This place is a hidden gem, you could drive right past it and never even notice it. Located off Samish Way, next to Boomers is the best Greek restaurant in Whatcom county. It's a fairly large restaurant with an inviting atrium foyer and a beautiful old live Ficus tree to greet you. The decor is a bit dated but it's pristine, no torn upholstery or ripped carpet. It looks brand new and it's sparkling clean. I love it already. The ambiance is casual and calm. The wait staff was friendly and helpful. We had the gyro plate and calamari appetizer. Best gyro ever! It was huge. I had to eat it with a knife and fork. The calamari was also excellent, tender and crispy at the same time. This was one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in a long time. We'll be back! read more

Well, I called them to make reservations for July 11. Unfortunately they will be closed for 2 weeks at that time frame. So we are not going to be able to have lunch there. However, I have been there several times and my experience was good. Food was good and promptly served. We'll try another time. read more

Had lunch at Five Columns with some friends and was absolutely charmed. This place has been around for nearly 40 years, and it really shows--in the best way. It's clearly a family-run spot, and you can feel the care in every detail. The atrium dining area is lovely--so full of natural light, it makes the whole experience feel warm and inviting. Yes, the decor is a bit dated, but that only adds to the charm. What really stood out to me was how spotlessly clean everything was. The food was fresh and delicious--classic Greek flavors, well-prepared, and served with that kind of quiet confidence that only comes from decades of experience. Prices were right in line with other Bellingham lunch spots. Can't wait to come back with my husband! read more

Oh my God! I worked at Mykonos in 1998! I had two jobs, one at Jack Niemann's on the Guide first year, and Mykonos second year in business. Greek food, in my opinion is at its best when you don't over do it, olive oil, garlic, lemon, oregano. Plus a great Tzatziki! I've wolfed down the Gyro and sucked down the Tomato Orzo soup, very healing not too strong on Tomato. Sorry for no pics. Go here if you want a Greek experience for braised Lamb shank, Lamb Chops, Souvlaki skewers, you name it, GO! read more

food was amazing. The service was amazing. The people there were so wonderful. I would definitely go back.

My friend and I were visiting Bellingham, and we were looking for a place for breakfast on a Sunday morning. We found the listing for Five Columns on Yelp, and decided to give it a try. It was a pleasant surprise! The service was great, and we both really enjoyed our food. They put a Mediterranean spin on a typical breakfast omelette (gyros, feta, tomatoes and onions), and it was yummy. Sure, the decor was a bit dated, but the restaurant was VERY clean. And it reinforced the feeling that I wasn't in a typical Sunday breakfast spot. We really enjoyed the experience. I will definitely go back, when I'm in Bellingham. read more

Such a wonderful family restaurant. Always delicious food and amazing service. Couldn't recommend more!!

The food is really really good! We've been here a few times and it's always absolutely delicious. I've had the grilled prawns with pilaf and salad twice. Love it. Everything is so fresh and well seasoned but not over seasoned. Just really good and fresh ingredients done right. Moussaka was wonderful, ribs fell of the bone. The teenagers tried some new flavors and loved them and we all left with full bellies. The staff are always incredibly warm and personable. Sweet little gem this place is go check it out! read more

The Athenian omelette was good but adding a side of tzatziki really put it over the top and should be included with the meal. Service was great. read more

Very good food and service. Stopped in for a quick bite and had the gyro. Absolutely delish!!

This has been my parent's favorite restaurant for many years. They eat here at least a couple times a week. I always dine here when I visit them. It's family owned, and the food is homemade and SO good. I love their soups, especially the homemade tomato orzo. read more

Five Columns - Tomato Orzo - Mediterranean Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This is a sweet place with really sweet people here to take care of you. It's comfortable and a little old-fashioned looking--maybe circa 70s--with pretty neon blue lighting near the ceiling for ambiance and lots of plants breaking up the space including a full grown tree in the center of the restaurant, which I thought was wonderful. They have lots of nice choices on the Happy Hour menu. I sampled the calamari (I, personally, like less breading) but it was decently prepared and I liked the accompanying tzatziki sauce very much; a combination of a spanakopita and a tiropita, which is essentially a melted cheese in filo, which was wonderful and my favorite item; warm dolmades, in a lemony sauce, which were nice; salads that were incredibly (amazingly!) fresh-tasting and accompanying pita bread that was perfect. I also had a cup of avgolemono soup (in their instance, a creamy chicken, egg, lemon and orzo soup)--which was a very generously-sized small bowl--and which was homey and pleasant. I loved the fact I could get a generous daiquiri, and their most popular drink, the Lemonada, was a lemonade that didn't stint on booze, not only in quantity, but in kinds (vodka, gin, rum and tequila) and was delicious. They also have a very nice set of discounted specials for seniors which I thought was really sweet. Nice place, nice experience! read more

