In the 1850s, settlers were drawn to Bellingham by new jobs in the logging, coal-mining and fishing industries. During that time four towns were established: Whatcom in 1852, Fairhaven and Bellingham in 1853, then Sehome in 1854. In 1858, the Fraser River gold rush, which turned out to be founded on rumors, brought in thousands more people.

The Original Horseshoe Café opened its doors on Holly Street in downtown Bellingham in the summer of 1886. Of course The ?Shoe offered its clientele some creature comforts, like the finest selection of cigars and tobaccos in these parts, as well as hunting supplies and tackle (the combination of those aromas can only be imagined).

By the early 1900s, The ?Shoe was establishing itself as one of the best places in the Bellingham area for great food, fine tobaccos and a place to meet with friends over a good beer or other adult beverage. In 1950, The Original Horseshoe Café became the first licensed Bar in Whatcom County, allowing people to legally ?belly-up? for a few little ?nippers?.

In 1958, The ?Shoe moved across the street from its original location (now the Bank Of America building), to the current site at 113 E. Holly Street in historic downtown Bellingham. World-renowned artist Fred Oldfield was commissioned to paint a mural at the new location. The painting depicts a western scene and covers the entire wall behind the bar in the ?Ranch Room?. It?s still there for your viewing pleasure.

Today, the Original Horseshoe Café is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the United States. And just like the early days, The ?Shoe is still one of the best places in Whatcom County to meet with friends and family…serving great food, liquors, and local micro-brewed beers.

We?re open 24 hours everyday, so drop in anytime and catch a little piece of old Bellingham. You might even be lucky enough to meet Rowdy Buckaroo, our own dining legend, eating one of his fav-o-rite meals…only, of course, at The Original Horseshoe Café. Located at 113 E. Holly Street, in downtown Bellingham since 1886.