If you crave the perfect blend of chewy texture and golden crust, Bellingham’s bagel scene won’t disappoint. From classic New York-style rounds to inventive creations spinning with local flavor, the city’s bakeries and cafes are rolling out the goods for every kind of bagel lover.
Let’s get to it.
Avellino Coffeehouse
When you step into Avellino Coffeehouse, you know you’ve found Bellingham’s intersection of exceptional coffee and fresh bagels. Every morning they handcraft bagels from scratch in flavors ranging from Plain to Smoked Salmon… and there’s a gluten-free option too. You’ll also spot muffins, scones, and cinnamon rolls peeking out from behind the glass case.
They treat their beans with the same care they give their baked goods, offering a rotating selection of premium local roasts. The vibe is cozy without feeling cramped, with local art on the walls and plenty of spots to spread out a laptop. Friendly baristas will encourage you to linger whether you’re on your first cup or making that third Zoom call.
Open early until the evening, this neighborhood staple has been serving up warmth and flavor for nearly two decades. If you need a dependable pick-me-up or just a laid-back corner to chat or work, Avellino has earned its place in Bellingham’s coffeehouse pantheon. Get your bagel (and coffee) fix here.
Bagelry
Stepping into the Bagelry feels like entering a carb lover’s dream, and they’ve been perfecting the craft since 1984. Here, classic New York-style bagels are hand-rolled and boiled in-house—no preservatives or science experiments needed. Flavors run from Plain and Sesame to Rosemary Salt, Pumpernickel, and even a Bialy for the aficionados.
Their schmears and spreads are just as inventive, with choices from Cinnamon-Walnut-Raisin to Lox, plus a velvety vegan cream cheese for the dairy-free. Breakfast reigns supreme with omelets, hearty sandwiches, and “The Farmers,” which features potatoes at every turn.
The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, filled with the comforting aroma of fresh bread. They’ll ask you not to phone in orders, but an easy online system makes pickup a breeze. Leftover bagels find second lives through donations to local causes, a nice nod to sustainability. Give yourself a valid excuse for carbs… you’ve earned it. browse their menu here.
Cafe Blue
If a coffee shop could feel like a friend’s funky living room, it would be Cafe Blue. Between cascading plant shelves, a cozy record nook, and sink-into sofas, this place invites you to stay for hours. The coffee menu hits all the familiar notes—lattes, cappuccinos, drip brews—while house-made pastries and light breakfast toasts round out the offerings.
They don’t do delivery or a strict timetable. Instead, you’ll find sunlight-drenched tables outside, a wheelchair-friendly layout, and a stack of board games waiting for your next move. Whether you’re craving caffeine, a snack, or a quiet corner for reading, Cafe Blue quietly greets you with an easygoing vibe that feels just like home. peek at what Cafe Blue is brewing these days.
Camber Coffee
For anyone who can distinguish the aroma of single-origin beans from just “smelling good,” Camber Coffee hits all the right notes. Since opening in 2017, this downtown roastery has earned national praise for its in-house-roasted coffees, minimalist decor, and genuine sustainability efforts.
Their menu features precision pour-overs, rotating espresso selections, and house-made syrups that add a playful twist to your latte. Pastry highlights include a hearty buckwheat chocolate chip cookie and a flaky buttermilk biscuit. You’ll also spot vegan and gluten-free treats, plus brunch items like avocado and lox tartines.
With plenty of room for laptops or gatherings, friendly staff who actually seem happy to see you, and hours from eight to two every day, Camber delivers both quality and care. If you want coffee that tastes thoughtfully sourced and brewed, this is the spot. Browse their coffee line-up here.
Colophon Cafe
As a Fairhaven fixture since 1985, Colophon Cafe brings a bit of culinary wisdom to every plate. Known for its legendary African Peanut Soup, this café also serves hearty Portobello Mushroom Sandwiches, flaky quiches, and savory pot pies.
