Bellingham brewery is a popular ‘meeting place’ for locals. What I got for $25
It’s nearly St. Patrick’s Day in Bellingham.
Since many St. Paddy’s Day celebrations center on alcohol, I decided to visit a bar as part of The Bellingham Herald’s On a Budget series, which focuses on affordable fun and cheap eats in Whatcom County.
Seeking out a local brewery felt like a natural choice.
The problem was, Bellingham has plenty of options for beer lovers — and lots I haven’t been to yet.
To help me decide which Bellingham brewery to visit, The Bellingham Herald reached out to the experts — our readers — on Instagram for suggestions.
Multiple Instagram users said I should stop by popular Bellingham spot Stemma Brewing Co., so I did.
Here’s how I spent my $25 budget:
What is Stemma Brewing in Bellingham?
Stemma Brewing Co. opened its original taproom at 2039 Moore St. in Bellingham in 2019, according to the brewery’s website.
The brewery opened a second location, known as Stemma West, at 500 Carolina St. near the James St. Trader Joe’s in June.
“We opened (the original taproom) to create a space that felt approachable and neighborhood-oriented—somewhere people could stop in for a pint after work, bring friends, or spend a relaxed afternoon together,” Stemma Brewing owner Jason Harper wrote in an email to The Herald.
“One of the things we enjoy most about the location is the sense of community that’s grown around it,” Harper said. “Over the years it’s become a regular meeting place for a lot of local folks.”
What I got at local brewery, food truck
I stopped by Stemma Brewing’s Moore Street taproom on a rainy weekday afternoon. I easily scored a spot in the brewery’s outdoor parking lot, although I suspect parking becomes more scarce later in the evening.
As I walked into the taproom, I was greeted by an adorable blue heeler named Thistle. Thistle alone made the trip worth it.
The taproom was just as welcoming, with blue decor dotted throughout the bar. Although there were only a few people there when I visited, it felt like I could go up to any of them and easily strike up a conversation.
I sat down at the bar and order a Super Squeeze hard juice for $8. The flavor was mild, and the drink didn’t taste much like alcohol, which I really enjoyed.
Although Stemma Brewing doesn’t serve food made in-house, rotating food trucks offer a variety of meal options.
During my visit, the Burnt Side Down Food Trailer and Tacos Tepozteco Taco Truck were serving up food.
I chose the Burnt Side Down Food Trailer because they had grilled cheese sandwiches — and those are my favorite.
I got the Easy Cheesy sandwich, featuring colby jack and cheddar cheese on sourdough bread with a massive ring of crispy cheese surrounding the sando. I also got a cup of tomato soup, bringing my total to $14.
Really, is there anything better on a rainy day?
Stemma Brewing and Burnt Side Down may be my favorite spots I’ve visited for On A Budget so far.
Staffers were friendly and knew the menu well. Plus, aside from my mom’s cooking, this was one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve had.
Is Stemma Brewing affordable?
After taxes and tips, my total for Stemma Brewing Co. and Burnt Side Down Food Trailer came to $27.04.
Although I went slightly over budget, my satisfying meal was totally worth it.
Although the other drinks on Stemma Brewing’s menu were pretty affordable, ranging from $8 to $10, some of the food truck options were a little on the pricey side.
For instance, some sandwiches were sold for $18 apiece.
Overall, Stemma Brewing is an affordable option for beer fans in Bellingham. The next time I come back, however, I’ll likely just get drinks to spare my wallet.
How is Stemma Brewing celebrating St. Patrick’s Day?
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Stemma Brewing will have live Celtic music at its Carolina Street location from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, according to Visit Bellingham Whatcom County.
Green beer will be served at both Stemma locations on Tuesday.
Where should I go next for On a Budget?
Have any ideas on where I should visit in Whatcom County on a budget?
Send me recommendations by emailing jhawkins@bellinghamherald.com or by filling out the form below.
This story was originally published March 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM.