Be careful when you pay- make sure you get a receipt We were given the payment thing and then a few minutes later the bartender said "are you done it shouldn't take this long" and ripped it out of my hand 10 minutes later when I got his attention again and asked for a receipt- he acted like I requested a change in parliament..... It was a while until I got one... but it was incorrect....and a tip was placed on it that I Didn't give It was just and the owner was there (as a patron) Be careful of your $$$$ here We won't be back Notice the 1 stars are very recent..... read more

I've been coming here for about 3 years now and have literally never had an issue until last week. My partner and I went out last Thursday for a low key date night. We don't go out much, but when we do we usually stop here. It was actually a really slow night, which was kind of nice since it's normally packed. I told the bartender I was going to the bathroom and my boyfriend walked in with me. We were in there for maybe a minute or two. Only I used the restroom and nothing weird or inappropriate happened. When I came back out, the bartender gave me the most disgusted look and said something like, "Really? You guys went into a single stall bathroom together? Really?" I was honestly confused and immediately apologized and said I didn't know that wasn't allowed. Instead of just explaining it, she responded with, "How do you not know that? That's common sense?" and then implied it was a drug or sex thing. I genuinely did not know that, and there were no signs posted saying only one person was allowed in the bathroom (that I saw). I've also been coming here for years and have never been talked to about this before. The way she handled it felt super rude and embarrassing. A simple "Hey, just so you know, that's not allowed here" would have been totally fine. She then said she could still serve us, but by that point I felt really uncomfortable. I apologized for the drink she had already made and said we were going to head somewhere else. Her response was a very rude "Okay, bye!" I've worked in food service for 5 years and I would never talk to a customer like that, especially when they clearly didn't know they were doing anything wrong. The whole interaction completely killed the vibe and honestly ruined our night. I even emailed the owner twice over the past week because I didn't want to leave a bad review without giving them a chance to respond, but I never heard back. read more

Honestly, I wish I could leave zero stars after my experience tonight. I've been to this bar many times and normally I've had a fine experience, but after what happened tonight (Tuesday, July 22nd), I will never go back. This is entirely due to the unnecessarily aggressive and hostile attitude of the bartender who was working that night. He was rude, dismissive, and honestly seemed annoyed that we had even walked in. A group of my friends and I (who were very polite, respectful AND sober) went in to get my friend her birthday shot (on her actual birthday) and were denied immediately. When a few of us offered to buy drinks in order for her to get her shot, he kept up the same shit attitude, ruining everyone's mood. BTW there was only like 3 other people there so it's not like he was crazy busy or anything. Not only that, he tried to gaslight her by saying that it wasn't her actual birthday, AFTER she had shown her ID. Needless to say, we all left without finishing our drinks (but still paid) and was screamed at as we walked out "DON'T COME BACK" (like any of us wanted to). It was bizarre, aggressive and by far the worst customer service experience I have ever had. I normally never leave reviews but this experience was so upsetting and jarring that I felt it was necessary. Again, this bar is normally fine, but as long as that bartender is working there, I will never go back and I will tell everyone I know to avoid it as long as he is there. read more

Had a blasty blast. The signature drinks were delicious, affordable, and made by really cool/friendly bartenders. Love the atmosphere with the sweet velvet paintings. Comfortable vibe and fun karaoke. read more

Classic spot for a pbf, decor is niche Bellingham vibes, bartenders are always fast and friendly, the only bummer that knocked this review down to a 4 from a 5 is that the popcorn machine is no longer working :/ I want my cute silly snack after downing a pbf (or 3)!!! read more

I left a 5 star review because this is the best bar in town but I just don't want the staff to think they did anything wrong. The only thing that I really wish was fixed is the popcorn machine. If that was fixed, this would be a review without an astrick! read more

Karaoke dj is a jag - only his homies (who are not good at karaoke) get to sing Bartenders are cool bar is cool just get rid of jag read more

Really cool old school bar with great bartenders and some really cool decor, love all the velvet paintings. Great place to stop in mid week to catch a Mariners game but Sunday night Karaoke is my favorite in the town. What a great time, Super fun spot that is not at all pretentious. read more

