We all have come to understand the idea of a midnight snack. At home, cozied up in pajamas, our stomachs sometimes grumble far beyond dinner hours and eventually steer us into the kitchen. While pantry pickings and fridge food can sometimes do the trick, other times it’s just, well, blah. So, if you’re willing to hop out of those pajamas (or not—this is friendly Bellingham, after all) and decide to dine downtown, here’s a list of five restaurants your rumbly stomach and taste buds will surely thank you for.
El Capitán’s
Food: Gourmet sausages and pretzels
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Location: 1314 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
It’s no wonder El Capitán’s is pirate themed — they really do have gold. And by gold I mean mouthwatering sausages, amazing pretzels, and all the extras and condiments you can imagine. Whether you go for a classic option like “THE Hot Dog (Bellingham’s Best!),” or something more along the lines of “The Veggie Dog” that’s paired with sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll be getting a steal.
One of the more interesting items on the menu is a specialty dog called the “X.O.,” which is manager Zac Cote’s top pick. This dog is made up of thick bacon strips, grilled onions, cream cheese and barbeque sauce. This place is certainly worth a visit.
Pel’meni
Food: Russian dumplings
Hours: Everyday, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Location: 1211 N State St. Bellingham, WA 98225
Pel’meni is great because it’s a simple, quirky, little meal. Despite the few options — beef dumplings, potato dumplings, or a mix of the two — you will certainly find yourself feeling satisfied. To be honest, they really don’t need to add to the menu because it’s perfect just the way it is. Plus, as the late nights haul in a line of customers, you can wait as you listen to a variety of songs playing smoothly on their record player.
Retro vibes mixed with dumplings, sour cream, vinegar and hot sauce is a must-have for all Bellinghamsters now and then.
Pye Hole – La Fiamma Pizza
Food: Pizza and more
Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 11:00 p.m. – late
Location: Side window at 200 E Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225
As La Fiamma’s website clearly states, “If the fire’s on, there’s pizza for you, drunky-pants.” And some of the best darn pizza ever, I might add. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy pizza as that midnight snack we all know and love?
But get this, the window offers even more than that. Yes, most of the time the window also offers up a “Big Turkey Leg,” “Super Stuffed Baked Potato,” “Hot Apple Pie,” “Garlic Knots” and a “Big Brownie.” So if the cheese, pepperoni, meat combo or veggie combo slices aren’t enough, you should be able to find something else. If you’re really more in the mood for a midnight meal you can even order full pizzas.
The Horseshoe Cafe
Food: Breakfast and lunch
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. and Friday – Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Location: 113 E Holly St. Bellingham, WA 98225
The Horseshoe Cafe is said to be the oldest continuously operating cafe and cocktail lounge in Washington State. Specifically, they have been around since 1886. With so much experience behind them, the ‘Shoe offers loads of options and is open late into the night for those nighttime food cravings.
Rachael Satter, a server five nights a week, knows how favorable The Horseshoe Cafe becomes during late hours.
“We call it a post-bar rush,” she says. “It can get pretty busy.”
But with so many people ordering all over the menu, Rachael thinks the “Churro Waffle” is definitely underappreciated. This is a waffle that gets brushed with butter, dipped in cinnamon sugar and includes vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. So, breakfast food and dessert?! If that doesn’t cure your late night sweet tooth, I don’t know what will.
AB Crepes
Food: Crepes
Hours: Tuesday & Sunday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday & Thursday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.; Friday & Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 a.m.
Location: 1311 Railroad Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
Sweet and savory — nothing can go wrong when you have either option. Especially with a crepe. Seriously, how often do you have the opportunity to chow down on a “Chicken Bacon Ranch” crepe packed with sharp cheddar, tomatoes and spinach? AB Crepes is a wonderful spot to go for that second dinner or well-deserved dessert considering that the crepes are a great size and great taste to match. Plus, with gluten-free and vegetarian options, everyone in your party should be able to find something fitting on the menu.
Make some moves and head downtown to end that midnight snack craving once and for all — or at least for tonight.
