UPDATE: The ownership of the bar were very quick to review the incident and responded swiftly and decisively. It is fair to say, the incident is not a reflection of the ownership or of the experience they are working to create. I trust they will hold the employee in question accountable. ---------- Last night I came into Rumors with friends who all were buying drinks and enjoying one another at the bar. I did not have anything to drink at your bar. One of the women in my party brought me over a cheap little pride flag and put it in my hand, so I took it and held it. The next thing I know, I hear some one yell hey, as I turn I see your bartender/manager that night throw something at me and hit me in my chest. I turn around completely stunned that someone in your staff thought it appropriate to throw items at patrons. The bartender/manager accused me of stealing the flag from her register. I told her that I didn't steal anything, someone gave it to me. I returned it to her and told her do not ever throw anything at me ever again under any circumstances. I was calm but livid at the actions of your staff. I am 43 yo, a former Air Force Officer, an Entreprenuer, the President of a nonprofit organization, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I don't take kindly to having trash thrown at me. Your bartender doubled down and said she considers taking the flag stealing, and I told her that she was talking to the wrong person, because I didn't take it. To keep myself calm I decide to turn away from the situation, and your bartender/Manager yells at me to look at her as if I am her child, or some slave required to do what my master has commanded me. So now I'm wondering if the reason she felt comfortable throwing trash at me me is because I'm Black and she doesn't respect Black people. I let my group know I don't want to be at this bar anymore, and they also agree they do not want to be at the bar. I begin walking toward the door, while the women I'm with finish their drinks and put their coats on. One of the women with me tells the bartender/manager that she was making very interesting choices of treating a group of people that were taking very good care of her. As they are having this conversation, I walk to the doorman and ask for the manager to find out the bartender who threw trash at me was the manager. So I ask for the owner's number as I told him what happened. He laughed when he heard and I asked him if he thought throwing trash at patrons was funny. He said he did not. He pulled out a piece of paper saying this is what we give people that are kicked out. By this time my group is all at the door and waiting for me to get the information. I do not take the piece of paper because we aren't getting kicked out, we are leaving, and I want to report this behavior. The bartender manager comes over, admits to throwing trash at me, and then says we have to get out because we're being divas. So she throws trash at me, my group decided to leave and get management's information on the way out, and she runs up behind us and tries to kick us out on our way out the bar. This is complete unacceptable, and I hope not something completely indicative of the culture of your bar. The door man did follow us out and apologized profusely for the incident. I'd like to speak with the owner about this so that we can de-escalate this situation. Justice Cālo Reign Board President, Invest Attention Media & Entertainment read more

WOULDNT NOT RECOMMED Wish I could give 0 stars. We just went tonight, so many creepy men, we got ESCORTED out and it was because my friend was "stumbling" around ( she wasn't ) she had one drink, but her heels hurt. So many creepy men there, yet they weren't doing anything about them. Got rid of people that paid to be in there for no reason, way to ruin a night. read more

Rumors Cabaret - Us vibing before we got kicked out for no reason NEVER GO - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This bar seems to have something for everyone in the queer community and beyond. We were so impressed with the friendly hot bar tender Ezra as he gave us the local run down on places to go and various eating establishments with a heart melting smile. Thank you for the lovely experience:) read more

Rumors Cabaret - Main bar - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Would not recommend at all. We went tonight and the vibe was off. We had to run away from creepy men, which made the whole experience uncomfortable. Instead of dealing with that, staff escorted us out because my friend was "stumbling", which she wasn't. She had ONE drink and her heels hurt. Meanwhile, there were way more drunk girls there who were clearly wayyy too crunk, showing obvious signs of being wasted, and nothing was done about them. We paid to be there just to get kicked out for no reason while the actual problems were ignored. Insane work for a supposedly inclusive place. Such a bad experience and a total waste of money. Never again. read more

My safe space. I love everything and the staff! You all rawk! Outloud! Best place to dance!

Went to rumors for my girlfriend's 21st birthday. She was drunk (as someone usually is on their 21st) but not causing a scene by any means. Just light swaying and being bubbly. She was asked to leave directly after she ordered $20 worth of drinks (they watched us order them). As she was taken outside I stood in the doorway to ask if I could give the drinks to her friends. The person at the front told me since I had one foot out that I couldn't come back in and we just wasted that money on those drinks. They were very rude and clearly on a power trip. It's crazy that I've seen people tweaking on drugs in there but they draw the line at a girl who is drunk on her 21st. Overall bad place and me and my girlfriend will not be visiting again. read more

I love this place usually but I went last night and I was cut off after two drinks and when I tried explaining that I was just a bit buzzed not drunk I'm sometimes awkward and I'm on the spectrum so sometimes people think I act a bit off but they just kept handing me water acting like I was smashed and then proceeded to ignore me and continue taking drink orders. That kinda of ruined my night when I didn't even get the chance to socialize or hit the dance floor. I ended up having to leave early and I won't be coming back here after that experience sadly. read more

