I love this place. Food is great! Everything I've eaten has been delicious. The chef really puts heart into his cooking. The servers are also extremely friendly and attentive. Great portion size. Healthy choices. Nothing taste greasy or heavy. Even the hash-browns feel healthy. Yuuuuuummmmmyyyyy! read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Veggie Browns with Spicy Peppers (I asked for a side) Ohhhh sooooooo gooood!!!! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Wednesday is a special day for me. Wednesday I have earmarked as Daddy Son day for my littlest son Sawyer. Its a day where we enjoy special time before picking brother up from school. It has been a fine tradition of ours to breakfast at the Little Cheerful on those days. The folks there always go out of there way to accommodate a 3 year old, and he always feels welcomed. The food is always on point, portions are enough to fill any tummy. Known for the hash browns and the plethora of combinations, I am partial to their skillets which are enough for breakfast and lunch. This is our place. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Came here for the first time today while I was waiting for my dad who was having a procedure. Not only was the food amazing but my server Joe aka my brother from another mother was amazing. He was above and beyond kind. Truly appreciated and unexpected. The service in general was great but Joe made my week! I will definitely be back read more

One of the best meals I've had in a long time! I had the pork hash, it's the second time I've had one of their hashes. A top breakfast joint in Bellingham. Eclectic little place worth any wait. The only negative disclosure, due to the location homeless individuals around can be a disturbance. I recommend eating inside (vs outdoors) to avoid any disturbances. I would suggest to the owners to find a new location as homelessness has been growing in this area. (Credit cards are now accepted.) read more

Great breakfast spot. It wasn't busy at all when we came in for lunch on a random weekday. It is pretty small so I bet on weekends it's get crowded real fast. The food was really good, a little on the greasy side; I had the California omelette. The hashbrown was nice and crispy - be sure to finish it before it gets cold, otherwise it's hard and just tastes like straight grease. Portions are generous and very filling. The only downside for not giving a 5 star is because it's cash or check only. Didn't realize it until we sat down and got our menu. There is an ATM by the door, but luckily a friend had cash. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

When I first moved to Bellingham, there were exactly two places to go for a great breakfast. They both had lines down the block on a Saturday morning, with the promise of hot coffee and yummy food within. Fast forward "##" years and there are a lot of new faces on the local breakfast scene, but The Little Cheerful remains a stalwart. This sunny little cafe right in the heart of downtown Bham offers a menu full of hearty choices, including omelettes, pancakes, and all of the usual morning fare. And they are welllll-known for their delicious assortment of Eggs Benedicts, including my choice this morning: the Crab Cake Benedict. Imagine, if you will, two perfectly browned REAL (not with a K) crabcakes served atop a toasted whole wheat English muffin...served with the requisite amazingly poached egg on top and a slather of house-made hollandaise to finish it off in style. That, my friends, is what we had for breakfast this morning. And if that wasn't enough, this Benny deliciousness was served alongside a healthy portion of fresh-sliced avocado, with the Cheerful's famous fried potatoes alongside. You want a good Benny in Bham? You've come to the right place. And in case enough people haven't mentioned it by now, they only take cash - so come prepared (or, there's a cash machine near the restroom). read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Crabcake Benedict...huge portion, definitely a good idea to share! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I love Little Cheerful. The food is amazing and I love that it is quirky. It's very Bellingham in all the right ways. I took off one star because it is a small place that has a long wait. If you are a morning person you'll have a better chance of getting seating. If you are more interested in a late breakfast, you better be ready to wait for an hour. read more

First time here, and I can say I will be back. It is worth the wait on seating and food. Breakfest was awesome! thumbs up! Customer service was spot on! read more

Super cute cafe! I had the California hash brown and London fog and both were absolutely delicious! The service was also great! Would highly recommend this place. read more

Very busy restaurant. The Crab bennies was tasteless. The staff was very attentive & nice. The steak and eggs very good. Quite expensive, considering the crab bennies was tasteless. read more

The mystery burrito never disappoints. Their poached eggs are always perfect!! The coffee is great. Try their own hot sauce it is pretty good. They always have specials and they are fun and taste amazing. read more

