Had not set foot in here since my student days 50 years ago. Looked like not much had changed in the decor! Host was right on top of things. It was mid morning on a weekday, so not real busy-said to sit anywhere so I chose the counter. I had come specifically for the chicken and waffles and ordered right away. The choice was sweet or savory, and I chose sweet (no sausage gravy). It was absolutely the best I've had in a long while! Chicken was fried crispy outside, juicy inside and not greasy. The waffle was cooked to perfection, almost sweet. Be warned though-their coffee is just diner coffee. Wish I still lived in Bellingham.....great service, great food. read more

on many Saturday mornings for a 6 years, we've come in for breakfast and Bloody Mary's. today we were informed by the bartender that she didn't have time for table service (3 people at the bar.) best bloody's in town till today. tasted like spiked kool-aid laced with extra sugar. the gormless barkeep gave zero attention, looked bored, but hey - the extra star is for the fella who graciously served us our food. I'd like to ask again, as I did on our check, that the tip go to him. thanks! read more

Nice little cafe but don't expect it to be fast. We waited 15 minutes for water and someone to take our order. Then food came out slower than expected. We were there about an hour for breakfast. If you're not doing anything else, then you'll be okay. One and done. read more

Had a great late night smash burger at this gem. Server was kind and helpful in my menu decision making. The place has a cool old diner vibe with pool, booth seating, and a bar. Would definitely come back, plus they're open til 2am! read more

This was a fun old school diner through and through from the decor and vibes to the menu. So many fun historic pictures on the wall, games to play while you wait, and a fun throwback experience overall read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Chicken and waffles - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

Before heading to Canada, we made a stop at the Horseshoe Café, recognized as the oldest restaurant in Washington. This long-standing spot is best known for its Chicken Fried Chicken and Churro Waffles--two dishes that reflect the café's comfort-food roots and enduring popularity. It's the kind of place that leans into tradition, serving familiar flavors that have clearly stood the test of time. I enjoyed the Churro Waffles! read more

See all

Best breakfasts!!! Perfect servings, great prices and friendly service. This will be a monthly breakfast stop when I'm in the area. read more

Stella was great! Made me feel like I was a regular. I had the fish n chips. Coleslaw was crisp and tasty, chips had a fantastic house season salt, fish was crunchy and cooked to perfection. Only thing holding back a 5 was the fish was mushy inside and bland. House tartar was delicious. read more

See all

The best fries in the world take it from someone who favorite food in fries!!! the people who work are kind and helpful. it generally feels fun and nice. read more

One of the better spots in town, the food is pretty good and it has a nice southern-ish theme going on inside. I can't think of anything to complain about service-wise besides when they are packed, but that is to be expected. read more

My beloved horseshoe what happened to you? New ownership? Changing expectations of what service is supposed to be like in this city? Was it took much to ask to have one thing in Bellingham remain the same from the early 2000s? The days of cram studying all night with a plate of cheese fries is over my friends. Announcement to all Allumni that go back to the Ham for a nostalgic visit, this one might disappoint you the most. The good stuff: the food was really tasty and the new decor inside is nice and they kept some of the old sign and repurposed it into wall art. The stuff they could work on: we immediately noticed when we walked in on a Sunday afternoon that it wasn't as busy as it should have been for hangover brunch. We thought we got so lucky... turns out people now may know not to come here if you want to make it out of there in under 3 hours. Who's idea was it to have one little girl who wasn't very good at serving to work the entire ranch room section by herself on Sunday brunch? Poor thing came to take our drink order and then didn't come back for an hour and 15 minutes! Then we waited another FULL HOUR for the food to come after she took our order. 2 hours and 15 minutes to get breakfast is crazy. Every time we got fed up and decided to leave she would come back and apologize and we felt bad so we stayed. AND IT WASN'T BUSY. It just wasn't busy I'm sorry there's no reason to forget our table other than poor training and bad scheduling. Do kids not have an older woman who's been there for 30 years to train them how to serve anymore? Did the serving standards go down with the affordable housing? Let's hope they get it together so we can all reunite in the ranch room for a bloody mary and a plate of fries one day. read more

Say at the bar. Or favorite place to sit at a diner. You can often see into the kitchen and see how the sausage is made! And speaking of sausage... their sausage gravy is outstanding. Chicken fried chicken exceptional, hash browns were perfectly cooked. Burger and tots were fantastic as well. It's in old town Bellingham and the grittiness of the neighborhood is awesome and a perfect spot for this gem. We'll be back read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Chicken Fried Chicken. Hash Browns 2 Eggs - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The food was excellent. A great little cafe in downtown Bellingham. Definitely will go back when in Bellingham again!

