I know the Colophon Cafe is the rage of downtown Fairhaven, I had only been into the bookstore next door, and stopped in to get a pastry once many years ago. My friend and I decided to try it and see why this place is so popular. We were sat in a very uncomfortable table right in the middle of the dining room, which I didn't care for, nor did I care the general atmosphere. A few minutes after we were sat I noticed a table opened up in the back corner so I asked a waiter if we could move, his reply was no, they were saving the table for larger parties. I ordered a Caesar Salad and my friend ordered the Portobella Mushroom sandwich, and she really enjoyed that, and I liked the chips that came with it. My salad was small, boring, and flavorless. I am a huge fan of a good Caesar Salad, and I was not at all a fan of the salad served in this restaurant. The bread was good though, very soft and fresh. Then there was the water, which tasted (and smelled) like I was drinking out of a swimming pool, the chlorine was overpowering, most likely reason is the dishes aren't getting rinsed properly. Luckily my friend ordered tea so I just drank that. To add to my less than pleasurable dining experience the table in the corner sat open the entire time, as it was past the busy lunch hour, and right before we left another party of two were sat in the table. I am in no hurry to go back and try this restaurant again anytime soon, I have found far better restaurants in the nearby area. read more

It's a cute atmosphere but waited for our meal for "over" an hour due to some mixed up at the back (at least according to the waiter). We told the waiter that we cannot wait any longer. The waiter didn't make us pay for the coffees while we wait (at first ) but he later pulled us back in and said we had to pay because the meal is "almost"ready. The nerve!!!! Very disappointed!!! read more

Beautiful cafe in Fairhaven. I really loved sitting on the patio and we were treated with love music in the square. My SO had the chowder and days later he's still talking about how good it was. We even had Pike Place Chowder since then and he said it wasn't as good. I enjoyed my sandwich and there was a fair amount of chicken on it. I would've like to be able to get a garden salad instead of chips. Prices are reasonable, and service was great. I highly recommend this place and will definitely return when I'm in the area. read more

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Went here the other day after a long day. Was hoping for a great meal. But was disappointed when I ordered a burger that was cold along with cold potatoes . I asked for a replacement and a new one came out in 2 minutes yes it is was quick time to cook a burger but after a few bites I noticed they burgers definitely came out of a freezer straight to the grill. After cutting it open and seeing a VERY AWFUL grey awful burger. Should not be getting frozen food for the $18 I paid for one terrible burger. Service was good but unfortunately doesn't make up for the unbearable food that was given to me. read more

Too expensive for what it is and the amount you get. The flavors are nothing to write home about. Just generic food. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. I'm just overall not impressed. I'm glad I came here and tried it but I probably won't come back. read more

"Mom thinks I do too much but I like to snapchat everything" The people watching was so much fun. It was my first time in Fairhaven and I'm sure the grandfather and Dad taking the college student for dinner weren't having as much fun. So, that aside, how was the restaurant? Pretty much as I'd expect from a "fancy" diner where parents take their college-attending children for dinner. It's a burgers and salad place, without the sports bar. The half French dip was good. Weirdly, the flavors all merged and I don't recall tasting the meat. The side salad was normal for the kind of place that probably has more requests for chips. Not a negative, just an observation. The wait staff are great: the right level of attentive and privacy. Colophon's biggest selling point (after the prices) is that it's next to the most amazing bookstore in the world. read more

Lots of options. It's my go to for lunch with out of town guests. I love the portobello sandwich. I didn't know there was a dessert case in the back but that's probably for the better! Soups are great and it's fun to do their sampler. Italian sodas are fun to have with lunch and not a lot of places offer them. read more

Sweetest server tonight, and as always best peanut butter pie ever.. but the eggnog cheesecake was unbelievable.. Been coming here for 20 years and I love the consistency. It's always good.. read more

Colophon Cafe - Malbec, peanut butter pie, eggnog cheesecake and my mother hiding.. - Salad Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Awesome place! Visiting from Texas and this was a perfect restaurant to get a local vibe. Food was great!

