I love Bellingham, so perhaps everything I write about Bellingham glows. Yet, after avoiding Seattle bars because of the closeness of the outdoor seating, we found an oasis at the Temple Bar in Bellingham. Sidewalk seating was constructed with tables separated be plywood walls with individual heaters, but safely open on the sides. A canopy overhead protects patrons from the rain. It was as Covid safe as possible. My martini couldn't arrive soon enough, and it was delicious. After not having anything to drink for weeks, by my third martini I loved everybody and everything, including Bellingham. Becka was our fun and engaging server, and she only enhanced our experience. Becka served us a warm blue cheese dip with some great chips. Monday, restaurants and bars in Washington can allow 25% capacity inside their establishments. The Temple Bar will be even more fun and more comfortable. I can't wait for my next visit to Bellingham. read more

The Temple Bar - Safe from any disease - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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We stopped in The Temple Bar for drinks and dinner prior to seeing a show. The server was quick to seat us and she remained attentive. We ordered a special cocktail "the persuasion," with earl grey vodka, calamansi,honey, and lemonade. It was good but a bit unbalanced. Too medicinal. Perhaps too much calamansi. My husband later ordered an old fashioned cocktail. It was good. For food we ordered the blue cheese dip, the pork chili verde & polenta, and a reuben sandwich. The food took a while to arrive. The server might have noted our anxiety because she asked if we had a show, noting the dip in particular might take a while. She was accommodating, bringing items out as they were prepared and supplying us with to-go boxes in case. The blue cheese dip came first. It came with potato chips and bread. It was tasty but a bit too salty. It was better with bread--the chips were a nice idea but it pushed the sodium level too high. Both entrees were delicious. We ate them in a rush (not everything got photographed). The atmosphere is nice. Perhaps a bit dated (i.e.,1990s), but nice. I think it would be a perfect date spot when you have the time to leisurely enjoy bites and drinks. read more

The Temple Bar - The Blue Cheese Dip. Skip the chips, order more bread. - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Stopped here on our way up to Canada on a Friday night. We had a great time here for happy hour. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was lively. We enjoyed the two charcuterie plates we got. The Petite Cheese board was a bit disappointing as there was only one cheese on it. The individual items on the boards were all good and the whole thing was a great value. I would definitely stop here again. read more

The Temple Bar - Petit Cheese Board and Prosecco for happy hour, and the meat board above. - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

One of our favorite places in downtown Bellingham. Perfect for a date night... They're happy hour is incredible. And all of their food has that farm to table flare to it. Their handmade cocktails are ridiculous... And we always have super kind servers... I can't think of one time that I've been there where the service wasn't great. Super kind and caring people. read more

The Temple Bar - Everything Plate, $19 - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I was so excited to finally try this place! It had been on my list for a while. The space is ok; a DIY repurposed store with artsy paint, velvet curtains, exposed plumbing and random tables and chairs. Charming and fun, yes. But the staff is roaringly loud, banging (like literally hammering) on the counters, the coffee grinder I think, maybe a dishwasher..?..., breaking glasses and yelling and laughing with each other over the already loud music. Very odd. It's like they want to draw attention to the fact that there's some big inside joke you're not privy to, or they're trying to drive the customers out so they can go home early and bang things and cackle there instead. I dunno. Aside from this somewhat alarming display, the table service was pleasant but ill- informed. The waitress did not know the specifics of the menu, the specials, the basic liquors used. There was a lot of unnecessary back-and-forth to ask questions of the loud cackles and bangers at the bar. Drinks were excellent, well-balanced and yummy. Food...not so much. The menu contains an apology for their small kitchen; take it to heart and just get small food. The apps and salad were tasty enough, but the mains were just bits of things on mounds of polenta-esque corn grits - which can be fabulous, done right, but these lacked in flavor, generosity and appearance. The "mama li'l's slaw" was just cabbage, will little if any tang or spice. I might slip in for a drink on a pub crawl (great neighborhood for such activities), and maybe order those prosciutto wrapped dates with goat cheese or the warm pistachios... but that's about it. The crazy noise and sketch service will keep me away. read more