Looking at the menu for Horseshoe Cafe posted on its website and seeing it was 137 years old (founded in 1886), I decided to see if I could make it up to Bellingham and try it out before the 2023 year ended. After finding paying for street parking kicked in at 11:00 a.m. today, Wednesday 20 September 2023, I decided to do a brunch-time meal in the restaurant. I arrived at the restaurant at about 10:00 a.m. after parking a couple blocks away. The interior was fun and festive and I was seated at a small booth. Seating was well cushioned with the booth on each side of the table wide enough for approximately one person. There were larger approximately two-person wide booth options as well, but as a solo diner the table I got was perfect. I had two people wait on me, one longer-term employee and one trainee. Both were friendly and non-intrusive. For my beverage, I went with water. For my food, I went with a small pesto egg sandwich ($6.45) and a side of sausage gravy ($4.25). The wait was short once my order was placed and both items were delicious on their own. I also tried dipping the sandwich in the gravy and found it to be a perfect combination. The gravy was creamy, thick, and had hearty chunks of flavorful sausage. The sandwich elements were well balanced. My biggest concern was that the pesto would be overpowering, and I was relieved to find it milder and harmonious with the English muffin, mozzarella, fried egg, and tomato. As I ate, strung lights with small light bulbs helped create a festive ambiance. I sat facing the windows at the front of the cafe, which was fun for watching the city life as I ate. I was in and out and back to my car with a happy belly about 30 minutes after I arrived at the restaurant and about 30 minutes before paid street parking set in. read more

See all

OMG blueberry lemonade mimosa. A no frills diner with great food and friendly service, all ages in the cafe, and open late. I can't believe it's taken me seven years to try here. I like to think of myself as a Bellingham mimosa connoisseur, and honestly this place has the best one in town. There is a flight of four, probably 3.5 oz per mini mason jar for $17; it's a great way to find your favorite. But let's be honest, a place doesn't last over 100 years for drinks alone. I got chicken and waffles (savory) as this is one place that actually serves them on a weekday (or any day), and while I dislike bread in any form, there are actual bacon chunks in the waffle, and the sausage is generous in the gravy. Also, the biscuit is addictive and worth the charge as the side. Like the first line in the review says, the blueberry lemonade mimosa is superb and we actually got a full one each after the flight because it was THAT GOOD. You'll have to pay for parking unless you get there on off hours, but even the stupid parking fee is worth it. Go if you want good drinks and good food. It's wonderful. read more

See all

The Horseshoe is the perfect All-American diner with comfortable private booths. The service is attentive without feeling like they are breathing over you. But the best part is the "chicken and waffles"! Wow! The waffle was fluffy as a cloud and the chicken breast equally fluffy. So so tasty! The perfect combo for sweet and savory. Don't miss your chance to experience this wonderful diner located in downtown Bellingham. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Sweet Chicken and Waffle - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

We came here right after a hike, and it was the best decision we made. The food was all American classic breakfast and lunch options. It was quick and no nonsense. I really like their old fashion breakfast, the hash browns were nice and crispy. Our server, she was great, and got us everything we needed pretty quickly. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Smash Burger - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

Best burger in town. Not the fanciest, the best over all burger I've had in BHam. This is a classic burger, with excellent meat, fresh veg, fresh toasted buns, and American cheese (meh). Fresh, hot, and juicy, a perfect goto when you want just a really quality classic hamburger. Onion rings were fresh, crisp, perfectly cooked, and not too greasy. They put powdered sugar in their batter. The sugar was slightly too much for me, but that didn't hinder the eating of these fantastic rings. Blackberry cider. Yeah, it was as good as it sounds. Service was exactly perfect, not too much time or too little at the table. Loved the restaurant. The decor has real personality, there's a Photo Booth in the lounge area and some other stuff I didn't see until I was on my way out so more to explore around corners!! My wife and I split the meal and we still brought rings home. Yum and we'll be going back! EDIT: the onion rings reheat excellently in the oven! read more

See all

This is our go to place for hangover Breakfast/Brunch when visiting Bellingham. We like to catch the bar right when it opens because it is not usually busy. The bartenders are friendly and accommodating and will serve you at the bar or at your table. They have a simple and solid menu. We usually share the breakfast burrito add jalapeños, and some hot sauce (because we love spicy)! The bar is more laid back with low lighting than in the dining area. They play music, have a few TVs , 1 pool table, and 2 cork dark boards (which is a huge selling point for us). PS. They have a variety of mimosas with an option for a mimosa flight read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