We had great service out on their cute patio. They immediately brought out a water bowl for our pup. We were here for brunch and the food and adult beverages were very yummy! It's a cute spot and I highly recommend it. read more

While the food and ambience are good, the prices are ridiculous for what you get. My Brie chicken sandwich was smaller than a kid's happy meal burger. My husband ordered the sw chicken sandwich. He asked what came with it and the waitress said chips and a pickle. He said, great please add a side of chowder. It arrived as a half... $10 then an up charge of $5 for the chowder and they omitted the chips. We asked why no chips, and she just shrugged her shoulders saying that's how it comes. Wtf! read more

Really great food! The French dip was DELICIOUS and wasn't super greasy as some places tend to make them. The onion flavor came out really well. Their garden salad was really good - I love clover sprouts and this is one of a few places that uses them. The hot chocolate is super good and you can tell they use milk and not water. My group of 5 got to sit on the couches so it felt really casual and homey. Overall a really great experience with really great food! read more

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Unexpectedly found myself in Bellingham for a funeral. Decided needed some quality time with my remaining sister. Years ago she sent me a Colophon cookbook; the clam chowder recipe became my "go-to" recipie. So thought it would be fun to try it in person. Ironically she had never been there. Quickly greeted, and put on waiting list. Didn't think it would work, but yes they were able to send a text to an out of are "area code." Told us we were on the waiting list -15min. But 5 mins later another text to call us to the front. Max was a very pleasant server, answered our questions, and promptly delivered the orders. Soup was surprisingly chock full of vegetables - not included in the original recipe. But also full of clams, so proved to be a filling meal. Max continued to check on us as he walked by to serve other customers. read more

Such amazing food! Fast and fresh! The waitress are always amazing and helpful! The chicken pot pie is a must but so if the French dip! I've never had anything but amazing food and service at the Colophon read more

This review is for the African Peanut Soup only. The service has been fine; entering through their ice cream parlor before going downstairs to the cafe is cool; the location in Fairhaven is perfect. But I barely notice it because I only come here for one thing: African Peanut Soup. Or "ARF" as those-in-the-know call it. Chicken, peanuts, light spices, tomatoes chunkily-blended together. (It always needs salt, but I kinda like that because depending on my mood, I like it saltier on some days so seasoning it myself ain't no thang.) They serve sandwiches here on super-thick slices of bread, and if you like thick-sliced cheese on your sammiches, then you'll like them here too. Not me, though. I just order a side of bread and a giant bowl of ARF. Then I take a large container--or two--of it to-go. They also have desserts, but I can never see them in the case when I am paying at the cash register... ...you know. Because of the African Peanut Soup containers blocking the view. read more

This is the soup you have dreamed of. The kind that only a bookstore cafe could ever manage to make. I can't explain why it's so amazingly good, but I bet that there's some secret they found in a book they were selling and have been infusing the soup with ever since. I always ordered the soup, bread and cheese board. I don't understand why their swiss cheese tastes so much better than any I can slice at home but it does. I am always eating and cooing and smiling and thinking 'I love it here.' My favorite is to sit on the back patio, overlooking what is now a little common park/space that seems to have music and other fun things often. We ate and watched a band play, kids dance and grown ups smiling on the grass. I admit that I haven't been lately, but I crave it more than anywhere when I want some soup. So much so that the next rainy day, I'm likely to drive down and have some. read more

Of all the times that I have visited Bellingham I make a stop in Fairhaven. I really love the bookstores and the old architecture. But no matter how many times I've tried to eat at the Colophon Cafe, something always prevents me. Usually it is the abnormally long wait for a table, sometimes it is the staff who pass me by and make me wait for 15 minutes without acknowledging our presence, or sometimes it is the fact that the specials or daily ice cream seems so unappealing that I don't get anything. While the food may be great, I've never had the chance to eat here. Better luck to the rest of you. read more

