The bar at Storia Cucina offers beautiful, delicious cocktails alongside classic Italian food—perfetta!
Bellingham is known for many things: great recreation, a killer snowpack on Mt. Baker, delicious seafood, and a thriving arts scene. But did you know that we’re pretty great at cocktails too?
Perhaps it’s attributed to the influx of fresh restaurateurs to the area over the past 10 years. Whatever the reason, we’re not complaining. After a hard day’s work or just because we feel like it, it’s hard to top a well-crafted cocktail. If you’re new to the area or have a hankering to try something new, here are a few great spots to check out.
Ultimate Favorite Bellingham Bar: Red Light Kitchen & Bar
The Red Light is arguably the most underrated food and drink hangout in town. They have great outdoor seating and reliably good music in addition to the most delicious liquid concoctions! I love it.
In the spring and summer, I like to order the Postal Service. Light, refreshing, and surprisingly stiff, it could be the perfect cocktail. In the winter, Red Light gets super creative with cozy beverages. As the holidays approach, they add festive drinks, like the Redlight Eggnog, which blends cinnamon/orange tequila and amontillado sherry with a top secret egg nog mix.
And if you’re hungry, well, you’re in luck. Featuring a small but very tasty Asian-inspired menu, patrons can nibble on wontons, rice bowls, and other options that are full of delicious, fresh ingredients.
Best Bellingham Cocktail Spot for Rainy Fall Days: Jacks Bar
If you’re looking for a moody dark place to hide (where you may or may not be able to see your date) while sipping art in liquid form, we suggest you try Jacks. Located in the busy Holly Street bar district, Jacks features a creative beverage menu that will leave you satisfied whether you’re a fan of classics or want something new.
The décor is speakeasy meets trendy dark Manhattan bar. Big tall booths with minimal lighting hug the wall and provide privacy. But for those wanting so trike up conversations with strangers, sitting at the bar is intimate and welcoming enough to easily make a new friend.
Bellingham’s Best Classy Dive Bar Vibe: Cabin Tavern
Step outside Jacks and walk to the west about 100 paces and you’ll encounter one of Bellingham’s most loved establishments: the Cabin Tavern. Like most of Bellingham, the Cabin has undergone extensive renovations, but it hasn’t lost its dive-bar charm. It is, however, a little prettier and now features a nice outdoor seating area with a fire pit. They often have live music or DJ’s getting creative on the speakers. On the off-music nights, the old-fashioned jukebox will keep you entertained with the likes of Rolling Stones, Bowie, etc. Enough about the ambiance, though. Why do people go to the cabin? Glass boots. That’s right, glass boots. Without question, the Cabin makes the strongest margarita in Bellingham, and it’s served ready to kick your behind in an adorable glass boot. Did I mention they’re strong? Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Do go try them out for yourself!
Bellingham Best Afternoon Cocktail Spot: Storia Cucina
We are so lucky that San Francisco restauranteur Jonathan Cicotti has graced us with his presence here in Bellingham! His first restaurant, Storia Cucina, offers classic Italian food alongside a beautiful wine and cocktail list - and the best part? They open at noon (and even earlier on the weekends)!
Storia Cucina has a delightful Happy Hour from 2-5 pm. I suggest snacking on some delicious Arancini (rice balls) while sipping Bellingham’s best Negroni… a classic Italian cocktail done right!
Best Bellingham Bar for Chill Euro Vibes: Bar Cicotti
Storia Cucina’s sister bar, Bar Cicotti, is newer to our restaurant scene. It’s a chill little bar that’s perfect for a quiet conversation with a friend.
Bar Cicotti is located in the most stunning of all buildings, the Lightcatcher, designed by Jim Olson of Olson Kundig. Bar Cicotti features primarily wine and spritzers.
The Cocchi Rosa is as beautiful to look at as it is to taste….one sip and you’re whisked away to Asti in Northwest Italy.
The accompanying food menu is simple but satisfying—lovely salumi platters, a couple salad options, burrata toast…yum! And if you have a hankering for something sweet, go for the panna cotta!
Bellingham’s Best Kept Cocktail Secret: La Fiamma
Looking to be surprised by a place that has great drinks? Try La Fiamma (pizza)! This beloved Railroad Ave establishment never ceases to amaze me with their delightful drinks. With house-infused shrubs and liquor, they’re constantly creating drinks that can stand strong alongside the big, yummy pizzas.
Try the Maniac Martini—a twist on an espresso martini using fresh shots of espresso from Maniac Roasting right here in Bellingham. It also features toasted marshmallow flavoring and Kahula, all shaken up and strained into a beautiful chilled coupe.
Another fun one is the Young, Wild + Tea (pictured), a drink that pairs Buffalo Trace bourbon with chilled Earl Grey tea, fresh wild blackberry and a squeeze of lemon.
No matter what you choose, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed, especially when you get to wash your drink down with a hearty slice of ‘za.
Best Bellingham Vintage Cocktail: Galloways
Last, but most certainly not least on my list is Galloways in Fairhaven. A throwback to the Art Deco era and cocktails to match, you won’t be disappointed in this small, tidy, and stunning set. The booths are impeccably comfortable and welcoming, the bartenders are full of personality and the drinks are absolute perfection.
It’s hard to recommend a drink because they are all so damn tasty. If twisted, though, we lean towards the Queen Bee, because…Bourbon. But there’s s an array of creative drinks with delightful finishes that are all so good, they might even temporarily make you feel like you’re in a larger more sophisticated city! It works for me sometimes…
Best Tropical Cocktail: Carnal
I cannot get enough of the Pina Colada at Carnal! It features grilled pineapple on top of the most creamy rummy boozy tropical drink that also features the BEST ICE… you know that ice that you can crunch on without hurting your teeth? Such a fun tactile experience!
Plus, you can order the delicious Gem Lettuce Salad (pictured) and/or the bone-in beef short rib on the side… yum yum yum.
The restaurant’s vibe supports a quiet, romantic date-night but it’s fun and appropriate for larger groups, too. They have an awesome covered outdoor patio that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Carnal is fabulous all-around, and they truly make some of the very best cocktails in Bellingham. Let’s toast to that!