My mom liked her food, she got ribs. I had a gyro and it just had way too much tzatziki and no feta. Take out went smooth though

Consistently good mostly Mediterranean food. Friendliest service anywhere. Quiet atmosphere.

good food nice staff, I really loved the whole experience. You should go, I got the gyro

We had the hot appetizer plate with the 2 stuffed philos with spinach and cheese, Dolmades, kalamari with tiziki sauce that was all great! Then we had the pasta-1 alfredo, 1 marinara, and 1 with the artichokes and mushrooms. The noodles were overcooked for all 3 and kinda mushy. The sauces were watered-down it seemed as well. Otherwise the alfredo and veggie one were good but not so much the marinara one.The Greek and side salads were great. They were good portions but for the price of $20 each plate I expected better noodles for sure. The service of the 2 people that helped us were great though. I definitely wouldn't recommend the noodles, probably go with the kabobs. For this was an easy $100 which is a bit overpriced for okay food. The atmosphere was a neat experience. read more

The food was ok. Nothing special, nothing bad. Feels like walking into an old Dennys. People were great, service was good.

Absolutely DLISH!!! Fresh rock fish with lemon & spices! Had the sole last time and my husband had the shrimp. Food is fresh and very well done. Every appetizer is amazing. The one where they set the cheese on fire is so yummy. Try the Greek wine !! Owners are in kitchen and extremely nice! Wait staff is knowledgeable & friendly. Nice atmosphere. read more

Don't let the nondescript exterior & Sizzler style interior deter you from this hidden gem that unfortunately looks out to drive through & cannabis shop. The food is exquisite & authenticity Greek. We were a little concerned about whether the pricey fare was justified but after the first bite, our concerns vanished. This is absolutely one of the better restaurants in Bellingham. Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection & incredibly flavorful. While the ambiance does not match the cuisine, it's absolutely worth it for an excellent meal & good service. read more

Very nice place with friendly staff. I was looking forward to prime rib last night. The salad and potatoes were delicious, however the meat was the worse cut of meat that I have ever been served in a restaurant. It was tough, no fat or flavor! It was over done and a big disappointment. I'll go back for meals in the future but will stick to their Greek and Italian cuisine. Except for prime rib, I recommend this place very much. Thank you bon appétit! read more

This is one of those places that you notice when you drive by, thinking I need to try that place. I finally saw it and had time to stop by. The outside had tinted window, and it will look like it's closed. When I pulled up, I could see lights on inside, just dim. When you walk in, you'll get this feeling of being in an aquarium. The place is bathed in blue light being reflected off the ceiling. I guess it's supposed to feel like Greece. Maybe in the 90's? I got there, and no customers. After I ordered, 3 other customers came in, and it's a big place, so it was still somewhat empty. Tried the Souvlakia shish kebab with chicken and pork. Came with rice pilaf and salad. The salad was good, the pilaf was a bit mushy, but good flavor and the chicken and pork had good flavor but dry where it should have been moist. The server was by herself and did a good job taking care of all of the 4 tables that were there. Overall the experience was nice. This was a pricey dinner house, as most of the higher level dinners were in the mid to upper $25-30 a plate. It did have a touch of a romantic ambiance, so maybe that may work. Just too dated of a design to really be effective. If I wanted a steak, I wouldn't think of going to a Greek restaurant. The place was okay, just a bit pricey for food quality you get. read more

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Great food and service. Greek potatoes, yarithies scorthaties, chicken Kababs are some of my faves there read more

Went here for my birthday with the family and it didn't disappoint. We tried the Saganaki (fried cheese flamed at our table) for appetizer. And we decided to go with the Greek Platter for 2. This was a 3 course meal that was more than enough for me and wife and needed a box to bring home leftovers. The first course was one spanakopita and one tiropita. Both were tasty. Followed up with 2 small Greek salads paired with the house dressing that brought a nice balance and didn't over power the salad. The main course was a HUGE platter of two dolmades, moussaka, Greek ribs and rice pilaf. These dolmades were delicious, the moussaka was seasoned, tasted amazing and held up well. And the Greek ribs was a first try for me. The meat was covered with a dry rub that is beyond flavorful and the meat was so tender. This was all served over rice pilaf that was moist Ended with night with a Greek special dessert. Coming to this restaurant for the first time we were well pleased. Will be back again for sure. Our waitress was attentive and helped us understand the menu. If you are looking for a place that puts love into their cooking. Look no further than Five Columns. read more

Love this homey place with great food. Sula and her family make me feel right at home.