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Always a cozy place to sit. Super cute mugs for coffee. Best crab cake eggs Benedict in the world. Cash only. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Crab Eggs Benny - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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I love their mug selection! Their omelets are my favorite, but they do make a good biscuit and gravy. They also have plenty of vegetarian options. They ARE cash only so make sure you come prepared. read more

So cute and quirky so tasty with variety of delicious options. Second time here, and will come again read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Coffee, salt and pepper, water, ketchup - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Had a chance to visit this place. I wasn't sure what to make of it? Very busy, music and high energy! The (staff) was singing at one point. Continuously moving, as customers were placing their orders and saying goodbye to "Page", who oversees the place from what I could understand. You can see the cooks in an open kitchen environment. And they were the ones who were singing. In very little time, my server Kelli asked what I would like? She gave the specials, and I was really wanting the crabcake eggs benedict. She went into detail and the special of the egg, meat, and spice vegetables sounded so good, and only be available for a short time. Had to try it. While waiting for the food, I was very entertained by the chefs in the kitchen. Busy creating masterpieces, singing to the music being played over the store audio system. And really having a great time doing what they do. It was pretty lively in there! Another server brought my skillet and it looked pretty amazing. The first bite was kind of a moment. Very fresh ingredients used. and perfectly seasoned. The eggs mixed in with the hash browns, spicy veggies, and a lot of Ham & Bacon. With a layer of cheese on top. They didn't skimp at all on this dish! The only thing I didn't find was the kitchen sink. It was pretty packed with goodies. The portion was a good size, not huge, more than enough to fill you. The raspberry jam was from a local place and with adding a little of their hot sauce to it, and on toast, was heaven! Talk about a flavor explosion! I did ask about the Cash only issue plastered on the door and menu? The owner does it for a few reasons and reviews the policy every so often since the 1980's. It doesn't really benefit the customer or business to pay fees that go directly to the bank. They have an ATM where all profits made go to the soup kitchen for the community. (Note the sign) People actually stop by to use the ATM to help fund the kitchen without eating at the restaurant. Help feed the people, instead of the bank. Kind of makes sense to me!!!! I'll have to come back here to try the crab cake breakest another time. This one of the top breakfast places in Bham, and you will see why! read more

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My girlfriend and I stopped in for breakfast, based off the name. It was AMAZING! Best biscuits and gravy I've had in a long long time. Girlfriend got a California skillet and said it was one of the best meals she has ever had. 10/10, would recommend. We will absolutely be coming back here, every time we come to Bellingham for breakfast! read more

Stopped in here on a busy Sunday morning. Everyone was so friendly! I watched the staff bring food to the patrons and consistently have small meaningful interactions. The kindness and pride in their cafe was seriously overwhelming. The food was so good! I had the chorizo scramble which was wonderful and my partner had the biscuits and gravy. Try the house hot sauce!! So good! Thank you for such a wonderful start to our day. You all were amazing!! read more

We had breakfast there two days in row this week. Our server Rachel was wonderful. She was so kind and wonderful to customers and the new server she was training. We loved the energy this little cafe puts out into the world. Plus the food is fantastic. Their pork verde is amazing. I've been thinking about it for days. Until we meet again, Paloma from Canada read more

This is a wonderful cafe offering a calm environment and splendid food. The biscuits and gravy is rich with flavor and theur hash brown's are perfectly crisp. The staff here is incredibly friendly and give you a comforting family vibe about them. I highly recommend this place to anyone interested in a laid back and looking for a delicious breakfast. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

always the best service with the friendliest staff. the salmon benny on the special menu is a must and not too fishy smelling either! little cheerful is a staple breakfast place for me and my friends. read more

This place is always my go to saving grace after a long night shift. The eggs B. Is so good! Friendly staff, calming atmosphere. Try the hot sauce! read more

We loved this little cafe! I ordered the mystery breakfast burrito and asked them to make it vegan. It was the best breakfast burrito I've ever had. So delicious and so many fillings. The service is also great here. I would definitely recommend this place!! We will be back! read more

If your on a diet & like lots of Hair, nose rings and tattoos this is the place for you. ! The cook has huge beard and mustache, too much hair hovering over my breakfast. Coffee & bacon sucks, silverware not as good as plastic. I liked the pancakes and syrup. No wifi. & They only take cash You have to pay for street parking after 9am Wont be back. read more

