Red Rum — Restaurant in Bellingham

Update Summer 2023: We've been by several times in the late afternoon and found that they've not been open as scheduled. Might want to call first if you plan to go before 6pm.

Can't believe I have waited so long to try Bellingham's best (only) tiki bar. It always seemed just a bit intimidating, with its blacked-out windows, skull lights and titular nod to The Shining. Inside, it's a different story entirely. Very kitch tiki theme, but muted lighting makes it more tasteful than garish. There are some decent food options including three sandwich options that can be veganized and a couple of vegan apps The guacamole is very creamy with a good mouth feel, though it could be more flavorful (tapatio available on request). But you're not there for the food; you're there for the drinks. And the drinks do not disappoint. So many lovely imported rums.. Lovely specials, but the tiki drinks are over the top incredible. The Coconaut is a personal favorite (though no longer do they light it as pictured). Non-alcoholic options are really good too and they of non-alcoholic beers. The staff are very welcoming and friendly and the vibe is inviting and laid back. Even when crowded, Red Rum is a mellow...

Update: Truth be told I have a thing for anything tiki related. LOVE it! BUT YOUR DRINKS ARE TOO STRONG and not very flavorful. There, finally said it. Please work on the flavors, ingredients, mixes, etc. Again, love the place, drinks just taste like straight (cheap) alcohol. I do like that you expand3d the food menu too :)

I like this place! It’s got a neat seating layout, a very cool design to the bar counter, And appropriate speaker music for the theme. And for like a dollar extra you could make any drink into a flaming drink — You gotta do it once! Some drinks come with animal shapes mirror fruit, and there a small menu has some gems on it like the jerk chicken wings and bacon wrapped avocado slices. But here’s why we get a four-star not a five star – – the food menu is too small even for a cocktail lounge. The other reason is that the cocktails are mixed too strong and I know that sounds crazy but I want to enjoy the flavor of all the ingredients in my cocktail not just the main ingredient. Other than those two little things the staff is friendly, it’s open late is simply got a cool vibe so what’s...

Bartender was too busy on her phone to take our order. (White shirt, shorty wavy hair)

Upon arriving at our table she was quite rude, we had a party of 6, and sat down. She came to our table and a few of us were in conversation. She comes to a few of us and says “well you look actually ready”. Ick. My husband then asked a question and she says “that’s great, can I take your order” ick.

When she brought our drinks they were over filled, she set them down, making a large mess on the table, and then flicked her hands hitting us, and some other patrons with the residuals.

She never came back to try and clean up the mess from the spilt drinks. She then sat behind the bar with her coworker, on the floor, on their cellphones laughing, and talking. The bar was full of people ready to order/cash out. We waited 25+ minutes after emptying our drinks for her to come ask if all was well. We asked for checks. They were wrong.

Sucks. Used to be...