Redlight Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Bellingham

Update: June 2023. As a longtime fan of Red Light, this experience was definitely different, and not in the best of ways. We had been to the old Red Light several times and were big fans. Since it was their first Friday night service in the new place, it was slightly disorganized. Initially, we were served the wrong drinks, which were actually great, but they were supposed to be for the couple behind us. They brought us the correct drinks but took away the first ones (presumably to throw them out), although they could have just left them for us. It was slightly strange. The food was different, and not in a good way. We ordered a bao, a wonton, and char siu to share between the two of us. Additionally, they didn't offer a choice of small or large portions of wontons, but they still charged for the large portion and served a small one. The bao was a sad sight; it was made with pork belly which wasn’t the best flavor. We also miss the old toppings with the bao, like the pickled cucumber and carrots. Now it has mustard greens and a different sauce. Furthermore, the bao no longer comes with a salad, which is very disappointing. The salad was a standout before and is sorely missed. The menu now has a lot of fried items that don't seem to fit the Red Light vibe. The food now comes out as it’s prepared and not all together, which is totally fine with us, but it did take about an hour for us to get our char siu. We did appreciate the addition of more vegetarian/vegan options. The drinks were great, both the ones we initially received and the correct ones. Our server, Ryan, was accommodating and listened to our suggestions. The space has a mid-century modern feel (trendy?). The vibe is different. Change can be good, but this was a big change, and not a good one. Red Light used to be our go-to spot for so many reasons, but this experience has changed my mind. We were quite disappointed this time around. We hope things change here soon. We miss the old Red Light.

Previous review: Never been disappointed at Redlight. We keep coming back! Drinks are great. Atmosphere is wonderful and music is fun. Staff are...

After a frustrating miscommunication with the front door person about getting a table for 4, we had a GREAT first-time experience and will definitely be back! I've been recommending this place to my clients. Food was phenomenal! Cocktails were unique and tasty! The table service was efficient and attentive. Thankfully, the miscommunication at the front door didn't scare us off. It would have been a missed experience that I'm glad we got to have. It was busy... there was a show at the Mount Baker theatre across the street (in which we were also going to.) Initially, we asked for a table for 2 and never got a solid answer on how long the wait might be but the front door person asked if we wanted to sit in the front window lounge area. We did not want to sit there and said we'd wait for a table. Our 2 theater mates just happened to choose the same restaurant and walked in just then. So we changed to a table of 4. The staff person asked us several times if we wanted a table for 4, which we indicated yes. We asked about a big table that was open in the front, to which she replied that they save that table for parties of 5 or more. I said we were willing to share the table with another couple who had just walked in, and the server could just run 3 separate checks. She said they don't allow people to share tables or split checks. Strange... but ok. After waiting in the front area for about 15 minutes... literally 3 feet in front of this staff person... she sat a table of 4 in the big table in which they save for parties of 5 or more. So we asked how much longer for a table for us. She says, "So... did you want a table for 4? I didn't put you on the list, but I can put you on the top because you've been waiting here." More than a bit miffed at this point we say yes, and luckily a table came available shortly thereafter. So perhaps some training on how to seat people on a busy night is needed since they don't take reservations. But all in all, still a...

If you prefer to be served by the literal best and coolest people in Bellingham, then Redlight is the choice spot. If you prefer to be served amazing, delicious, crafted drinks the Redlight is, yet again, a great option! If you enjoy deliciously scrumptious food, then go to Redlight!

Food wise, their offerings are just so good. I literally cannot pick one thing, so I will end up getting everything which I can then eat for the next two or three days. This time I added the Staff Sandwich to my order because I hadn’t noticed it before, being too focused on cold sesame noodles, and boy was I happy I did. It is so good, just like everything else. And now I see they have pork rice bowls and vegan bao? Like I’m legit just going to order the whole menu every time because I want it all. Also the sauce to dip your wontons in??! I don’t know what it is but I could probably chug it. Like pour it in a tall glass and I’d drink it down. So. Good.

Then we get to the drinks which are just so great, focused on such a blend of flavors each drink is delightful. And you don’t lose any of that in the take home cocktail kits! You can bring home the same lovingly made drinks to your own house and sip, or chug, all night!

And back to staff. Just a group of the nicest, kindest, best people. They will greet you like an old friend and recommend drinks or food to you based on your own tastes, after a few probing questions. Couldn’t think of a place more I’d like to support.

TOO LONG DIDN’T READ?: FOOD GOOD, DRINKS GOOD, PEOPLE...