Decades ago I came here often. I haven't been back for over 7 years. Yesterday, three of us decided it was time for some excitement. Upon entering ( at 4:30pm), I was struck by how many people were there; it was almost full. We were quickly greeted by Mikey (aka; "Yonzo"). Very friendly, very helpful. We received our drinks promptly and ordered food. The fish & chips were generous and tasty. The breading was unusual, but was again, tasty. I couldn't determine what it was, but I would order it again. The bowl of clam chowder was very generous and again "unusual". Plenty of clams and thyme. I would order it again. I went to the bar to request another beer and buy some pull tabs. I noticed the wall of pull tabs was entirely covered with Christmas decorations. When asked, Yonzo informed me that the new owner had not yet completed the process to offer pull tabs. Apparently, a new owner arrived in April of this year (2024). It was interesting to note that the entire place looked to be cleaner, with a very upbeat and friendly atmosphere. In all, we enjoyed the food and had a great time in the "new" tavern. We will be back. After all, this tavern is a piece of Bellingham's history. read more

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They have amazing seafood, amazing people. It's a great atmosphere if you sit at a table by the window, you get to watch the monk seals play in the water. It's a very enjoyable great little bar and Tavern. They have darts, pool, great little down home fun place to enjoy lunch or dinner. read more

Food and service is always amazing!! They are super inclusive and have free pool with any purchase, their bathrooms are clean and the view out over the water is beautiful :) We accidentally stayed about 30 minutes late but they were very kind about it; this is an awesome place to spend your night! read more

This is a dive bar, and I love a dive bar. No pretentious, BS, cold beer and hot food. I stopped here a couple years ago because they were one of the few places serving food late in the evening, and now I come every time I'm in town. This is a must stop in Bellingham in my opinion. read more

Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham - View out the back windows. - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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You know me, I love a dive; and this one's a beauty. Known locally for a darn good fish sandwich and honestly-priced taps, (and internationally, as a bar that's played host to more serial killers over the decades than maybe any other!) Waterfront's got it where it counts. No-bull service, good food, classic dive atmosphere with fun retro music, pull tabs, pool table, and local color. If you love a dive like I love a dive...I might meet you there, next time you're up B-ham way! Get your butt in here. Recommended! read more

Stopped in on my way back from Vancouver BC because I'd heard this place is historic on a number of levels. I had fumbled the BC restaurant scene (odd hours), so I was hungry. Stopped in here, grabbed a beer and ordered a BLTA to go. I'm not even kidding, one of the best BLTs I've ever had, and that's my favorite order at bars because it's usually good and predictable, so I've had a few in my day. I didn't catch the bartender's name but they were chill and had really cool eyeliner. The kitchen staff was nice and even put ketchups in the to-go bag without me asking. I wish this place were local to me, I'd go on the regular. read more

Finally a great seafood restaurant in Bellingham. This sophisticated and upscale seafood bistro/tavern has fantastic ambience and friendly service. The food was easily the best seafood we've had in Bellingham. Be sure to dress up and bring your appetite. I had the captain's platter and it did not disappoint. Waterfront is an ideal seafood experience for the whole family. read more

Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham - Budweiser - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Stopped here because of some of its history. Food wasn't spectacular but was good. I would try something else next time. I had the oyster po'boy sandwich and though it was good, it definitely could have used more sauce or something. Definitely a dive bar but quaint. Has a nice view of the water. Our waitress was nice and friendly, nice atmosphere. read more

Not a fan. Bad service, bad food. Really wanted to like this bar but unfortunately couldn't. Been here a couple of times but the staff is just really rude read more

I've been up in Bellingham for the last 4 months on a job...Eaten here at least once a week while I've been here...The last 3 times have been terrible...Seafood wasn't very fresh at all and the portions have been halved...the absolute last time the Cole Slaw as well was bad...as in old/spoiled/inedible... It pains me to write this because I loved this place :-( read more

Get the worse seafood than if you were in Kazakhstan. Tiny portions. Not made there. That crap is just Shamrock or Cisco frozen truck crap. And small portions for the price. The fries are limp and taste like the weird part of the inside of a fresh potato skin when it arrives at the table. More importantly, there is an option to tip on the check. Traditionally, tipping is for table service. There is no table service. Go to the bar and ask for a menu and beer. Sit down, no one shows up to take the order, then 30 minutes later, go to the other counter, order your nasty over priced crap from the unfriendly help behind the counter, then ask for a beer, then she says to go to the bar, wait at bar for warm beer, remind them that you have a table. Take your beer to table and eat food. Then when the food makes you sick, get up and go to the bar, tell them everything you ordered, skip the tip option and leave. Then speed home to the bathroom as fast as you can. The coleslaw was clearly not made in-house but seemed somewhat average. No complaints there. Loved the atmosphere! Salmon were swimming outside the window and sea-lions hunting them. Great vibe. Shit food. No service. Go there for warm beer and cool people. Good looking seafood outside the window, commercial frozen and rubbery crap on the menu. read more

Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham - Limp, sad, soggy french fry. - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Excellent fish and chips and clam chowder. Friendly servers. Pay at the counter after eating.