Fun and comfortable lounge! My sister and I stopped in for a pre dinner beverage, it's centrally located so quick and easy walk to many places. We had beauty school dropout cocktails, delicious and refreshing. Very pleased to see mocktail/NA offerings too! Friendly service and very cool vibe, read more

I had a very disappointing experience this weekend. I visited The Temple Bar with a group of 8 other women. We ordered one drink each and were enjoying ourselves. Everyone was having a great time. I asked to order another drink and was told our party was cut off because we had been overserved. We each had one drink and most hadn't even finished that one. One of the women tried to explain that loud women are not necessarily drunk women. They didn't ask us to quiet down or anything, they asked to leave and gave us our bill. We were a group of women in our 40's and 50's, mature and educated and having a great time. We were all shocked at the service we received. We will not be back. read more

I am not much of a drinker, but this is definitely my favorite bar in town. The ambience is great, relaxing and unassuming. There are parties of 2 or larger, but there are also people enjoying their drinks alone, reading books, etc. The staff are all excellent, too. My favorite food item here is the everything plate (see photo). As long as I can have the everything plate and a glass of wine, I am all set. I highly recommend this place to relax and enjoy great drinks and food in a mellow atmosphere. ****************************** If you found something useful in my review, please hit "useful." Your feedback helps me improve my future reviews. If you love food or traveling, don't forget to follow me! Thank you and happy Yelping! read more

The Temple Bar - Golden Beet Salad (Left) and Everything Plate (right) - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Temple Bar for the win. A craft bar with fantastic nibbles. Wine and cheese of course. Sit down and dine. Your bartender or server will lead you to where you need to go. Have fun at this Bellingham gem. read more

Went up to Bellingham to get out of the City and have a nice little road trip. The wife wanted to try this place and unfortunately, we were a little disappointed. The ambiance was nice and welcoming, the drinks and service were good, but we were a little disappointed in the cheese plate. It was an "artisan" selection of cheese that featured mostly goat cheese that we were not made aware of until after we got it. We should have asked to be sure, and we would have thought that they would have put a wedge of Brie on there for $14. (Considering that they offer a Brie Grilled Cheese during their Happy Hour.) We were going to eat dinner also, but their late-night fare did not offer much except for small plates. FYI: The kitchen is very small and is not stated on their website, but is mentioned on their physical menu, so expect a little bit of a wait if they are busy. read more

The Temple Bar - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Great place to kick back relax and have a few adult beverages, what i also like is the happyhour snacks. The bar employees are always there to cater to you and always friendly. read more

Each time I visit my sister in Bellingham, we go to Temple Bar for tasty cocktails and some happy hour snacks. I most heartily recommend Burn After Reading ( my sister's fave) and the Thai Basil Coconut Daquiri. For a kick, try the Brazilian Coast card and then get a ride home. Haha! The olives are great as is the roasted cauliflower. Keep your fingers crossed for the eventual return of Poet's Daughter In any case, say hi to Riley, the genius behind it all. read more

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Need the ultimate first date spot? Look no further. Temple Bar is always dimly lit and cozy- great for dates or small get togethers. At night this space transforms into a busy yet intimate location lit with candles and strung up lights. The drinks here are wonderful. They have a decent selection of red and white wines and also offer a cocktail list. They squeeze fresh orange juice in house so if you get a screwdriver or tequila sunrise you won't be disappointed! I also love how this bar always has delicious small plates and snacks. We got a chocolate torte for a birthday when we were in last time and it was better than any torte or cake I've had. Ever. The only downside to Temple Bar is that is it small, so it's not good for parties or large groups. If you're planning to go out with a friend or two, Temple Bar is definitely in the top tier of bars in Bellingham! read more

The Temple Bar - Chocolate torte - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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My bestie and I always like to start our girls day out here at The Temple Bar, it's a great atmosphere with a fun menu of bite size appetizers or a delicious meal. Happy hour is also great! read more

