Sep, 30, 2007
READERS CHOICE
Best happy hour: Harborside Bistro
JOSIE LIMING THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
John McClendon and Kathy Washatka of Bellingham enjoy wine and a view of Bellingham Bay at Harborside Bistro. “It’s a cozy place and the people are nice,” Washatka said.
Poppe’s
714 Lakeway Drive, 392-6520
Hours: 2 p.m. to midnight Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
Boundary Bay
1107 Railroad Ave., 647-5593
www.bbaybrewery.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Cliffhouse
331 N. State St., 734-8660
www.bellinghamcliffhouse.com
Hours: 4:30 p.m. to midnight daily
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THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
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1 Bellwether Way, inside the Hotel Bellwether, 392-3200
www.harborsidebistro.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
From the boss: “Happy hour … is a service to the community when they can come in after work, have fun, have a few drinks and feel at home.” — Fahri Ugurlu, owner
Reader rave: “We have a lot of good places in Bellingham, but I really do think this one is worthy of being in New York or San Francisco.” — Les Blackwell, Bellingham
Highlights: Set inside the well-appointed Hotel Bellwether overlooking Bellingham Bay, Harborside Bistro offers a taste of Northwest-style luxury. Jackets aren’t required, but cell phones are discouraged. Owner Fahri Ugurlu says his philosophy is to create an atmosphere that is “warm, relaxed, refined and casual.”
Patrons can sip wine by the fireplace in the lounge or watch the sunset on the gas-heated outdoor terrace as boats sail into the bay. The staff remembers what drinks you had last week, and executive chef Joseph Merkling makes masterpieces out of fresh seafood and local vegetables. For lighter appetites, the inventively seasoned beef brochettes and pan-seared oyster appetizers set new standards for starters.