This is my second visit to the Colophon Cafe. I have to admit ... I was slightly disappointed. By no means was the food inedible, but I just found it to be totally lackluster. I ordered the 1/2 sandwich, soup combo. A few minutes later I was notified that they were out of the soup I wanted. (Split Pea Soup.) I decided that I'd be happy to try the Clam Chowder instead. When the food came out it was on a cute little wooden plate- thingy. I admired it and then touched it. Bad idea. It was SUPER sticky. My sandwich was touching it too... this was the plate. I couldn't help but think of how porous wood is and how maybe my sandwich shouldn't be touching a stick wooden plate-thingy like that. Then came the sandwich. It wasn't bad. I had the garlic chicken strip sandwich with avocado and Gouda cheese. The cheese was good!! But the sandwich literally fell apart in my hands when I picked it up. Avocado everywhere. I'm sure it was good for my skin though :) And again .. it didn't taste bad. I just should have eaten it with a fork and knife I guess. Not really the way I imagined eating a sandwich. Now we get to the soup. I love clam chowder. But this chowder kinda tasted like dirt. I added some salt and pepper and then the problem was solved. Basically I left feeling hungry because I ended up picking at my food. The first time I went here it wasn't as bad.. but the service is good! So.. that's a plus, right? read more

I'm one of the totally unimpressed when it comes to this place.... Its another place I will only go to if i am outvoted, and I am with friends, given the choice I don't go.... the service has been just ok at best, maybe one out of 10 times it might be good, its never been great. The food is overpriced, and I have NEVER had any sandwich there that was not served on STALE bread, this place has a great location, sadly the location is wasted on it, beats me how it stays open, I have seen so many better places go out of business and somehow this place survives, it must be tourists and the stupid high prices, if you live here you generally only go once or twice. Do yourself a favor and skip it if you have the option! read more

Every once in a while, I find a restaurant that is so outrageously over rated. This is definitely one of of them. Food quality is less than mediocre, I mean they use manufactured sauces and bases and frozen (or canned) ingredients, for the price that is equivalent to a restaurant who serves honest hand-home-made cuisine. Perhaps they use college kids in their kitchen, who knows. Flavor profile, texture, handling of food, temperature are all messed up. Yet they attract a lot of customers. What's with folks in Bellingham area? read more

I hate going here. I'm a college student, and my GF loves their split-pea soup. So I go. But their prices are off the charts. As of 2011: ***Small bowl of soup. Small salad. Slice of bread. $$12.50?!??!? How is the break down on that? $5 bucks for a small bowl, $5 for a small salad, and $2.50 for a slice of bread? My appetite is lost when looking at the menu and the prices: http://www.colophoncafe.com/menu_main.php If price wasn't an issue, it still isn't that amazing. Had some Chocolate Peanut-Butter pie that was still partially frozen...so I'm unsure of its origin. They are a well funded soup-lovers dream, with their ever changing Soup du Jour. But as a college student? I'll look elsewhere. read more

On my trip to Fairhaven I stopped in Colophon Cafe . Everything is made from scratch and they are health and environmentally conscious. You can decide if you want to eat at the 50's style cafe that is located on the first floor or If you want more of a country house dine in that is located by going down stairs I saw that their Pot Pies were award winning so I had to try their Creamy chicken pot with a fresh multigrain crust. The pot pie was creamy with vegetables it was delicious. I got the meal that came with bread and a small cup of soup that was actually a Big serving of soup that was good;I had the peanut African soup. It was the first time I had it and it was great. The taste of the peanuts,it was spicy and creamy. a differently a soup to try. To finish my meal off I had probably the best peanut butter pie that I have ever encounter.It rest on top of a a gluten free crust. It was rich,creamy,full of flavor, simply superb. A must if you live in or visiting the beautiful town of Fairhaven near Bellingham read more

My husband, my sister and I drove to the Fairhaven area of Bellingham today. Really nice shops, bookstores, restaurants. It was a little chilly so we decided to try Colophon for something warm. My sister and I both had the ham quiche with Mexican bean soup. Both were delicious and came with a slice of cantaloupe. My husband had the chicken pot pie and a salad. He ate every bite. This is a really nice cafe with a lot of menu options. Our server was perky and efficient. Food came out quickly and was yummy. I would definitely eat here again when in the area. read more