So many great things to say! First, FOOD! Is there any way to give 20 stars??? Seriously! Had chicken fried chicken and the sausage gravy was amazing beyond belief! Most places this gravy is mediocre at best, here is amazing. Only one other restaurant I've been to is remotely close, a mom and pop place in Tacoma 12 years ago. Rest of plate was good, gravy made it a star! The wait staff is really pleasant and great to deal with, very happy with the whole experience. A bit of a downer is the homeless population, not restaurants fault yet it worth noting, talk for another day. Once inside feels like transported to a different time period. Back in the day there was a brothel upstairs, not anymore of course. Place is steeped in history and nostalgia. There's a bar on one half with a pool table at one end and old style paintings in a few places. I don't want to spoil it here, there is a story behind some of the wall paintings, just ask and they'll likely share. An extremely nice place to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Can order anything from menu no matter time of day, and it all looked great! This is among one of my favorite restaurants right now, I just hope the city can clean things up... Fantastic work and many thanks to the crew here! read more

Food was 4 and wait staff 5. Had breakfast and even though they were really busy, we were seated with little wait. Four in our party, all happy with food service. read more

Stopped by Sunday, 5/21 after my daughter's year-end Jazz concert. Cafe/bar food nicely done. Attentive service. The menu doesn't show it, but they can do at least vanilla & chocolate shakes! We got onion rings(very good), Seattle Dog (ditto), Chicken strips w/fries(likewise), Fish & Chips (tasty) and the Southwestern Salad(fresh & crunchy). The Bloody Mary was quite salty. They salt the rim, as well as add many interesting pickled additions, hot sauce and tomato juice base. All come with their own contribution of salt, so be forewarned. Apparently the oldest operating cafe in Washington State(since 1886.) I'll be back and try a burger. Quite a large bar for those who are so inclined. read more

See all

The horseshoe is a Bellingham staple. I've only eaten a non breakfast item here once (French dip) and it was quite good. I'm usually here early in the morning after having spent the night around town enjoying the nightlife. The waitstaff has always been kind and attentive and their breakfasts are top notch. Lots of good times and good memories here. read more

As a black woman wha has been living in Bellingham for over 30 years have never experienced racism they way I did a week ago going to the horse shoe for food with a black man got sat down and no service for over 25 minutes.. didn't get offer any water at least. We're the only black people in there.. so we left and spent our money else where.. gratitude horse shoe won't ever step a foot in there nor spend my money with you ever.. read more

Cool diner vibe. Mason our server was excellent and kind of attractive. Pretty good diner food. I had a ghost pepper Bloody Mary which was a little too sweet for me. All in all, it's a good breakfast option if you are in DT bham. The fried food is really good when you are drunk. They are open late. No Diet Coke though, only Diet Pepsi. Thumbs up for horseshoe. Cool logo. -Chester Eats read more

My wife and I stopped into Horseshoe before playing in Bellingham for the day. Free (weekends only) street parking can be found. Discover is an accepted form of payment. During our visit, Covid19 regulations were strictly followed. Every other table was blocked off. Menus are taped to the booth walls to remove handling as well as save on cost. Horseshoe Cafe offers a small outdoor seating area. A full bar is also available. During our visit my wife had the daily special Blood Orange Screwdriver (double) for $8. I had the Ghost Pepper Mary for $9. My Mary had nice heat while it lacked in garnishments. For breakfast my wife ordered the Biscuits & Gravy for $8.95. I ordered the Chicken fried Chicken for $14.95 + $1.25 up-charge for cheese on my eggs. We both enjoyed our breakfast choices. Our server was lackluster in her personality as well as her work ethics. Our booth was small and i had to request every single time for an empty glass and/or dish to be removed. One would think this task is a given without having to be prompted to do so. Overall, Horseshoe Cafe serves up comforting greasy spoon breakfast meals. Portions are large and gluttonous. read more

See all

Great burger and tasty fries! Interesting atmosphere for sure, but friendly staff and good happy hour. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Don't usually go to the same restaurant twice when traveling, because I like to try new things. But had to come back for breakfast again today because it that's good. The woman who run this place are delightful! read more

