I drove up from Seattle to this place based on a book recommending restaurants that have been around over 100 years. This place recently changed owners (in the past few years) and the food is made from scratch and quite tasty. The pesto was excellent, the poached eggs perfectly cooked and the hash browns nice and crispy. My husband was equally happy with his meal. Worth the trip! read more

I really like this outdated establishment. It's the kind of place I'd be comfortable sitting for an extended time past eating. The black bean vegetarian burger is quite dry with little flavor. I don't recommend it. However, the French fries are consistently good. My favorite topping for fries is the jalapeño cheese. Delicious. This is a great place for breakfast as they serve it all day. Perhaps I'll go that route next time around. The waitress was very friendly and attentive without being overly so. The bar side is quite interesting in that it doesn't feature typical wall paintings. The bartenders are friendly. There's a billiards table and dart board. Not a bad joint for the start or end of an evening. read more

I want believe I will get my food in under an hour, but it won't happen. I'm the freaking duke of this dive and give it a low rank on the simple fact the food is mediocre and the service is awful. If you get a good server it's because they are new and their soul hasn't been crushed yet. If it's late and you are patient (or drunk) it's one of only a few options available downtown. Get ready for a sweet atmosphere and comfortable feeling if you like the greasy cafe/bar type of place. read more

My boyfriend and I came here to try something new. It was good and not too pricey for a well made breakfast. I ordered the chicken and waffles and the chicken was pretty large I was surprised. He ordered the old fashioned breakfast he said it was alright and gives it a 3.5, it was just plain. The chicken on mine was good but I wouldn't say great. The chicken was a bit too salty for my liking. Other than the food the vibe of the place was nice and aesthetically pleasing to look at it would have been a bit better to see more people in there as well. Returning?- Possibly, maybe. read more

The worst restaurant I've been to in bellingham. I got the mango lemonade with the biscuits & gravy. I found a hair in my food and the waitress just went "oh well". The bad customer service started well before that. Yeah, never going back. Just go to Little Cheerful Cafe. read more

My husband and I stopped here on our way up to visit Canada. The fried chicken is absolutely amazing!!! Some of the best fried chicken I've had in a goodly while. The decor is a little run-down, and the overall feel of the restaurant is a bit tired. While it looked unremarkable, everything was at least clean and I didn't see any type of accumulated dirt in the corners or anything. The bathrooms are clean as well, but also similarly old and dated. All the service was really nice, and everything we tried on the menu was very well cooked. Staff seem to make a really good team. Things came out in pretty decent time, if not quickly (it's hard to tell when you're really hungry). Overall I highly recommend this spot as a great place to stop in for a good bite! There's a coffee place under construction right next-door, so soon this will be a one stop shop for all your car-trip driving needs read more

They have the easiest website for ordering, wonderful front staff when you pick up your order and not to mention the food is delish! I ordered the BLT which was perfect even after driving it to Ferndale then demolishing it in the comfort of my own home and the churro waffles with ice cream never disappoint! Thank you Horseshoe Cafe for offering such wonderful service and yummy pick up options during this tough time in the dining world! read more

We didn't get a portion of our food but didn't have the energy to go out of our way to go back. Make sure you check if they've given you what you ordered because they don't. Didn't get syrup or peanut butter, and they use too many boxes for take out, a whole box for 1 egg and another entire box for a different egg. read more

This is 100% my go to breakfast spot in Bellingham. The food and service is better than many other popular places on a very consistent basis. Soapbox time: so many restaurants in Bham push out bland food. Not Horseshoe! People may skip this place because it's not super shiny and hip, but its old school diner quality is part of what makes it wonderful. The menu options are as good as any other breakfast (or lunch) joint and we almost never ever have a wait. Plus, they play great music! If you want a cocktail with your meal they have an extensive list of boozy drinks. They have an extensive lunch and dinner offering and will make any accommodations you have when ordering. It's clear why this place has stood the test of time. read more

I have been to the horseshoe numerous times and have wonderful service & food every time. The last few months we have been doing a lot of take out, from the hand sanitizer when you walk in to the cute horseshoe 6 ft stickers on the floor, I feel like it is a clean and safe place for take out during this troubling time. You can't go wrong with The chicken burger, chicken & waffles or the churro waffle. Delicious! If you need good comfort food, I would choose the horseshoe! read more

