Check out this exclusive Bellingham speakeasy. You’ll need the secret code
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- Chuckanut Bay Distillery hosts a monthly 1920s-style speakeasy in Bellingham.
- Guests use a secret code from social media to gain access through an alley door.
- The event features live jazz, classic cocktails and décor inspired by Prohibition.
Once a month, a few lucky guests are invited to a hidden speakeasy secretly tucked into one of downtown Bellingham’s alleyways, for an experience filled with live jazz music, cocktails and flasks hidden in Bibles.
The monthly event, called The Pastime, is a nod to a speakeasy from the 1920s in the same Bellingham alleyway, hosted by Chuckanut Bay Distillery.
“The Pastime was a lively establishment during Prohibition that featured a card room, billiards, and a café, among other things. It was located right at the entrance of the alley behind our distillery just a stone’s throw from where we are today. It was owned by Fred McGinnis, great-grandfather of Chuckanut Bay Distillery co-owner Kelly Andrews,” Ethan Lynette, one of Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s owners, told The Bellingham Herald.
“Kolby LaBree, a local historian and Good Time Girl, helped us research The Pastime and its colorful role in keeping Bellingham supplied with spirits during the dry years. Let’s just say, they were quite the characters,” Lynette said.
In order to experience the exclusive speakeasy, guests must watch Chuckanut’s social media pages for a secret code word to email the bar. If you are one of the 40-50 people selected to attend, Chuckanut will send out invites with directions to the specific alleyway door and the code word to enter.
Without the correct code word for the night, the bouncer at the door won’t let you in, let alone speak to you.
“We’ve always loved the vibe of a good speakeasy and realized our venue has the perfect layout for that kind of experience, historic building, alley entrance with a light signaling when we’re ‘open,’ muscle at the door checking for passwords, and so on,” Lynette said.
After telling the bouncer the code word, you’ll be handed a newspaper with The Pastime’s history and menu, as well as directions to the speakeasy.
Once you enter the discreet doorway, travel up the stairs and through a dark door, where you’ll be greeted with low lights, live music, a charcuterie table and a variety of craft cocktails.
“We’ve talked about creating a speakeasy experience since the beginning, but it’s only now that we’ve been able to bring it to life. Pace Rubadeau, a beloved local musician, has been key to making this happen—he’s handled everything from booking bands to fine-tuning the layout and spreading the word.”
The event’s ambiance allows guests to step back in time and even encourages guests to dress the part in 1920s flapper outfits and dapper clothes.
“Our goal is to create a fun, immersive experience that feels unlike anything else in town, something both entertaining and rooted in authentic history,” Lynette said. “Many of us came to Bellingham because of its unique, quirky spirit, and we want to do our part to keep that alive.”
Guests can enjoy classic cocktails like a Bee’s Knees, a Manhattan, or an Old Fashioned served as a hollowed-out replica Bible with a flask ready to pour. The bar also serves well drinks, beer and wine.
“Live music from the golden age, classic 1920s cocktails served by staff in period attire, and a secret alley entrance with a password required. If nothing else, it’s definitely one-of-a-kind,” Lynette said.
To get on the list for next month’s speakeasy, watch Chuckanut Bay Distillery’s Facebook and Instagram profiles for a post with directions to get an invite.
Chuckanut Bay Distillery is at 1311 Cornwall Ave.
This story was originally published July 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
