September is Eat Local Month in Bellingham and to celebrate, the summer Front staff is going to be breaking down some of our favorite local bites open past midnight.
These spots have a special place in our hearts, not just as local fixtures, but also as the spots that got us through our late-night cravings. All located downtown, these eateries are largely accessible from campus via bus, Uber, car or whatever your travel preference is.
Many of these spots offer Western Wednesday discounts to college students, so be sure to keep an eye out.
Pye Hole - 200 E Chestnut St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Located on the side of woodfire pizza place, Fiamma Pizza, Pye Hole serves “big slices of pizza, day n’ night.” This window, located off East Chestnut, is open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the perfect spot to grab a bite on your way through downtown.
Although it features a more limited menu than Fiamma Pizza, this spot offers slices from meaty to vegan, as well as a selection of drinks, sweet treats and sauces.
While you wait for your slice, the window’s deck has a heater to warm up by. Don’t count on hanging around to eat though, as there’s limited standing and sitting room for customers.
El Capitan’s - 1201 Cornwall Ave #101, Bellingham, WA 98225
El Capitan’s, a spot that started in 2003 on Western’s vendor’s row, serves gourmet sausages and soft pretzels seven days a week. On Friday and Saturday nights, this spot is slinging dogs off Cornwall Avenue until 1:30 a.m.
El Capitan’s offers plenty of seating between its kitchen space, outdoor seating and “Crow’s Nest” taproom, open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The taproom hosts a variety of karaoke and open mic nights, if you’re looking for some late-night entertainment.
For those on the go, you can also stop by the shop’s main window or soft serve window during the same operating hours to grab a bite.
Shop owner, Western alum and “longtime hot dog fan,” Marc Ravaris, shared that the classic hot dog, chili dog or their soon-to-come grilled cheese are among his shop favorites.
Pel’meni Restaurant - 1211 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Pel’meni is a spot that’s keeping things simple, serving only three types of Russian dumplings. “Meat. Potato. Mix … that’s it,” as they state on their website.
Each serving of dumplings comes with butter, curry powder, hot sauce, cilantro, a slice of rye bread and sour cream for dipping — perfect for soaking up whatever’s in your stomach.
This hole-in-the-wall spot off North State Street is open until 2:30 a.m. every day, with seating available inside for those looking to hang out. While you’re there, jam out to the music played on vinyl and don’t be scared to take a peek at their record collection.
AB Crepes - 1311 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
AB Crepes, Bellingham’s downtown creperie, is located on Railroad Avenue and offers day and night menus. “Sweet, savory, early, late-night, whatever floats your boat we are here for you,” according to their website.
The creperie is open till 1 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday with take-out and sit down options for customers. The night menu is a reduced version of the day menu, still consisting of many crepe options. According to Cody Wallace, an employee at the creperie, their favorite crepe, day or night, is the apple strudel.
Railroad Avenue is home to the main parking lot downtown and the bus station, making transportation to AB Crepes convenient for anyone wanting a late-night meal.
Half off crepes for life? Crepe lovers, AB Crepes has a challenge for you. $60 upfront, 26 plain crepes, two people, one hour, the Alpha-Bet Challenge. Calling ahead is a must if you are looking to attempt this challenge, which must be done on a weekday.
Completing the Alpha-Bet Challenge comes with many perks. A free challenge shirt, a picture on the wall with the other six winners, money back and, yes, half off crepes for life.
Horseshoe Cafe - 113 E Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, dinner or a bar, the Horseshoe Cafe has it all. Sitting in downtown Bellingham on East Holly Street, the restaurant has endless options till 2 a.m Sunday through Thursday and 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturdays.
As the oldest diner in Washington state, the sit down restaurant serves breakfast all day and has been offering late night bites in Bellingham for more than 136 years.
Horseshoe Cafe employee Jenna Byers said if she had to choose her two favorite bites here, it would be the fiesta scramble or the Cajun chicken sandwich.
For those 21 and up, Horseshoe Cafe has a bingo board with different activities to complete.
Each visit gives the opportunity to achieve up to three items on your bingo board. There are only two ways to win this bingo game, one being 5-in-a-row where guests can earn a $20 gift card, hat, beanie or T-shirt. The other being a blackout, where guests can redeem a $50 gift card or a free sweatshirt by completing every activity on the board.
The Ranch Room Bar is also located through Horseshoe Cafe. The dive bar is open 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday through Sunday with happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. every day.
REMEMBER:
If you are not in a state to transport yourself to or from these locations, opt for delivery or contact the Starlight Shuttle using the WWU Starlight Shuttle app or calling the dispatcher at 360-650-2400 for a free ride (Western ID required).
Madi Tessem (she/her) is a summer staff reporter for The Front this quarter. She has been a Sports and Recreation editor as well as City Life editor. Madi is going into her final year at Western, majoring in Communications with a Public Relations minor. In her free time she enjoys reading, painting and hanging out with her cat. You can contact her at maditesse.thefront@gmail.com
Morgan Merriam (she/her) is the Managing Editor for The Front this quarter. Previously, she has been a reporter for Campus News, and held multiple editor positions over the past year. Morgan is entering her fourth year at Western, majoring in journalism - public relations with a minor in sociology. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys jewelry making, baking and hiking. You can contact her at morganmerriam.thefront@gmail.com