Their bakery churns out scratch-made treats, with a peanut butter pie that earns a steady stream of fan mail. Options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners ensure no one feels left out. The atmosphere is relaxed and kid-friendly, with plenty of space for laptop work or a casual catch-up over Village Books reads.
Outside, you’ll find a sunny patio where dogs on leashes are welcome. Behind the friendly service and full coffee mugs lies a commitment to sustainability that’s as earnest as the café’s decades-long history. Whether you’re fueling a work session or craving a comforting meal, Colophon remains a neighborhood cornerstone. Peruse the menu and see if your new favorite soup is waiting.
Franz Bakery Outlet
First off, the Franz Bakery Outlet in Bellingham lives up to its name. This place is a treasure trove for carb lovers, whether you stick to old-school bagels or need gluten-free treats without paying a premium. Since 1906, Franz has perfected its craft, so every loaf feels like it’s been decades in the making.
You’ll find classics like Original and Blueberry bagels alongside a fun Hawaiian flavor. They also stock donuts, pastries, and buns in tons of varieties. The gluten-free lineup stands out, a true game-changer for anyone who’s grown tired of cardboard-like substitutes.
The staff here make a point of being warm and helpful, happily guiding you through the options without rushing your decision. Prices stay friendly, so you won’t need to break the bank just to walk away with a loaf.
Just remember, they’re closed on Sundays, so plan your bread haul accordingly. This outlet proves you don’t have to sacrifice quality or price when chasing that perfect slice. right here.
Lettered Streets Coffeehouse
Nestled in Bellingham’s historic Pickett Building, Lettered Streets Coffeehouse serves more than just caffeine. Housed in a structure dating back to 1890, it delivers local lore with every cup of Velton’s Coffee—bean roasters who take their craft seriously.
Inside, big picture windows frame the drizzly Pacific Northwest weather as you sip something frothy. Pastries are made in-house, offering gluten-free and vegan options that go beyond a sad banana. Seasonal treats rotate alongside staples like grilled cheese sandwiches and soups, making this spot perfect for breakfast or a casual lunch.
No one bats an eye if you unpack a laptop and settle in. The vibe is relaxed enough to work remotely, but cozy enough that you might linger over a second scone. Friendly service, solid coffee, and a vintage ambiance give the place personality.
If strong coffee, flaky pastries, and a touch of history appeal to you, Lettered Streets will quickly become a favorite. Get cozy where the locals go.
Locus
Over on Holly Street, Locus stands out as more than a coffee stop. Graffiti art meets glorious carbs here, and bagels actually hit the spot. Every morning, they hand-roll and boil their bagels the old-fashioned way. You’ll spot familiar favorites like everything and cinnamon raisin, but the garlic chive cream cheese earns its own reputation.
Inside, cozy booths and an urban vibe invite you to stay. Breakfast sandwiches arrive loaded with ingredients such as chorizo and smoked cheddar. The kitchen keeps breakfast on the menu all day, but word is bagels vanish early, so don’t sleep in too late.
A sunny patio, kid-friendly atmosphere, and reliable WiFi make this cafe a potential office away from the office. Staff are friendly, the scene feels casual, and the products speak for themselves.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bagel or settling in for a pastry marathon, Locus makes it clear why it’s more than a pit stop. See what’s baking at Locus today.
Otherside Bagel Co.
Since opening in 2022, Otherside Bagel Co. has embraced the serious business of bagels without taking itself too seriously. Founded by Bayly Peterson of AB Crepes fame, this shop focuses on hand-rolled, boiled bagels made with flour from Cairnspring Mills in Skagit County. You can literally taste that Pacific Northwest connection in every chewy bite.
Classics like plain and everything share the counter with inventive options. Lemon and dill schmear or a jalapeño cheddar bagel might catch your eye as you decide. The bright, quirky interior features propagated plants adding a touch of green.
If you want to work remotely, you’re welcome to plug in and sip a latte. It’s family-friendly, too, though solo visitors won’t be judged for indulging in a “Jawn-Boi” breakfast sandwich. Breakfast and lunch menus remain flexible, and delivery via DoorDash makes it easy to stock up at home.
