Favorite Bellingham eateries reopen for takeout orders following coronavirus shutdown

Luckily for Bellingham bagel connoisseurs, The Bagelry has made its much-anticipated return sooner rather than later.

On Monday, May 18, the restaurant reopened, and owners Aaron and Terra Seaton are offering online ordering 24 hours in advance as well as bagel subscription plans on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon for curbside pickup or delivery at 1319 Railroad Ave. However, they are not currently accepting over-the-phone or walk-in orders.

Many Bellingham residents were saddened when The Bagelry temporarily closed March 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Heartbroken,” Facebook user Maureen Monroe wrote. “A mainstay on Railroad Ave. Be well. We’ll leave a light on for you~.”

The Bagelry announced the impending closure on March 27 and closed its doors on the 31st. Many customers were relieved that it was not closing for good and would eventually return.

“Omg you freaked me out I thought you meant forever!!!!!!!!” Facebook user Katie Klein wrote. “Glad you are taking the time to do what you need to do, see you hopefully sooner than later!”

“One of the factors and the reason that we’re not opening the storefront is that it allows us to have a smaller crew and allows us to do more social distancing,” Terra Seaton said.

In addition to bagels, The Bagelry is selling cream cheese, Lotus coffee bags and challah on Fridays for subscribers.

Around the 360, The Bagelry is very popular and has been proclaimed as the “best” location for Bagels in Bellingham by several customers.

“I have been going to The Bagelry since I was in college at WWU, way back in 1984 when it first opened, and it is still THE BEST!” Yelp user Dana S. from Snohomish exclaimed. “There is a reason it is always busy! It is because it is THAT GOOD!”

With limited store hours, Seaton encourages customers to go on their website for updated information.

“The Bagelry has not historically been very tech-savvy and I’m trying to get on top of it and be really good about updating the website regularly. Right now, we only have a few flavor options and I’m going to be posting in there when new options come up,” Seaton said

The Bagelry is not the only local favorite that reopened for business this week. Mambo Italiano Cafe and Rock and Rye Oyster House will also be serving takeout orders.

Mambo Italiano returned on Monday and is open 3-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 1303 12th St. for takeout orders of food and alcohol. However, they are not accepting cash payments at this time.

Rock and Rye is open 3-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 1145 N. State St. for takeout orders beginning Friday, May 22. Over 400 spirits and dinner and snack offerings are available.

Did we miss your restaurant reopening? Please send your business opening information to newsroom@bellinghamherald.com.

The spelling of challah was corrected May 26, 2020.

This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 5:00 AM.