Bathed in the familiar ocean blues and forest greens of the region, Bellingham, Washington is the epitome of the Pacific Northwest. The seaside town touts world-class arts and culture, food, waterfalls, and maritime culture, all portioned out perfectly to the tune of a population of about 100,000. A big part of the food realm here is what’s put into your cup, from the work of thriving breweries and cideries to cocktails and expertly-made spirits. While visitors should have all of the above on their itinerary when visiting Bellingham, the drinks scene especially ought to be emphasized and thoroughly enjoyed.
Overlooking the Waterfront District, Bellingham Cider Co. is an au natural producer, turning out small-batch creations without any preservatives, sugars or sulfites. Sourcing entirely from Washington orchards, the label really flexes the mighty cider prowess of the Evergreen State. Beyond a lovely patio that soaks up views of the San Juan Islands, the cidery prepares farm-fresh grub and specialty pizzas like the Cascadia Mushroom, made of marinara, gruyere, roasted garlic, caramelized onion and more. Ciders of note include a balanced dry as well as a host of fruit-infused options, incorporating everything from blackberry to raspberry and rhubarb.
Downtown’s Aslan Brewing Company focuses on organic beer produced in a sustainable fashion. The taproom is family-friendly and a true gathering place, a community-facing affair where great offerings like the Batch 15 IPA and Coastal Pils bring in locals and tourists alike. There’s nothing like drinking straight from the source and Aslan’s flagship spot, adjacent to the brewery, offers exactly that, along with tasty pub fare like the bacon smashburger and chicken katsu sando. Be on the lookout for great bottled beer options and seasonal options too. Many of the former are aged at the label’s Depot location, which serves as an additional taproom in the historic Union Depot Building.
Launched in 2011, Chuckanut Bay Distillery is a grain-to-glass operation. Visitors can tour the facility and sip on award-winning concoctions like Port cask-finished bourbon, wheat vodka and even Absinthe. Book a cocktail class, enjoy a deftly made cocktail or dine at Penny Farthing, a new restaurant addition opened in 2022 where dishes like gnocchi mac and cheese, and bourbon crab bisque join an esteemed drinks list. The staff can even point you towards an ideal cocktail pairing to enhance both your dinner and your drink. The brand new rooftop bar, opened in 2024, is a great place to really savor the label’s production philosophy, which emphasizes patient production and open-air and on-grain fermentation, leading to maximum flavor in the glass. It’s another historic building housed by some revered local artisans.
On a history note, art deco is the theme at Galloway’s, the cocktail bar set in the historic Fairhaven Village. Sink into the cozy surroundings and try a sublime cocktail from the golden era of the category. Signature drinks like the Habanero Fuzz, a mix of pepper-infused vodka, Ancho Reyes, turmeric, Giffard peach and lemon, tantalize the palate. Beer, nibbles and wine are available as well and the place is known to host weekly tastings and other libation-centric events.
Just up the block is Estelle, the buzzing restaurant informed by the changing seasons. Open with a house cocktail like the Stunt Double, featuring yogurt-washed blended Scotch, and work towards remarkable dishes like snow pea salad, salmon rillettes and duck confit. There are thoughtful wine and beer selections as well that can really make a dish sing. And no trip to Bellingham can be certified without a stop at Honey Moon. The bohemian outpost sacrifices more conventional liquid for ancient offerings like mead and cider while fully embracing the area’s artist community. Drop in for a drink in the company of painters and poets and leave inspired.
Smaller town joys with a big city drinks scene, that’s Bellingham.
In Partnership with Visit Bellingham
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