When I get to escape and head out on the town with my gal pals, we look for that perfectly comfy place to catch up, vent, relax and reconnect. The venue we choose must have savory appetizers, an interesting variety of beverages, and above all, atmosphere.
Girl time is so important to me. Whether it’s an opportunity to check in with my book club, catch up with an out-of-town friend from the old days, bond with fellow moms, or blow off steam from a hectic week, I rely on that precious time away from the hustle and bustle. Here are a handful of my favorite Whatcom County spots to just be with my besties.
Temple Bar
The red velvet wallpaper and gold framed mirrors in the romantic evening light make a soiree at the Temple a fun treat. My girlfriends and I order and share the hot stuffed dates, Tosca polenta, and the twice-grilled cheese to complement the crisp, unique salads. The blended Black Dahlia tastes a little wild — yet familiar — with light rum, absinthe, coconut cream, lime and nutmeg. The friendly, patient servers and the warmth of the apple ginger toddy keeps us chatting long into the evening.
Temple Bar
306 West Champion Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-676-8660
www.templebarbellingham.com
Daphne’s in Fairhaven
Everyone agrees that the bartenders are great at Daphne’s, and they know how to make a stellar cocktail. The gentle lighting and wide variety of specialty drinks make this a great stopping point after shopping in Fairhaven.
“The majority of our customers are female,” notes Daphne’s Creative Director, Tom Grayling. “We provide a fun, safe place to unwind a bit with friends throughout the week or let loose on the weekends.” Daphne’s Happy Minute, at 5:00 to 5:01 p.m., is a bartender special for only $5, with Happy Hour from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. offering a dollar off wines, beer and classic cocktails. Customer favorites include the Ginger French, Mountain Pear and the Italian.
Daphne’s in Fairhaven
1200 10th Street, Suite 102
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-778-3462
https://www.instagram.com/Daphnes.fairhaven/
*Editor’s Note: Daphne’s closed their doors in December of 2016.*
Pure Bliss
Offering some of the most delectable cake I’ve ever eaten, this charming dessert bistro has something to satisfy every one of my discerning girlfriends. All desserts are made on-site from scratch and — even better — the ingredients list is short and wholesome. As Pure Bliss’ website mentions, Pure Bliss uses “…hormone-free dairy products, organic eggs, sweet cream butter, no-spray produce, expeller-pressed oil, and an overall ingredient list that says NO to trans fats.” Tea, espresso, beer, wine, a incredible and creative range of sweet and savory desserts, and the tasteful décor in black, white and petal pink keep my gaggle of pals content well into the evening.
Pure Bliss
1424 Cornwall Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-739-1612
www.pureblissdesserts.com
The Abbey Garden Tea Room
When we want to feel pampered, we head for tea. The cares of the outside world are left at the door when stepping in to this British-style tea room. Abbey Garden’s soft music, antique china, and the tinkle of tiny spoons make me feel like I’ve been to the spa. The wide variety of fine loose leaf teas are a perfect complement to traditional and creative tea sandwiches or a mid-day meal of hearty soup, fresh fruit, salad, or one of the tea room’s other savory mainstays. I usually leave with some loose leaf to extend the cozy experience into my own home. The loose leaf also doubles as excellent gifts for my anglophile chums. Abbey is closed in the evenings, so be sure to take advantage of this option when you’re seeking afternoon respite or a mid-day recharge from the night before.
The Abbey Garden Tea Room
1312 11th Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-752-1752
http://www.abbeygardentea.com/
Giuseppe’s Al Porto
I can’t decide if it’s the comfort of classic Italian food or Giuseppe’s effervescent ambiance that makes it one of my favorites. I tend toward the succulent fresh seafood and try a new Italian wine with each visit. I love the crisp white table cloths, the sunset over the marina, and the twinkle of the wine glasses in the muted evening light. With notice, they’ve been able to accommodate a group of almost any size — and noise level. Giuseppe’s stylish Wine Room accommodates groups up to 15.
Giuseppe’s Al Porto
21 Bellwether Way
Bellingham, WA 98225
360-714-8412
www.giuseppesitalian.com
