Cooler days call for great cocktails, exceptional wines, and plates made for sharing.
From timeless classics to fresh seasonal creations, our local restaurants and bars know how to make the most of fall. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite pour or lingering over tapas with friends, let this be your invitation to sip, savor, and celebrate the season with us. Our September feature is your guide: cocktail recommendations by family, a “Know Your Cocktails” breakdown of martinis, gimlets, and highballs, food pairings to order alongside, plus a full local Bar Guide and Washington wine picks for cozy fall evenings.
Note from Bellingham Alive: Some of the cocktails and dishes we recommend trying from various establishments are off-menu or seasonal. If you can’t find our recommendation on the menu, ask the talented bartenders if they can whip it up for you, or what else they recommend!
Read the full feature in our September 2026 digital edition below.
Open the September 2026 issue →
Photograph by Pete Mitchell