A fun, lively, sunny wee corner to dine on railroad avenue. Definitely a favorite for scrambles and hash browns- you'll find a grand menagerie of options for vegetarians, gluten free-er's and picky eaters. Be prepared to wait a fair time for your food during breakfast (that's their specialty, though the have lovely lunch options too.) so order a mimosa and take in the wild interior around you. Wait staff was fun, attentive and let us customize to the moon and back. They're REALLY GOOD with making it your own dish- don't be afraid. I loved the yuppie scramble- feta, asparagus, sundried tomatoes...be still my heart. Made for great leftovers too! (You don't have to order toast with it, ask for fruit!) Best tip- this place doesn't accept credit cards AT ALL. Don't be surprised. Definitely worth trying in the Bellingham breakfast scene- just prepare yourself for a long wait and bring your pennies! read more

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The Little Cheerful Cafe is the perfect place to go to enjoy a weekend breakfast (or if you're like me, stumble in at 1pm and call it breakfast). The staff are always in upbeat, positive moods even when there is a long line out the door. The food! The food is outstanding. Fresh, flavorful and... I can't even think of enough adjectives to describe it. You will not be disappointed. I read some articles that described the food as "greasy" I would strongly disagree, I've never had a plate that could be considered greasy. Yes, this place is a cash only establishment. They have an ATM on site and the surcharge goes directly into their soup kitchen fund. Speaking of awesome quirks, on the counter they have fortune cookies and tootsie pops! Right next to those, they usually have a jar filled with some money. Drop a buck or your pocket change in that jar if you do grab a treat-- the money also goes to their soup kitchen. Overall, you're missing out if you opt out of the 20 minute wait. Grab a mimosa while you wait. You won't be disappointed. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - This plate of happy was a daily special. Chocolate chip pancakes topped w/ caramelized bananas, custard drizzle & powdered sugar - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This is the best place in Bellingham ham for breakfast. My favorite is the bacon and cheddar hash browns with an egg on it. It is pure heaven for the tastebuds while hardening your arteries at the same time. The place is a lot like Bellingham. Funky, cool and interesting. They always have tasty specials and the menu has something for everyone. If you can't find something to enjoy here then you must not like breakfast. Also you never know what funny or interesting thing will be on your coffee mug. The service is always great and every one is super nice and friendly. This is a Bellingham must do for a weekend away from Seattle. read more

So...... decent little cafe if you want breakfast. I'm not sure why it seems to be busy all the time with locals and tourists. It's good and bad at the same time. It's an old time diner with your usual breakfast menu. The coffee is strong and service is fast. Pancakes were great. Eggs were chewy and overdone. Jam that came with the bread tasted like it was pre-frozen, if that was even possible. The hashbrowns were outstanding though !!! They were thin, crisp, and you can have it with or without onions. Service was mediocre. Price was reasonable. read more

Nothing against breakfast as a meal, but in order to get it, you often have to endure some pretty heinous family restaurants. Fake wood paneling, buckets of crayons at the table, and stitched samplers and antique washboards crapping up the walls as far as the eye can see... it's not something you want to inflict on yourself on a Sunday morning, especially if you're feeling a bit tender from the weekend. Behold the antidote to that cheesy country charm: Bellingham's Little Cheerful Cafe. The place is not huge, and on weekend mornings it seems pretty crowded, so expect to cram into the foyer and wait your turn. However, the friendly hostess poured us coffee in mismatched thrift-store mugs while we waited, and it was only about 15 minutes before we sat down. The smallish menu has pretty typical breakfast offerings: scrambles and omelettes, bacon and eggs, and breakfast sandwiches (and some lunch stuff). Prices are about average, $8-12 for breakfast. They make a big deal of their "world-famous" hash browns, and I love hash browns, so I was pretty excited, but as far as I can tell, the secret ingredient is...onions. I mean, they're good, but I wouldn't travel to the ends of the earth for them, and some hash brown purists do not welcome inclusions. My veggie scramble was huge and crammed with stuff, but all those veggies leaked their juices and made the scramble watery and a little unappealing. The best part about Little Cheerful, though, is the colorful surroundings. The walls are brightly painted and covered in art; a string of prayer flags stretches across the ceiling, and oversized sculptures lurk in the corners. I kept eyeing the bold, primary-colored fruit paintings on the wall next to us, and ended up walking out with one for $35 - not a bad deal for a fun piece of original art. It may not be the most eye-soothing place for the weekend-weary and hungover, but Little Cheerful offers decent food, super-friendly service, and funky charm for your grease breakfast needs. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Moons over my hammy. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

