Nothing satisfies a midday craving like a perfectly crafted sandwich, and the shops in Bellingham know exactly how to build one. Whether you’re after decadent deli creations, chewy fresh-baked bread, or plant-based bites stuffed with local produce, you’ll find a spot worth coming back to.
Let’s get to it.
Coconut Kenny’s Pizza – Bellingham
When you step inside Coconut Kenny’s in Bellingham, you’ll find a tropical-themed pizza spot that has been serving pan-style pies with toasted-cheese crusts since 1997. Located on James Street, the laid-back décor sets the tone for comfort food with a Hawaiian flair. Every sandwich is built on sweet Hawaiian bread baked fresh each morning. The King Mahalo and Maui Cheesesteak are crowd favorites, but die-hards will argue just as passionately for the Boogie Board and Longboard. Meats from grilled chicken and premium turkey to pork meatballs and crispy bacon are sliced thin and layered with generous fillings.
Vegetarians can still enjoy hearty options, especially across the pizza menu, and gluten-free crust is always available. Sandwiches range from seven to eight dollars, which feels entirely fair given their size. Seating is simple, with counter service and a handful of tables. Takeaway and delivery are where Coconut Kenny’s really shines. They handle online orders and catering, and whenever possible they update their menu with fresh produce and meats sourced from local suppliers.
Caffe Adagio
Just across from Bellingham Station, Caffe Adagio has been serving Italian-inspired breakfast sandwiches and pressed paninis since 2006. Their house-roasted chicken stacked on freshly baked focaccia is a lunchtime mainstay, while early risers flock to the Garden Breakfast Sandwich, which layers eggs, greens, and cheese. For those skipping meat, the grilled onion and jalapeño aioli sandwich has built a quiet following. Gluten-free bread and vegan spreads are always on hand so no one misses out. Every sandwich arrives as a proper meal, never a mere snack.
Lunch highlights include artisan loaves pressed with seasonal vegetables and meats sourced just a few miles away at Adagio Farm. Seating options range from a communal table to a well-worn couch, with outdoor seats on sunny days. The atmosphere feels cozy without fuss, and counter service moves at a steady pace. Breakfast sandwiches run six to eight dollars and lunchtime options add just a couple of dollars more. The cafe stays open until four in the afternoon, six days a week, giving locals plenty of time to drop in, linger, or pick up something on the go.
Leaf & Ladle
For a flavor-packed lunch, Leaf & Ladle doesn’t hold back. Their Turkey Pesto panini and pressed Cubano on Avenue Focaccia are consistent crowd-pleasers. Large windows in the front display a transparent prep area where the kitchen crew works with a lively rhythm. You can grab one of the few stools or sit at a back table, but most people choose to pick up their meal. Portions are generous and designed to fuel you through the second half of your day.
Sandwiches range from eleven to fifteen dollars, featuring roasted pork, deli turkey, and house-shredded chicken for wraps and salads. Plant-based eaters will appreciate a vegan BLTa and a panini built with pesto-tofu ricotta and roasted squash. Daily rotating vegan soups and quinoa chickpea patty paninis make sure there’s always something new. Almost every item can be made vegan, vegetarian, or adjusted for gluten-free bread with ease.
Meals feel rooted in Bellingham’s local ingredients. Produce arrives fresh from nearby farms and the soup special might be Thai Coconut one day and Broccoli Cheddar the next. As a woman-owned business in the Central Business District for over ten years, Leaf & Ladle remains deeply tied to its community roots.
McKay’s Taphouse
At McKay’s Taphouse, reliability is the name of the game. This longtime Samish Way haunt serves an overstuffed Classic Reuben on grilled marbled rye with Swiss cheese and thick stacks of corned beef. The Shortrib sandwich featuring slow-braised beef, house-made slaw, and blue cheese aioli brings plenty of comfort. Even the turkey club feels special with asiago-sourdough, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a mound of fresh greens. Care shows in every aioli they spread and in the way they prepare their short ribs.
If you prefer meatless options, the Veggie Stack layers crisped focaccia with seasonal vegetables and melted cheese. Sandwiches run fourteen to sixteen dollars and come with your choice of hot fries or a mixed green salad. The kitchen stays open late, so you can swing by at 1:30 a.m. on a weekday and still get a warm meal. Regulars love the dog-friendly patio, the homey communal tables, and a rotating list of local beers on tap. There’s no fanfare here, just dependable food, good company, and a steady hum of neighborhood charm.