I am extremely disappointed with the quality of service to put it mildly. I was a witness to an incident involving the unjust banning of someone close to me for no discernable valid reason. My partner and I were here finishing off the night on a slow Thursday, celebrating getting their new job. We were sitting at the bar off and on interacting with patrons as well as the bartender. During this time, we interacted with a handful of patrons, had friendly conversations, and even bought someone a birthday shot. As we went to pay our tab, the bartender working there got extremely aggressive and accused my partner of trying to run out on the bill. They also accused them of misgendering other patrons, something that did not happen that night. Nobody we talked to in any way told us that the pronouns we used for them (if we even did use them) were correct or not. This was a completely out of pocket accusation, intended to hurt and not to help, and in my firm belief, give this bartender a "valid" excuse to kick us out. Afterwords the bartender in question took a picture of my partner and most definitely "spread the word" regarding the situation as it has affected them getting entry into other places downtown. I have been a member of this community and a resident of bellingham for a long time, have many queer and trans friends, and it really sucks to see someone abuse the small amount of authority and power they have when, in reality, banning someone should consist of actual problematic, aggressive and rude behavior. Consulting the owner was of no help, patrons beware. read more

Owner has no control over their staff and won't take accountability. If you look at all the negative reviews about mean or rude bartenders you'll see the pattern where he denies or deflects. Won't have my business again, and I definitely wouldn't not recommend. Bartender falsely accused me of misgendering people and had me black listed because I asked them to play a title fight song when no one but myself, a friend, and girlfriend were in the bar drinking (I think?) I didn't even use gendered language or have a single negative interaction with a person while I was there. That person shouldn't work in bars.. anyways I Didn't argue with anyone, paid my tab. They flipped out on me when I went to leave and were extremely rude and aggressive for literally no reason. Tried reaching out to the owner because I know I didn't do anything and both people that were with me know I didn't do anything but no such luck. There are a few other cool dives, check those out. Not this one. read more

I love this bar!! Great bartenders, great door guy, great patrons and a good time all around. One of my favorite places in Bellingham read more

"My respect for the Bartender Bob, we felt so welcomed to have a drink or two, had some popcorn while it was closer to Kareoke time, awesome environment. My kinda vibe, Positive vibes ooh yes. So worth waiting for time to try our best to sing !!:) "Aparently we have a cousin @ this city know !:). Shout out to this place, its like a pearl in an oyster !;) "Plus i had quality time with my bro. , so its a win win. read more

I've been here twice and each time the drinks are good but the bartender is grumpy. No big deal, each night it was busy so just chalked it up to work stress. Karaoke is a blast - I would say it's trying hard to be a dive joint- generally the bartenders are more approachable and personable at a dive joint (thus creating regulars). I'll probably come back the next time my pals are in town again- just because we have made it a thing - but wouldn't go just to go any other time. Plenty of places where you can get a good cheap drink from a friendlier face. read more

It is a very unsafe place to drink. We had a scary incident there. Women should bring a friend and have a buddy system. Perhaps this is always the case; nevertheless, it's essential for this scary dive bar. read more

I wanted to like Cap Hansen's. Initially, it reminded me of funky taverns in my home state of Wisconsin, unpretentious, with a few oddities hanging on the wall the owners picked up along the way. It's seemed like a place to go after work or to get a relaxing buzz on the weekends. Unfortunately the bartender on Saturday, the 23rd of April hated my guts. His disdain poured off him like sweat from a meth freak. I don't know what pissed him off, my advanced age, my fedora, or my NYC accent. For once, I didn't say or do anything rude or irreverent. I can't help that I am over seventy, grew up in New York, and get cold when I don't wear a hat. The bartender was a judgmental asshole and ruined Cap Hansen's experience for me. Cap Hansen's may come across as a down to earth, regular people bar. Yet, with bar keeps treating patrons like crap, because some particular customers don't meet the bartender's expectations, it becomes as snobby as the most restrictive country club. Cap Hansen's practices the worst kind of apartheid. read more

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Went on a quiet weekday evening. Rude and slow and unfriendly bartender. Tall woman (I was sitting-- so maybe not so tall...)...long dark hair, maybe 30..(?)... black jeans. Not nice! Wow. Won't be back. read more

In a town of many dive bars Cap's stands tall... Funky decor, cheap beer, friendly...What more could you ask for?

