I’ve been drinking coffee for as long as I can remember. And before you go critiquing my parents, know that it was my grandma sneaking me sips of what was probably more creamer than actual coffee.
When I came to the Nash dorms here at Western Washington University back in 2021, I did so with an espresso machine in tow, already knowing better than to depend on dining hall coffee.
Although I was slightly more snobbish than the average college student (I’d like to sincerely apologize to my neighbors for making the dorm hallway smell like a cafe), I was not alone in my pursuit of a solid cup of coffee. According to the National Library of Medicine, 92% of college students consume some form of caffeine, with coffee among the most popular choices.
Constantly on our academic grind, we as students sometimes need that quick fix to keep us going and keep those grades up. This is exactly what makes coffee shops such a perfect place to do our work. Indeed, Best Colleges rates coffee shops as one of the most ideal places to study, second only to a good old campus library.
Luckily for you, I am a seasoned coffee shop-studier, so if you’re looking for a spot in Bellingham, stick around as I break down some of my personal favorite coffee shops to get stuff done in.
*Please note: While visiting each of my favorite coffee shops, I ordered a 16 ounce mocha with no substitutions. I did this for two reasons (1) consistency across the grading board and (2) I find a plain-jane mocha is one of the HARDEST drinks to mess up.
CAFFE ADAGIO
Open since 2006, Caffe Adagio has made itself a staple of downtown Bellingham. The shop features fresh and seasonal produce on their menu, straight from family-owned Adagio Farm, according to their website.
Coffee: A
If you’re looking for coffee, this is your joint, because Caffe Adagio is consistently good. For my 16 ounce mocha, I paid $4.49 before tip and tax, which isn’t too shabby nowadays.
If you’re not into a classic cup of joe, you should note that Caffe Adagio only offers coffee, tea, juice and water options. For prospective customers and academic warriors that may have been hoping for a Red Bull or a matcha: this may not be your spot.
Location: A-
Caffe Adagio is easily accessible from most parts of Bellingham, nestled right across from Bellingham Station. Google Maps estimates a 13-minute bus ride from Viking Union, depending on your route, though it is fairly walkable from campus, weather permitting. Like the majority of downtown, there is only paid parking in proximity to the shop.
Drew Kaufman, a regular who works downtown, describes Adagio as his perfect pivot point throughout the day. “I feel like everyone needs a spot — a second space,” Kaufman said.
For those looking for that space, know that Adagio has plenty of seating, with couches for chilling, big tables for group work, spots for solo study and some outdoor seating as well.
Noise/General Vibe: B+
I’m not the only one who loves Caffe Adagio! On weekends, this spot can get pretty hectic. If you’re trying to get a table on a Saturday past noon, you may need to poke around for a while.
Adagio has a fair mix of people working and socializing, attracting all kinds of folks making their way around downtown. Depending on the time of day you go, as well as how you focus, you may find yourself distracted by the hustle and bustle.
Longevity of Studying: B+
If you’re looking to hunker down, Adagio is a solid option. Most tables along the perimeter of the shop are accessible to outlets, and there are two individually locking bathrooms available to the public. Additionally, Adagio has a variety of food options, from snacks and baked goods to full-blown meal options.
If you’re the type to sleep into the afternoon, you will be disappointed to find that Caffe Adagio closes at 4 p.m. every day. They are also closed on Sundays, which I tragically learned one fateful weekend freshman year after busing to the shop.
FIREHOUSE CAFE
Like much of Fairhaven, FireHouse Cafe is rather charming. According to their website, the shop is “located in a renovated historic 1927 Bellingham fire station,” and this half coffee shop, half arts and events center, has a lot to offer.
Coffee: A
Once again, I ordered my 16-ounce mocha with no substitutions and it was good as always, totalling $5.55 before tip and tax. As someone who’s extremely critical of white chocolate syrups and powders, I’ve also found that FireHouse Cafe carries a solid white chocolate mocha, which can’t be said for every spot in town.
