(tonyscoffee.com) – Fairhaven, Bellingham
How I heard of this place: Tony’s coffee has been a Bellingham staple since I can remember. One of my first recollections of the cafe was with my friend Leyla back in high school. At the time, we enjoyed the small, intimate and quirky space in conversation over a cup of coffee and a game of chess.
Type of cuisine: Coffee shop fare with espresso beverages, pastries (including cookies, triple-chocolate espresso brownies, fruit tarts) and light fare (breakfast sandwiches and lunch entrees served until 2:00 p.m.).
Ambiance: Casual and cozy, the small space is attached to the Harris Avenue Cafe (same ownership), which opens up to more tables and chairs and an outdoor seating area. The cafe side has barquettes along the front windows, tables and chairs lining the wall and a wooden booth in the middle of the establishment flanked by more wooden tables and chairs. The ceilings are relatively high and the space brightly colored and open.
What I ordered: Upon seeing the small, handwritten sign for a spicy Mexican mocha ($3 each), there was no turning back. Both my dining companion and I enjoyed a 12-ounce cup, one double with soy and the second a non-fat single ristretto (with added brown sugar to enhance the sweetness of the bitter dark chocolate).
What I loved: I loved that the establishment does not hold back on the cayenne pepper in their Mexican mocha mix. Small, red flecks floated at the top of our mugs and tingled on the tongue and down the throat with each sip. Cups of water were necessary to slightly subdue the heat.
Why I loved it: The space is comfortable and casual, one in which a pair of friends can enjoy several hours of afternoon conversation, laughter and intellectual (or entertaining) engagement.
Cost: Low to average ($2.50-$4.50 per 12-ounce espresso beverage)