My 2 friends and I went to Cap's while waiting for our dinner reservation on Fri, May 5th 2023 at about 7:15 PM. I've been here TONS of times and it's a fun little bar; I'll never forget my first PBF here! Unfortunately, the bartender at the time (a Middle Aged looking woman), told me my ID WAS A FAKE. I'm TWENTY SEVEN YEARS OLD ALMOST 28! I was so shocked, what does one do in this situation? I didn't have any pictures in my phone with something "proving my birthdate" as she put it. If she took my ID, I would have to call my roommate to bring me my passport or I would of had to call the police so verify my ID. She was incredibly rude and honestly, I'm mostly concerned that she doesn't know how to tell real IDs from fake ones. Won't be returning, if I do I guess I'll make sure I bring my passport and birth certificate. read more

Horrible bartenders. Don't ever go here. If I could give 0 stars I would. The bartenders seem to make it their personal mission to police their patrons. One with an obvious power complex. There are too many great breweries around the area to mess with this horrible bar. Do yourself a favor and skip this place when visiting Bellingham. 0/10 would not recommend. Edited *** the owner is trying to make me into a drunk belligerent mess. I was not drunk I remember everything. The bartender took my boyfriends drink away for literally sitting down and DOING NOTHING. I simply asked "why did you take his drink away?" Just trying to understand the situation. The second I asked the question, he took my drink away. Despite the fact that we JUST got there 5 minutes ago and they served us "drunk" patrons. Then this owner tried to threaten me with legal action because he "watched the security cameras." Ha! I broke no laws. And IN FACT they broke the law by serving us then deciding we were drunk 5 mins later. And yes owner I remember everything despite the picture you're painting of me. I was defending my boyfriend: any decent person would do the same. So get real. People, don't go to this bar is all I can say. Too many great places in Bellingham to patron this horrible place. Maybe your bartender should look into becoming a police officer since that's the vibe. Def not what I'm looking for when I go to a bar. Don't go. Bad vibes, bad times, bad bartenders, and a really bad owner who keeps horrible employees. Be smart people: don't make the same mistake I made and DON'T go here. Side note: I would love to see the video of me breaking the law in Also you note how great and friendly my boyfriend was but he was the one that got his drink taken away??? Pick a lane. read more

Yes, I very much enjoyed my time at Caps. The vibe is very divey. So if that's not your thing, probably best to move along. They have Hamm's beer on tap, which is unique to say the least. Also delicious! Some other hard to find treats include colt45 and schlitz. I'll be back when I'm in the area. read more

Cap Hansen's - Hamm's on draft. For real. - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

5 star dive bar! This joint is rad, check out the vintage ceiling tiles and get some free popcorn. Don't forget to try their signature drink: The Peruvian Bear Fucker. It's light and sweet and totally chuggable. After one or two, you might forget having the third, so be careful... they're dangerously delicious! read more

One word to describe? FUN. I came to this dive bar on a Sunday night looking for a bit of fun. I found it. Karaoke night with a great mixed crowd of folks just looking for a good time. No judgement here. Sign up and belt it out. The bartenders seemed very friendly. A great selection of liquor and beer but lacking in hard cider. I love the decor. I can easily see becoming a regular here. I'll be back. read more

We went there Sunday for karaoke. Had a great time, everyone was really friendly. Bartenders were great even for how busy it was.

The last time I was in Cap's my friend called this crazy girl Koo-Koo and her boyfriend wanted to start a fight. It was hilarious; especially considering the fight-starter was an idiot undergrad boy who would have gotten smashed in the face by an actual man. What this anecdote tells you is, this bar is hipster chic on the surface, but surly drunken regulars on the deep, chewy inside. The place is dump, the chairs are uncomfortable, the juke box is great, the bartenders are awesome, and I've never touched the food. I like bourbon and bottled beer, and this place delivers stiff drinks and cheap prices. Plus, there is a totally awesome shark drawing on the wall by the urinal trough. read more

I liked this bar. It was filled with a comfortable mix of people - mostly regulars. Drinks were good, bartenders were nice, polite and the people came from all walks. No cliques that I saw. No pretentious snobs -- just regular people who happened to be there. A pleasant surprise! I'll be back!! read more

Was having drinks with friends. An older fellow came in and asked for bartEnders recommendaction In jovial manager. He was posted a Jamieson on rocks. He said it wasn't his favourite so he'd pay and could he get another drink. Bar tender was abusive, poured sink down drain and asked guy to leave. He, like myself was bewildere. Bar tenders a couch. read more

Cap Hansens is a HOT MESS. I don't really agree with the clique comments---but rather it does have a very regular and repeat clientele of loyal drinkers...so I suppose I could see that. The tiny bar is very divey and home to some of bellinghams BEST barkeeps. I love how bitchy they can be....which, most times is warranted....the drinks are giant, cheap and strong. The food is steamed to perfection. And actually amazing. I love this place and I can always go there when in need of a friendly face...and the occassional gay makeout!!! One secret about caps....SUNDAY brunch...Michelle makes it from scratch...and it is amazing and something like three bucks. Stop by....you wont remember you did the next day...but your credit card will remind you..... Love Caps. read more

