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.

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.

I've been coming here for years. Amazing place and a staple of downtown Bellingham. Their dumplings used to be $7 up until recently, now they are $9 per order. I don't necessarily mind paying a little extra, but their portion sizes have always been the most inconsistent I have ever seen at any restaurant. Sometimes you'll get a ton, and sometimes you'll get less than half that. When they used to cost $7, it was a fine enough price point to accept that, and sometimes, it came out to a great deal. But now that they charge $10+ after tip, it's pretty disappointing to get a half serving and pay more for it. I feel their portions have gotten smaller over time as well despite increased price. Hard to stop going completely, but I am definitely less likely to stop in when passing by. Genuinely disappointed when I go sometimes now.

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.

One of those spaces that offers food that tasted exponentially better when it’s 1:30am and time to go home. Still banging in the afternoon, but there’s something about bare handing a dumpling into some sour cream and then directly into your face that makes it taste so much better. You get what you’re coming in for, and it’s always exactly what you expect.

price went up and portions went waaaayyyy down. there were 13 tiny not hot dumplings and a piece of bread not larger than 1" x 2" for $9. that's 70¢ per dumpling smaller than the size of a nickel. it's hot or miss here and lately it's been a lot more miss. no portion or quality control that I can observe.

The beef dumplings are so delicious with the cilantro,hot sauce and sour cream yummy. The rye bread just puts it over the top for me.

Great food, if you are indecisive you only have three options: beef, potato, or half and half beef and potato dumplings. I had the half and half, and both are good! (Though I personally prefer the beef). Would also recommend getting the sour cream and hot sauce as well.

Pel'meni is a Russian dumpling restaurant right off State kind of across from the Y. There is a good amount of parking around, plus a handful of tables inside. As you walk in, you're hit with old time vibes, a record player with tons of records and some exceptionally friendly staff. Their food is authentic, well priced for their portion sizes, and delicious. I'd recommend getting the mix of potato and beef so you can try both.

Overall, a really great experience. Good food at a decent price. A suggestion is to have customers take a number or take a name because when multiple people were inside it was difficult to know who’s order was ready.

Good atmosphere. Good food, made fresh to-order. Just one suggestion, consider assigning a number to orders or taking names. The house was full on the day that I went and me, my friends, and the other customers were all unsure of who’s order was being called and then spent a good amount of time making sure that they had the correct order and items.

Awesome perogies!!! Not your typical Ukrainian style, these are Russian style. Almost like Gnocchi in size and texture but super delicious. Served up with a piece of Rye bread to soak up the goodness. Always stop here when I visit Bellingham.

I have been hearing about this place for a while, and it lives up to the descriptions I have heard. Quirky atmosphere, great friendly staff, and as long as you like the One menu item (with choice of Beef or Potato) it is really worth it. Great long hours up to 4am, it good for anytime of day you want some comfort food. Very busy, but the food is ready very fast.

Great find, small little restaurant pumping out delicious pierogis!! Definitely gotta try them with everything, rice vinegar, hot sauce & sour cream. I got excited & ate most of them before I took the picture. Open late with a drink case of sodas & water.

This is one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life. Flavor explosion !!! I cannot believe how this tastes this is my first time, and I will be dreaming about these on my flight back home to Texas😞 staff is super nice and attentive food was made quickly and came out fresh. I really appreciated being able to see the process of how everything is done! I am met some of the frequent customers while I was there and got the best tips on how to eat it. Add extra hot sauce, vinegar, salt, and pepper and sour cream to top it. It will change your life.❤️❤️❤️

These dumplings were on point. We tried the potato, but I would recommend a mix. The vinegar and sauces that came with them made the meal. Perfect late night options for mid or post drinking. Small shop with orders at the counter and indoor seating. A must try for the area. Enjoy!

Delicious, simple food. I love stopping in for a quick bite while in Bellingham! They have two options: beef or potato. I always like to get a combo. It's nice they have a large record collection as well.

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!

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!

Love coming here! Food and service consistently great. Atmosphere? Customized to my liking by the couple or few hundred hundred vinyl records at our avail. Too cool.

My husband and I got two orders, one beef and one potato. I loved the potato ones, especially with the hot sauce and sour cream. Definitely will be back the next time I'm in town.