So, when I lived in Bellingham, whenever I had visitors come this is where we always stopped in for breakfast. Over the course of the four years I lived there, I came here often. Most often, I would get the Californian hash browns and the bowl of fruit. Other people would try the specials and never once were my guests disappointed. As for the atmosphere, Little Cheerful is a bustling, noisy place where everyone seems to be just that- cheerful. Some of the other yelpers counted that against this delightful place but maybe I am too enamored of the experiences I've had there. This place is busy and cramped to fit the volume of people aching to eat here so be prepared for that. My suggestion: Ask your server for the specials. They have some of the most interesting and tasty dishes that are not offered on the menu. And they do not take plastic (Debit or Credit) so be prepared for that as well. They have a sign on the door posting the methods of payment: they take cash, check and expensive jewelry. Don't worry, ATMs are in the surrounding blocks and it is well worth it! read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - No plastic... - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The pepper doesn't look like pepper. I had to get pepper from another table. You need to be sure to check the pepper ascetic on all of your tables. Gud food tho. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - #whatisinthis?sand? - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I'm pretty upset at the fact that this platform makes me give this restaurant a star. If it were up to me they would have NO stars! Every single time I've ever attempted to eat there, they refuse to serve me. They've made me stand outside and wait for 30 minutes when there was multiple tables inside and out on three separate occasions. The staff was so rude to the point where I just walked off every time. The one time I actually did get a table after waiting outside and watching people walk up after me and be seated. The staff approached our table, asked us if we wanted beverages. I noticed they had bloody Mary's on the menu so I asked them if they had Clamato? They waitress said yes, and so I ordered a Caesar. She then tells me she's new and doesn't know what a Caesar is. I calmly and Nicely explained to the server that it's the exact same thing as a Bloody Mary, just instead of tomato it's with Clamato. The manager came back with my drink a few minutes later and told me "here's your Cesar sir, just next time don't be a fucking prick to our servers" yes they used this language with me. Myself and our whole table were completely surprised by how management handled this. I tried to explain what had happened from my point of view and the manger said "sir I don't give a shit what you have to say, just don't be a piece of shit to our staff, she's new". So I did what any respectable person would do. I dumped the Cesar on the table and walked out. For a restaurant called "the little cheerful" I've only ever experienced the exact opposite of cheerful, though it comes highly recommended around town, I wouldn't know because it's been impossible to get service and not for the lack of trying. I think they should change the name to little cunty, because that's what I get from you people. And as a blue collar person who also works service industry I quickly tell people who come to my establishment to NOT go to the little cheerful, and I recommend them elsewhere for breakfast. You have forever lost my business and respect. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe is one of the first places that went to when I first visited Bellingham. I was really impressed with the quality of the food. Yet as time moved on I found myself coming to eat at Little Cheerful less and less often until ten years had past. Yesterday I was in the downtown area and had a craving for Eggs Benedict. So I walked in an everything was like I had remembered it. The service was friendly and the food was perfect. I had the special which was bacon and prawn eggs benedict. The prawns were not over cooked like most shrimp are, they were well seasoned and juicy. The eggs were perfect as well. Not raw and yet the yolks still flowed out when I cut into the eggs. It is ashame that they only have 3 1/2 stars. Trash heaps like Cascade Pizza have 3 1/2 stars. I'm giving Little Cheerful 5 stars to help get them to the 4, 4 1/2 stars they deserve. read more

What amazing, kind staff!! I took my sister here when she was visiting me and we were blown away by how nice (and fashionable haha) everyone was! My sister and I aren't huge sweet breakfast people so this menu definitely got a thumbs up from us! Absolutely visit if you're ever downtown, especially with it having such a great location! read more

