Bellingham

Tony's Coffee

Is awesome. 12th street in fairhaven district.

The Colophon Cafe

1208 11th street, +1-360 647-0092. m-sa, 9am-10pm. (http://www.colophoncafe.c...). serves soups, salads, sandwiched, and others. located in wonderful, historic fairhaven. also has great desserts!

Dos Padres

1111 harris ave. , +1-360 733-9900. su-th 11am-9pm, f-sa 11am-10pm, bar until midnight daily. standard mexican food such as fajitas, burritos, and so on. the restaurant side is comfortable and relaxed. note the separate bar entrance to the right if you are mainly interested in the margaritas. the building was extensivly damaged by fire but re-opened nov '07.

Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro

1107 railroad ave., +1-360 647-5593. opens 11am daily. fax +1-360 671-5897. (http://www.bbaybrewery.com) this brewery, bar, and restaurant is a good place for a drink or food. minors are welcome in the restaurant. seafood, steaks, and mexican food on the menu from $8-$25. try the beer sampler with a friend to get an idea of all the brews they produce.

La Fiamma

Wood fire pizza, 200 e. chestnut at railroad ave. in downtown, +1-360 647-0060. (http://www.lafiamma.com/) mo-th 11am-9:30pm, fr-sa 11am-10pm, su 12pm-9:30pm. excellent pizza in loud, friendly environment.

Mallard Ice Cream

1323 railroad ave., +1-360 734-3884. m-w 8:30am-10pm, th-f 8:30am-11pm, sa 11am-11pm, su 11am-10pm. (http://www.mallardicecrea...) located in downtown. serves a wide variety of ice cream and other deserts. favorite of locals, and the servers are very friendly.

Nimbus

For a great view, and great food, try Nimbus at the top of the Bellingham Towers even though there's only one. Go in and take the elevator to the top. 119 N Commercial St. +1-360 676-1307. After 10PM, have the truffle fries, they're addictive.

Don't be unnerved by the curious presence of sushi in a Thai restaurant. The tasty menu has some interesting touches, such as the option of dishes made with Splenda instead of oil, and a range of vegan and vegetarian items. The large dining room includes a cocktail bar and sushi bar. Rises above the uninspiring standards of Bellis Fair-Guide Meridian area restaurants.

Horseshoe Cafe

The Horseshoe Cafe, 113 E. Holly St., tel +1 360 734-0380. (http://www.horseshoecafe.com) located on Holly Street since 1886, is an old-fashioned diner with breakfast most of the day and burgers for lunch and dinner, enough modern sensibility to offer free wireless internet access, and waitstaff that call you "honey" and/or sport the latest piercings. Reasonably priced.

13 kinds of bagels, baked fresh on the premises. 12 cream cheese spreads. Bagel-based sandwiches and omelettes for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Plenty of tables for eating with friends, rapid service for take-out. A twenty-year history in the community. The Bagelry is a great place for a bagel.

Diego's Mexican Grill

300 n. samish way, +1-360 714-9426. winter hours: m-sa, 11am-9pm, sunday 11:30am-8pm. summer hours: m-th 11am-10pm, f-sa 11am-11pm, su 11am-9pm. (http://diegosmexicangrill.com/). popular eating spot for university students, excellent salsa, free wi-fi!

Taco Lobo

Is a great place to get fresh, inexpensive mexican food and many kinds of homemade salsa. it's the best mexican in town. downtown at 117 w magnolia st

Skylarks Hidden Cafe

1308 11th street, tel +1 360 715-3642. in the historic fairhaven district serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a late night menu. courtyard dining next to the fire is a nice option on cool spring evenings.

Old Town Café

One of the local hot-spots for weekend breakfasts, they offer a diner menu. A rich assortment of pancakes, omelettes, and home fries for breakfast. Sandwiches and grilled items for lunch. Plenty of vegetarian, organic, and locally-sourced options. They don't take reservations, so sign your name on the wait list and sit on the bench or at the kids play area until your turn comes up.

A crêperie crossed with a café. Eggs Benedict breakfast $10.55 served all day, Crepes with soup, salad, or potatoes $8.95, quiche, salads. Family owned and operated by Olivier Vrambout. Their "slow food" approach allows gastronomic pleasure and fun with the waiters, but means a lunch can take two hours. 15% off any one item when you arrive by bike. Cash or checks only, no credit cards.

Rudy's Pizzeria

Located in a converted bar with hardwood floors, giving it an ambience somewhere between beer hall and coffee house. A wide range of toppings, from "Avocado" to "Zucchini", plus Taco, Greek, and White pizzas. Friendly, low-key service. Great for groups with appetites.

Breakfasts pancakes, omelettes, and the like and lunches burgers, pizzas, and the like in a bright, friendly environment.