The Various Diners of Whatcom County -- 24/24 Reviews, Including the Best!

No beating around the Hollandaise -- Mount Bakery has the best Eggs Benedict in Whatcom County.  The secret?  They make their own bread.

It's done -- I've reviewed all 24 diners in and across Whatcom County.  (Quick listing here.)  And with the exception of two corporate monstrosities (they rhyme with LIBLOP  and JENNY'S) I had a ton of quality dining experiences.  And frankly, even the weaker spots were never too terrible -- we all have bad days.  I think at the very least what I got out of this project was simply getting into remoter parts of Whatcom County that I might never have seen otherwise.

Here are the three best diners in Whatcom County:

1)  Mount Bakery (with three locations, I went to the one in Fairhaven)

2)  Old Town Cafe (admittedly, I'm a bit sentimental about this place but objectively, everything they put out on the table is very, very good)

3)  Marlin's Cafe (one thing I learned -- while food quality is most important, atmosphere is impossible to separate completely, EBs only on weekend)

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 24: Al's Downtown Diner

2012 Main Street, Ferndale, WA

Where we headed today, Mr. Tummy?  Well, it's lovely Ferndale and the small, unassuming Al's Diner.

Cozy but also surprisingly on the new side in terms of decor, the place was packed -- the best sign there is for a quality restaurant.

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 23: Marlin's Cafe (Inside Nelson's Market)

 

512 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA

Let's head to the York neighborhood east of downtown, and a place that's inside a larger Market, but as far as I can tell most people come here for breakfast.  It's Marlin's Cafe!  And it's well worth the detour!

The Various Diners of Whatcom County 22: Horseshoe Cafe

113 East Holly St, Bellingham, WA

Let's head to the heart of Bellingham for breakfast today, at the Horseshoe!  And let's be honest -- you might be turned off by the homeless guys encamped along the sidewalk but I'd suggest going on in.  They seem to have an agreement on not harassing customers.

So maybe not the best way to start one of my diner reviews?

San Juan Islands

 

I last visited the San Juan Islands by ferry with my Dad about 20 years ago.  I figured there was no better way to enjoy my last week in Bellingham.

I'll never be a skier, but I like riding the ferries all day just fine.  So long, Bellingham.  A week from Monday I'm driving back east.

Hard At Work

Chingu and Mandu, working on their taxes.

Wayne Shorter

 

Wayne Shorter, "Speak No Evil"

It's easy to underestimate Wayne Shorter because it's so damn hard to remember just how many important contributions he made to jazz music, both traditional, avant-garde, and in between.  Always calm, in the pocket, in control.

Rest In Power.