RED RUM? O’ YES!!!

As a recent transplant to the state of Washington, I have been anxious to explore what the state offers. Sure, I was already familiar with Seattle, but what about other parts of the state? I decided a road trip was in order, especially if I got to stop at the new-to-me tiki bar I’d been wanting to check out in Bellingham, (near the Canadian border) called Red Rum.

Opened in 2018 and having survived the Covid lockdowns, I was curious about it. I had seen some photos online. They didn’t leave much of an impression on me. It didn’t look all that interesting. Still, if there was a tiki bar in the area, good, bad, or wretched, I was bound and determined to check it out.

If possible, I like to visit tiki bars on slow periods. I find that weeknights, right at opening (or towards closing), are really the best times to meet a new bar and really get a feel for the place. Busy bars can be fun–but seating can be non-existent, the noise can unbearable. Rushed bartenders can also mean lousy drinks. None of those issues greeted me as I visited Red Rum at it’s opening.

Wow! I practically tripped over my low expectations as I first walked in. The place was nicely done, especially for a small-ish town (population of just over 90,000).

There was nice bamboo and thatch work throughout the place. A giant tiki idol hangs against the wall just before you reached the bar. The lighting was also very atmospheric and the music — a mix of beach and classic tiki with dashes of vintage cocktail lounge — was appropriate. It may not have been the most elaborate or swankiest bar ever, but I was suitably impressed with what the owners had done.

In the front, near the door, there is a lanai/patio-like seating area. There are some hut-like booths along the side, and more seating in the rear. But for my first visit, I opted to sit at the bar.

The bar seating was kind of unique. Stationary swivel seats are set up around half-tables built onto the bar. This allows for more seating at the bar, but also allows small groups to have their own intimate space when tables aren’t available.

For my first drink, I chose a Planet of the Apes, a mixture of rums, banana, orange, pineapple and lime juices. While the drink was fine, I was expecting something different. (I had been thinking of a similar cocktail at the Purple Orchid in El Segundo, CA. — NOT Red Rum’s fault at all.) But the presentation was very fun—and unexpected. The evening was starting off right.

While I sat there sipping, a few more people came into the bar. It was these customers that made me really appreciate what Red Rum was all the more. I was there on a Thursday and, apparently, there would be karaoke later in the evening. While I’m not a fan and I’d be long gone by the time it started, several of the bar’s regulars were showing up early to get their drink on, visit, and to just hang out at the far end of the bar. There was a real sense of community there. The “neighborhood bar” vibe was really evident. They may not know each other outside of the doors of Red Rum, but inside they bought each other drinks, laughed, chatted, were friendly with each other and with the bartender.

While I sat there, I heard not one, not two, but three different groups order the coconut shrimp from the menu. There weren’t that many people in the bar. One couple came in and was actually ordering their shrimp to go. That got me curious, so of course I had to put my order in as well.

Oh my! I could see why they were so popular. They were delicious — probably the best coconut shrimp I’ve ever had. Amazingly, they also didn’t taste like they’d been pulled from the freezer either. They were served with this very tasty honey-habanero cream sauce. Mmm. They were honestly so good, on a subsequent visit I ordered them again for a friend to try (and so I could have some more, too.) Yum!

For drink no. 2, I thought I would try the $5 Tropical Rum Slushie. It was on the smaller side, but cool, refreshing, serviceable…and gone quickly.

For my third drink, I asked the delightful bartender what her favorite drink was. She said she was particularly fond of the bar’s take on the classic Three Dots and a Dash. A delicious blend of rums, lime, orange, and honey, I tried one and I could see why she endorsed it. Oooo.

For my final drink of the evening, I blasted off with a Coconaut. Wow! It was served on fire! (Well, there was just a burning lime sitting in it. But still…) Mmm. The cocktail had my taste buds blasting off with its blended limey-coconuty dark rum goodness.

I had thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Red Rum and it was not long before I dragged a visiting friend, Erich, up to Bellingham to try it out. Just 21 miles shy of the Canadian border, no passport was required—only an adventurous appetite for tiki fun.

It was another weekday, not long after opening, when we arrived. Walking in, the bar was just as friendly and inviting as I remembered it being, the interior still somehow better than expected.

As we sat (again at the bar), I asked Erich what he thought. He did feel it was nice and welcoming, but he also reminded me that it wasn’t the most spectacular tiki bar we’d ever been to.

Our bartender came out to greet us. It was the same super friendly, super talented bartender from my earlier visit (whose name—argh!—escapes me). We ordered our first cocktails of the night. Erich went for the non-tiki Raspberry Tom Collins while I tried a Tropical Caipirinha. We also ordered the coconut shrimp and some sandwiches. I had the Jamaican Jerk Chicken sandwich while Erich ordered the Red Rum Veggie. Both were excellent.

For Round 2, Erich slurped down a Fogcutter while I savored a classic Mai Tai. Both were wet, cool, and perfect.

For our final batch o’ cocktails—decisions, decisions—I ventured to try a yummy Sidewinder’s Fang (complete with a slithering, venomous orange rind snake wriggling out of the tiki mug). Erich — on my recommendation — went with an amazing Coconaut.

Yes, there are better tiki bars in the world. Yes, Red Rum (and what a clever name) is relatively remote. For me, I found it comfortable, friendly, and inviting. The food and drinks were good — and the service was so very right on.

I loved the neighborhood feel the place had, even though (or in spite of the fact) Red Rum is a tiki bar. I felt totally at home there — which is good, as I’ve since realized that even though it is about an hour and a half from my home, Red Rum is the closest tiki bar to me, making it essentially my ‘neighborhood bar.” Ha!

I WILL be back.

Oh, one last thing. Guess what?

Tiki Butt!

Red Rum
113 E. Magnolia Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 306-3689
redrumtikibar.com