Pel'meni Restaurant
A lesser-known delight of Bellingham’s late-night food joints, Pel’meni’s is recognized only as “the Russian Dumplings place” to regulars. With a different funk rock record raging over the loudspeakers each weekend night and a wide-open interior, Pel’meni’s is a unique experience for a late-night snack. Pel’meni’s is consistently open until 2:30 a.m. every day, dishing out hundreds of boxes filled with piping hot potato or meat dumplings. Each helping is to be topped with hot sauce, cilantro, sour cream and a sprinkle of curry powder. A piece of bread used to soak up the buttery leftovers concludes the heavenly meal.
Horseshoe Cafe
When it’s 1 a.m. on a Saturday out and you’re convinced the only thing that can quiet your complaining stomach is a heaping pile of tater tots or fries, Horseshoe Cafe’s half-lit neon sign will beckon you inside with a grimey finger. Although the inside looks more like a dive bar for cowboys and biker gangs than a stop for students, the food far surpasses all other late-night comfort food joints. Horseshoe Cafe mercifully stays open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 a.m. on all other weekdays, catering to the resolution of everyone’s nights.
El Capitan's Gourmet Sausages and Pretzels
El Capitan’s logo, a skull with a gaping mouth about to chow down on a sausage impaled on a sword, is recognizable to any Bellingham late-night food lover. El Capitan’s stays open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday, serving the most loaded-up hot dogs in town. The “Patriot” hot dog, topped with bacon, jalapeno cheddar and grilled onions is a must-try for any gluttonous eaters.
McKay's Taphouse
Pizza always marks the end of a good night, and McKay’s never fails to satisfy. They stray from traditional pizzas, offering specialities like the Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe, Garlic Chicken Supreme and BBQ Chicken Club. No matter what food you’re in the mood for, one of their pizzas will calm your cravings until 3 a.m. on weekends.
Insomnia Cookies
Newly opened in Bellingham, Insomnia Cookies is already booming with business from sweet-toothed students. The cookie shop delivers freshly-baked, warm cookies right to your door until 3 a.m.. Choose from nine different cookies, and add on a side of milk for dipping. The shop also sells delicious ice cream flavors, including cake batter, a personal favorite.
