The Racket Bar and Pinball Lounge — Restaurant in Bellingham

I will never go back to this place. I came in last night with friends at about 11pm mainly to get food. After ordering my food, I accompanied my friend outside so she could smoke. As I re-entered, I was chatting and distracted and grabbed the wrong door. When I realized my mistake, I quickly turned to go to the correct door and the bouncer would not let me in because he determined I had been “over served.” I explained to him that I had already stopped drinking for the night and was just there for food that I had already ordered. He said I would have to get someone to bring it to me. I texted my boyfriend who came out and explained to the bouncer that I was the least intoxicated of my entire group and that I only wanted my food. The bouncer did not budge and was very rude and judgmental. My boyfriend did end up grabbing my food and we got an Uber and went home. I understand why the business needs to be careful, but I have an issue with how I was treated. I was in no way belligerent or trying to start trouble, and there was no reason to kick me out. I would have been fine with them cutting me off because I was already not drinking anymore. My other issue is that they didn’t do a single-use breathalyzer or have any facts to determine I was over served. It was determined my one person’s bad judgment call. And when trying to understand his reasoning, he spoke to me in derogatory way because he didn’t want to admit he was in the wrong. I gladly left and will never return again. Aside from this interaction, the sandwich I got was subpar and the atmosphere was mediocre. There’s so many better options in downtown Bellingham for drinks, food, and entertainment so it’s easy to cross this place off my list and not...

I wanted the pinball lounge to be my new spot. I'm new to the state and love Bellingham. I walked in the bar thinking it would be what I was looking for. Wrong. Problem one,bartender. Before incident (mentioned next) she was completely dull. One customer even asked what was wrong. (obviously a regular) I specifically told the bartender this is my first time in this bar and I want to check it out. There was No enthusiasm, no desire to sell the racket bar "vibe" NEXT I Sit down to drink a few beers and proceed to have a smoke before I wanted to try the pinball machines. Bartender tells me step out front. I say ok. Step out front of residential building next door and light preroll cannabis. Unknowingly to the laws the bartender rushes out and tells me that I need to go down Street and put it out. I put it out immediately and walked in to apologize. When apologizing, the bartender ignored me. I said it loud and clear. I made a "tourist wanting to be resident of Bellingham" mistake and they treated me like a I was back home in prohibited States. The racket bar doesn't like the smell or cannabis smokers period. The search continues for my regular chill.spot PS the tip I left was for the kitchen but I bet they don't see...

I used to love spending Sunday mornings at the the racket playing pinball and having a cheesesteak. Unfortunately, they no longer open at 11am. I’m not exactly their target demographic and it gets busy when they do open so I don’t go nearly as often as I used too.

I had a friend visiting and he really wanted to check it out. We went on a Thursday shortly after they opened at 4 pm. We ordered food and drinks at the bar. Service was fast and both the drinks and food were delicious.

We headed upstairs to play some pinball and this is where I was disappointed. Two machines had out of order signs on them. Three other machines had various mechanical issues that hindered play. Things like weak flippers and balls getting stuck. I also attempted to play the claw machine but the claw wouldn’t close which made it unplayable.

I’ll go back again because I love the food but I’m not sure if I’ll play pinball...