Best hash browns I've ever had! They're not those gross, soggy, pre frozen kind. No. These are deliciously stringy (like shoe-string fries) and crisp. Absolutely phenomenal. My friends enjoyed their eggs and sides of meat (sausage and ham). I liked my fruit plate (I wasn't feeling too hungry at the time). It was a nice variety of watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, orange, grape and strawberry all nicely arranged for about $5. Great fresh coffee too! I'll be back when I'm famished to try more of their cuisine. Nice friendly service. read more

The options here were great! it had so many different types of hash and scrambles and more and they all looked really good. I got the steak hash which was good but I expected the steak to be more incorperated with the meal but it was literally 6 fat steak cubes thrown in, but on the bright side they had so many choices in hot sauce and other condiments that it turned out to be really good. The service was great, the place was cute, and the fruit platter was pretty. I'd come back to try different kinds of Hash. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Fruit platter - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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3 stars? Are you kidding?? This bustling little breakfast joint in the heart of Bellingham already had me hooked with one glance at their menu. Most places offer one kind of eggs benedict aka my favorite breakfast dish of all time. Little Cheerful had FIVE to choose from including smoked salmon lox and crab cake which I took my sweet sweet time savoring. It featured soft, plump slices of avocado lining my plate and two lovingly poached eggs nestled on top of perfectly crabby crab cakes and crisp English muffins. All drizzled with a yummy, creammy Hollandaise sauce. Seriously heaven on Earth. It also came with a heaping side of hashbrowns which you can 'pimp' (their words, not mine) with extra stuff like onions and cheese. And then I wished I had 4 stomachs so I could have tried their epic list of pancakes. It included all the traditional flavors but then you'd see something like "brown sugar" "goat cheese" "granola" and even "FRENCH FRY" - now those just kick regular ol' pancakes to the curb. Cash only, super busy on the weekend and their entire staff looked under 30 and a bit 'meh' about service but the food was absolutely totally worth every bite. read more

Little Cheerful Cafe - Crab cakes benedict! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This place deserves such a better review than it has, amazing crab Benedict and kind service. 10/10 !

Came across this place unexpectedly. The daily special of Crab and Avacado Benedict was Delicious with capital D! The side of patoto with onion was too burnt and lukewarm but I can't wait to try a different variety next time. Ditto on the small space, but no one mentioned how colorful it is! The atmosphere reminds me of Belltown in Seattle, vibrant! The staff were most friendly and welcoming. I say go again to get a second review....but don't leave home without cash (currently not accepting cards). read more

Little cheerful café is nothing short of amazing, between their amazing hashbrowns (which you should ALWAYS get with grilled onions) and their delicious scrambled, they do every breakfast food super well. This little brunch spot makes you feel super at home with Mis-matched mugs, cute decor, and friendly staff. If you get the chance to go for breakfast, definitely go, and don't forget to bring some extra cash for your server! read more

Ordered takeout from this cafe on a Saturday morning in late January on a spontaneous weekend getaway to Bellingham. I called twice to ask about if they had outdoor seating and if they accepted credit cards, and Cole or Carl was very kind on the phone and texted me a photo of the menu without my even asking. Delightful! The person who took my order via phone was also very kind and direct. I ordered the mystery burrito without dairy and a side of hashies and my partner ordered the stack of cakes with blueberries inside. We rolled up and parking nearby was free on the weekends (may be a winter thing? I dunno, it was confusing but not the cafe's prerogative). We picked up our order easily and got ketchup on the side for our hashies. I was very hungry and as I snarfled up the food, I was struck by how delicious it was! The mystery burrito featured ham, bacon, red bell pepper, mushroom, and eggs, with avocado on top and salsa nearby. I appreciated how the chef had griddled the burrito so it was crisp rather than soggy. The hashies were generous and crispy, really good. My partner's pancakes were delicious and light with a nice sour tang from the berries. We ate everything immediately. If you're quite hungry, it's plenty of food and I might suggest splitting something else on the side. I'm already daydreaming about going back for breakfast tomorrow before we depart the town...the surprise of the mystery burrito is so fun! read more