I finally visited El Capitan's after 25 years of living in Bellingham, and while there were definitely some highlights, a few key issues held the experience back.
First off — the bratwurst? Utterly delicious. It hit the spot in the best way, and I found myself craving it again less than 24 hours later. Their prices are great, and the staff are genuinely friendly and personable, with quick turnaround times.
That said, there were a few misses that are hard to overlook. The cinnamon sugar pretzel was a huge disappointment — incredibly tough to chew, barely sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and nowhere near what you'd expect if you're used to Auntie Anne’s-style pretzels. I could barely eat a quarter of it.
The condiment bar, while a nice idea, really needs attention. Several items looked, smelled, and tasted like they were either expired or improperly stored, which made me hesitant to use any of it.
Lastly, the water station was nearly empty — even though I was the only customer in the restaurant besides a pending delivery order. It gave off the impression that things might be a little understaffed or just overlooked. Hard to tell if the host was also the cook.
There’s potential here, and I'd go back for the bratwurst alone — but some basic quality control and attention to detail would go a long way.
john hathaway
The soft serve ice cream was a highlight of the visit and initially drew us into the space. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere full of plants!
Sal Don
Hot dogs were delicious, I called the place because we just had one item that didn’t get placed on the big order . The owner/manager made it right for us and was very kind and sincere. Girlfriend and me will Be back for late night dates❤️
David Donohue
Great spot, great dogs and people!
Sonja Jager
Great restaurant, lots of seating indoor and out. Menu has lots of great options. Perfect for a date or after hours meal.
Casey Aurelius
If I could rate higher than five stars, I would. This place RULES. The food was phenomenal, the music was great, not too loud or quiet, but easy enough to have a conversation around it. The decor? Phenomenal. Couldn't ask for a better experience. The man serving, the owner, certainly looked the part of a pirate captain, was a great conversationalist. It was my first time going here, and we are DEFINITELY coming here again. Amazing experience.
Michael Z
Amazing sausages, friendly staff, and the perfect condiment bar for all your dog needs.
Tc
Owner Mark is awesome. Great place to chill. Yummy pretzels, soft serve and beer. Their new grilled cheeses on hot dog buns are yummy.
Ashley
Classic end of night epic eats place with fun service
Joe Murphy
If you love hotdogs and brats, this is a hidden gem. They have their newly open tap room, tons of space personality and lots of seating now. Same great dogs. There is a little stage and they are now doing events as well.
The owner and employees are all very kind people who really care about their customers and the quality of their food and service.
The food is absolutely delicious and have never received a bad meal from here. If you’re ever looking for a place to eat a good hot dog and pretzel I highly recommend el capitans.
Katie N
Quality and quantity! Really wonderful menu and very inclusive!
Ben Lopes
Great food, kind staff, and super fair prices. Love coming here year round!
Caleb Brumley
Awesome to see this place grow over the years. Such a solid option for eating downtown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jasmine
Hotog i love hot dog they are so great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Jumbo Pretzel, French Fries, The Hot Dog
I finally visited El Capitan's after 25 years of living in Bellingham, and while there were definitely some highlights, a few key issues held the experience back.
First off — the bratwurst? Utterly delicious. It hit the spot in the best way, and I found myself craving it again less than 24 hours later. Their prices are great, and the staff are genuinely friendly and personable, with quick turnaround times.
That said, there were a few misses that are hard to overlook. The cinnamon sugar pretzel was a huge disappointment — incredibly tough to chew, barely sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and nowhere near what you'd expect if you're used to Auntie Anne’s-style pretzels. I could barely eat a quarter of it.
The condiment bar, while a nice idea, really needs attention. Several items looked, smelled, and tasted like they were either expired or improperly stored, which made me hesitant to use any of it.
Lastly, the water station was nearly empty — even though I was the only customer in the restaurant besides a pending delivery order. It gave off the impression that things might be a little understaffed or just overlooked. Hard to tell if the host was also the cook.
There’s potential here, and I'd go back for the bratwurst alone — but some basic quality control and attention to detail would go a long way.
The soft serve ice cream was a highlight of the visit and initially drew us into the space. We enjoyed the cozy atmosphere full of plants!
Hot dogs were delicious, I called the place because we just had one item that didn’t get placed on the big order . The owner/manager made it right for us and was very kind and sincere. Girlfriend and me will
Be back for late night dates❤️
Great spot, great dogs and people!
Great restaurant, lots of seating indoor and out. Menu has lots of great options. Perfect for a date or after hours meal.
If I could rate higher than five stars, I would. This place RULES. The food was phenomenal, the music was great, not too loud or quiet, but easy enough to have a conversation around it. The decor? Phenomenal. Couldn't ask for a better experience. The man serving, the owner, certainly looked the part of a pirate captain, was a great conversationalist. It was my first time going here, and we are DEFINITELY coming here again. Amazing experience.
Amazing sausages, friendly staff, and the perfect condiment bar for all your dog needs.
Owner Mark is awesome. Great place to chill. Yummy pretzels, soft serve and beer. Their new grilled cheeses on hot dog buns are yummy.
Classic end of night epic eats place with fun service
If you love hotdogs and brats, this is a hidden gem. They have their newly open tap room, tons of space personality and lots of seating now. Same great dogs. There is a little stage and they are now doing events as well.
Restaurantji Recommends
The owner and employees are all very kind people who really care about their customers and the quality of their food and service.
The food is absolutely delicious and have never received a bad meal from here.
If you’re ever looking for a place to eat a good hot dog and pretzel I highly recommend el capitans.
Quality and quantity! Really wonderful menu and very inclusive!
Great food, kind staff, and super fair prices. Love coming here year round!
Awesome to see this place grow over the years. Such a solid option for eating downtown.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hotog i love hot dog they are so great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pulled Pork, Jumbo Pretzel, French Fries, The Hot Dog
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