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My experience at horseshoe cafe was pretty average. For a slightly divey diner, the food was exactly what I expected. Not amazing but pretty solid. I got an omelet with ham, bacon, and veggies and it was pretty good! My review might've been one star higher if not for the service. Our waitress was very nice but not super attentive. The main reason my review isn't higher, though, is the fact that it took almost an hour for us to get our food. I know we came in for Sunday brunch, but I guess I expect these divey diner places to crank out eggs and bacon a little faster than more upscale restaurants. The tables surrounding us were also complaining about how long the food was taking. Overall, not a terrible experience but I won't be rushing to come back. read more

Upon walking in the restaurant, which is seat yourself, my party couldn't find a booth that comfortably fit 5 people, one person was hanging off the edge. it took about 7 minutes for anyone to ask if we wanted water. After ordering our food, it took 50 minutes to get our food. The waitress didn't seem to care about our party, walking past multiple times without giving us a glance My food was good pancakes we're a little thin, but my friends hash browns were burnt, and my other friend didn't get his 2 eggs on the breakfast sandwich like advertised. All in all, food was alright, bad service, small tables and booths. I wouldn't go back read more

I'd heard really good things about the horseshoe after they reopened. They'd done a lot of repairs and changes to the decor, changed the menu and from what I heard were actually pretty good. Sadly none of the effort came through on my visit. The menu was fine with a bunch of stuff that looked pretty good but combined with ok prices. So I was kind of excited until my food came. It was just kind of bland, and unexceptional. Hash browns were cooked a bit too long so they were just burnt, you have to ask for jam for your toast, the omelette I got was just meh. To top of the mediocre food my waitress was I'm hoping just having an off day, she seemed really rushed even though the place didn't seem that busy. She never came to see how the food was or check on my coffee. Overall I probably won't go back because there are so many other great breakfast options here. Hopefully what I experienced wasn't the norm though, and nothing was horrible just mediocre. read more

The new owners have really spruced this place up. The quality of the food has improved greatly, and I love the new paint job. That old 70's pioneer mural was HIDEOUS. I ordered the chicken strips and they were perfect, no complaints. Friendly staff, quick service, y'all are doing great! read more

I lost my viginty here. so, five stars. 2am+cheese fries= goodtimes read more

Ahhh the horseshoe. I never wanted to leave a review for my experiences last year under prior ownership---i had nothing nice to say (and could tell they were struggling). But the new owners and staff appear to be doing way better. Ive had the turkey pesto melt 3x now and its awesome every time. Also, they have good french fries: nicely seasoned, crispy, not too salty. Also, the soda fountain was remarkable---ya know those machines are sometimes too watery or overly flavored but theirs was perfect. The bar attached to the restaurant is a good place to watch sports if you're into that. I think the new owners can revive the historic place's reputation and build a new following: they're already serving consistently good food. Hopefully at some point they can make the front dining room more inviting, less drab, maybe with more horse or shoe-related decorations :-D Servers and food are vastly improved = 4 stars. Ill definitely go back. read more

I used to love love love the horseshoe but recently I have been feeling some changes. The last couple of times I have gone there I haven't been getting very good service, and I had the last straw last time I went with my friend. On a Tuesday night he ordered 3 kamikazi's, which you would think would be like around $5 - $7 each, right? (especially at the horseshoe with monarch, their house liquor) but no! It came out to $37! Effing ridiculous. Not to mention the server, Kelly, was just rude. I am done with the horseshoe. read more

Well-executed meal. Best homemade sausage gravy I've had since my grandma's. Chicken Fried Chicken was a winner chicken dinner. I mean chicken breakfast. Waitress was adorable and helpful. The hash browns were super Chris and the real butter on the pancakes was plentiful. read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Chicken fried chicken and the traditional breakfast substitute of pancake. - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Pull tabs. Make sure you turn them in. The front door is still weighted like an invisible 500 lb man. There are always going to be 5 people out front wanting to bum a cigarette off of you. But it's magic, the old shoe. read more

Came here twice now, the food is way too expensive for how poor the quality is. The chicken strips are 11$ and i would be able to get better quality for half the price just a block down the street. I honestly dont know how they get away with it at this point its disappointed me every time. People are nice I guess though read more

