It's game on in Bellingham, where you can have your pick of arcade bars, gaming lounges, pool halls, and even an indoor putt-putt playground. From kids to adults and from old-school pinball wizards to modern console gamers, there’s a game bar for everyone in Whatcom County. And local craft beer lovers rejoice: many of Bellingham's game bars serve up the suds, along with cocktails, appetizers, and entrees. So without further ado, let’s get gaming!
Lovers of putt-putt will have a blast at Flatstick Pub, where you can play nine holes of indoor mini golf. The pub also offers one-of-a-kind games like Duffleboard (think mini golf meets shuffleboard) or Dufflepong (think shuffleboard meets beer pong). When you’re not gaming, enjoy a large selection of Washington beers and a food menu featuring brick oven pizzas, Bavarian pretzels, and more.
Two Locations: Downtown Bellingham & Bellis Fair Mall
This family-friendly arcade welcomes kids and adults alike into its aptly-named Fun Center. Featuring games like pinball, Pacman, Skee-Ball and sit-down racing, the Ruckus Room's two locations are all about variety. Shoot hoops or shoot a big buck: the choice is yours. In the spirit of the old-school arcade, Ruckus Room operates on a redemption model. Collect tickets and redeem them for a prize.
At the downtown Bellingham location, you can enjoy canned and bottled brews, with familiar offerings from Boundary Bay, Georgetown, Fremont, and others. Nachos, hot dogs, and ice cream are also available.
The location in Bellis Fair Mall is also open for hosting parties.
For board games, food, drinks, and role playing fun, journey over to Endgame in Downtown Bellingham. This game bar has an extensive library of your favorite board games, from classics like Monopoly to a slew of contemporary games. They also have a video game lounge equipped with N64, Xbox 360, Jackbox games and more. The best part? Aside from a few exceptions, like rare and specialty games, everything is free to play.
For D&D, the bar also has RPG table with gridded whiteboard and more than 1000 miniatures. Call ahead to reserve the table.
To keep you gaming, Endgame offers a large menu of game-themed starters, sandwiches, cocktails, and beer.
Cocktails and consoles come together at this unique cocktail bar/video game lounge in Bellingham's Fairhaven Village. Pick from a long list of signature cocktails (like the Sailor Moon or the Potion of Greater Healing) along with a smaller menu of non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, starters, and entrees. Enjoy board games, video games, and even some pinball machines--all free with the purchase of a drink.
This sophisticated game bar in Bellingham also hosts occasional events, like D&D tournaments, so make sure to check their calendar.
The Racket Bar & Pinball Lounge
Sister biz of The Shakedown, The Racket Bar is known for three things: eats, drinks, and pinball. Head here for arguably the best Philly Cheesesteak in town, served on hoagies straight from Philadelphia. A variety of falafel options are available as well, always prepared “strictly vegetarian”. Wash it all down with your choice of 14 rotating taps, from local favorites to Guinness on nitro.
Upstairs, the pinball room boasts some 15+ vintage pinball machines. Tournaments and trivia nights keep things fresh at The Racket. Sorry kids, this bar is 21 and over only!
Need to get some energy out? Though you can't drink while you're throwing axes, it's a great way to start a night out in downtown Bellingham.
Safety is always first, and Bellingham Axe Throwing instructors will show you how to throw. Get some arm exercise as you throw a hatchet at wooden targets marked with a bullseye. Compete with your friends or just have fun working out a stressful week!
