Kulshan Brewing Co - Sunnyland — Restaurant in Bellingham

Look. I've been going to Kulshan Brewing since I turned 21--FOURTEEN YEARS ago. I've been there through all stages of life: newly 21, figuring out if I even liked beer; trivia night with my college friends, home for the holidays; post-college life, going to get beers with my dad and realizing he was actually my best friend; living two blocks away and walking to the brewery multiple nights a week after work; moving away from Bellingham and making Kulshan a must-do stop anytime I came for a visit. I buy Kulshan beer whenever I see it in stores in my new city. I own pins and mugs and tee shirts. I've been drinking Kulshan beer since the time when there was just one location. I have been a loyal, enthusiastic Kulshan fan for a DECADE AND A HALF.

But now, I'm in yet another phase of life: parenthood. What a gift it is to have breweries in this world. To have a place where adults can continue to gather in community after having children. Where families can exist in the world together. Or at least, that's how it should be, right? Especially in a place that advertises itself as family-friendly and positions itself as a pillar in the community.

Today, I went to the original Kulshan location in Sunnyland, with my two year-old. It's my birthday weekend and I had just over 24 hours to spend in Bellingham. In those limited hours, Kulshan was once again on the must-do list. So I brought my son there, eager to feel that sense of community and home that I have loved for so many years. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I had one beer while my son ran around and let other patrons' dogs lick his face, and then was asked to leave by the bartender. I was not given a reason except that, "Other customers were complaining." I'm unsure what they were complaining about, since the only customers I talked to: a) complimented my son's tomato outfit, b) talked about how parenting is the best thing they've ever done, and c) brought their dogs up to my son because their dogs "love kids". Not a single person expressed discomfort or upset. My child didn't disturb anyone or break/damage any property. He exclaimed loudly, once, but the only comments afterwards from other patrons were jokes about how he should be cut off from drinks.

Anyone who has had a toddler understands that it is a very busy and chaotic time of life. Wouldn't it be nice if people offered some grace and humor and support and understanding, instead of behaving in such a way that further isolates people who have taken on the already-impossibly-difficult task of growing the next generation of decent human beings? Instead of experiencing that support today--after YEARS of supporting Kulshan as a business, from both near and far away--my family was rejected.

Needless to say, I am angry. I am so disappointed in my experience today and I wish that weren't the case. I have loved Kulshan for many years....

Kulshan Brewing Co. is a local delight! The brews are all over the scale, so you can find a brew to suit your particular mood. I got the Taster Flight - 6 varieties to try.

I have experienced better ways to select a personalized flight selection at other breweries. I would rather checkmark a printed list rather than use the laminated dry-eraser marker to write my tipples by hand... I have messy handwriting. Sorry to the cheerful young lady helping us out. There is no reason to give less stars because of this issue. Everything else about this place redeems itself versus my personal preference... 😀

Back to the reason this place exists: the craft beer. My 6 choices on my flight, I chose some signature IPAs that were standard in this region, but unique in their approach. I also had the Gose (IMO better than a Sourand what I thought was a Porter, but was more amber. I forget what the name was, but no complaints - I will need to return and try it again because it was delicious! I even got one past my wife (she usually sneaks a sip of beer to try). I ordered the Oatmeal Stout. At 100 IBU, it was beautiful. My wife loved it and she tends to drink Corona when she craves a beer.

The patio environment is a casual, friendly vibe. Ages are from the young, family friendly to the retirees hanging out. Dogs on the patio must be leashed and warnings that they should be well behaved to be on the patio. Bike racks, adequate vehicle parking on the side.

Food truck on site which varies by day, Pita Pit, Coconut Kenny's and other restaurants can deliver or you can pickup - they are so close.

My overall experience was great. Kulshan Brewing Co. is a local treat to have. Give them your business. They are proud to be local B'hammers and support other businesses in the area. I wholeheartedly love that they are trying to get the older part of Bellingham the exposure that it has...

Interesting experience there. Started out great with friendly knowledgeable service. I did end up buying a hat, ordered my 3rd beer within 2.5 hours and sat at the end of the bar with some “locals” to understand the vibe of the place and neighborhood. Great and robust conversations. One of the guys on the “other end” closer to the wall was more animated and vocal. Apparently he rubbed one of the two bartenders the wrong way. She motioned to her coworker and gave him the “not anymore” gesture and left. I went to order another beer and was told “sorry my teammate said you’re cut off” The retired grandpa next to me said, “why? What the hell?” Once the other guy started being rambunctious I told the bar tender, call your co worker and legit ask if it was me or the other guy. Here’s the kicker, we’re both on the same shade of color and I’m willing to bet my life the poor soul left to bartend couldn’t tell the difference between us. WOW. Am I in a red state where all colored people look the same? I bit my tongue, paid for my 3 beers plus a hat mind you, and bid them farewell. When you’re in a community that advocates for this is a gross example of how we still need to work at being better.

2 stars because your beer is great.

I really hope someone contacts me about...