Editors Note: This article has been updated since publication to correct the misnaming of a drink.
Bellingham, a charming college town nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Salish Sea, boasts a rich history intertwined with a culture of drinking. From the early days of logging and fishing to the present-day influx of students and artists, the city's drinking scene has evolved to reflect the changing times.
Today, Bellingham offers a diverse range of bars and pubs, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you're a craft beer aficionado, a cocktail connoisseur or a fan of classic dive bars, you're sure to find something to suit your fancy.
Bellingham's reputation as a city with a prominent drinking culture is well-deserved. With 17 breweries and bars on every corner, it's easy to see why.
As of November 2023, Bellingham holds a new title, aptly being named the drunkest city in Washington in a report by 24/7 Wall Street, a financial news and opinion website.
According to the report, 22.9% of adults in Bellingham reported to drink excessively, compared to 18% statewide.
While that title can’t exactly be worn with pride, it goes to show that moderation is key. While the city's vibrant scene can be a lot of fun, excessive drinking can quickly turn a good night into a bad one. So, let's raise a glass to responsible fun and make sure we all enjoy Bellingham's nightlife safely and sensibly.
I crossed paths with fellow beer drinker, Jeff Glassman, on my venture around town and he shared some brief words of wisdom.
“If you don’t mountain bike in Bellingham, you drink, and a lot do both! That must explain things,” Glassman said.
Gruff Brewing - 104 E Maple St, Bellingham, WA 98225
As the sun dips below the horizon on a brisk Friday evening, it’s time to embark on a classic bar hop around town. Our journey begins at Gruff Brewing, a local gem that has been quenching thirst and elevating spirits since 2016.
“Gruff is a great place to start your night,” said seasoned local Gary Nelson, sipping on a Trash Bird IPA, a crowd favorite. “The big outdoor patio is perfect for watching the sunset and the beer is top-notch. Plus, the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable.”
Grab a pint and make your way outside to take in the last rays of sunshine. Lounge in the big lawn chairs beside one of the firepits, contemplating life as you sip away and gaze into the horizon.
Don’t fancy a beer? No problem. Gruff offers a wide array of cocktails on tap, adapting after other breweries to cater to other preferences.
As darkness falls, we make our way to Cap Hansen’s, a beloved dive bar that has been a Bellingham staple for decades. The dimly lit interior, adorned with vintage memorabilia, transports you back to a simpler time.
Cap Hansen’s - 209 E Chestnut St, Bellingham, WA 98225
“Cap’s is a classic,” said bartender Mike Evans, sliding a PBF across the bar. “It’s a place where you can come to unwind, have a good time and maybe even make a new friend or two.”
The PBF, a local concoction, is a must-try for any visitor to Bellingham. It consists of Rainier, a splash of OJ and a drop shot of spiced rum. Drop the shot and throw it back! It’s reminiscent of an orange creamsicle, and it goes down so easy you might forget you’re drinking.
The interior of Cap’s features peeling linoleum and 1960’s era wood paneling. A frequenter at Cap’s, Emma Williams gives her two cents about the scenery.
“It’s small, but the vibe is excellent,” Williams said. “Not too much of any one type of customer in the crowd – except on Friday and Saturday nights, the college crowd likes to stop by here for a drink on their way out to the bigger clubs, mainly to get a Peruvian Bear Fucker. The music is great and so is the staff.”
As we sip our drinks, we chat with the bartender, who shares about the bar’s storied past.
"Back in the day, this place was a real dive, filled with real deal sailors and loggers." Evans chuckled. They'd come in after a long day at sea or in the woods, ready to let loose. We've seen some wild nights here, I can tell you that."
After a few rounds, we head right up the block to our next destination: The Orion.
The Orion - 311 E Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
As the night wears on, we head to The Orion, a popular nightspot known for its live music, craft cocktails and energetic atmosphere. The bar is always packed with people and the music is pumping.
The Orion's cocktail menu is extensive and creative, featuring a variety of unique concoctions inspired by astronomy and mythology. Some of the most popular drinks include:
The Kelvin: A refreshing blend of gin, cucumber, lime and elderflower syrup.
The Pegasus: A bold and flavorful combination of bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice and bitters.
The Big Bang: The Gamma Ray: A tropical explosion of rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, lime and Sprite.
The ballroom space in the back of the establishment is vast and energetic, perfect to get lost in and make some connections.
"Orion is where the party's at," said patron Owen Roe. "You never know who you might see here. It's a great place to catch a live show or just dance the night away."
For those seeking a more low-key and intimate setting, there is a space-themed room near the front adorned with glow-in-the-dark constellations, creating a celestial experience for guests.
The Orion hosts a pool table that attracts some regulars who’ll give you a run for your money.
As we sip our drinks and soak in the atmosphere, we contemplate our next stop. The Cabin Tavern is calling.
Cabin Tavern - 307 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225
To wrap up the night, we make our way to The Cabin, a cozy tavern with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The firepit crackles outside, the beer flows and the conversation moves freely.
“The Cabin is a great place to wind down after a long night out,” said Sophie Rayne, a Western student. “It’s like a second home to me.”
Their burgers, in particular, are a local favorite, drawing in large crowds and sometimes forcing patrons to stand and enjoy their meal. For those that grew up in the Seattle area, the burgers are similar to those at Dick’s drive-in. Simple but effective.
"Our burgers keep people coming back," said Josh Mahura, a seasoned grill master at The Cabin. "The key is our secret sauce, and then grilling them to perfection to bring the juices and flavor out. It's a classic, no-frills burger that'll satisfy those cravings on a late night."
For the adventurous drinker, their infamous "Boot" margarita is not for the faint of heart. Served in a glass boot, this potent cocktail packs a powerful punch and should be approached with caution.
The Cabin's menu features weekly drink specials, such as $4 whiskey sours for Western Wednesday and $2 off margaritas on Thursdays.
The night is still young
Not finished yet? For those seeking a more energetic and club-like experience, The Royal Night Club and Rumors Cabaret are excellent choices.
The Royal has the best billiards tables in town if you want to shoot some pool. And you can’t go wrong with their slushies.
Jello shots are the go-to at Rumors, and the hopping, LGBTQIA+ nightspot welcomes everyone to celebrate inclusively. There, you can check out live music, DJ sets, a drag show or play some Mario Kart on their projector.
Dance the night away and get lost in the sound to end your night on a vibrant note. Whether you're into electronic dance music, hip-hop or top 40 hits, you'll find the perfect place to let loose and have some fun.
Come and experience the magic of Bellingham nightlife for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Always drink responsibly and plan ahead. Designate a driver or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Western Washington University students can also ride the Starlight Shuttle for free, an on-demand service providing students a ride after the Whatcom Transportation Authority buses cease for the day. It operates late nights, picking up and dropping off riders within a five-mile radius of campus. To request a ride, students can use the WWU Starlight Shuttle app or call the dispatcher.
Evan Riley (he/him) is a city life reporter for The Front this quarter. He is a fourth-year student at Western working towards his major in News/Editorial journalism. He has dreams of becoming a travel writer and is continually thinking about where he'll go next.
You can reach him at evanriley.thefront@gmail.com
