ROAM Coffee + Beer — Restaurant in Bellingham

I come here regularly because I live in the neighborhood. Staff are friendly, but not overly so, and cordial to my kids who are always with me. The owners have young children and their businesses are environments families can feel comfortable in. The atmosphere is awesome, very warm and inviting. There's a caddy of board/card games in the corner to keep kids (and adults) busy. There are also outdoor games like cornhole and connect four in the warmer months. Customers are always friendly about modifying tables/chairs to accommodate varying group sizes. I like this because it forces people to both interact and then cooperate with one another; coffee shops are usually very impersonal environments. Reasonable prices, excellent coffee. I got two kid's hot cocoas and a drip coffee for less than $10 a couple of days ago. The whipped cream is actual, delicious whipped cream, not canned stuff from the dairy box. I appreciate that the menu is quite simple (and interesting to look at since it appears to be an actual letter board). It makes ordering easy. They have hard kombucha, on tap, which I love to see a brewery offer (I like beer, but my body doesn't). The pastries come from one of the best bakeries in town. I only gave four stars for food because food options are limited. I wish they'd offer a couple of sandwiches so I could come for lunch! They have a few premade items in the cooler, though. I attended the new bingo night last month, and it was ridiculously fun, especially since it benefited local groups/organizations. Lastly, it sounds trivial but I like that they reuse gift cards (they just put it right back in the stand if you use one up). I'm so glad to have such a well rounded business in the...

Dear ROAM,

First, you’re great. I love that the staff are happy. I love what you’re doing with the space. I love all the windows and the fire pit and the picnic benches and the big tables with the umbrellas in the summer, and the corner with all the flyers for quirky local events. I love the breakfast burritos. I even like the bussing station.

I confess I was a Narrative patron, and that is why I haven’t called since that one time we met when I first moved to the neighborhood. I know it isn’t really a good look, coming around these days, to the only other walkable option, now that Narrative is out of the picture (RIP). And then, to write a review? After such treachery? The gall.

Despite my weak standing, I came to say that I believe in you, you’re doing great things, AND that the coffee needs some love. It’s a solid 2 out of 5. Consistently. I know it’s a tricky process, is it the grind, or the brew temperature or the water or the cleaning of all the little parts, but it’s night and day from the coffee at Narrative. Is there something we can do? Do we need a coffee consultant? I (very selfishly) want you to nail it with coffee, just like you’ve nailed it with everything else.

Affectionately,

Your (Fickle)...

This coffee shop is run by Wander Brewing. They serve the usual selection of coffees, teas, and pastries, but as they are connected to Wander, they also offer a few of their beers on tap in the afternoon, plus local ciders on tap and in cans. The place is bright and airy, good for having a cup on your own or conversation with friends. They also have a drive-through lane that's well used. Roam holds many community events throughout the year, such as concerts and painting sessions. It's a popular hangout in the Columbia and Lettered Streets neighborhoods, as it borders both. I've taken to coming here a lot since moving to Bellingham and would very much recommend it if you're seeking other coffee...