Welcome to Colophon Cafe
Welcome to Colophon Cafe, a beloved gem nestled in the heart of Fairhaven, Bellingham. Our story is one of passion for fresh, flavorful ingredients and an inviting atmosphere. At Colophon Cafe, we curate a unique menu featuring vegetarian and vegan delights, house-made soups—including the notable African Peanut Soup—and mouthwatering sandwiches, each crafted to perfection. Guests rave about our quality coffee and exquisite desserts, making every visit a memorable experience. With attentive service and a cozy ambiance, we've become a community favorite, perfect for quiet meals or lively gatherings. Come, enjoy a taste of our culinary artistry!
- 1208 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States Hotline: +1 360-647-0092
Welcome to Colophon Cafe, Bellingham's charming culinary gem hidden in the vibrant Fairhaven neighborhood. Nestled at 1208 11th St, this cozy cafe has become a local favorite for its diverse menu and inviting atmosphere.
From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with aromas that awaken your senses. The cafe boasts an impressive variety of offerings, ranging from hearty salads to sandwiches crafted with care. One standout item is the famed Colophon Deluxe sandwich, often touted as the best in Bellingham—a title it undoubtedly deserves. Customers like Katherine Chapman rave about its unrivaled flavor, making it a must-try for any sandwich lover.
Colophon Cafe is not just about sandwiches. The Turkish bagel served with chicken and bean soup impresses diners seeking comforting yet simple fare, garnering compliments for its deliciousness, as noted by Fred Martin. It's this blend of familiar and unique flavors that keeps guests coming back.
Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to admire here, thanks to a thoughtful selection of dishes that cater to diverse dietary needs. The peanut soup, alongside tasty gluten-free options, showcases the cafe's versatility and commitment to quality, as highlighted by Wayne O' review. The soups are even available as a sampler—an excellent choice for those looking to explore.
As for sweet endings, the dessert menu features delightful options, including cheesecake and peanut butter pie, both priced at $7.00. Pair these with an artisanal coffee or indulge in one of their handmade cocktails, like the refreshing Cucumber Gin and Tonic or the adventurous Ghost Owl, to elevate your dining experience.
- Location: 1208 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Phone: +1 360-647-0092
- Cocktail Highlights: Ghost Owl Oregon ($8), Strawberry Rum ($1), Magave Reposado Mexico ($9)
- Dessert Delights: Cheesecake ($7), Peanut Butter Pie ($7), Chocolate Torte ($7)
Colophon Cafe’s commitment to quality extends to its friendly staff, creating a comfortable and inviting space for diners. The accolades don't stop there; guests have praised the cafe for its homey feel and efficient service, ensuring your visit is pleasurable from start to finish.
Whether you're seeking a lively brunch spot or a relaxing lunch break while exploring Fairhaven, Colophon Cafe promises satisfying meals crafted with care and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to discover why this café is heralded as one of the top spots in Bellingham—you might just find your new favorite dish!

Great food. My husband had a latte and I had the portobello sandwich on gluten free bread and the peanut soup. All was really good but the soup needed a bit more salt.

Great little area in town I was exploring and dropped in here for lunch. Turkey bagel with Chicken and Bean soup and they knocked it out of the park. Something so simple and delicious! I’ll definitely be coming back.

We had an excellent lunch here. The mushroom sandwhich was prepared well. If you want to try their soups, they offer a sampler of three, which is a meal in itself. A rare find is the African Peanut Soup - which I liked. Comfortable home environment. Efficient and professional wait service.

A great selection of vegetarian and vegan options. A few bucks more per menu item than compared to other places in town but you’re paying for the location— Fairhaven. Service was quick and kind. I had the veggie burger with potato wedges and garlic aioli— all great!

The atmosphere and staff are wonderful. The food is very well prepared with a lovely presentation and taste. The colophone has a unique menu where everyone can fins something to meet their needs. Coffee is better quality then most stand nowadays. Overall, one of the best breakfast places around.

Oh my god, what?! The Colophon Deluxe is hands down, 10/10 the best sandwich in Bellingham. I usually go to Avenue Bread or Old World Deli, but this sandwich blows them both out of the park. Does everyone know about this sandwich!?

4.5 average at time of review seems to be about right. Got a salad and added chicken, was a little overpriced for amount of chicken that was added. But the dressing and peppers added was pretty good. Other people I was with enjoyed their food as well. One has celiacs and this place seemed to be good for gluten intolerances

It has been years since I have been here - and it is even better than I remembered. There wee so many things on the menu I wanted to try - the soups looked amazing! A little warm today for that, so a chicken burger and a sandwich, both of which were excellent and large enough we took half home. The wedge fries were perfect. Service was quick and friendly and fun! Located next to village books, a great place to peruse purchases or take a break from shopping. Or just walk up to for a meal.