I have come in here a few times. I signed up online and got a printable coupon. SCORE! Service: Good. The gal who is related to the owners is a darling. Atmosphere: Below average. Most all of the patrons seem to be those retired 'regular' types. They come in groups. I'm a student, so it's not my crowd. The setting is fair; sometimes I think the music is Turkish or something--not Greek. Menu: I had SERIOUS doubts when I perused the menu. About half of it is American fare--they tout they BBQ ribs, and offer things like omelets and tons else. Check their website. They have a lunch and dinner menu, and all the difference I noticed was $3 difference increased (on the dish I ordered) in price. The price is a bit much. $16 dollars for their Greek chicken salad. It's damn good, but it is still sixteen dollars for a salad. It comes with two slivers of bread. I would not order the pita/tzatsiki appetizer. The sauce is great, and can be added for about $2, but it only came with one or two quartered pitas. Nothing for two hungry people. I think it's about $6. The Greek sauce is amazing. Try coming in during happy hour (3-6?) to try it out for less. Also, sign up for deals online. OVERALL-- It's too expensive for me to eat here without a deal. The crowd is odd and I'm too scared to order anything other than a salad for fear that due to the diluted menu, I get something half-rate for first-rate money. -C read more

Five Columns - Greek chicken salad. - Mediterranean Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The waitress was really nice, service was fast and everything was clean and food was delicious! read more

Five Columns - Gyro - Mediterranean Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The food is so good, calling it *incredible* sounds hyperbolic but actually doesn't do it justice. Their steaks are some of the best I've ever had (esp for the price), and I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world. The atmosphere is quaint and kind of romantic, sure, but it's the food that'll make you want to come back. read more

I recommend never coming here for breakfast or lunch since all the entrees you would be going for don't show up until dinner. Additionally for what I got, which was eggs and hashbrowns, the amount of grease on both the eggs and hashbrowns made it difficult to stomach any of it. Additionally, everything was too salty and kind of expensive for what I got. It was really sad looking and the eggs felt as if they were cooked on the same hot top as the hashbrowns with way too much canola oil. Overall disappointed since what brought me in was the wonderful smell that came with dinner rush. I wish some of what was offered at dinner could also be offered for lunch. read more

I came here with a family member who is a huge fan. I actually have been here before but it's been many years ago. My first impression was the decor seemed a bit dated, circa 1990. The restaurant is dim inside, there is indirect lighting in the form of uplighting from the ceiling against the soaring ceilings. I was greeted promptly and sat more or less in the center of the restaurant, a strange location considering there were only a couple of tables that were occupied. For some reason, I just couldn't make a selection from the menu, there are a lot of choices and I just haven't eaten a lot of Greek food, so dishes didn't jump off the page at me. Me and a dining companion decided to share the Greek Platter for Two so we didn't have to make specific choices. This started with Tiropita and Spanikopita. They were both excellent and the puff pastry was golden and crispy. Next were greek salads which were surprisingly good. The main dish was a platter of dolmades, moussaka, greek ribs and rice. All were pretty good. We both loved the ribs and rice. The dolmades were popular as well. The moussaka ended up in the take home container (it was a lot of food), it just wasn't as flavorful and it seemed more like a big chunk of food. The waitress was young and still learning, so the service wasn't the best. All in all it was a dim dinner in a okay Greek Restaurant. My family member loved his dish and since it was his birthday, that's what was important. I'm still not sure if I can say that less than 10+ years before I return. read more

The food is good, but the restaurant itself reminds me of a retirement home. The bluish lighting is quite bizarre and regardless of the time of day it is never very busy. Servers are very attentive (considering they have very few tables). If you are a Bham resident be sure to sign up for their emails! They don't send you a lot of junk and will send you gift certificates. To me $15 off a meal is worth the strange atmosphere! read more

Tasty Gyros and home potatoes. Friendly efficient service. Reasonable prices. Great find

It was a dark & stormy night; my husband was playing Destiny with friends. I'd had a tough day & wanted a dinner more than comforting: luxurious, rich & one that I didn't have to clean up after I'd treated myself! This was perfect: lamb souvlaki with potatoes. And a cocktail that didn't need a second. Thanks to Five Columns. Perfect. read more

Five Columns is a pretty good restaurant. I really enjoy the atmosphere because of all the plants and the neat lighting. The servers are prompt, friendly and helpful. The prices are decent as well. The food here was good but not memorable. I remember being satisfied and full when I left but not blown-away by any means. All in all, this restaurant was a good place to eat and I wouldn't say no if I was asked to tag along. At the same time, I would rather eat at Akroteri! Five Columns has their own website with testimonials and I've heard a lot of locals praise it highly. Maybe I just went there on an off-day. read more