Regulars earn rewards, so you’ll find reasons to keep coming back. Otherside proves bagel shops can be fun, local, and delicious. Otherside Bagel Co..
Shirlee Bird Cafe
Tucked into the historic Sycamore Square building in Fairhaven, Shirlee Bird Cafe has charmed locals since 2015. The team knows its way around a waffle iron—best exemplified by the mysterious “Waffleini,” a pressed waffle that’s part breakfast treat, part sandwich.
Organic, locally roasted espresso fuels the morning crowd. Baked goods come fresh from Shirlee’s oven daily, and items like the apricot Nutella pinwheel have earned a loyal following. The menu covers vegan and vegetarian diets while rotating breakfast burritos, pressed sandwiches, and classic coffee drinks.
A courtyard by the fountain offers a sunny spot for families and friends. Indoors, the atmosphere stays casual and bright. Service remains friendly, never rushed, and the menu highlights local ingredients so nothing feels mass-produced.
Whether you’re craving a Monte Cristo or a simple espresso, Shirlee Bird serves up a genuine taste of Bellingham hospitality. It’s the kind of place you’ll return to, time and again. shirleebirdcafe.com
Slice of Heaven Bakery & Cafe
New to Bellingham’s food scene, Slice of Heaven Bakery & Cafe has already left a flour-dusted mark on town. Founded by siblings Marci and Colby Abshire, the space somehow feels like a quirky neighbor’s kitchen and a dessert laboratory all at once. Creative custom cakes take center stage—weddings, birthdays, or even a Tuesday afternoon treat are all good excuses. They’re not afraid to mix things up… one moment you’re eyeing a lemon bar, the next you’re fixated on a s’mores cookie or something called an almond joy cake.
Beyond the sweet offerings, an all-day menu features breakfast bagels, burritos, sliders, and even baked mac and cheese, so breakfast for dinner is totally justified. Gluten-free diners get their own selection, thanks to a partnership with 5B’s Bakery.
Trivia cards appear on the tables, coffee brews constantly, and comfy seating encourages lingering. Board game nights add a lively, family-friendly twist to the casual vibe. Whether you drop in for a quick snack or need a cake that wows, Slice of Heaven delivers comfort and creativity in every bite. Browse their latest treats here.
The Bean Stop 2
If mornings run on bagel units and caffeine milligrams, The Bean Stop 2 is your drive-thru and walk-up haven in Bellingham. They keep it simple with plain and everything bagels, but life gets interesting once you add one of their signature cream cheeses—pesto or garden veggie, for example. Feeling more ambitious? Opt for a bagel sandwich piled high with deli turkey.
Service kicks off with espresso hour and rolls right into the afternoon, because hunger doesn’t watch the clock. Coffee is locally roasted, proudly organic, and available in every style you might crave. The pastry case usually includes muffins, scones, cookies, and those mysterious but always satisfying protein pucks.
No frills here, just good bagels and good coffee… and zero pressure to stay longer than you like. The Bean Stop 2 gets you in, gives you what you need, and sends you on your way—fuel topped with friendly efficiency. Grab a bite and see what Bellingham’s sipping and munching.
The Daisy Cafe
For more than sixteen years, The Daisy Cafe has been a family-owned staple in Bellingham, quietly winning over locals with its home-cooked feel. Breakfast isn’t just for mornings here. You can stroll in at noon and order a Trattoria Frittata or the fun-to-say Hoppel Poppel without raising an eyebrow. No deep fryers, no shortcuts—just fresh, local, made-from-scratch ingredients that never disappoint.
The menu covers all the bases—omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, and headline-making scrambles ride on the promise of quality and comfort. Service is no-fuss counter style, and there’s plenty of caffeine on tap for anyone still waking up.
Daisy also keeps its community close, supporting local events rather than following fast-food trends. The result is a cozy neighborhood cafe that feels both familiar and refreshingly down to earth. Whether you need an early-bird feast or a leisurely brunch, The Daisy Cafe has you covered. Experience breakfast done right.