I'm going with three stars here even though I should probably go with two- I'm giving the third star because at the end of the night people started taking off their prosthetic legs and putting them on the booth dividers...that's worth an extra star in my book. Seriously, why were there so many people with prosthetic legs in the Horseshoe at 2am on a Sunday night? Seriously? Me and the Girl too an impromptu trip to Bellingham- it was the first time either of us had ever been- we're big "check out the locals" folks so we walked around town and settled in on the Horseshoe to get a couple of drinks before we went over to The Wild Buffalo for a show. The bar is cool, in a 1950's depression era kind of way. I don't think the place has been washed in 50 years- the giant yellowed mural that acts as the backdrop is proof of that. The bartender was nice enough, but a little weird- the tab seemed a little high for a few Coors Lights and a grilled cheese- but nothing out of control. Fast forward to 2am- I'm drunk and I want breakfast- The Horseshoe is open 24 hours- we grab a booth and place a to go order. Waitress is cool. Prosthetic legs come off. Guys next to us are drunker than me. A fight almost happens. It's packed. It kind of smells funny. Waitress brings food and tab...again, kind of spendy for a couple of omlettes...and that's it. If I didn't have a stomachache now I probably wouldn't remember this joint until I checked my bank statement. It's probably cool for what it was and if I was a 22 year old WWU stoner, this would probably be my home away from home. But I'm not so this scene is a little wacky to me. I guarantee you the next time I'm in Bellingham, I'll go back to this place again- they seem to have the market cornered on all hours food...and I'm a glutton for punishment. read more

SUCH a dive, SUCH good times. People who expect five star service and five star food with a five star atmosphere need not come here. Which is why I'm giving the Shoe four. Five would mean the bathrooms would be cleaned at least every few days. Five would mean I would actually profit off of their pull tabs. Five may even mean my drink was stiff or I was not harassed on my way in. Everything else is just details. This is one of the oldest bars/cafes in town and it's not likely they're going anywhere soon. Mmmm... and their nachos @ 1am... read more

The new horseshoe is amazing. My wife and I have gone several times now and each time it's better. The chicken fried chicken breakfast is amazing. Can tell they use good, fresh ingredients. Favorite breakfast spot in Bellingham read more

We bought a full meal consisting of two guac burgers, two strawberry lemonades, and mozza sticks for $41.80. Normally this would be fine for that amount of food but every single thing we ordered was disappointing for the cost. The burgers especially were saddening as they were burnt and plain. I have never written a Yelp review and I probably will never again, but I was so disappointed in the food at this cafe that I felt the need to warn others. read more

Stopped by for some lunch. Impressed with crispy chicken salad. Price reasonable. Great to be dining in a place with history. read more

Great new look. The food is amazing and way better than it ever was. I had lost hope. The new management and the amazingly friendly staff are restoring my faith. Good job! Try the chicken fried chicken.... Holycrap read more

Horseshoe Cafe - Diners Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Classic American food and a staple in Bellingham. Whether you are getting breakfast or need a 2am munch this place is a go to. The Horseshoe is also the oldest restaurant in Washington state! Lots of history! read more

I've been visiting the horsheshoe since I was in high school. I love the gritty greasy decor, and the cheese fries always hit the spot. Service at night is what you expect from a 24 hour diner that has to deal with drunk kids with the munchies (that happens to be me from time to time :)). I really like the daytime bartender (the short nice guy) and the drinks are very strong. Kind of sketchy, deal with it. read more

I stopped in with some friends to catch up, I didn't realize there was such a gem hiding away right here in Bellingham. The waiter was such a great help and had us busting up. The food was heavenly as well, and the place had an overall great vibe. I'm so glad we stumbled across this place! read more

So, I've been here twice since they have been under new management. Bad news: no longer 24 hour cafe. Now just "AFE" as the sign suggests. Both times I've been here I've gotten the tots, and they're great. Fried to perfection. And this second time I got them I found out that the house BBQ is Sweet Baby Rays -nice choice-. Anyways, my friend doesn't have a yelp account and he keeps raving about how much he loves it so it so I wanted to leave a positive review. His BLT has "thick-cut dank bacon" and the fries are "crunchy and well seasoned" as I'm inclined to agree with. We saw some donut holes being prepared for a stranger, and the sweet angel of a server requested "more cinnamon sugar" and that's an employee that's really looking out for their patron. I respect the hell out of it. We also saw some French toast and an omelette that looked pretty bomb. Again, the tots are really good too. read more

We never got water refills even though were the only ones there, and we sat the the countertop. Food was okay, would have been better with some water. Albeit it was after a good night out 3 minutes before closing. The server had 2 choices: say they were closed. Like the ones after us. Or actually do her job. We got 3 minutes to order from the menu before they were officially closed. I have worked for the restaurant business, and it was corporate -- so I'm no stranger in last minute guests. Regardless we were not pleased. read more

It's an okay place to grab a drink if you are looking for a dark spot, but whenever I order food, I regret it.