The Temple Bar - The Temple Bar - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I've checked out the Temple Bar a few times now...they have a nice, romantic ambiance and super helpful/friendly service. Happy Hour is the time to go, where you can enjoy an entire bottle of good wine and an appy for just $18. They also have a similar beer-lover's deal, as well as a couple of other happy hour specials. Their specialty drink menu is also interesting. Recently I tried the "Windsor" which tasted a little bit like a pecan pie (in a good way). Their goat cheese toasts are also one of my favorite appy's in town (it's hard to just eat one plate of them). Parking is kind of a hassle in this area, though. Someday the City might get smart and get rid of those pesky parking meters so we can all enjoy places like the Temple Bar more often! read more

Love this place! The cheese plate is awesome. Funky and unpretentious atmosphere & very relaxing. Coffee is good and they have great desserts. Jazz, little plates of great food and if you are into cocktails and wine you will have a very good selection to choose from. Service was a bit off when we were there but they were super busy so I am cutting them some slack! They were nice though despite being so busy. Wish it was a bit larger in size. Overall a great place to go. read more

Underwhelmed. The wine, beer and cocktail list is limited for a bar. Food was mixed. Thought the dishes were too large and while flavorful my meatballs were super dry. Service was good. Ambience is too loud. I sometimes struggled to hear people at my table. read more

I really enjoy the Temple Bar, though maybe not as much as other people. The drinks are creative and strong, but the food selection is small. That's totally fine, I just have a tendency to frequent Happy Hours that have large food selection and this place doesn't. I don't really see where the title "Best Happy Hour in Bellingham" comes from when there aren't a ton of deals on drinks or food. That being said, the Temple Bar is a standby as far as Bellingham's craft cocktail culture is concerned. The food that I have had is tasty and the service is always great. read more

The Temple Bar - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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I like the outdoor music that is being sponsored by downtown Bellingham. I cannot rave about the outdoor seating, however. I understand that they need to lock the space at night but the hogwire structure makes it feel like being in a cage. What prompted me to write a review, however, was the wine. Paying $12 for 5 oz. that was so acidic that it kept me up at night was unacceptable. I told the server after one sip that it was bad but was not offered another option. I regret that I drank it. read more

Just what the snooty cocktail, quirky decor (accompanied by black and white floor tiles and antique mirrors on the wall), tasty snack spirited lady within me ordered! Consistently great service, great and unique bar food, and fabulous cocktails. I highly recommend Burn After Reading if you want a zesty, boozy and tasty cocktail, or the Thai Basil Daiquiri for a light, delicious, fruity, fresh cocktail. Reliable spot :)! read more

This is one of my "go to, after work taking a load off" favorite places. The snacks are tasty and the drinks are clever and delicious! Some of the best drinks in Bellingham read more

The Temple Bar - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Wow! What an incredible bar, other bartenders are so knowledgeable and can make incredible drinks. I asked them to make me their own unique take on a Negroni and had one of the best drinks I think I will ever have in my life! Thank you so much for the lovely experience, y'all rock!! read more

A bit of an odd bar in Bellingham. We went here for a friends birthday and were immediately greeted by a belly dancer. Once we ordered drinks, most of them were a bit off (too bitter or sugary) but there was a few that were pretty good. It's not that this is a bad bar (I have heard it is a good one for girls night out) but there are so many good choices in Bellingham. read more

I love a good cocktail. It should have quality ingredients, beautiful garnish, and of course, taste amazing. Temple bar nailed it on every front. I wish I remembered our dapper bartenders name, but his "song" tattoo on his elbow stands out. This man made a wicked good drink! My friend and I had two drinks each, all different, so that we could get a real feel and taste for the place - and every one was on point. We also shared the Raclette platter which was not only filling but satisfying in that way only melted cheese can be. We left by 9, so the crowd was mostly "after dinner" middle aged couples, but I could see coming here with my husband, a group of friends, or even my parents for a drink and meal, and all feeling welcome and happy. It's definitely my new go-to happy hour spot. read more