A cheery waitstaff does wonders- but the food lacks some wow. I used to love the CC back in the day- but, maybe my taste was less refined or I have grown- maybe a bit of both. The chicken pot pie caught my eye on the menu- and I wished it hadn't. A rather hard biscuit on top of thick chicken soup didn't meet my expectations- though I will say the veggies in the pie were nice. My niece's clam chowder lacked complexity and the maya plate was a disappointment. One star for cheery atmosphere and another for very friendly staff. If you're in B-ham, you can find better, but you might have to look. If you're in a pinch and need some lunch fast- come here, but get the sandwiches- they looked good. read more

Used to come here all the time when I lived in Bellingham! Can't wait to come back and visit ! First place I'm coming to!

With all of the amazing selection and variety of food in Bellingham, it baffles me as to why someone would spend $9.00 on a Bagelry bagel with a few veggies and melted swiss. I'll be honest, I haven't tried it, because I can't bring my self to spend that kind of money on that. In fact, everything on their menu is incredibly expensive - see for yourself on their web site! I'd MUCH rather go to Fiamma Burger for a full meal than a measly bagel and veggies! I'll admit, the african peanut soup and the sandwiches I've had were pretty good, but not good enough for me to want to back after eating there a few times. And while I appreciate their attempt to make some vegetarian and vegan menu items, this place hardly qualifies to be labeled "vegetarian" or "vegan" on Yelp. I would never recommend this place to a vegan for a few soup choices. I only gave it two stars because I like the outdoor seating and the ice cream upstairs. read more

The Colophon Cafe is one of those places that everyone told me that I would LOVE....and I didn't love it. I love the idea. I love that you can go right from Village Books to the Cafe. I have never been impressed with the service, though. it seems to take forever to be seated. I always feel abandoned, and no matter how nice i have tried to be to the wait staff, they always seem cold. The food is decent. I am not a huge fan of their clam chowder. Their split pea is really good. I really like their sandwiches, but i think they are sort of expensive for what they are. If you are going to go, I would recommend getting some soup and bread. That is I think their best deal. read more

Ambiance = Great if you like eating in the basement of an old building with stained ceiling tiles. Watch out for falling clumps of whatever from the ceiling. Soup was hit square-on by something grey and fuzzy. Food = Everything is very bland with small portions. Ate what technically was referred to as a "hamburger", but tasted like sausage mc-muffin processed meat. Service = Unless you've got a lot of time to waste, expect to be ignored. Eventually they'll find your food in the back. When you do manage to get served, expect cold or lukewarm food at best. Price = Was fine with paying the excessively high bill just to get out of the place. read more

I always love coming here! The food is good, the servers are always so nice and it's a great spot to study if you need something quiet & having their fireplace on while it's cold is a major plus. Would recommend this place to anyone in Bellingham! read more

This is located in Fairhaven a neighbourhood south of downtown Bellingham. I really like the entire area. Fairhaven is a nice place to spend a sunny afternoon and worth checking out. I go to the Colophon Cafe for the African peanut soup and stay for the books. This little cafe is connected to a really good book store. The book store sells both used and new books. I always find something to bring home whether it is a Colophone Cafe recipe book or a full belly. I also love the chocolate peanut brownies, they are amazing. read more

