5 Columns  | Bellingham |  | Samish |  |
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Address http://www.fivecolumns.com 1301 E Maple St Bellingham, WA 98225 360-676-9900 |
Hours Mon-Fri 11:00am - 10:00pm Sat-Sun 8:00am - 10:00pm |
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Description:
Having never been to Greece I’ll admit that I probably wouldn’t know a "traditional" Greek restaurant if one opened in my living room. I suspect, however, it wouldn’t look like the 5 columns. A Mediterranean Perkin’s with an eerie poolside ambiance might be a closer match (aqua blue lighting lines the room). Whatever the case, there’s decidedly more hominess here than corporate soulessness. Owner Dimitri "Jim" Christopoulos, an authentic Greek, cruises about catching up with regulars and glad-handing newcomers. Our server, too, genuinely seemed happy to be working amid the 5 columns and serving our meal (yes, there are 5 actual columns within).
As we swayed back and forth to Greek music, my guest and I perused a menu equally weighted between the Greek and not so Greek. Though Christopoulos has been operating a restaurant at this location for 18 years, it’s only been the 5 Columns since 2000. With the new name came more Greek fare, including such time-honored favorites as dolmades, souvlaki, moussaka, and gyros. The gyros are as tasty as you’ll find, and the moussaka’s beefy, potatoey, béchamely goodness will satisfy any comfort food craving. If you’re looking for pyrotechnic thrills give the saganaki a whirl. This show essentially consists of fried cheese flamed at tableside, but it goes great with ouzo and that’s good enough for me.
If you’re not much into flaming cheese or tzatziki, there’s probably more non-Greek than Greek food on the menu. Whether you visit for breakfast (Sunday reservations recommended), lunch, or dinner you’ll find the menu liberally sprinkled with a mixed bag of old standbys like western omelets, buffalo wings, cheeseburgers, spaghetti, and clam chowder. It also may be worth noting that our waiter claimed the steaks to be unsurpassed in these parts; he seemed an honest sort.
So, if you’re looking for that mysterious little nook of a café that’s more Greek than Greece itself, you’ll probably have to catch a plane. But if a generous portion of honest good food makes you tingle let the folks at 5 Columns take care of you. They want you to be happy.
Written By: Jeff Nelson
Features
Wheelchair Accessible
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Beer and Wine
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Dinner
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Lunch
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Smoke-free
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Takes Reservations
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Kid Friendly
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Banquet Facilities
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Breakfast
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Full Bar
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Take-Out
Comments
Free Ringtones Free Ringtones Free Ringtones
- jlwvcrenos on Tue, March 11, 2008
The owners are wonderful people. Jim comes out to talk to all his customers whenever he has a break from cooking. He strives for excellence, demanding it of the service
- Cyndi on Mon, September 3, 2007
The owner is a real jerk and treats his employees like crap. I know first hand. I would not patronize this restaurant for that reason.
- rick on Sun, July 22, 2007
The food is exquisite, the service is first-class. This wonderful restaurant has got to be the best kept secret in Bellingham.
- Yvonne Goldsmith on Mon, January 29, 2007
Nice, clean, quiet restaurant, attentive staff, and the food is wonderful. I even got free birthday baclava. I'm looking forward to going there again.
- Ashley on Fri, December 22, 2006
The staff is fast, friendly and the place is so clean.
- Wayne Berry on Sat, August 12, 2006
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