Back door is nice. Rumors has the typical loud music lively atmosphere (unable to keep mentally unstable homeless out) -usual bham stuff you know? read more

Rumors Cabaret - Bathroom decor - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Rude staff. We went for Halloween night with a group of 8 friends. They singled one of my friends out in line, accused her of having a drink and said she would not be allowed in. This is after we've waited in line for 40 minutes. There was no reasoning with the rude staff who were clearly on a power high. We were visiting from Vancouver, and it was disappointing to have such an unwelcoming experience here. Please get competent staff that have some people skills. Until then, I encourage people to go elsewhere. read more

Stopped here after seeing the business signage. A few pool tables with a bar/lounge vibe. Looks like there were a few shows upcoming here.

What's not to love about Rumors?! It's the heart of the Bham dance scene on any given night, and the place to see and be seen shaking your booty to the loud tunes of their house DJ. When I'm out with the ladies and a few drinks have been had by all, we almost always end up at Rumors. The crowd here is a great mix of everything Bellingham has to offer, plus a few deer-in-the-headlights out-of-towners thrown in just to keep things lively. It's a huge space, with a large bar in the main room and a smaller side room where the music and dancing happens. I like this setup because if I want to have a conversation I can leave the loud side and head over to the bar side. And while seating is always at a premium, the regulars are friendly and table-sharing isn't discouraged. Their bartenders are friendly and make a mean cocktail, though I tend to gravitate towards their impressive list of local taps. Be warned: Rumors is still on the "cash only" wagon, which makes it a little more annoying to visit if you're like me and never seem to have cash in your wallet. There's an on-site cash machine, though, and in a pinch (and for a hefty fee) it's nice to have. Still, we're 20 years into the 2000s and it feels a little ridiculous that there are still places that don't take cards. But: the music is awesome! read more

Looking for some casual entertainment while stopping in town we decided to check out the club we wind up in the back room which has a dance floor in a DJ and two or three wonderful drag performers gave it their all to entertain us it was a high-energy and touching performance one of the performers 7 racks between sets to thank the bouncers I've never heard that before it seems poignant read more

Rumors Cabaret - Drag show with a high vib - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

The Best service and polite staff. LGBTQ+ friendly as always. I've never had a bad experience with anybody other than a few men but the bouncers took care of it right away. Friday night drag night is a must see also. Love this place if you want to be who you want to be. read more

Came early for the Bellingham Idol Week 2, Karaoke at it's very best. If you are in the neighborhood stop on in for some singing and drinks. Happy Hour right now Always a good time but not for the weak at heart and YES, the music is loud. You can play a game of pool while you're waiting for the party to start read more

Rumors Cabaret - Came early for the Bellingham Idol Week 2., Karaoke nite at its very best !!! - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

See all

It's a cash only bar. At the end of COVID where we programmed everyone to not handle cash. Sounds like owners who care more about credit card processing fees than about building a customer base. I was in town on vacation and rarely carry cash with me and didn't have my ATM card - because who in 2021 is a cash only bar. Definitely lost some good revenue tonight and when I come back to visit. I'm short - join the 21st century and accept credit cards. Oh and don't force your patrons to pay an ATM fee to transact in your bar. Maybe you also get a share of the ATM fees. Just flat out bad business. read more

The staff is rude and threatening and management condones their behavior. Awful. Awful. Awful.

Staff was super unfriendly. They claim to be LGTBQ+ friendly and create a safe environment for customers. I understand that stalls are limited to one person but for the safety of my friend I joined her into the stall far in the corner. A man came in stating we had three seconds to come out when I shouted she was in the middle of peeing and half naked. He rips the door open if not, nearly exposing my friend. For a facility that claims safety, I understand that you "intend to keep customer safe and ensure they aren't put into positions of being raped" but publicly displaying someone's body unwarranted doesn't seem safe to me. read more

i would give 0 if i could, cannot believe the management condones their staffs horrible behavior.i have never been so belittled by staff in my entire life. i felt like i was in a movie the way i was talked to by the bouncer (very obviously having a power trip) and staff. if anyone thinks of coming here DONT!!!!! i am completely disgusted by this establishment. they treat their customers like trash read more

If I could give 0 stars I would. I went here last night the staff was extremely rude and I showed my ID and was told I was good to go as soon as I walk in I get accosted by 3 security guards (given I'm 5'3 and 100 pounds) I was told I was the "rudest person ever" and needed to leave by the staff? I'm very confused because all I did was thank the bouncer and walk in I tried to ask the security guard what I did wrong and he told me to "get the fuck out" I should've listened to the several other people warning me not to go into this place will never be back. read more

