Waterfront Tavern Seafood and Bar Bellingham — Restaurant in Bellingham

An old-school watering hole, on the water, with a reputation for having good fish'n chips and a jukebox. What could go wrong, right? Turns out, a lot.

But before we get to the bad and the ugly, I must say that the fish'n chips were good; and the chips were made in-house from fresh potatoes.

The bad/ugly began as I stood at the bar waiting to order a drink. The bartender kept going back and forth from end to end, taking care of newly-arrived patrons and completely ignoring me. Then after I grabbed a seat at the bar, I finally grew weary of being ignored and proactively called out that I'd like to order a drink. That didn't get me a drink, but it did get me nasty look from the bartender, who didn't like her negligence being called out. To be fair, I don't think she was trying to be rude or neglectful per se. She was simply more interested in being attentive and friendly to people who were obviously regulars.

And then to top it off, a different bartender took pleasure in bumping her song selections ahead of the songs I was playing on the jukebox. Call me crazy, but when patrons are paying money to play the jukebox, employees should not be cutting their music ahead in the cue.

A memorable experience, just not for the right...

The first time we ate here was fabulous. The chowder was superb and the fish and chips were perfectly cooked large flaky pieces of fish. The next time, the chowder was a little gelatinous, needing a bit of freshening up with cream, but the fish and chips were still good. The third time my husband ordered the meatloaf as a change and the cook made his plate of frozen corn and questionable potatoes before realizing they were out of meatloaf. So they gave him the plate they had made with fish instead of meatloaf and a side of fries after getting his second order after being out of the meatloaf. Not sure how any self respecting cook is unaware he is out of something on the regular menu so late in the day. The third trip was late in day of the same day of the week ee always go. The chowder I ordered came with the meal and was more tired than the time before. Staff nice, although, who I think is the owner never asked how our meal was on the third trip, they were too busy with change of shift and chatting each other up. Upshot - go early in the day, the cook seems less vacant and more attentive to his job and the food is better, less tired. Oh yeah, and stick with the...

Love this area while visiting the northern coastal side of Washington. Great fish n chips sold at this restaurant. Some of the best ever and amazing fries. Beautiful place to visit and eat while in the area during summer time with a relaxing atmosphere. Great views and photo opportunity selection around.

Fun for the whole family and friends. Access friendly entrance. Clean facilities throughout including the bathrooms . Our visit was recently done by car to the area.

Beautiful photography all-around the nearby area. Friendly people to be met here .

Be prepared for a little adverse Oregon weather if necessary on the way in or out.

Parking was plentiful and easily accessible. Spots were a little tight in some places. Rocky areas were rougher than expected . Rocky area gave us a flat on side of road.

We loved the visit , food , friendliness , photography and variety of entertainment that was provided to us during visit here.

Food won't disappoint...