Old World Deli
Since 2007, Old World Deli has been crafting sandwiches by hand in the same downtown Bellingham storefront. They use house-cured pastrami and hand-sliced meats alongside soft Italian rolls, North Fork Rye, and sourdough from Water Tank Bakery. You can almost feel five generations of deli tradition when you spot Niman Ranch roast beef or Molinari salami waiting behind the counter. Menus stick to classics but add a Mediterranean twist.
Their Muffaletta rolls in olives, cheeses, and meats. The Reuben is house-brined before it meets Swiss cheese and tangy sauerkraut. Grilled panini options like chicken basil with fontina or roast beef keep things interesting. Vegetarian choices include Mediterranean Tuna Salad and a Veggie Muffaletta. Sandwiches start around five dollars for a simple pick and top out near twenty for a more decadent build. Portions are generous and quality never wavers.
Whether you’re grabbing takeout or lingering at the rustic seating, you’ll notice artisan grocery items and a staff that cares about presentation. Happy hour wine dinners add a festive touch, but the real charm is in every carefully layered bite.
Old Town Cafe
Nestled in the historic Oakland Block, Old Town Café blends timeless charm with the aroma of rich coffee and freshly toasted bread. This family-run spot keeps breakfast on the menu all day, and those classic plates have a loyal following. However, the sandwich board really steals the show. The Old Town Special features grilled tofu, crisp sprouts, and a scratch-made lemon tahini sauce that appeals to vegetarians and omnivores alike. If you’re craving something heartier, the Corned Beef Reuben and Jalapeño Tuna Melt showcase regional meats and wild-caught fish.
Every sandwich arrives on artisan bread from local bakers like Breadfarm and Avenue Bread, or on Rudi’s organic buns. Salads and sides—think house-made black beans or homefries—come with each order, so you’ll never leave hungry. Almost everything, from whole-wheat pastries sweetened without refined sugar to sauces and dressings, is made in-house with ingredients from nearby farms.
The rustic dining room reflects Bellingham’s creative spirit, with local art lining the walls and a big communal table at its center. If you’re in a rush, grab your meal to go. Serving comfort food with a Northwest conscience since 1967, Old Town Café remains a community favorite.
Avenue Bread – James St
Stepping into Avenue Bread on James Street, you’re greeted by the warm scent of freshly baked loaves. This cozy bakery doubles as a sandwich haven, complete with communal tables if you feel like lingering, or grab your order to go. Breakfast fans zero in on their “Eggenues,” a creative take on the classic morning sandwich. Options range from bacon and gorgonzola to a satisfying tofu-cheddar combo. If you’re not ravenous, you can opt for a half sandwich, though full-size portions tempt many regulars.
The lunch lineup spans Painted Hills pastrami Reubens, a generous Banh Mi available in pork or vegan style, and more. Bread options are nearly endless—sourdough, focaccia, rye, ciabatta or even gluten-free—and everything is fresh from the bakery. Most sandwiches run between $8 and $13 and come with chips and a classic dill spear.
Hours run from early morning through late afternoon, with breakfast served until 11 on weekdays and until 2 on weekends. Whether it’s a quick takeout or a slow, coffee-sipping visit, Avenue Bread makes every bite feel special.
Nelson’s Market
On the corner of Potter Street, Nelson’s Market feels like a step back in time while serving up classic comfort. This mom-and-pop diner has thrived since 1895, charming both takeout regulars and weekend brunchers with old-school décor and friendly service. The Full Nelson Club is a must-try, stacked high with turkey, ham and bacon on house-baked sourdough.
Sandwich lovers will also appreciate the crispy chicken sandwich, featuring real fried chicken strips and spicy mayo, or the classic Reuben, complete with house-braised corned beef. A French dip arrives with tender, house-roasted beef and a chewy roll that holds up beautifully to the savory au jus. Fries are hand-cut, and if you’d rather keep things light, lettuce wraps, veggie burgers and a loaded grilled cheese are all on offer.