How I heard of this place: While I am not quite certain how I first heard of the Colophon, it has been a Bellingham staple on each of my visits to the city where I grew up. I am tempted to say that it was my sister, Mojgan, who first mentioned the Colophon and recommended the rest of my family try it - even if just for a scoop of ice cream. It has become a tradition, in visits with Jenna and Mojgan in Bellingham, to enjoy at least one meal at this cow-imbued spot. Type of cuisine: "The Legendary Colophon Cafe and Deli, located in the historic Fairhaven section of Bellingham, Washington, offers fine fare in a casual setting. The Colophon Cafe is famous for their freshly made soups and desserts, salads and sandwiches. We even have an old-fashioned ice cream counter and an espresso bar!" Ambiance: "We're conveniently located in the hub of Fairhaven, great for those loving the old-town history and architecture of the 1890's. The brick buildings and cobbled pathways add to the charm of one of Bellingham's most famous neighborhoods." The Colophon Cafe website says it best, so why recreate? "'Mama Colophon', the imaginary founder and logo of the Colophon Cafe came about in 1985, when the cafe opened. Serving only lattes, ice cream and bagels with cream cheese, all containing milk products, the proprietors decided a cow was a likely mascot." The space still boasts its old school roots with rustic brick walls, old chairs and tables covered in white linen, topped with glass. The same oil-lights are at each table setting with tri-pod style specials menus, listing the flavors of Italian Sodas, specialty ciders and hot chocolate beverages or the all famous: Mug-a-Mocha-Moo. A chalkboard on the wrought iron bars, where the speakeasy elevator used to be, colorfully promotes Cafe specials of the day, while booths towards the back host stereotypical and hungry Bellinghamites. It's truly the color of Fairhaven, complete with outdoor patio seating, overlooking the Fairhaven Green (where the Farmers Market and Outdoor Cinema call home). What I ordered: On most every trip to the Colophon, I order the same meal, and today was no different: The Bagel Melt, served on my choice of a plain bagel with cream cheese, and baked with ham and cheddar cheese. Wanting to always get more and try as much as possible, I select the half bagel melt with a small soup of choice ($11.25); this time, the African Peanut, an exotic blend of ground peanuts, ginger root, tomatoes, garlic and turkey, served together on a bread board. My friend chose her staple, the Smoked Salmon Bagel ($10.50 whole, $7.25 half, $12.25 with small soup or salad), a traditional smoked salmon served chilled with cream cheese, red onions and capers on a Pumperknickel bagel. My sister could not pass up the lunch special: Bacon Cheddar Burger ($9.95) on a mild onion bun, served with rosemary potato wedges. For dessert, a slice of Peanut Butter Pie ($4.95), a cream cheese and peanut butter filling with a chocolate cookie crust, topped with semi-sweet chocolate and sprinkled with peanuts. What I loved: I always love the greasy goodness of the bagel melts - even the turkey & Swiss cheese, which I may have to try on my next visit! The rosemary potato wedges that accompanied the burger were surprisingly delicious, soft inside and out, perfectly baked. Having made and sampled home-made versions of the peanut butter pie, this smaller slice did not satisfy like I remember they did, but was still peanut buttery, gooey deliciousness for our palates! Why I loved it: The food is always good. The atmosphere relaxed and easy and the nostalgia hard to beat! The Colophon Cafe menu says it best: "We are truly proud of the deep connection that the Colophon Cafe as cultivated during our tenure in this extraordinary community. In appreciation for our customers and neighbors, we are dedicated to business practices that promote both a healthy environment and a vibrant local economy. We support many local charities, and purchase our ingredients and supplies from quality, locally owned businesses whenever possible. The colophon Cafe is an active member of Sustainable Connections, a participant in Puget Sound Energy's Green Power program, a founding partner of Bellingham's "Toward Zero Waste" initiative and a Whatcom Watershed Business Steward!" Cost:Average to high ($6-$15 per lunch entree) read more

Fresh ingredients, affordable prices, and located within Village Books -- what could be better? They always have a fun cocktail special and a new daily soup. Honestly, whoever they have making soups is the star of that kitchen; they're consistently excellent, to the point that I always get soup as my side dish. Also, during your birthday month (if you're part of the Village Books loyalty program), Colophon will provide you with a free coffee or soft drink as a nice little thank you. read more

Me and me Mam went to this place after a St. Patrick's Day wedding...I don't know if I was just insanely starving (read: Hangover City) or what, but the food was pretty fab. Even though they were doing construction, it didn't seem bothersome. We showed up late morning, both had the chicken pot pie and split a chef salad. Try the Peppercorn dressing, it was like a Ranch's fancy older uncle with a monocle. Would def go again! read more

Came here for a late lunch around 2pm and it wasn't too crowded. There was plenty of space in the restaurant. I loved the eccentric decor and ambiance there. I got the Southwest Club that had turkey, bacon, avocado, bean sprouts, melted Swiss cheese with their amazing chipotle mayo spread sandwiched in toasted sourdough bread! You can't go wrong with the spread, avocado, and bacon together! For a half sandwich it was about $8-9. A little pricey for a half sandwich but worth trying at least once! They do stuff the sandwich! read more

