The 5 Bellingham Coffee Shops I Keep Coming Back To (plus a few more worth a visit)

Coffee is a huge part of my daily life (and actually, it used to be my career!). These days, having a coffee is my favorite daily ritual, whether I make it myself or go out. Before I officially called Bellingham home, I spent years visiting my dad, who lived just south of town. I always looked forward to the drive into Bellingham—winding through the thick foggy forest that lined I-5 before making my way into historic downtown. I would spend hours wandering the streets finding new and fun local shops.

Now that I’ve had the chance to settle in, I’ve seen the city’s coffee scene really grow. What used to be mostly drive-through coffee stands has evolved into a decent local coffee scene.

While there’s no shortage of great coffee shops in Bellingham these days, these are the spots I keep coming back to—and here’s why.

1. Makeworth Coffee Roasters

Good for: working, studying, groups, takeaway
Location: downtown Bellingham
Pros: brightly lit, lots of seating and outlets, good WiFi, open until 4pm, quick service
Cons: very expensive, especially after tax and tip

Confession time: I still call this iconic spot Makeworth Market. Originally opened in 2019 with the idea of of being a community hub and local arts spot, the giant, window-filled space on the corner of State St has evolved quite a bit since the pandemic. In 2019, Makeworth was known for celebrating local artists, hosting small music gigs, being open late, and showcasing coffee roasters from around the country. I honestly miss this iteration, but the last few years the sunny and bright cafe has slowly switched gears.

While still a local favorite, Makeworth has increased its already stacked seating options, and dedicated the old stage area to an in-house roasting setup for providing their own coffee beans (that’s gotten progressively better since its initiation). Rotating pieces from local artists line the back walls.

Today, Makeworth is a go-to study and remote work spot in Bellingham. With giant windows, fast WiFi, plenty of outlets, and jusssttt enough light food options to help sustain you, this is still the best coffee shop in Bellingham to sit and focus for a half day of work. I have a rotation of tables I love to sit at, and it’s almost like you’re in a co-working space as you get to recognize the other remote work regulars. 

2. Cafe Blue 

Good for: catching up with a friend, light bites, cool art, good vibes 
Location: Fairhaven
Pros: cottage core decor, fair prices, friendly and chatty staff, small business feels
Cons: limited seating, can get very busy as it’s close to the university

Maybe I’m biased due to my love of mismatched wood furniture, handmade ceramics, and an abundance of flourishing plants, but the hundreds of positive reviews for Cafe Blue back me up here. While this tiny coffee shop in historic Fairhaven has always been a local hotspot, it’s really taken off since ex-Makeworth barista Micah Jones took over, bringing with him his genuine friendliness, passion for coffee, and a true spirit of hospitality (oh, and killer outfits).

When you order, you might get asked if you want to answer the question of the day, which is usually a silly conversation starter to put a smile on your face. My numerous free drinks on punch cards indicate this is my favorite spot to sit with a cortado and people watch, read a book, or snack on one of the many delicious in-house pastries. A breakfast must-try is the house-made strata, a savory slice of baked egg and bread (and it comes with a cute little yogurt cup on the side).

I do come here with my laptop sometimes, but due to the size of the space I try to limit my time at this popular spot to allow others to enjoy the dine-in experience. On your way out, don’t forget to check out the clothing rack where you can purchase gently worn vintage items from the cafe’s stylish baristas.

3. Camber Coffee

Good for: light bites, decadent treats, consistently great coffee
Location: downtown Bellingham
Pros: cute interior, superior coffee quality, great in-house pastries
Cons: expensive, slow service, closes early 

In my humble opinion, Camber Coffee is arguably Bellingham’s best coffee roaster (so far). With consistently flavorful roasts of different origins and processing methods, the quality served up in a cup of coffee from Camber is top tier. If you’re a true coffee aficionado (read: you like to guess the tasting notes), this is where you go.

Inside nods to sophisticated, old town San Francisco cafes, with gorgeous paned windows, decorative tiling, industrial fixtures, and warm wood accents. Seasonal coffee beverages are reminiscent of a craft cocktail, and you can’t go wrong with whatever you order. Soft light streams onto cozy booth seating or well-lit window bar stools, bringing a definitively elevated coffee experience to Bellingham.

As for food, back in the day, the brunch menu was to die for (I wish they would bring it back). Now, you can find light toasts, biscuit sandwiches, and salads to complement your coffee—but my personal recommendation is give in to the temptation and grab a decadent pastry to go alongside your favorite drink.

4. Lakeline Bellingham

Good for: morning to afternoon transitions, seasonal beverages, cocktails, short study or work sessions 
Location: Lake Whatcom / Silver Beach
Pros: open earlier and later than most cafes, cute interior, bar and coffee options
Cons: the drink quality really depends on who is making it (but that’s getting better)

One of Bellingham’s newest additions is Lakeline, a much anticipated sit down spot east of Yew Street near Lake Whatcom. Leaning towards mid century modern, the light wooden tables, airy interior, and cobalt blue espresso machine are the perfect mix of elegance and cozy neighborhood joint. I adore that Lakeline opens before 8am to welcome in the morning, and while I’ve previously enjoyed a lack of crowds, this spot is quickly becoming popular—and for good reason.

