Overview: A comprehensive guide explores six distinct Bellingham neighborhoods through their signature cocktails, documenting venue histories and specific recipe compositions. The tour covers locations from Fairhaven to Birchwood, highlighting unique offerings like off-menu cult favorites and house-infused spirits.
The Full Story
The exploration begins in the Southside area of the Fairhaven neighborhood, where a gin joint rose from the ashes of Daphne’s, a former staple. Bartender Catie notes that while the venue typically focuses on pre-Prohibition cocktails, one unique drink is not on the menu but maintains a cult following: The Dillydally. This martini includes vodka, Brennivín (Icelandic aquavit), pickle brine, dry vermouth, and is finished with dill fern oil. At B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar in the Puget neighborhood, located over by Fred Meyer, the venue features a covered outdoor patio with fire tables and TVs. The signature Shaker Martinis section offers seven different offerings, including a Gin Fizz made with Empress gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne. This drink is served in a shaker with an extra pour provided on the side.
In the Silver Beach neighborhood, LakeLine operates as a small spot for coffee, food, and cocktails near Lake Whatcom. Barista/bartender Taylor Reed recommends the Diving Girl cocktail, which features house-infused pineapple rum, coconut water, cream, pineapple juice, and lime. In the Barkley neighborhood, The Blue Abode lists its best-selling cocktail as a Blackberry Lemon Drop. According to Instagram data, the bar sold nearly 1,000 of them last year. The venue house-infuses the blackberry vodka concoction. Downtown Bellingham marks a somber place in the journey with Temple Bar, where owners announced on July 17 that the location would close in late August. People order most frequently for Dark Parts, a cocktail joined by Amaro Sfumato, Campari, grenadine, grapefruit, and lemon.
The tour concludes at Birchwood with That’s What I Like! Island Grill. The woman behind the bar, Maxina, helps her brother Roy who owns the restaurant. She pulled out ingredients for the Ube Colada, which includes rum, store-bought colada mix, whipped cream, and ube cream liqueur made from the Philippines’ purple yam. The venue puts a Filipino twist on a piña colada.
Production & Profile
The cocktails featured in this tour rely heavily on house-infused spirits and specific preparation methods. At LakeLine, the pineapple rum is described as a house-infusion, similar to a piña colada version. The Gin Fizz at B-Town Kitchen and Raw Bar utilizes a shaker presentation with an extra pour served on the side. The Blackberry Lemon Drop at The Blue Abode is also noted for being house-infused. The Diving Girl cocktail balances sweetness with coconut water, while the Ube Colada incorporates ube cream liqueur alongside store-bought mix.
Brand & Industry History
The local landscape reflects a mix of continuity and change within the Bellingham bar scene. Southside in Fairhaven rose from the ashes of Daphne’s, a former staple that defined the neighborhood previously. In Downtown, Temple Bar is set to close later this month following an announcement made on July 17. The venue was known for its gorgeous green walls and iconic checkered floor, with patrons expressing strong attachment to the Dark Parts cocktail.
What This Means
This release highlights the shifting dynamics of local business in Bellingham, where new spots like Southside and LakeLine thrive alongside established venues facing closure. The narrative emphasizes supporting local bars and exploring various neighborhoods rather than declaring a single winner for best bar. The focus remains on the experience of sipping through different districts, from the bright atmosphere at LakeLine to the cozy barstools at The Blue Abode.
Consumer Takeaway
The drinker is offered a selection of specific specs including house-infused ingredients, shaker presentation with extra pours, and unique garnishes like cornichons or dill fern oil. Locations range from the Silver Beach neighborhood near Lake Whatcom to the Puget neighborhood over Fred Meyer. The guide provides options for those seeking off-menu cult favorites, signature shaker martinis, or best-selling house-infused concoctions across six distinct areas of town.
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