The Om Gnome
I experienced Solo Diner Syndrome for the first time at time at my beloved Colophon today. I first came here when it first opened Circa 1988. Then I went to Seattle for quite a while. By the time I got back to Bellingham it had changed a LOT. But I was happy to see The Colophon was still open and still serving the African peanut soup I love. So I go as often as I can and it has been mostly great but today I experienced Solo Diner Syndrome. Anyone who dines solo has experienced this more than once. You’re seated off in a corner and forgotten about. It’s a matter of economic calculation on the part of the server. You are not worth their time compared to the potentially more lucrative multi-top. Of course anyone who has had a restaurant gig knows that does not always work out. Sometimes that big ticket table will stiff you. Anyway, most times I come here the servers are great and pay attention. I tend to be an excessive tipper which means they are not disappointed. Today however, I got hit with SDS. Oh well. so far it’s just the once. hope it does not become the norm.
… moreToni Salazar
Super friendly staff, super cozy environment and really good food. I had the sirachi fries and the French dip sandwich. Everything was seasoned and so delicious. Really appreciate how warm and friendly the staff is too.
… moreLala
The place is dog-friendly, and the food came out quickly. My husband said the French toast was good. The shakshuka was unusual—the flavor was okay, but I couldn’t taste any bell peppers. It was very watery and had the consistency of tomato juice rather than traditional shakshuka. The eggs were nicely prepared but appeared to have been cooked separately.
… moreChris D
The staff were all incredibly nice. I came with a party of 7. Our food came out pretty fast and the quality of the food was top notch. It was nice to see a menu where everything was interesting. I ordered the soup flight of three. The split pea was very good. The crowded Chowder was just okay. The clam chowder was just too runny, in my opinion. The African peanut soup was incredible. I also ordered a half turkey sandwich on rye with the cranberry sauce and it was a 10/10. Overall, this place was an easy 5 star just on service and food quality alone. The ambiance of the place felt family friendly.
… moreIzabelle Horne
Love loved the vibes and the food. I was really excited that there was gluten free options, for a lot of their dishes and ability to sub for gluten free options. Food was amazing.
… moreEmmy Gladney
Warm, cozy, and the perfect place for a winter wedding breakfast to fill up and caffeinate for the big day. So much selection that there is something delicious for everyone–no matter how varied the food preferences or restrictions. Plus the staff is as sweet as their pie.
… moreKashia Espedilla
The ultimate Fairhaven/Bellingham experience. Warm cozy atmosphere located in the heart of beautiful historic Fairhaven. Food is alway fresh and tastes amazing. This is why I come back time and time again. One of the few spots left here in Whatcom County that still offers some good old fashioned customer service.
… moreGary Schmidt
This is one of my favorite breakfast or lunch places in the region. I usually get the quiche but there seems to be a very wide variety of vegetarian options if thats your preference. Bagel sandwiches, flatbreads, creative soups, pastries are all available. This is a great place to warm up and dry off a little on a rainy day.
… moreMichelle
Great food.
My husband had a latte and I had the portobello sandwich on gluten free bread and the peanut soup.
All was really good but the soup needed a bit more salt.
… moreBrett Siebenhaar
Every time we are in Fairhaven (Bellingham) from Seattle, this is our go to spot to eat and get some drinks! We spend all day in the Village Books which is connected, so it is very easy to go from one to the other. The staff is excellent, the food/drinks are fantastic, and the prices are great! We always look forward to being treated as guests instead of just a paying customer. Thank you!
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