Nearly every element—from dressings to sauces—is made in-house, and Tony’s Coffee keeps the cups full. Open daily from breakfast through late dinner, Nelson’s Market offers generous portions and honest prices in a century-old building that’s still serving up hometown warmth.
Makeworth Coffee Roasters
At Makeworth Coffee Roasters, breakfast sandwiches feel like the real deal, even when the menu sticks to classics. You’ll find cheddar and egg, bacon and cheddar, sausage with pepperjack or a Nova-style lox bagel that never disappoints. Toast lovers will gravitate toward house-made bagels or Doughs Bakery’s Country loaf, perfect for avocado toast or the popular pumpkin ricotta version.
Portions are generous and prices hover around $8 to $13, with specialty toasts just under $11. It’s all counter service, so you’ll often see regulars ordering ahead while others set up laptops across two spacious floors. The café hums from 8 am to 4 pm every day, and there’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to choose from.
Vegetarian options include Blueberry Bliss Toast and a straightforward avocado toast, and locally roasted coffee is always front and center—you can even have it shipped free with a qualifying purchase. Since opening in 2019, Makeworth has struck a balance between relaxed hospitality and a lively downtown vibe.
Greene’s Corner
Greene’s Corner in Bellingham brings a touch of East Coast pizza and hearty sandwiches under one roof. Their menu highlights premium bread from Avenue Bakery—think multigrain or sourdough—so you know every bite starts strong. The marble rye corned beef Reuben comes loaded with Swiss and just the right amount of kraut.
Sandwich standouts include the Pesto Turkey, layered with goat cheese, roasted peppers and house-made pesto, and a classic club packed with turkey, ham and bacon. The BLT showcases applewood smoked bacon that arrives perfectly crisp. Breakfast sandwiches run all day, but lunch service officially begins at 11.
Vegetarian and vegan diners aren’t left out, thanks to a build-your-own tempeh sandwich on gluten-free buns. If soup’s more your style, check the chalkboard for the week’s special pairing. The atmosphere is lively, with regular Irish nights, open mic sessions and bluegrass shows around communal tables. Sandwich prices fall in the $6 to $9 range; add a side salad or chips to round out your meal.
Mount Bakery Cafe Downtown
Walking into Mount Bakery Cafe Downtown in Bellingham offers a warm, welcoming vibe with scratch-baked breads and a hearty all-day breakfast menu. The BLASTEA BLT stands out with creamy avocado, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg, and sriracha mayo on fresh focaccia. For a taste of European flair, try the ham and brie open-faced melt layered with crisp apple, peppery arugula, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic reduction.
They slice their own oven-roasted turkey and use premium nitrate-free Hempler’s bacon and ham. Cheeses range from Dutch gouda and Emmental to creamy brie. Vegetarians will love the roasted portobello sandwich with goat cheese and red peppers. Every sandwich and salad can be built on bakery breads like Water Tank sourdough or gluten-free options, and those generous portions rarely disappoint.
The bright indoor area and tree-shaded patio create a relaxed, neighborhood feel. Open daily from breakfast through mid-afternoon, they handle both takeout and counter service. Mount Bakery focuses on real ingredients and a laid-back pace, making brunch one of life’s simple pleasures.
Brandywine Kitchen
Tucked into Bellingham’s downtown, Brandywine Kitchen serves up hearty sandwiches with bold flavors. The apple-jalapeño chicken sandwich stands out, piled high with crisp slaw. Fans of Mediterranean tastes will enjoy the panko-fried eggplant with fresh mozzarella.
Carnivores can’t resist slow-roasted lemongrass pork banh mi or the “Rocket” BLT stacked with premium Hempler’s bacon. House-baked baguettes and sandwich loaves show real care, and gluten-free diners can relax knowing breads and sauces get the same attention.
Vegetarians get plenty of choices, from tofu banh mi to seasonal veggie sandwiches. Vegan aioli and dairy-free sauces deliver flavor without fuss. Sandwiches run around sixteen to nineteen dollars, while salads and bowls come in a bit lower. Generous portions might leave little room for dessert.
The casual space features communal tables indoors and a string-lit patio outside. Service keeps pace whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout. Most ingredients come from local farms, including some grown right in their own garden, proving that farm-to-table is more than just a slogan.