The coffee beans at Lakeline come from local Hammerhead Coffee Roasters and lean toward PNW dark-roast in flavor. Fresh-baked olive oil cake is my favorite pairing with a caffeinated beverage from Lakeline, but the rotating in-house cocktails are also a solid choice. The day-to-night spot is perfect for basking in the afternoon sun while sipping on something delicious and enjoying light bites.

As a newer business, some growing pains are to be expected, but the subtly swim-themed cafe/cocktail bar is sure to become the local watering hole for many in the neighborhood as Lakeline finds its feet in Bellingham’s coffee and beverage scene.

5. Woods Coffee, Bay View

Good for: views, outdoor and indoor seating, working and studying, friendly catch ups or dates
Location: Boulevard Park 
Pros: stunning waterfront views, especially for sunset. Cozy interior with plenty of seating, open late, takeaway window
Cons: this isn’t specialty coffee

Are people still saying don’t @ me? Regardless, that’s the sentiment I’m carrying into the final cafe on this list. Woods Coffee is a well-established local chain, with many locations around western Washington. The drinks and food lean towards a prominent mermaid mega coffee chain, but that’s not why this spot is included as one of my go-to Bellingham coffee spots. Really, you’re going to this Woods Coffee for the *views*.

Situated smack dab on Bellingham Bay, you’ll be hard pressed to find another coffee shop in Bellingham with scenery this spectacular. I like to park off Taylor Ave and enjoy a short walk down the pier to grab a drink from the takeaway window and keep wandering my way down through Boulevard Park. You can also park nearby and enjoy your coffee from an interior that is giving ski lodge; or if it’s a sunny day sit at a table outside by the water.

Open early for a walk and talk date with a friend, and open late to enjoy the winter sunset, this Woods Coffee location is a great meeting point. I personally get a cozy chai latte while I’m here, or I’ll go for a classic drip with a splash of cream to take the edge off and enjoy the feeling of a classic cuppa. While you won’t be blown away by the coffee, you’ll definitely enjoy the waterfront location.

Bonus: Banter Cafe

Good for: delicious fresh food, bright and cozy decor, Australian-style cafe experience
Location: downtown Bellingham
Pros: The food options are unlike any other in Bellingham coffee shops
Cons: No outlets for laptops (this is an enjoy-the-experience spot)

Ok, so Banter is actually entirely delicious, I just don’t make it here very often. That’s why it’s a bonus spot and not one of my top 5 most visited Bellingham coffee shops. But let me share with you why you should make the trek.

Owner Emile Diffley is a local hospitality legend who has hosted a few Bellingham hotspots over the years. His most recent endeavor is an Australian-inspired cafe just on the edge of downtown Bellingham. Formally brunch by day and wine by night, the cafe now focuses on fresh and colorful brunch and midday food options that pair perfectly with espresso beverages or refreshing tea drinks.

The first time I visited I instantly recognized the Sydney-esque vibes on the menu—from the “big brekky” to the Aussie coffee classic, a flat white. But that’s not the only part of the cafe that reminds me of the coastal city. Bright white walls and brick are paired with simple wood booths, and thriving plants dot the windowsills—Banter could be straight from Bondi Beach. A large and comfortable outdoor area is perfect for days Bellingham decides to bless us with sun. Word on the street is, the business has recently gone up for sale, so make sure to enjoy some “Banter” while you can.

So there you have it.
my personal go-to coffee spots in Bellingham. While these are the places I tend to frequent the most, here are some other notable places in town that are also worth a try:

Best chai:

Iron Rooster Bakery has my favorite chai in town, hands down. Strong and gingery, with lots of spice. Grab one to go with a baked treat and walk around downtown Fairhaven. 

Most unique:

Cof&. Colombian coffee with lots of fun drink twists. Make it an experience with a classic arepa, a South American maize flatbread stuffed with delicious fillings.

Small batch local roaster:

Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, brewing up PNW-inspired roasts. Pair their coffee with homemade biscuits and chill on the large outdoor patio if it’s a sunny day.

Multiroaster:

Narrative is an Everett-based multiroaster with a small second location in Bellingham. Delicious drinks, but you’ll pay a premium (I only go here as a special treat because of the prices). EDIT: As of March 2025, Narrative is now closed—stay tuned for maybe a future coffee shop in its place?

Diner-style breakfast:

Sweet Bay Cafe, located in the historic Copper Hog building. Now you can get your classic breakfast fare but with carefully crafted coffee beverages from Seattle’s Lighthouse Coffee Roasters. It’s sit-down service if you’re having in. 

Thanks for checking out my take on Bellingham’s local coffee shops! It’s hard to choose where to go sometimes when Bellingham has so many coffee spots for its size, but hopefully this list helps make your decision making easier next time you’re trying to find the best coffee in Bellingham. Happy sipping!