If you haven’t made tracks to Beach Cat Brewing Bellingham taproom yet (@beachcatbrewing.bham), consider this your official wake-up call. We recently swung by their South Paw spot on the waterfront, and let’s just say, the vibes were as crisp as the carbonation.
Between the coastal breeze and the industrial-chic setup, Beach Cat Brewing has managed to bottle that “Pacific Northwest chill” and serve it up by the pint. But we weren’t just there for the scenery, we were there for the liquid gold and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
The Pour: Shabby Tabby & Beach Blonde
We’re going to be blunt: if you’re looking for the ultimate “Bellingham in a glass” experience, you need to sample the spectrum here.
- Shabby Tabby IPA: This is your new best friend. Clocking in at a smooth 6.4% ABV, this isn’t one of those IPAs that tries to punch you in the throat with bitterness. Instead, it’s a beautifully balanced masterpiece with big, bright citrus notes and a hint of piney finish.
- Beach Blonde Ale: If the IPA is the lead singer, the Beach Blonde is the steady, groovy bassist. It’s clean, approachable, and incredibly refreshing. It’s the perfect “gateway” craft beer for your friends who still order macros, but with enough craft soul to satisfy the purists. At 5.9% ABV, it’s the definition of a sessionable beach brew.
Whether you want the hop-heavy punch of the Tabby or the sun-soaked simplicity of the Blonde, you really can’t miss.
The Event: Wednesday Night Music Bingo (80s Edition)
Now, let’s talk about Music Bingo. If you think regular bingo is for the “early bird special” crowd, you haven’t done it the Beach Cat Brewing way.
At 6:30pm, the taproom transformed into a neon-soaked time machine. The theme? The 1980s. Forget numbers; your bingo card is filled with song titles. When the DJ drops the needle (or, well, clicks the mouse) on an 80’s song by Bon Jovi or White Snake, you mark your spot.
There is something deeply satisfying about watching a room full of craft beer enthusiasts simultaneously realize they know every single lyric to Talk Dirty to Me. The competition is surprisingly fierce, the prizes are awesome, and the singing along is half the fun. Plus, where else in town can you snag a world-class craft beer on the waterfront while having so much fun?
Wee Verdict
Beach Cat Brewing is our new go-to place in Bellingham (along with Gruff) and they are doing exactly what a neighborhood brewery should: making incredible beer and giving the community a reason to get off the couch. Whether you’re a local “beach cat” or just passing through Whatcom County, grab a Shabby Tabby or a Beach Blonde, find a seat, and get ready to play Music Bingo, Cribbage, Trivia, or any number of other activities they’ve got going, on any given night.
Just don’t be surprised if you end up with a giant smile on your face and a new favorite craft beer in your hand.
Visit Beach Cat Brewing Bellingham
- Location: 1010 C St, Bellingham, WA
- The Vibe: Friendly, casual, and on the waterfront
- Wee Ratings: Shabby Tabby 4.5 caps; Beach Blonde 4.25 caps
Clark believes that the best professional relationships are built on shared experiences and a bit of fun. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Clark has been a vocal advocate of the local craft beer scene for years. He enjoys exploring the unique flavors and community-driven atmosphere of Washington’s and Oregon’s many breweries while working through the complex software architecture opportunities presented by social interaction. After a hard day of work, Clark can often be found on the karaoke stage any day of the week belting out 80’s rock and heavy metal tunes while bringing the same passion and energy to his performances as he does to his startups; valuing confidence, engagement, and the power of a good song and a bourbon barrel aged beer to bring people together.