I have been going to the Horseshoe occasionally for decades. After all.... It's the longest continuously operating diner in the state. However, when Covid began I stopped going. Recently I felt it was time to check it out once again, so off I went. I had been dreaming of a chicken fried steak for weeks and that was my goal. When I received my order, I was disappointed to discover the meat was a chicken patty not beef. I'm sure it was clearly stated on the menu, but in my eager quest for my food fantasy I skipped over all the details when reading the description. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Golden brown on the outside and moist in the middle. The gravy was well-made and had small bits of sausage in it. Unfortunately, it tasted flat and bland. It seriously lacked seasoning. Salt and pepper helped, but more spices were needed when cooking it. The hash browns were perfect. Again perfectly golden brown with moist innards,,, just the way I like them. Several other dishes I observed on surrounding tables all looked well prepared and seemed to be enjoyed by other patrons. A more flavorful gravy and more prompt service would have pushed my rating to four stars, but in the end, I left unsatisfied still longing for a tasty chicken fried (beef) steak. I will return, select a different food choice and give the Horseshoe another go. read more

This restaurant has been open in Bellingham forever so they must do things right. It is on our Sunday breakfast rotation. Friendly and attentive service. Food came out quickly. Fidalgo Bay Coffee. Alcohol available. Classic diner feel with art on walls. Late night service and breakfast served all day downtown. Hamburgers are recommended but have not tried yet. read more

Ok so let's talk about dive bars. This place is the prime example of the best type of dive bar, you walk in and sure it smells a little old, but the inside looks like classic old diners and kitchens from decades before. Then there is the food, we got the smash burger which was two thin patties, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, special sauce, and a toasted bun and it was delicious. I have been lucking for a good burger in Bellingham and so far this is the best. Now, let's break down the best part, the onion rings. They were dark brown, crispy, and salty, all things you want in an onion ring. The oil wasn't old which was great, and we think the batter has a slight amount of powdered sugar in it, and won't knock it! It was like funnel cake in onion rings, yum! The server was stellar, and even cut the burger in half and separated the food for us since we were sharing. We could not have asked for a better experience. read more

See all

Stopped in with family, before heading to the tulips. Perfect end to a lovely weekend. Server was very attentive and all our food was delicious. Eggs Benedict, classic breakfast and a Benny hash. If I'm ever in the area again, I would come back. The vibe is a bit grungy like old Seattle hole in the walls, love it! read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Mimosa flight. - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Took my mom here on her first night in Bellingham due to its downtown location and historic factor. We loved it! Hot American diner style food, good ambiance, great service, what more could you want? I may recommend taking a lyft to this spot, however, to avoid downtown traffic and parking fees. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Chicken Strips Onion Rings - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Great smash onion burger! Classic dinner, real authentic period food and the atmosphere of a dive dinner including the characters that patronize the joint! read more

Onion rings were great, good texture and the whole onion doesn't come with you every bite! On average 8/10 bites were ideal (aka no total onion loss from the ring) and that's pretty darn good! They give you a bunch of dipping sauces too. This review was brought to you by statistical analysis. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Onion Rings - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Not sure why the 3.5 stars but maybe it means 5 stars on Triple D?? It's a dive right in the heart of Bellingham which we go to easily twice a month. Some of the roadside clientele may not be to your liking but hey, everyone's gotta live? The diner... I love a booth, it has lots! Their breakfasts are great. All of the food groups, sweet and savoury, with my all time favourite being chicken and waffles which you can get with maple syrup or the bacon version with gravy. This is not a skimpy dish! Bacon and eggs can come with a homemade biscuit or toast and then there's the eggs benny, delish. Had the coffee with baileys and friends, they also have bar drinks. The tater tots are possibly the best ever, super crispy and plentiful. And the burger is perfection with a toasted bun, I usually see the Uni students scarfing it down. The staff is always running, these guys are committed and so friendly. My ratings for breakfast in this town are Horseshoe tied with Old Town for first place, and Little Cheerful coming in second. Go! read more

See all

diG this spot. It's almost always open and consistently good. Good drinks. Good food. Good prices. Good service. Horseshoe is Good. read more

The wings are to die for! Not only will your nose be dripping, but your tastebuds will be enthralled #wings read more

Very tasty and the service was great! prices are reasonable (about $15 total for the fries and nachos) and I split it with my fiancé which made a good lunch for the both of us. Less of a traditional (drink) cafe and more of a restaurant- but fit what we needed in the moment. Came on a Sunday at 2 and sat within a few minutes- busy but not crowded. Very good- will definitely come back next time read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Fry basket and Nachos - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The smash burger was amazing! Customer service was great. The price for what your getting is definitely worth it. The ambiance was great with a relaxing atmosphere. read more