BBQ lovers, get ready to celebrate. CrossRoads, a new bar and restaurant in Barkley Village, serves up finger-licking food in a family-friendly environment. With live music, pool, shuffleboard, and Jenga, there’s something for the whole family.
After running Neiner Neiner Weiner for 15 years, owner and founder Peggy Gustafson was ready for a new venture. When the space next to Neiner Neiner Weiner, formerly Black Forest Steak House, opened up, she decided to try something new. Seeing a need for more BBQ in Bellingham, she opened CrossRoads in May 2019.
Since opening, CrossRoads has received a warm welcome from Barkley residents, sports fans, and BBQ buffs alike. “We have our regulars every day and every week we have new people,” Gustafson says.
BBQ, Burgers, and Beer
Chef Justin Hamilton, who trained at the Atlanta Institute of Art in Georgia, brings more than 25 years of culinary experience to the table. Start your meal with an order of his BBQ Riblets ($11), which fall clean off the bone and are glazed with CrossRoads’ BBQ sauce, made in-house from a special recipe.
“Our BBQ sauce is signature,” Gustafson says. “It’s something I’ve developed over the last 13 years and, in my opinion, I think I have it perfected.”
If you’re really there for the BBQ, cut through the noise and go straight for the BBQ plates. Each one comes with your choice of meat—a half-rack of ribs ($18),a half-pound of brisket ($16), a pulled pork burger ($16), or a brisket and swiss burger ($16)—while the Combo Plate ($28) lets you try two. Along with the main dish you get a side of coleslaw, cornbread, and your choice of tots, fries, or baked beans.
Although it’s a side, the cornbread deserves its own mention. It’s baked with yummy extras like jalapenos, garlic, red peppers, and shallots and comes with a generous portion of honey butter. You’ll find it served with the Homemade Chili ($4/$6), which is smoky, rich, and topped with cheese and chives.
For a classic standby, the burgers at CrossRoads are also delicious. The Bacon Cheeseburger ($16) features a juicy patty served on a sweet, soft bun with crispy bacon, melty cheese, onions, lettuce, and bacon jalapeno aioli.
At the bar you’ll find eight taps, two of which rotate seasonally. The restaurant also has a solid cocktail menu,with signature offerings such as the CrossRoads Cadillac Margarita ($10). The drink is muddled with three limes, a lemon, and an orange, and features less sour mix than your usual margarita.
Comfortable, Casual, and Fun
CrossRoads is large and bright, with a casual, cheerful vibe different from the dark and dreary atmosphere of some sports bars. The renovated interior boasts pine furniture and exposed beams for a look that’s cozy, clean, and rustic. The space can also accommodate private parties up to 80 people.
Two nights a week, the dining room opens up to make way for live music. Smaller acts play on Friday nights while bigger local bands, like The Replayzmentz and SpaceBand, offer music and dancing on Saturday nights starting at 7:30 p.m. There’s also pool tournaments, karaoke on Thursday nights, and an open mic on Tuesdays.
Consider CrossRoads your newest place to watch Washington teams, audio on. Flat-screens throughout the bar and dining room assure you a view no matter where you sit. Stop by on Super Bowl Sunday to enjoy a party with special food and drink offerings.
1255 Barkley Blvd., Ste. 102, Bellingham, 360.306.3624
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