‘It was our anniversary spot.’ Bellingham’s closed restaurants that readers miss most
The Bellingham Herald asked readers to reminisce and tell us which restaurants they missed the most, whether it closed recently or decades ago.
With over 180 online survey responses and 215 social media responses on The Herald’s Facebook page, Bellingham locals reminisced on their favorite restaurants from the past.
Here are a few of reader’s most-missed restaurants and what readers had to say about them:
Billy McHale’s
Billy McHale’s seemed to be one of Bellingham’s most missed restaurants, with many readers writing in about the great food, service and atmosphere the restaurant provided.
“No matter your mood or dietary restrictions, there was something for everyone, and it was difficult to not leave more cheerful than when you arrived,” Ramona wrote.
The restaurant posted about its final day open in June 2014 on its Facebook page, thanking the community for years of support.
“We can’t begin to thank everyone enough for the amount of support we have been given this month, truly honored and humbled by this experience,” the restaurant posted on Facebook.
One devoted customer shared the fond memories they had at Billy’s by commenting on the Facebook post:
“The very first place my wife and I got to eat in Bellingham was at Billy’s. And it was at your place that my wife and I got together with our minister to plan the details of our wedding. In addition, my mother’s first great meal was here just before she moved here from CA. I cannot tell you how heart-breaking it is that you are closing. You will be missed more than you will ever know. Thank you for all of the great memories,” Eric Haven commented on Facebook.
The Shrimp Shack
“Sometimes, only a great fried shrimp will satisfy. The Shrimp Shack knew how to do it right, with plump shrimp and crispy, golden batter,” Scott Henderson wrote.
The Shrimp Shack was remembered for its seafood and had two locations before it permanently closed in 2014. The original Shrimp Shack closed in 1998 after the city of Bellingham bought the property of what now is Maritime Heritage Park. Its new location was open from 2004 to 2014 and served seafood as well as burgers and sandwiches.
“The halibut was fabulous, tarter sauce divine, miss it still,” Maria DeMars wrote.
Cliff House
“It was the perfect combo of food, ambiance, and service, plus the view was the best in Bellingham,” Cheryl wrote.
Cliff House announced its closing “until further notice” on its Facebook page in 2016, but never reopened.
The well-loved restaurant with views of Bellingham Bay was known for its whiskey crab soup and lemon drop cocktails and the friendly atmosphere it provided customers.
“Loved the seafood — Whiskey Crab Soup. Loved the small bar. But mostly loved the view and the staff. Cozy and friendly, it felt like home,” Cindy wrote.
“Miss the view, salad bar, whiskey crab soup and the friendliest waitstaff. Was our go-to spot for my girlfriends and I for years,” Tanya wrote.
“Great Views, great food, great service, atmosphere of quiet sophistication so appropriate for the City of Subdued Excitement,” Bob wrote.
The restaurant continues to be missed by many of those in the community.
Nimbus
Nimbus is remembered as a restaurant with beautiful views and great cocktails.
“The view was fantastic. Classy place with great food,” Don Armstrong wrote.
The restaurant was located in part of the Bellingham Towers that is now office space.
“The food was amazing, the views from the top of Bellingham Towers were hard to beat. It was our anniversary spot,” Jake wrote.
Saltine
Saltine closed after the COVID-19 pandemic and is remembered for its great food and style.
“The food was delicious and beautifully prepared. It was the best, most innovative food we’ve found in Bellingham. We supported them by getting takeout throughout the pandemic and hated that they closed just as things were starting to get better,” Heather Stockard wrote.
One reader called it the best food in town, and notes the restaurant’s fried green olives and charcuterie.
Not only is Saltine missed for its food, but the atmosphere it created for visitors.
“Sophisticated, Euro-style, but classic and fairly priced food with great owners and attentive service,” Allen Fleming wrote.
Casa Que Pasa
Casa Que Pasa announced its permanent closing in 2021 on Facebook.
“Because the continuing covid pandemic has made it impossible for us to make ends meet, we have made the difficult decision to close Casa permanently, effective August 26th. Casa is a Bellingham landmark that has been open for almost 30 years, and we know it will be missed by many loyal burrito fans. We are sad to see the end of an era. We trust that the spirit of Casa will live on in the hearts of all who made Casa what it was. We want to thank you all for your support, especially during the last year,” the Facebook post stated.
The closing announcement was met with 457 disappointed comments of those saddened by the news.
Almost every comment we received from readers included their love for Casa Que Pasa’s potato burrito.
“Huge and delicious potato burritos with a fabulous assortment of salsas,” Sandra wrote she missed most from Casa Que Pasa.
Other restaurants readers frequently submitted to the survey were Boss Tweed, The Keg, Rocket Donuts, and Home Skillet.
This story was originally published June 12, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