Hadn't been here in over 20 years. Our son, 29, had heard from friends it was good so we went last night. We were greeted immediately and seated. Friendly server who explained both drink specials and food offerings. My husband and I both ordered the lamb special, our son the sole. I love lamb and thought my entrée was spectacular! My husband enjoyed but lamb isn't his favorite. My son, who is a chef, thought the sole too salty. Five Columns is literally five minutes from our home. I'll be back!!! read more

Love the monthly specials. Family-run. One of my go-to places for lamb. Ribs, kebabs, moussaka, and gyros - all quite delicious! I like the easy, tasteful atmosphere. read more

I came here for a friend's birthday dinner celebration, not ever having been here before. Unfortunately, this will be my first and last meal here. The service was good, and the atmosphere was pleasant and clean. But the food was mediocre at best... I ordered the Calamari entree, and received what looked like deep fried hot pockets. The Greek potatoes were good, but I couldn't even finish the Calamari. It just wasn't good. I told the waitress I didn't like my food, and I was still charged 50% for my meal. I didn't contest this, but I was slightly unnerved because in the restaurant business if you don't like your food, you don't pay or you get compensated in another way. Also, for the 'quality' of the food, it's much too overpriced. If I were to describe this place in a comparison, I would call this place the Denny's of Greek food. read more

I dropped in the other day and am DISGUSTED from how the owners treat their employees... most of them are just college students, not superhumans. Stop giving our culture a bad reputation. The food was tasty. read more

How I heard of this place: My parents' neighbors are convinced that this is the best Greek restaurant they have ever visited. We may have differing opinions on that, but it was sure worth the visit! Type of cuisine: "Five Columns Restaurant and its owners have been bringing the authentic flavors of Greece to Bellingham, Washington, for 26 years. The menu features a great variety of traditional Greek family recipes, as well as one-of-a-kind plates that have become signature meals at Five Columns. From the flaming cheese, to the tasty souvlakis and the juicy steaks, the food boasts great flavor and presentation. The cuisine and decor is fit for any occasion or celebration. Whether it is a relaxing night out for two, a day of entertaining guests, or a party of 40 people, the experience that awaits you at Five Columns is 'Simply Enjoyable!'" Ambiance: Straight out of the 1980s, the dark pink layers with wood and greenery, the establishment is a step back in time. What I ordered: Our dining companions admitted to us that they only ever order the Greek Baby Back Ribs on trips to Five Columns. While they recommended that we, too, partake of the same, I, for one, was ready for more traditionally Greek cuisine. Each of our neighbors, of course, selected the Half Slab of Greek Style Ribs (lemon, garlic, olive oil and herbs) served with potatoes and Greek salad. My husband chose the Chicken Fried Steak; that's right: the Southern favorite served with mashed potatoes and gravy. He thought he'd be good and ordered a Caesar Salad to start! I opted for the Chicken Souvlaki: chicken breast marinated with Greek herbs and spices then cubed and skewered, and served on a large plate with rice pilaf and a Greek Salad. For dessert, we shared the New York Cheesecake (without strawberries, drizzled in chocolate), the Moussecake, the Mud Pie, and a simple ice cream sundae. And a second round of hot chocolates for the ladies...for good measure. What I loved: The Greek potatoes that accompanied our dining companions' meals! Yum and yum! That, and the salad, perfectly garlicky, zesty lemony and abundantly flavorful! Why I loved it: The establishment has a humble, family-style feel, reminiscent of restaurants that my husband and I sampled while traveling throughout Greece. Cost: While we were treated to this meal, the prices at Five Columns are quite reasonable, low to average ($10 - $18 per generous entree) and well worth the meal! read more

We ordered Greek salads and lamb kabobs. Salads are HUGE! Great food. The owner of the restaurant came to our table and introduced himself. It turns out that he was the chef for the evening. Service was a little slow but they gave us free desert to make up for it. This was a great trade-off as the desert was baclava (spelling?). Great atmosphere. It is a large place but the space has been designed to seem somewhat private and intimate. The menu is diverse. Good for families. read more

I am a fan of greek ribs and this place has some of the best in town, they do charge a bit extra for the greek salad, but its worth it... tasty and well presented! Lemon soup is something I'm usually leery of, but theirs is pretty good. I have eaten here a number of times and I have always enjoyed my meal, I think Mykonos makes better roasted potatoes but this place hands down has VASTLY better service and the ribs are pretty even between the two. I have had other items on the menu and have been happy with them, but the majority of the time Im going for greek I want ribs. If you have never tried greek style ribs give them a try, lots of herbs and lemon and no need to hide the flavor with a heavy sauce, really delicious. It's obviously a place that was something else originally and was made greek, but all things considered they have done a nice job, its clean and the staff is always pretty on point. I vote yes & will keep going back. read more