3 Best Nightlife in Washington Cascade Mountains and Valleys, Washington

One of the most esteemed of Bellingham's many highly regarded craft breweries, Aslan occupies a sleek downtown building with soaring glass walls, an open floor plan, and plenty of sidewalk seating. The brewmasters here specialize in flavorful, small-batch beers, like faintly ginger-accented Irie Eyes Red Ale and a rich, chocolaty dark lager called Cascadian. Part of the fun here is the bar food, including a rather decadent waffle-fry poutine, Korean barbecued tofu, and spicy banh mi bowls.

This old-school downtown pub with a modern vibe and first-rate beer and food was opened by a trio of Western Washington University graduates who also happen to be talented beer makers (they own Menace Brewing). As you might guess, this laid-back spot with a conversation-friendly decibel level has a great list of rotating taps, featuring craft beers from throughout the Northwest. The locally driven food is tasty, too, from fried chicken and waffles during the popular weekend brunches to late-night pork-belly tacos and fish-and-chips.

Long a top destination in downtown Bellingham for sampling distinctive, well-crafted microbrews and enjoying big portions of reliably good pub fare, this convivial spot occupies a vintage former garage—the huge central door is rolled open in warm weather. Boundary Bay garners high marks for its ruby-red Scottish ale, smooth oatmeal stout, and rotating seasonal ales.