Small and crowded, like every good dive bar should be, Cap's has, in my humble opinion, THE best jukebox in town. Lots of Tom Waits, Pixies, and Willie Nelson... They have a good selection of beer on tap, including the essential PBR. The tall cans of Oly are a nice bonus... They have occasional live music, but the place is so small that the bands take up most of the room. Cap's is a great place to warm up before a show at the Nightelight, located next door. read more

Cap Hansen's - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

The drinks are strong + cheap, and the place is often full of lively folks. There are the general cliques, but I've found everyone to be friendly that I've talked to there. Their sandwiches are suprisingly yummy; I recommend "Reuben's Sister", served cold topped with coleslaw, with a green salad and their homemade Bleu Cheese.. They also serve free popcorn, which is nice but runs on the salty side. One drawback is the horde of smokers out front -- I've come home stinking just from walking through their cloud. Definitely agree that it's a great place to pre-funk before spending a lot on drinks at the Nightlight. read more

This is the best dive bar in bellingham. The jukebox is fully stocked with popular and local music. Try the "Peruvian Bearfucker". On Sundays, some of the best singers in Bellingam show off their chops at karaoke with Action Zach Zinn. At this point, I have been going to karaoke for 12 years. read more

Cap Hansen's - Regulars drinking on the solstice. - Dive Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Caps is where my night goes to end. Tread lightly but also, go on girl, take that 3rd Peruvian. Xoxo gossip girl

This little bar is pretty cool during happy hour or nights when it isn't busy. Your money will go much further here then at any other bar donwtown in my opinion. Just don't get too rowdy during happy hour and piss off the bartender and get cut off read more

I used to like this place, until I went there with some friends and sat down for a drink and my friend was shaking his leg, causing the chair to BARELY squeak. A male bartender with glasses rudely came up to us demanding that he stopped squeaking the "f**ing chair", and when we asked what the big deal was/why they even had the chair if it was that much of a problem (because clearly, it was) he kicked us out of the bar. I've never in my life experienced such rudeness and hostility in my life, especially from a worker in the service industry. If a squeaky chair makes someone blow up that much, maybe get rid of the chair, or get rid of the bartender. Won't ever be paying for this type of service again. read more

Cap Hansen's is a classic dive bar. Having been to the great city of Milwaukee, WI, I was very impressed with Cap Hansen's collection of Schlitz memorabilia. The bar has lots of cheap bottled beers, so to fulfill my dive bar experience I had a bottle of Miller High Life. Most people who came up to the bar while I was there were ordering shots, so the shots must be cheap or generous. An interesting variety of crusty bearded older dudes and clean-cut college-age ladies and gentlemen were there to socialize, drink and watch the TV...which was set to a Mariner's game when I arrived, then switched to Back To The Future II. read more

Cap's was last stop before home. I think it seemed a-okay because I had had a few . The inside matches it's reputation of being a bit of a dive. People there are really nice though. We shared a table with a few other attendees who chatted it up like we knew each other. The atmosphere was buzzing and got really crowded a bit after we got there. Definitely a few people's last stop of the night. I don't think it really accommodates bigger groups trying to all be able to sit next to each other. I think it'd be a nice place to go during off-hours to get a pitcher and sit back and keep it low key. read more

I will agree that this bar is quite clique-y. But the people are very friendly (patrons and staff). It can get cramped inside on some nights. The food is great, and the drinks are delicious. Also, Caps is a good place to pre-funk or post-funk if you are going to the Nightlight. read more

Top Notch! This is a 5 star dive bar! If you not a regular the bar tenders will make you feel uncomfortable and so will the crowd, bare with them and pay your dues and in good time you will fit right in. The juke box is on point, it is filled with all the sad drinking songs your hear desires. The popcorn is sometimes fresh and there is always a good movie playing, and by good i mean an old cheesy action flick. Stop in for a cheap drink and good company. read more