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Fav place in town for alcoholic beverages. Welcoming cozy environment with great friendly staff. read more

The Temple Bar - Happy hour plate with wine & handpies - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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I am going to channel the Grinch here a bit so get ready. So the cocktails are fine. The food is as expected or even a little better but the noise. The Noise, noise, noise, noise, noise. There aren't any Flu Floopers, Tar Tinkers, Who Hoovers, Gar Ginkers, Trum Tupers, Slu Slumkers, Blum Bloopers, Who Wompers, Zu Zitter Carzaies, Who Carnio Flunxes but man it is hard to hear in there. If you want to talk you should go somewhere else. read more

This is a great place for a seasonal cocktail and some champagne! The mood lighting and the seating is very elegant. This would be more suitable for a small party (maybe like, 2-6) but is perfect for great conversation and to lounge around. read more

First time there a couple a weeks ago. Nicole, my bartender, is wonderful. Loved the imaginative drinks she made (even generously giving me a sample of a basil-filled wonder). The hand pies on the HH menu are delightful. Less hand pie than puffed pastry wonder. Flavorful fillings and a bargain at $3 per pie. Pretty place too--so charming! read more

Temple Bar is one of my go to happy hours in town. They are always on point with service, food and drink selections, and atmosphere. It's usually packed but still feels intimate. Perfect for date night or catching up with friends. read more

Amazing food out of a postage stamp kitchen! There is a lack of space and equipment in the tiny kitchen, but the food is fabulous. We had the roasted cauliflower, hot stuffed dates, spiced lamb meatballs, and beet salad. It's hard to believe that the chef made these delicious items with not much more than a soup tureen and a toaster oven. The cocktails were tasty, too. read more

The Temple Bar - Roasted cauliflower and hot stuffed dates - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Went on Valentine's Day. What a pleasant surprise, since this was our first time here. We had the barley soup and tabbouleh. Both were delicious. The drinks definitely were strong enough. Will surely return read more

I had this amazing old little apartment in downtown Bellingham years ago - it was a sanctuary for me, and an included perk was that it was located around the corner from Temple Bar. At that time, I was in a haze after a year of drama and in desparate need for the world to stop spinning. I felt grounded in their wooden booths eating small plates and drinking wine. The tingly feeling of the real me being present in real life. The hot stuffed dates will snap a girl into reality any day of the week! I highly suggest them or the goat cheese toasts. Perfectly baked baguettes with butter and a cheese plate with all the fixins... It'll pass the hours and you'll never want to leave. (There's an everything plate too, generous for the price of around 14$) The wines and beer rotate so I won't quote anything specific as it's been tooooo long since I've been in (I'm coming for ya in July Temple Bar, save me a seat!) but I'll say they always have something French or Italian by the glass that is delicious. The buyer has a good nose and a solid palate. The Happy Hour is amazing. A bottle of wine with a little cheese plate, or a growler with the same. The cocktails are notable too. I'm homesick now. Thoroughly. read more

Aftyer walking around "downtown" Bellingham for 40 minutes looking for a place to grab a glass of wine and a snack I found the Temple Bar, lucky me! This place is a great, unpretentious little wine bar with delicious antipasto plates, paninis, and salads. Great ambiance, friendly service, and I think they have live music some nights of the week. I sat at the bar that has about 6 seats, and there are not many tables. They have a special Tuesday- Sunday before 7pm $15 for a bottle of wine and a small cheese plate. Wines range from around $4-$9 a glass. A good find in Bellingham. read more

