Pel Meni

It’s a dark, rainy Bellingham night and I can’t remember the last time I was here, but it’s past ten and I want something warm and cheap. I push open the door, my glasses are fogged up in my mask, and I walk in wiping the raindrops off— totally blind. A friendly voice greets me and waves me forward. I laugh and say that I can’t see. “That’s alright! It’s always the same here! No menu needed!” the friendly voice says and I laugh. “One potato please,” I say. “You got it! $8. Sour cream?” “Yea please!” “One, two, three?” “Just one please!” The food is hot, delicious, cheap, comforting, and tastes like boozy nights in college when the streets were packed and the pandemic couldn’t’ve been dreamt up yet. This place is perfect and truly authentic to itself— from the always sweet employees and beloved record player to the cheap canned soft drinks and simple food options, “beef or potato”. Pel’meni is good for the soul and I hope it never changes. Masks required, indoor seating, and fab record selection.

Came here an hour before closing and the cashier + chef was AMAZING & KIND. The shop was busy but they were fast and had great service. They both went above and beyond to ensure the safety of other customers & followed the protocols as needed. The service was indeed great & professional. Food review: DELICIOUS! One of the best Russian dumplings I’ve ever had!! I am going to come back again!

After reading reviews I was very excited to visit this place. But was very disappointed after I been served the food. Their pel'meni have nothing to do with traditional Russian pel'meni. They served them with either meat or potato. I could taste potatoes, but... there was no meat at all. It's just basically plain dough. And very small. And this place not even run by Russian people.

Different vibes day and night! Night is full of young folks heading to and from the nightlife in town. Loud, youthful. Daytime is way more easy going. Limited menu. Just say 'one meat, one potato' and you'll be happy. Don't skimp on the rice vinegar or the hot sauce. These little dumplings are bits of heaven!

I have visited this restaurant’s Juneau, AK and it had been one of my top favorite restaurants. This branch continues to have all the same elements, namely record player, unique selective music, super short menu, cheap, filling, different types of drinks, open late and most importantly, same recipe! Now there is one more reason to drive out here!

This spot has been a college savior for years and years. It’s the perfect spot to build the base you forgot before heading out to the royal or any other bar on the strip. Their meat and potato dumplings are both phenomenal, and you have the option to get one, the other, or both. They come with cilantro, a bit of curry powder, a tiny swirl of hot sauce, some vinegar, and a slice of rye bread. The combination of flavor and texture are amazing. Their service is always spot on, and they are typically busy, so their ability to keep up is impressive.