It seems like the few times I've stopped in there wearing jeans and my normal clothes on the off nights, I've been treated humanely. I even went in to drop off my resume at one point because I was looking for a part-time bar-tending job. However, when I'm out dancing with my friends and happen to be wearing not-so-hipsterish clothes, but rather a skirt, make-up, and nice shoes, I get treated like dirt. The first time I said I'd never go back was when my I.D. was not accepted. It was about 10 p.m. on a Friday night, not too busy yet. My friend had just turned 21, and she still had a vertical license. She was let in before me, but then mine was "studied" by the door guy and three bartenders. They told me it was "too thin," and I couldn't come into the bar. I showed them my old Nebraska state license that I had kept in my wallet. He did not accept it, because there was a hole punched through it. (Of course there was a hole punched through it because I don't live in Nebraska anymore). He simply said "Sorry, you aren't getting in tonight." I laughed at first because of how ridiculous the situation was. The girls standing behind me had their I.D.s out ready to go, so I asked them if I could look at theirs. The thinness of all the I.D.s were exactly the same, and I showed it to the door guy. I said "if you let them in, and not me, then this is wrong." Of course, to prove a point, he let them right in. Then, this girl who works there obnoxiously pops out from behind and said "Sorry, we can't help it that you stole your big sister's license." (This made no sense, because they were using the argument that my I.D. was fake, not an issue of it being someone else's). I was outraged. After only having one beer beforehand, I was perfectly able to see the unfairness. My I.D. was legal, and I even had a second one to show him, and still nothing. The dude was on a power trip that I had to end. I walked back to my apartment, got my passport and a legal copy of my birth certificate, and showed him. Before even looking inside to see that I was in fact 23 years old, he began apologizing profusely. I told him I wasn't giving them my business, I just wanted to prove I was of age. He said "I'll remember this." A month passes, and I was out with friends having a great time at the Underground. It was a little after 1 a.m. and I was waiting outside for my friends. I was cold so I thought I'd give Cap's another chance. I told my friends to meet me there and I went in for a beer to end the night. The guy at the door remembered me. I got a beer and found a seat near the door. My friend came over and told me her coat was stolen. She was standing outside the door, so I went over to talk to her. I guess the door guy thought I was going to leave with the beer in my hand, and pulls me back. They immediately take my beer away and shove me out the door. I asked why I was being kicked out, and they just ignored me. I was pissed! I was starting to walk home, then I turned back. There was no reason for them to treat me like that. I had paid for that beer, and I hadn't done anything wrong. They had just closed the doors, so I knocked on the window and asked to speak to a manager. The same girl who accused me of stealing my big sister's license comes out and deliberately gets in my face. I thought to myself, "This is the manager of Cap's?" She starts talking down to me, calling me "blondie" and "honey." I said "All I'm asking is to know why I was kicked out and my drink was ripped out of my hand." She said I only tipped the bartender 75 cents. The beer was something like $3.25, and I left $4, big whoop. I'm a bar-tender too, and that's a completely acceptable tip. It's not a great one, but it's not like he made me a complicated martini, he just poured me a beer. She then proceeds to call me a "drunk fucking cunt" who "grabbed at the door guy's coat." Maybe I grabbed at his coat to keep from losing my balance while I was being shoved out the door. I have NEVER been someone to get violent and cause problems when I've been drinking. I told her "I know what it's like dealing with drunk people, I'm in the business too." She says "Oh really? Where?" When I told her where I work, she cuts me off saying "I don't give a fuck where you work." The name-calling didn't end there. This joke of a manager also called me a "stupid bitch" in the midst of her yelling at me. I couldn't get a word in. Every time I tried to defend myself, she cut me off saying "Nope, you're done bitch. You're done." I had to walk away because tears were welling up in my eyes and I couldn't do anything more. I can't believe how nasty and unprofessional this girl was. Several of my friends saw what happened, and they can all attest that I did nothing wrong. I deserve to be treated like every other scenester hipster who goes there. Yes, I was drunk, sue me. But unfortunately for her, I remember everything she said. read more

Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters Hipsters oh, and may I say hipsters? I am surprised there isn't fixed gear parking only established onsite, or that if you are wearing anything but skinny jeans you are not allowed in... Oh wait, you kinda aren't. Every time I have been here I have felt instantly like an outsider. Bartenders are kinda 'meh' about anyone that doesnt spend there time here by the hour on their Ipads, talking about the latest band you probably havent heard of. I will not be going back any time soon. read more

This place is the BOMB! I love it here and if I lived in B'ham, I would frequent it often. It's like that cool place in Philly that's been there forever... or the joint in Denver, or that dive in Little Havana Miami, or that place I don't remember in NYC, Annapolis, Kansas City, Atlanta, the Haight, Santa Fe and Missoula. Know what I mean? All time, classic college town dive bar with shit loads of character! Rock on! read more