Elizabeth Station--to get your fix of delicious coffee, loose leaf teas, sodas, tonics, and more. They also sell pastries made by Mount Bakery and offer a limited all-day menu featuring yogurt, sandwiches, toasts, and a salad.
Tucked between the Lettered Streets, Fountain, and Columbia neighborhoods in the heart of Bellingham, ROAM Coffee + Beer is a caffeinated venture brought to you by the people at Wander Brewing. ROAM serves locally roasted organic coffee, Wander Brewing beer, local craft cider, Washington wine, pastries, and small bites. Enjoy your beverages inside or in the beer garden, or head through the drive/pedal/walk thru window for a to-go order.
Nestled in the alcove of historic Sycamore Square, Shirlee Bird Cafe offers handcrafted pastries baked fresh each morning along with locally-roasted organic espresso.
You 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.
This small but mighty cafe in Downtown Bellingham combines two of the areas favorite things: bikes and coffee! Part bike repair shop, part coffee house, Cafe Velo is where you can enjoy an espresso, beer, or sandwiches while getting a tune-up from a certified bike mechanic.
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 shop, which has a walkup window that’s great for strolls around the park, especially when you have a dog with you. Make it part of a larger outing to explore Taylor Dock and the boardwalk.