The Ranch Room is hands down my favorite bar in town. They've got darts, pool tables, a jukebox, comfy stools, and above all PICKLED EGGS. The bartenders pour heavy and don't take no mess from nobody! read more

At 1st we were unsure about this cafe. We sat and nobody acknowledged us for almost 10 minutes. It wasn't crazy busy either. We started googling other places for brunch and then finally were greeted. From here on out, the experience was excellent. Super friendly, engaging and helpful server made us almost completely forget the poor 1st impression. The menu looked very tastey and I had a tough time choosing. It did not disappoint. The chicken and waffles were some of the best I had. Sooooo good. The food arrived in a timely fashion and service continued to be exceptional and friendly with very fair fares. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu. read more

First visit since pandemic started. Chicken and waffles were excellent. Super crispy, well seasoned chicken with a tender fluffy waffle. Husband had the loaded hash browns. Great, as always. Friendly service. read more

Old-school and unshiny, that's the way I like my diners. We don't get many of these kinds of places in Canada, where you can either sit up front in the booths or cool off in back in the dim recesses of the bar at 11:30 am on a Monday morning. Spied a few cowboys doing just that while on my way to the loo. My boy and I came for lunch, so we sat up front and ordered cheeseburgers, coffee, and a strawberry shake - the three litmus tests for a good diner. Cheeseburgers were deelish with juicy patties and melted American cheese slices; the fries left something to be desired. The strawberry shake was heaven sucked through a straw. And the coffee was okay. I could have used a refill or two, but it was never offered. The servers never came by, even for the cursory "How's everything?" check, come to think of it. I'd probably go back next time we're down that way, but with so many cute and cool options for eatins' in the neighbourhood, it might be a while before I head back to this ranch. read more

Can't complain about a place that's always open. Pros? -MACARONI BITES -Happy hour menu is great -Drink specials depending on the night... my favorite is $2 draft beers Sunday evenings... can't beat a $2 mac n jack -Lots of seating Cons? -Dingy -Okay customer service -Mixed drinks fail to pack a punch read more

The Horseshoe Cafe= bad food and horrendous service. Had a waitress forget our table completely and move on to housekeeping chores (cleaning windows) while our food went cold for 45min. She tended to other customers and was outside washing windows for almost 20 minutes while we were trying to make contact with her. A random waiter found our orders, asked us if it happened to be ours, brought it out completely cold and kindly offered a to-go replacement. Our original waitress came inside and did not once apologize for the state of the food or for forgetting the order, let alone simply CHECKING on our table. Another 30 minutes passed, our food came out in doggy bags, and the waitress was indignant when we stated that we didn't want to have to pay full price because every single party that arrived after us was served promptly with hot food and left before we got our orders. Ridiculous! read more

Although I didn't have the opportunity to see the famous "Rowdy Buckaroo" (The 'Shoe's proud mascot), I did enjoy a decent meal in very interesting surroundings! I grew up in Bellingham and am not embarrassed to say that I spent most of my years too afraid to even slow down when I walked by The Horseshoe Cafe. Now, I have been there twice in the last year. Is it growing on me? That might be a stretch, but the shiny green vinyl upholstery is getting pretty comfy on the 'ole derriere. The server on my most recent visit was nearly a diner caricature: friendly, funny, brusk, and just scarce enough. The food was passable, certainly not the worst I have ever had, but not the best, either. A simple sandwich with a side a cottage cheese came on simple plates that had likely been used for most of my years, and (refreshing!) the servings were nice-sized (not super-sized). If the conversation lags a bit during your meal, not to worry, there is plenty going on at the front door of the 'Shoe. Besides the ever-present group of folks mulling around outside the front door, there is a constant stream of people coming into the bar "The Ranch Room" and leaving. It can be quite distracting...or entertaining. We fabricated stories about the folks who seemed to be a bit to agitated to not be picking up a drink to calm their nerves. It is a legend and it is a decent place to grab a bite, but don't plan on finding me here after dark, that's not gonna happen. Just sayin' read more

I love diners. Real diners -- not Shari's (vomit), Denny's (boring), or Village Inn (just meh). Late-night chains have the place, especially in the allergic-to-staying-open-late Western US, but honest-to-god, been-there-forever institution diners are on a whole other plane. The Horseshoe is a perfect blend of tasty diner food, massive quantities, reasonable prices, and cute, friendly wait staff. It's pretty popular with the local college crowd, which is not a bad thing. It also appears to be popular with the local meth addicts, though they mainly seem to congregate on the curb out front. My breakfast was ginormous, and my iced tea actually tasted like... iced tea. They also offer pull tabs, though I had to go into the lounge to get them for my wife -- and my young, shorts-and-t-shirt-wearing-ass was NOT WELCOME in the bar packed with decrepit old bastards, completely lit by 11am. Stay with the diner, kids. read more