Colophon Cafe - Southwest Club. Half sandwich for $9. - Salad Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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I just loved the character of this place! It's nestled right against a bookstore, there's local art on the walls and the service is friendly. Since this is exactly the type of local place I like to find on yelp, I was actually quite surprised this place only had three stars. It's quite the little gem. I really enjoyed the creamy chicken pot pie! It even had a little butterfly-shaped cut-out on top to make it cute. Lots of good options on the menu that offer more variety than the typical sandwich and soup joints you see. I will definitely stop back in here next time I'm up north. read more

Quaint and cozy place for brunch. Tried the soup sampler to greedily try 3 different soups. Vegan soup available here! Split pea and mexican corn and bean soup = Not salty at all, a pleasant surprise. A mild kick with the mexican corn and bean, and a slight smokey taste to the split pea. Colophon nachos could have been better. Cheese looked and tasted waxy. But the black bean burger bits made up for the inedible cheese. The balsamic vinegar tasting room above the restaurant is such a treat! Felt a bit of Napa. Who knew balsamic vinegar could taste so delectable?! read more

My wife on a blustery Saturday date afternoon away from the kid decided at 2:00 to venture into this establishment. With that, I'll start with the environment; dark, seedy and not the most pleasant, smelled like someone spilt the vinegar meant for their fish and chips. Now one could pass this off as a quaint local meant to be that way and I'll give em a free pass on that. The only other room for improvement, if it could be called that, was our waitress. We saw reviews on here that service was terrible, and ours was not, however, she seemed to be Joan Cusack's (IMDB this - I had to in order to place the way her mouth moved with that lisp) illegitimate daughter that had the quirkiness of a third grader to boot. Not sure to chalk this up to Bellingham or what (When do we adopt Austin's motto and keep Bellingham weird?). She was attentive, didn't make us wait and checked on us often enough but not so often that I would have invited her to sit down and enjoy our meal if you know what I mean. The food was good bordering on great. The African Peanut soup is something I have never had before and had a decent bouquet of flavors and was a much larger bowl than necessary, and it was delicious. I thought the wild Alaskan salmon burger was better though. great pesto aioli and sprouts, awesome flavor, salmon was grilled perfectly, well toasted bun, and the rosemary fries topped it off as fantastic. This isn't the best meal my wife and I have ever had in Bellingham, but it was good and not expensive as some reviews state, I think 30 for lunch, which I expect in this day and age (wow, that sounds like something old people say) read more

The Colophon is cozy, located in a great area of downtown Fairhaven; great for people out of town. Food was perfectly average, service was honest and enjoyable. read more

Super delucious full plate ceasar salad with marinated chicken. Delighted to have quality customer service here again. The change in staff certainly helped with that. Thankful that they allowed my well mannered dog to come in. Definitely coming back! read more

Colophon Cafe - Counter where a sneak peek of their delicious desserts can be salivated over. - Salad Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The Colophon used to be a common stop for me as a person who didn't primarily live in Bellingham. I realize now it was more due to my longing to inject some Bellingham flavor into my life as a departure from the miniscule sullen little town of my high school days (it shall go unnamed). Well that has all changed. Since I've finally spent nearly everyday in Bellingham for school and the like, I've come to realize that The Colophon only represents Bellingham in the visual sense. Reviewers have mentioned it has a lovely location nestled in Fairhaven with Village Books above it and a nice view of the Village Green from certain vantage points. It's a charming old building with quaint cow themed artwork all around and a genuinely nice setting. But underneath all that is a relatively expensive menu for what you get, a lack luster one at that...with little variety . You can pretty much always count of their pot pies as being filling and delicious, and I've had decent summer fare, but sometimes their specials seem ill planned and much of their food leaves you wanting. I truly wish they would make just a few changes, because Bellingham lacks good food for the flavorful city that it is, and The Colophon is no exception. read more