Archer Ale House

7/3/2008 6:15:46 PM, thursday, july 03, 2008
Fantastic Beer, Service and Food!!! Went to the Archer for dinner and drinks last night. The Fresh Halibut was DELICIOUS, and the Mussels my wife ordered were steamed in Belgian beer and VERY flavorful. The waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable. My wife and I enjoyed our visit, and plan on returning very soon. Would recomend to anyone!

8/30/2007 1:47:57 AM, thursday, august 30, 2007
I’m not sure if this place changed owners or what, but the service is downright rude. The past three times I’ve been in, it’s as if I’m bothering them. They are equally rude to my friends, including a long-time loyal customer who for years has ended his workday with a pint from Archer’s and now has decided to go elsewhere. They advertise cask conditioned ale, have never had it available, and were surly and defensive when I asked when it might be available. Decent selection of beer is not worth the offensive staff and owners.

10/29/2006 6:46:12 PM, sunday, october 29, 2006
ahh the archer ale house, one of my favorite bellingham destinations, usually my only bellingham destination. wonderful crowd, wonderful service, "where everyone knows your name." the wonderful beers on tap, not to mention the wonderful bottled beer selection. i’ll see you there!!

6/3/2006 9:31:24 PM, saturday, june 03, 2006
I wish that this pub was in my town. What else can I say? The bartender was extremely friendly and helpful. Samples and tasters were plentiful. The tap selection is cool and ever changing.

5/16/2006 2:59:29 PM, tuesday, may 16, 2006
Right down the street from my house, I had no idea this place existed until a friend from out of town was insistent that we go. Like was mentioned in a previous review, the outside of the bar really hides its character. The bar is smoke-free (I expect it was even before the WA law passed), and the atmosphere is very relaxed. The tap selection was a bit weak, I was expecting at least one NW brew. Pitchers were reasonably priced ($13), and the selection of bottles was extensive. Highly recommended.

9/24/2005 1:00:20 AM, saturday, september 24, 2005
I had no prior knowledge of this place before going so I didn’t know what I was in for. From the outside it looked like an obscure basement bar that would probably be host to dozens of drunken smoke-laden booze hounds. On entry, my nose was the first to know the truth. Their theme is "Fresh Air. Fresh Ale." The air part was indeed true. A short ceilined place with several taps a short string of bottle offerings. Some rare stuff in the bottle lineup and not much of anything exciting on tap (perhaps it was an off night?). The servers were fretting over which glass to use, etc. This was cool, I’ve not had this before. I had a few rare belgians that I hadn’t been privy to before and it was a lovely night. Didn’t try the food and overall I’d say it was worth visiting.

8/3/2005 7:56:04 PM, wednesday, august 03, 2005 [ Updated friday, september 29, 2006 ]
I was expecting more of a special/seasonal PNW micro scene at this bar, but it’s focus was more imports: brit and belgian beers. They have an extensive cellar list, and I was able to try a gueuze I hadn’t found anywhere else. They brought me the bottle and it was at perfect cellar temp, though it tasted a bit too old (that damn bottle flavor). A nice looking British pub feel to this place, and when we visited there was a good Scottish band performing. But the best part: SMOKE FREE!! Thank you!

7/24/2005 11:53:57 PM, sunday, july 24, 2005
I loved this place, our bartender poured us samples talked to us at length, amazing selection on tap and in the bottle. If this was in cowtown I would drink here all the time.

5/24/2005 11:43:03 AM, tuesday, may 24, 2005
My absolute favorite place to sit and drink a few good brews with my buddies. The wait staff is very knowledgable about their beers. They have huge bottle selection and usually a decent rotating tap selection. They have Fullers ESB, and Guiness form authentic beer engines all the time. Smoke free, real darts, and board games make spending time here an easy thing to do. This place is a nice change of pace with all the college bars in town.

1/21/2005 2:15:56 PM, friday, january 21, 2005
My favorite local bar. An atmosphere that is difficult to surpass combined with a very long bottle list and good tap rotation alone make this place very worth your visit. The service in general is very good, I’ve only ever once had a bad experience (where a waitress suggested my friend not drink a wine if she couldn’t pronounce it - and later gave herself a larger tip via the debit receit) but she no longer works there so that is of no concern.