Keenan's at the Pier — Restaurant in Bellingham

I would give 3.5 stars if I could. The food was delicious... I would give nearly 5 stars for flavor and two stars for options But the service was poor.

There are not many options on the menu for vegans, but we had pasta with tempeh added, and a pared-down house salad. Both were very tasty. Others seemed to get bread, and we didn't, so I'm guessing it wasn't vegan. Portions were generous, so we had plenty to eat.

I called in the morning to ask about reservations, they told me I shouldn't need one, but they ALWAYS recommend them. I made a reservation for the patio, after confirming that they do have outdoor heaters, since that's what my wife wanted for her birthday. When we arrived, we were told that there was no patio seating available unless we wanted to wait a long time. I said that I had made a reservation for the patio. I was told that we didn't have a reservation for the patio. I said that I had very specifically requested one. The woman looked as though she didn't believe me, and said "you must have made the reservation after they were all filled," and again offered to have us wait 1.5 hours, or see if they could get us into the terrace side sooner. No real apology, no trace of even a little professional remorse or sympathy.

Our server was ok, and did understand vegan food, which is always a plus. But she was sniffing vigorously, which was uncomfortable. Service was moderately slow and infrequent, but not too bad.

As I was signing the check, I glanced at the items, because it seemed even more expensive than I expected. A drink had been added to the bill. It took 5-10 minutes, but the bill was corrected. An explanation was given, but again no...

Keenan's at the Chrysalis Inn delivered an unforgettable lunch experience that deserves more than the maximum five stars allowed. The ambiance is upscale yet delightfully low key—perfect for enjoying fine dining without the slightest hint of pretentiousness. The restaurant is impeccably clean, offers stunning views, and is staffed by an exceptional team.

Our meal started with the blackened fish tacos, which were nothing short of divine. The fish was perfectly seasoned and cooked, with just the right amount of spice to give it a kick without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. Each taco was a harmonious blend of fresh, crisp toppings and a zesty sauce that tied everything together beautifully. As a side to the tacos, I indulged in the seafood chowder for a $2 upcharge, and it was worth every penny. The chowder was rich and creamy, filled with generous chunks of seafood and perfectly balanced seasonings. It was a comforting and hearty addition to an already fantastic meal.

Next, we savored the Chrysalis Southwest Bowl. This dish was a vibrant medley of flavors and textures with black beans, corn, avocado, and a tangy southwest dressing. Each bite was a delightful burst of taste and color, making it a standout dish that we will surely return for. We added the salmon, which was a very generous portion. Delicious, too!

Keenan's at the Chrysalis Inn truly excels in every aspect, from the food to the atmosphere to the service. If you are looking for a place that combines fine dining with a relaxed vibe and spectacular views, this is the place to be. Highly...

Delicious Food

The crab cakes were outstanding, with a wonderful bell pepper flavor running through them. The exterior was perfectly crisp, while the inside stayed firm and moist without being mushy.

The mussels arrived in a mildly spicy broth that made them especially enjoyable. The portion was generous—about 12 to 13 mussels—and they were served with crisp toast points, perfect for soaking up the flavorful liquid.

The Keenan Burger was a standout. Juicy, thick, and cooked to perfection. The tomato chutney added a bright, tangy-sweet pop that elevated the whole burger, and the quality of the bun held everything together beautifully.

The falafel was another hit: crisped perfectly on the outside and full of flavor inside. Paired with the creamy hummus and tangy feta, it made a wonderfully balanced bite.

The peri peri chicken skewers were equally delicious. A slight char on the outside added a smoky edge, while the chicken itself stayed juicy and flavorful throughout.

Finally, the almond polenta cake was superb—a subtle sweetness with a unique, delightful texture. Topped with creamy, smooth ice cream, it made the perfect ending to the meal.

On top of the incredible food, the service was excellent—the waitstaff were friendly, attentive, and very accommodating, making sure everything was just right. And to top it all off, the stunning view of the water and the fresh outdoor air made the entire experience even more incredible—delicious food paired with a...