A historic port city just 20 miles south of the Canadian border, Bellingham, Washington, sits adjacent to the North Cascades mountain range, with snow-capped Mount Baker practically on its doorstep. With a population hovering above 90,000, Bellingham embraces its unofficial motto as the “City of Subdued Excitement”—an accurate reflection of its hidden-gem status when it comes to arts, music, and an evolving culinary scene. “Bellingham’s drinks scene has gone through a major flux over the last 20 years,” says Jabriel Donohue, co-owner of The Admiralty Lounge and a Bellingham native. “Nobody knew what the rules were, and so Bellingham became a young hub of creativity fueled by affordable rents—long gone, sadly—the local university, and the advantage of being the last major U.S. stop between Seattle and Vancouver.” Donohue notes that the beer scene has matured considerably, but the city’s craft cocktails are still in their infancy, though the enthusiasm is there. “I’m convinced that young college towns lead the way, and I’m excited to be back here and watch as the next big thing develops.”
After spending most of his 20s and 30s behind the bar in cities like Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle, Jabriel Donohue returned to his hometown and opened his dream bar and restaurant with business partner Daniel Pagard in the spring of 2023. “The space evokes a nautical theme that shies away from kitsch, which is a hat tip to Bellingham’s history as a port town,” says Donohue. “The menus are based
This Article was originally published on IMBIBE Magazine