So we came to this place because we saw it sitting at Chuckanut brewery and we decided to get clam strips and the captains meal. I took one bite of the oyster that was fried and it didn't seem like anyone took the time to clean the actual excrement inside the oyster. Think of it as fried mucousy spit in your mouth that also smells like a dirty ass dock. I just felt like I was eating the pollution out of the ocean. I really hope I don't get food poisoning from this nasty oyster. I never spit but that shit had to come out of my mouth. read more

Had the best experience here! Chayce the bartender was so sweet and made us delicious cocktails. I'll definitely be back!

The worst fish n chips I've ever eaten. it tastes like they haven't changed the oil in years . I ordered same a year ago they haven't changed . read more

I can't review the atmosphere or their beer selection since I only have ordered by delivery. The fish arrives hot and tasty. The fries are also good but not crispy as they get steamed in transit. My favorite place for fish. I do want to try a non fish item. Cheers read more

Awful fish and chips. Saltless, from freezer, and the kitchen was just disgusting. I can't believe they even let you have a view of it. The bar seems cool and the bartenders were nice. But man I have never seen a grosser place where food was cooked. May god have mercy on this place. read more

This will be the third time that I've tried the waterfronts fish and chips I must say that if you want good fish and chips there's probably a dozen other places to go. They're breading is deployable their french fries are horrible fish is still partially cold on the inside so three stikes and you're out. read more

Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Great fried seafood. Hand cut fish n chips. Great service. Friendly crowd, mostly cute bartenders, except Omar

Stay away. FAR away. This place is so full of themselves they have no time to actually serve you a drink and insults paying customers. The so called bar tenders only seem to have time to play with their phones and can't be bothered to serve over priced drinks. First time and last time i've been and will ever be. The young blonde Ally or Holly or whatever was especially rude and made me wonder "why are you even her if you hate us so much ?" and could not put her phone down to look at you and actually ask "what would you like to drink ?" It's a bar right ?? Horrible. Insulting. Hated it.Walked out. Will Never go back and am warning people away. Plenty of other bars in town On the positive side they saved me about 40 bux because we walked out and went elsewhere and had a pleasant evening after this disaster. read more

Down home atmosphere. Simple honest fare. Staff were very attentive and enthusiastic. Had a nice evening and would go again.

Take out and pull tabs. Good cold beer. If you don't have an attitude or a stick up your ***, this place is fine. Good fish clams chips and chowder. I forgot the chowder and the cook had a regular run it out to me. Good food and good prices. If you want ambienc read more

I could easily give this place 5 stars but it is a tavern basically. I had the captains plate $20 and my wife had prawns and chips $14. Handcut fries, great deep fried seafood and cold beer. I fricking love places like this. It's on the water front and it's super casual. I recommend and will be back when in town. read more

Make no mistake, the Waterfront is a dive bar in all the classic ways, but this is what makes it so wonderful. If you're looking for fancy, this ain't it. But if you want a decent beer (or even a non-decent beer), a strong drink, and some damn good deep-fried bar food you've come to the right place. Add in the ambiance (dart boards, pulltabs, etc.) and you've found yourself at a place where you don't have to be anyone but yourself. Plus name just one other establishment in Bellingham that's actually built *over* the water! And don't forget that whole rumor about the serial killers preferring this place; I hear it's not quite accurate. But it makes for good conversation with the bartender! read more

My sister from Phoenix area were going to look at the water. Hunger pains hit and fish and chips listed was better than Turkey leftovers. Didn't know what to expect and was surprised to be greeted by the bar maid and cook as we entered. Place was clean and "jukebox " was playing oldies at a reasonable level so you could eat and talk. Barmaid was a little late in placing our order so she comped the drinks. The fish and chips were fresh hot and chips not salty. No greasy taste so oil was fresh. Slaw also tasted homemade not overly with mayonnaise. We truly enjoyed watching the sea otters bob for fish. Front of bar was busy with a paper game and drinks so took bill up to the taps. I'd love to come back again. read more

So a bar with a restaurant, or a restaurant with a bar? Local fisherman, yep, tourist's yep. Great fish and chips ok give them that, waterfront view yeah no question. Funny and great wait staff of course. So what's wrong? Not a darn thing, don't go with your nose in the air and you'll enjoy your self. It's one of those places that is simple beer and good food, you want fancy go to Anthony s they will give you the snob appeal. Here go to relax and enjoy the company of down to earth people read more

Excellent Fish n Chips! Atmosphere was as expected, regular crowd, older place (dive bars), staff (bartender) was friendly. I'll be back read more

The Serial Killer's favorite hang out. Ted Bundy, the DC Sniper, and the Hillside Strangler all hung out here. Don't believe me? Google it.

