Hidden in plain sight within the historic Leopold Hotel on the edge of downtown Bellingham, lies a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the pleasures of the present. Amendment 21 Speakeasy (@amendment.21) is not just a bar; it’s a whisper of a time gone by, a sanctuary of clandestine charm, and a beacon of exceptional libations.
Amendment 21 Speakeasy has Excellent Food and Drinks
Situated off the lobby of the Leopold Hotel, Amendment 21 Speakeasy is a small, comfortable lounge that recognizes a time when the basement of the hotel housed a speakeasy back in the prohibition era. The atmosphere is quiet and encourages private conversation with the soft glow of table-top candles casting dancing shadows while the walls are adorned with vintage memorabilia. The bartender, with a quick wit and a discerning eye, provides recommendations on the excellent food and specialty cocktails.
But beyond the captivating ambiance, and the fantastic food, it’s the drinks that truly shine. The cocktail menu is a testament to the speakeasy’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Each drink is a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue.
Local Bellingham Craft Beer on Tap
As a beer enthusiast, I couldn’t resist exploring the two local craft beers they had on tap, even though the cocktail menu was extremely inviting with its promise of a variety of tasty concoctions (I have tried their cocktails to much enjoyment in the past). This trip however, I found myself ordering a pint of Aslan Brewing Company’s Tide Breaker.
Tide Breaker harkens to the Pacific Northwest roots of Aslan Brewing and the artistry of Bellingham’s brewing scene. Tide Breaker is a five-hop west coast IPA that doesn’t abuse the mosaic hop to make it a unique and delicious experience. The initial burst of tanginess is quickly balanced by the tropical fruitiness of the hops, creating a beer that’s both complex and refreshingly easy to drink.
Leopold Hotel is the Place to Stay in Bellingham
As I sat there, sipping my Tide Breaker and letting the ambiance wash over me, I couldn’t help but marvel at how things had changed. It wasn’t that long ago, whenever staying at the Leopold Hotel, we’d drop into Amendment 21 and they wouldn’t have anything on tap at all. Now, I get to enjoy this wonderful, cozy speakeasy, known for its cocktails, by experiencing local craft beer before heading out to sing some Karaoke at The Royal (more about that in the next post).
And that’s the beauty of Amendment 21. It’s a place where you go for the atmosphere, and for the promise of a memorable drink. But sometimes, you find something unexpected at this hidden gem that leaves you looking forward to your next trip to Bellingham.
So, the next time you’re in Bellingham, Wee recommend staying at the Leopold Hotel and of course, be sure to stop in at the Amendment 21. The atmosphere transports you to another era, the drinks will delight your senses, and one of their two taps will hold a local craft beer gem like Aslan Brewing’s Tide Breaker. To us, this is a little piece of heaven within walking distance of all that downtown Bellingham has to offer.
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.