One of my favorite places in town, but has a few rough edges. The cocktails are excellent, and though a bit spendy for Bellingham they're not outrageously priced. (If you want a cheaper, lower-quality drink there are endless choices elsewhere). Atmosphere is fantastic and reminds me quite a bit of San Francisco; think a cross between historic and modern/urban without being too hipster-y and pretentious. Food is very good but definitely leans toward light meal/appetizers rather than full dinners. Great (and affordable) drink/hors d'oeurve combos during happy hour. The persistent problem is service - during busy times (about 6:00 on, and assuming you can get a table) you are likely to wait a long time for both drink and food orders, especially after your first round. The staff is generally friendly and knowledgable, and attentive when the place isn't packed, so most of the issues stem from understaffing during peak periods. Still, it doesn't keep me from visiting on a regular basis. read more

A nice small place with chandeliers and vintage mirrors. Plenty of outdoor light flowing in with bench-booth and small table seating. They have a wonderful happy hour menu with a few specialty cocktails and handmade pies. Any restaurant with Brie on this many items on the menu sings to my heart. The two items I had were the Grapefruit and Basil Fizz and asked to add a shot of tequila -it was extremely refreshing and flavorful. We also had the Everything plate (see photos). The Everything is a schmorgishborg (sp?) of goodness on a cheese board. We will be back! read more

The Temple Bar - The Everything Plate - New American Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

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Temple Bar is a fantastic place to meet someone for conversation. Excellent atmosphere, tall ceilings, no loud music, old wooden tables & chairs and vintage decoration and fixtures throughout the place. Since it's good for conversation, that means it's a great place to take a date. It really seems the place is set up and maintained for customers to have a perfect environment for conversation + drinks. The menu is small and the cocktails are fancy, but you can't have good conversation with a bunch of food in your mouth or a bunch of cheep beers, so it all fits. read more

The Temple Bar is as if someone transplanted an intimate Parisian cafe and wine bar into our little city of Bellingham -- how lucky for us! The small space is filled with rich colors and wooden tables, and is dreamily lit after dark. It's a great place to bring a date, or if you're just looking for a mellow place to get a drink and have a conversation without loud music or an obnoxious crowd. The staff is quite friendly and knowledgeable if you're feeling indecisive. The chalkboards that boast their daily selections are well-described for anyone who isn't an expert on wine or beer. Their happy hour deal consists of a small cheese plate and bottle of wine for $15 and is available until 7 o'clock. If you're on a budget, I recommend sharing their jug/carafe of house red -- it's a good deal for a mere $11. Their concise menu offers a variety of tasty panini sandwiches, fresh salads, cheese and/or meat plates, and decadent desserts. Most of the selections are vegetarian/pescatarian (fish-eaters) friendly. If it's busy, prepare to wait for your food, as there's generally just one person on staff, and help yourself to the water jug. read more

This place will always have my heart. A local must. Their happy hour goes until 7pm (Longer than most.) and has a delectable $18 cheese plate and always quality bottle of wine. It is worth going by itself. Then there is the totally unique atmosphere with the velvet walls, mixed mirrors, chalkboard bathroom note wall, long benches and tables tucked into nooks. VERY gluten free/ dairy free / vegetarian friendly seasonal menu!! Their salads, polenta, stuffed dates--- you'll be going ga ga. I tend to be a wine drinker (you all will be riiiight at home), but their mixed drinks would stand up in any competition. Really creative. The place will be packed come 6pm, and will always delight. I very rarely have to wait for a table (minus when shows at MBT are playing) and the waiters/waitresses know their stuff. Really. You will return again and again. Oh! And give yourself a touch extra time to find parking. read more

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Yet another place in Bellingham that's awesome in regards to drinks and atmosphere, but lacking in quality service. Admittedly, it's been much better the last couple of times I've been here, but I've had a few experiences where my group ordered things that literally never came. I've ordered food, and had the wrong item delivered. However, the food (if it ever shows up and is actually what you ordered) is fantastic. I recommend the stuffed dates! Definitely check it out, it's a great place...just don't go if you're in a hurry! read more

This place is so perf. If you want a romantic evening, go here. If you want to chill with your girlfriends, go here. If you rolled outta bed and want to chill, go here. It's like upscale but without feeling pretentious. I truly enjoy Temple Bar. And their "Everything Platter" is the best in town. read more