I love dive bars and this was recommended to me. Will not be returning this place is a garbage hole. The food ia nothing to write home about the staff is lazy old lady just stands behind the bar ignoring patrons and the owner her self lynn is completely rude, I tried to ask a question an she claimed "she was too busy". I have no idea how your run a business like that. Really this place isnt that cool. read more

Ended up having an extended stay in Bellingham. The waterfront became our Sunday lunch or dinner (sometimes both) go to location. We came in often enough the staff got to know us and knew exactly what we wanted. Where else can one hang out, have good food at a reasonable price, and watch harbor seals catching salmon in the creek below the windows? read more

Been going there for years as I pass through. Like the fact that serial killers have been there...don't freak out..if I were a SK I wouldn't kill patrons from there because I would want to come back..so I feel safe there. Anyway...the salads are big and awesome. After 4:00pm the happy hour appetizers are half price. A dive bar with one notch above bar food. $5,00 burger on Sundays. Good service. Big on darts. read more

It's a Dive but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It was full of old gals with raspy unfiltered Camel voices when we stopped in. Decent place to stop and have a drink but definitely not a destination read more

My neice and me went together , first time were greeted by patrons with friendly comments , it was busy but the service was still great. We had an appetizer plate that was really good great variety and nicely prepared. We've gone back since and had a great time again.The bartender was fun the cooks were nice . All and all a good time read more

My bestie and I were craving fish and chips and we were so glad we came here. Fish and chips a big ass portion for 16.99$ it was perfectly crisp and flaky and the steak fries were good too. Also the house made tartar sauce delicious ! ThE reason I took off 2 stArs was for thE shitty service. When we arrived there was one big table with about 8 people but they were getting ready to leave. And the waitresses didn't even acknowledge my friend and I standing there waiting to be seated. The service all around was crap. It's a shame because the food and beer was on point. The establishments energy was off and not welcoming at all ! read more

Great dive bar with a long history. Best fried food in the county. Bring your Tums. LOL

A nice place to hangout and have a beer or two, tv, jukebox, play pool. Have some hors d'oeuvres etc. Had mushrooms and fries, but not so great, because fries drenched in oil. Otherwise nice hangout. And there's a view and a patio. read more

Had food delivered for lunch from here by Viking food, very sad. I got the fish and chips and there was 1 1/2 strips of fish and the fries were like frozen walmart fries. Not what i expected for over $10 read more

Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham - Sad - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This is thee Dive Bar before dive bars became trendy. Large selection of fried foods, all the usual expected beverages at a low price. Two tables outside are perfect for people watching. It looks like the place is falling into the bay.... but where is the fun in a dive bar without a little danger. Speaking of danger this bar has been the establishment of choice for cereal killers in the past which gives it a spooky/interesting vibe. read more

If you are anything like me, you enjoy ending your day with a $1.50 glass of Bud Light, a crazy pull-tab sesh, and a round or two of Big Buck Hunter Pro. All of this can be yours by patronizing Bellingham's glorious Waterfront Tavern at 521 West Holly Street. Located just outside of downtown, on a dark road near the water, beside the city's crisis homeless shelter, where many of your fears and nightmares reside, the Waterfront Tavern has been a popular spot for decades because of the cheap drinks and seedy hospitality. Having served such prominent social figures as Ted Bundy and the Hillside Strangler, the Waterfront possesses a disturbing je ne sais quoi that attracts locals and visitors alike. I actually do enjoy beginning or ending the night at the Waterfront because it is a no-nonsense watering hole that serves its drinks just-chilled and its grub greasy. Do not, however, spend an extended period of time here or you will likely end up depressed, or maybe dead. Seriously though...I do try to drink at the Waterfront every time I visit Bellingham. As a Vancouverite, I appreciate any establishment that allows - nay, encourages - its customers to drink without ordering food. There are bylaws in British Columbia that tie alcohol sales to food orders, thus restricting the amount of alcohol businesses can serve. Canada lacks taverns, and I find the expectations of food orders very annoying in this country. If you are wanting to order food at the Waterfront, or if someone (literally) holds a gun to your head and makes you select an item off the menu to consume, just avoid all seafood. While this is likely a no-brainer for most, one really shouldn't taunt the Salmonella gods by taking a flier on the fried oysters. You are pretty safe with the burgers and fries, but why would you ever subject yourself to this mediocrity when considering the plethora of solid restaurants in the city? It is worth noting that the Waterfront is close to Chuckanut Brewery, which serves decent pub food and is also the city's best microbrewery. read more

This dive downtown is exactly that. A dive. They have fried food options that didn't appeal to me. The beer was almost warm. It's an old bar with an infamous past for having had 3 serial killers go there. I spotted several bikers who seemed to be regulars. It's a cool place to say you've been to, but I didn't stay long, too many other neat places to around here. read more