Our Story

The Horseshoe Origin Story

Settlers were drawn to Bellingham in the 1850’s by jobs created through the growing industries of logging, coal-mining and fishing.

The original Horseshoe opened its doors in downtown Bellingham on Holly Street to satisfy the large appetites of these tough, ornery folks in the summer of 1886.

Initially, the Horseshoe hosted a variety of features: selling smoking accessories, fishing licenses & tackle, hunting supplies, gifts and novelties alongside the restaurant & cocktail lounge.

In early 1900, 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 friends over a good beer and some fine spirit.

By 1950 the ‘Shoe became one of the first ‘licensed’ bars in Whatcom County. Our current neighbor, the Beaver Inn, was also licensed around this time. Relocating in 1958, the ‘Shoe moved across the street to it’s current location!

ROWDY BUCKAROO

The Horseshoe has over 135 years of history and we think Rowdy Buckaroo might be our favorite piece of it all.

In the early 2000’s, Horseshoe Cafe mascot Rowdy Buckaroo was the Robin Hood of downtown parking meters.

Famous for plugging dimes in expired meters to save shoppers from a parking ticket, he would leave behind a small card that said “You’ve been rescued by Rowdy Buckaroo.”

The idea was to prove that the Horseshoe was not just a place of business, but a force within the community trying to make downtown a better place to shop.

For years, Rowdy drove around in his custom van, becoming the champion of Bellingham shoppers.

To commemorate Rowdy Buckaroo & his contribution to the community, local artist Shawn Cass painted a mural in his honor on the side of the cafe!

Our Sign

A special thank you to Signs Plus for partnering with us to fix & re-create the iconic Horseshoe Cafe Sign!