On top of a variety of coffee options, FireHouse offers Lotus for those who prefer an energy drink option. No matter what drink you get though, I’d recommend taking advantage of their Western Wednesday discounts, as well as their punch cards for a free drink.
Location: B
FireHouse Cafe shares a location with the FireHouse Arts & Events Center, where a variety of local classes, performances and more are held. Its cafe space is on the smaller side, though there is plenty of outdoor seating for those who are interested. In general, I would recommend this spot for solo or pair studying.
According to Google Maps, FireHouse Cafe is as short as a 10-minute bus ride from Viking Union, including some walking from your final stop. For my drivers out there, you will also be happy to learn that FireHouse does have its own, free parking, and there is additional two hour parking nearby. The shop also has a walk-up window for those on the go.
Noise/General Vibe: A-
FireHouse is a beloved community spot, bringing in a mix of families, students and more. Even with classes in session next door, the shop typically maintains a fairly subdued noise level and overall mellow vibe.
“Our customer base is probably 90% regulars, so I know most of the customers by name and what they get,” said Zella Knutsen, FireHouse barista and third-year Western student. “All of [the regulars] hang out together all the time — it’s just really special.”
Longevity of Studying: A-
FireHouse Cafe is open until 5:30 p.m., seven days a week, making it a great spot to swing by whenever you’re in the mood to study. The shop also has a variety of food options, including baked goods, sandwiches (I’m partial to their turkey pesto), quiches and more. You may even find a barista making their cookies fresh right in front of you.
Beyond this, FireHouse has some, although not a ton of accessible outlets (arguably more than you’d expect for its size, however) as well as bathroom stalls available to the public when nature calls.
HAMMERHEAD COFFEE ROASTERS
Hammerhead Coffee Roasters, otherwise known as “The Coffee Shop,” is a recent favorite of mine. Their Bellingham location first opened in June 2023 after years of online sales and a presence at the Bellingham Farmers Market, according to their website.
Coffee: A-
Full disclosure, my first visit to Hammerhead wasn’t all sunshine and roses. After getting my usual 16 ounce mocha (iced this time around) for $6.25 before tip and tax, I was rather disappointed. My drink was watery and generally not what I expected after all the hype I heard from friends and colleagues.
I couldn’t shake all the raving reviews, so I made my way back to “The Coffee Shop” and boy did they change my mind. I tried two of their specialty drinks, the Rainbeau Jo and the Cold Brew Slushy, both of which were A’s in my book.
Outside of coffee, Hammerhead has a variety of non-caffeinated options, including matcha.
Location: A
Hammerhead Coffee Roasters sports the best location of those on my list in relation to campus. The shop is as short as a seven minute bus ride from Viking Union according to Google Maps. Although it’s a little awkward getting to by car the first time around, they also have their own free parking for shop-goers.
Overall, Hammerhead is sizable, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and variety of table sizes. I’m personally a huge fan of the amount of natural lighting in the shop, along with its colorful and bright appearance.
Noise/General Vibe: A-
“The Coffee Shop” is very study and work-centered. During their rushes, it can get a little noisy, but the environment is generally conducive to the work grind.
“I like to walk here and I feel like it’s never too crowded,” said Kenzie Metcalf, a shop-goer and Western third-year student.
Longevity of Studying: B
Hammerhead is open seven days a week until 3 p.m., serving all-day breakfast or lunch. Among their menu items, the shop also offers select vegan options.
It took some poking around for me to find outlets, but I promise you there are plenty available around the store’s perimeter. Much like its predecessors on this list, this store also has multiple public bathroom stalls.
Morgan Merriam (she/her) is the editor-in-chief for The Front this quarter. Previously, she has been a reporter for campus news, managing editor, campus news/life editor and a public relations representative for The Front. Morgan is in her senior year at Western, majoring in journalism/public relations with a minor in sociology. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys jewelry making, baking and volunteer dog walking. You can reach her at morganmerriam.thefront@gmail.com or eic.westernfront@gmail.com
