Downtown Bellingham restaurant closing permanently after 12 years of business
Downtown Bellingham is losing a popular seafood restaurant inside the historic Herald Building, one that has been operating for 12 years.
Rock and Rye Oyster House opened in 2014 and is a locally- and family-owned restaurant known for craft cocktails, steaks, burgers, and oysters, of course.
“Twelve years flew by in a flash, in June 2014 we opened our doors to the public for the first time. It is time we celebrate our 12th anniversary! Unfortunately, it will also be our last,” a June 16th Instagram post from the restaurant states.
“With a heavy heart, I have decided it is time to try something else. We will continue business as per usual through summer and be looking to move on sometime early autumn. So feel free to swing by and say hello one more time,” the post states.
No official closing date has been announced.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported Rock and Rye, I especially want to thank all my wonderful employees and friends from start to finish, thank you a thousand times over. I want to thank all our amazing regulars and customers. I want to thank all the great businesses and reps who worked with us. I want to thank each and every one who made it a great twelve years, I will miss you all dearly. This business has been my whole world for so long, thank you to everyone who shared it with me,” the post states.
The restaurant will still celebrate its 12th anniversary June 18-25, featuring happy hour prices, oysters, a gift card raffle and food and drink specials. On June 25, oysters will be $1.50 until the restaurant runs out.
“Oh my gosh for the last 12 years you guys have been my all-time favorite. I seriously have dreams about your carpaccio and have tried carpaccio in so many other places only to compare it to yours. Sad day indeed to learn of your closing. But wishing you all the best and looking forward to celebrating the last remaining days you are open as much as I possibly can,” one Instagram using commented on the post.
“Many memories at Rock n Rye. You will see us this summer, and you will be very missed Downtown,” another user commented.
Rock and Rye Oyster House is open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 4 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday at 1145 North State St. in downtown Bellingham.
The Herald reached out to Rock and Rye Oyster House but has yet to receive a response.
This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 11:10 AM.
