The Admiralty Lounge — Restaurant in Bellingham

Don't miss this hidden gem!

My partner and I visited The Admiralty yesterday evening for dinner and drinks. We were big fans of the prior establishment (Snowy River), so the bar was pretty high. We were not disappointed.

The service was excellent from the moment we walked through the door - the staff is extremely welcoming, warm, and attentive. The atmosphere is really charming - I'd describe it as "upscale cozy" if that's a thing. The food and drinks were outstanding. We ordered the Smoked Oysters for a starter, their Tavern Steak and Imperial Swine (porchetta) for entrees, and 3 cocktails in total. I really wanted to try their dessert but I was just too full. I'm sure it's heavenly. :)

While I know a small food menu is typically a sign of a good kitchen, I was initially skeptical about finding something I'd really enjoy. After ordering their porchetta (not something I'd usually be drawn to), I'm confident I'd enjoy anything on their menu.

Cocktail prices are typical for a nice bar, entree prices were surprisingly reasonable.

I'm worried this won't get the foot traffic it's due since it's slightly "off the beaten path" of downtown. Please pay this spot a visit! I want to make sure they stick around :)

Thanks for a...

I recently dined at the Admiralty Lounge in Bellingham, and overall, it was a fantastic experience. The restaurant's nautical theme is tastefully done, creating a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, which paired well with the great service and the cleanliness of the facilities.

We tried a variety of dishes, and each one was delicious. The Caesar Salad was fresh and flavorful, with a nice balance of anchovies, parmesan, and toasted bread crumbs. The Shiso Wrapped Scallops were a standout—perfectly cooked, with the shiso adding a unique, fresh twist. The Goat Tamales were hearty and well-seasoned, a creative take on a traditional dish. We also enjoyed the crispy Hush Puppies, which were an ideal side snack with a crunchy exterior and soft, flavorful inside. For drinks, the Buoy IPA and Bordeaux wine complemented the meal nicely, adding a rich and refreshing finish.

The only downside was that I had my heart set on the Mussels & Fries, but they were out of stock during our visit. That was a bit disappointing, and it’s the main reason I’m knocking off one star.

Nonetheless, Admiralty Lounge is a gem in Bellingham with its delicious food and lovely nautical ambiance. I’ll definitely be back to try the...

I went with a friend for the first time to the Admiralty, before a show at the Mt. Baker Theater, and LOVED the food and the menu. (Oh, my, try the smoked oysters and the seaweed wrapped scallops!!!) However, I was very surprised at the lack of gluten-free options, and was disappopinted that even when I ordered what I thought would be GF (b/c the menu did not list any gluten items as part of the dish) it turned out to not be GF at all -- in one case it was served with bread-- for which there was no subtitution available, and no GF bread option -- in another, the "fried seaweed" was fried in batter, and when I asked the staff about this, mentioning that I am GF, they stated "Oh, it's not that much batter" -- :-/. I think some training needs to be done here to help staff understand that GF is not a fad or an option with most of the GF folks out there. But, mainly, as stated, I was surprised and disappointed at the lack of truly GF options on the menu, particularly at such at a high-end, gourmet restaurant.

On the upside, the cocktails were delicious, the ambience was fun, and the food truly yummy. Also, the waitstaff was attentive and very personable. Hopefully management will take a note for...