Must-Try Breakfast Spots in Bellingham and Whatcom County
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it count?
These greasy spoons and homey neighborhood spots in Bellingham and other parts of Whatcom County offer all the fixings for a well-balanced breakfast, or at least a tasty one. Take your pick of breakfast burritos, homemade pastries, pancakes fresh off the griddle, or eggs any style, and keep the coffee refills coming.
Little Cheerful Cafe
Little Cheerful is a beloved local spot known for its quality breakfast and friendly service. Make sure to look around while you’re here: pieces by local artists and makers are displayed throughout the space. Breakfast is served daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with standard fare and specials like flavorful scrambles and creative benedicts. They also host a soup kitchen on Monday nights from November through April, partnering with nearby vendors to provide food for the community.
The Daisy Cafe
This cheerful neighborhood cafe has been in downtown Bellingham for a decade and a half. They cook everything to order in their scratch kitchen, using fresh and local ingredients when possible, and nothing is deep fried. Expect generous portions of breakfast specials and classics, like scrambles and omelets, hand-cut red potatoes, buttermilk pancakes, and French toast. This cafe and coffee shop is open daily for breakfast and lunch, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Read our interview with The Daisy here.
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Read our interview with The Daisy here. 〰️
The Birch Door Cafe
Weekends are busy at The Birch Door, so be prepared for a wait (though the line moves pretty quickly). This bright and airy spot serves consistently good breakfast and the service is always friendly. They have a selection of pancakes, egg entrees, french baked omelets, and sweet items like blintzes. Make it a boozy brunch with beer, mimosas, and bloody marys, or stick to coffee—they’re generous with the refills.
Skylark’s Café
Skylark’s in Fairhaven serves breakfast in their dining room, inside the “hidden cafe” (the original entrance and dining area), on the outdoor patio, and at the wrought iron tables along the sidewalk. Our favorite place to sit is the hidden cafe, with its cobblestone walkway leading to the door, stained glass windows, and fireplace. Skylark’s serves brunch daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Order from a selection of breakfast sandwiches, omelets, griddled pancakes, and baked goods.
Banter
Come to Banter for breakfast with a Southwestern flare. The most highly-rated menu item is their breakfast burrito: a crisped tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, avocado, garlic tater tots, brown rice, mozzarella, kidney bean pico, and chipotle-lime aioli. Another must-try is the Chef’s Special: smashed fingerling potatoes, bacon, roasted tomato, avocado, two poached or scrambled eggs, chevre, and mojo verde. The sun-filled, minimalist spot also serves inventive drinks, like the lavender matcha latte and a beet shrub spritz.
Locus
This cozy and colorful cafe/bar serves breakfast wraps, breakfast sandwiches, and avocado toasts all day. Stand-out menu items include the Veggie Bliss Toast-ocado: sourdough bread topped with avocado, pimento, arugula, and tomato, seasoned with bagel seasoning, lemon, and rosemary. Breakfast sandwiches are served on Avenue Bread sourdough or croissants. Pair any item with one of the many specialty coffee drinks like the Metro Fizz, Locus’s take on an egg cream, made with espresso, vanilla, soda, and heavy cream.
The Vault
This top-notch wine bar and restaurant in Blaine recently started serving brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As part of their commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients, items may change week by week, but here’s a sample: cornbread waffles topped with carnitas, roasted poblano, salsa, crème fraîche, and cilantro; and rhubarb pancakes with housemade ricotta. Take a seat in the chic dining area or on the covered patio.
Nelson’s Market
This corner store and diner predates Bellingham itself. It was built in 1895 and remains a York neighborhood hangout. Classic greasy spoon items make up the breakfast menu: country-fried steak and eggs, eggs benedict, pancakes, french toast, and biscuits and gravy. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. during the week and until 2 p.m. on weekends.
Mount Bakery
Mount Bakery has one location in Fairhaven and one in downtown Bellingham (also called The Temple). At the Fairhaven cafe, open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., choose from a selection of scratch-baked pastries made with local Washington flour, like croissants, galettes, and scones. They also serve eggs benedict, savory crepes, and classic egg dishes. The Temple, open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. offers benedicts, a BLT, breakfast sandwiches, quiche, french toast, and more.
Otherlands
The quaint tavern-style brewery and restaurant serves a seasonal brunch—or as they (and Hobbits) call it—“second breakfast,” from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Rotating menu items include smashed potato hash and eggs, shakshuka, a beet reuben sandwich, farmers cheese pancakes, and french toast served with berries and cream.