Incredibly rude owner. My friend got her keys stolen and the owner was extremely patronizing, unnecessarily rude, and unprofessional about the situation. On top of this half the people in this club are underage and they kick out those who are actually of legal drinking age. The place is full of creeps and not a safe place for lesbians. It's disappointing that this is the only queer club in the area. Not a safe nor welcoming space. read more

I entered Bellingham thinking that I would finally be in a gay friendly community. I arrived upon rumors in which they told my boyfriend and I that we were not allowed inside simply because, "we did not look the part". Upon arrival the bouncer did not believe that my partner and I were gay and did not allow us in the club (even after we kissed in front of him). I believe this to be a gay bar but for some reason they are not all inclusive for some odd reason so be weary upon visiting Bellingham my fellow queers community read more

I'm in love! I honestly cannot remember the last time that I had so much fun. The deejay was playing great dance music which really got me moving. I'm usually pretty self conscious when I dance but I wasn't here. Everyone, including staff, seemed to be very friendly. It gets pretty hot dancing with so many people, so don't wear layers. Delicious drinks with friendly bartenders. Just be sure to bring cash as it is a cash only bar. Check it out, let loose, and have fun. I'm sure I'll start hanging around here more often. read more

We had an experience tonight that just makes me Sad. We had been late to come out and meet friends. My husband and I had one drink before arriving. When we approached the doorman a female security person that was outside chatting with some other patrons looked at my husband and told the door man to deny him entry. The rest of our party that had been drinking for hours and obviously intoxicated were all given entry. My husband is retired military and has that "look" to him. I am guessing that is the only reason he was denied entry. The reason this makes me sad Is because assumptions were made based off his appearance. He drove a float in the pride parade this year and our kids God Fathers are our best friends a gay couple. We are hosting and officiating our friends lesbian wedding in two weeks. I expected more from this business. I am sad and disappointed. I will never again spend a dime in your establishment. I will also make sure people know how you operate. read more

They kicked my girlfriend out and wouldn't even tell her why. They waited outside the bathroom stall for her. They put hands on her and physically dragged her out, she asked several times for them not to touch her and stated she would walk out on her own. Very rude employees. If you're going to bounce someone, at the very least tell them why. We'll never be coming back. All we did was dance and have fun after buying one shot. read more

Very overrated, the music is always top100 stuff of whatever era, always safe lyrics and nothing all that exciting musically, and they posture as a gay bar but as a gay dude It seems like they just play on the most stereotypical view of what LGBTQ culture is, I've even had someone come up and ask me "you know this is a gay bar, right?" which was really offputting for the night since I guess I didn't "dress gay enough" for them. The If you just want to dance, this is the place that will most likely have a crowd that's actually dancing, but I don't credit the bar for that, moreso it just attracts that type of crowd. They only accept cash which is always annoying, and often have a cover charge. They don't really do any exciting events anymore, and the decor hardly changes. It's a good enough time if you go, it's just very basic. read more

The bartenders are great. The drag queens though...oh henny humble yourself. Really wack. Your performances are sub par. A cart wheel isn't a "wow" move in this day and age. I give you props for thinking you can treat people the way you do and are confident enough to walk out of your home looking the way y'all do. Do better puhlease. You make people feel uncomfortable. Also you're all rude and have a false sense of confidence.If you wanna act hard while performing. Be able to act hard outside of performing. What a sh*t show. All in all, love the bartenders though . read more

Slow Thursday night, as to be expected. Great service & friendly staff. The black light pool tables were super fun too. The only downside was the place was FREEZING. Might be nice for a busy night but kind of hard to play pool with cold fingers. read more

So much fun late at night and earlier in the day! Ryan and Bryan are the best bartenders ever!! read more

Rumors Cabaret - WE LOVE IT - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Rumor has it (yes, I actually heard a rumor while inside Rumors) that Rumors alternates nights between gay dance club and hetero rock club. Bellingham, I like your style. read more

I would totally recommend going to rumor... if you feel like: *dealing with SUUUUPER rude bouncers *getting groped by the greasiest type of old man *overpaying for crappy drinks *feeling really grumpy at the end of the night because you just wasted your money at a horrendous establishment! If those are in your criteria for Bellingham nightlife then I'd say go for it :) read more

I've been going to Rumors for 14 years now. It's such a fun place with so many great people. It's the perfect spot to play some pool, drink on a budget, and dance the night away. They have a happy hour from 4-8 every day of the week which is pretty rare to find a happy that lasts four hours and even on the weekends. Definitely a place to check out if u want to be yourself, feel welcomed, meet amazing people, and have a good time. I love this bar!!!!!!!! read more

Rumors is as good as it gets for me, in Bellingham. The drinks are great, their prices are amazing and their staff is AWESOME. All of the bartenders are all very friendly and tend to remember your "usual" drink, which makes the experience so much better. The bouncer is very hot, yes Chris I am talking about you, I always appreciate a little eye candy at the front door. For the most part the crowds at rumors are very tame and there are rarely any crazy issues.... which is def something that cannot be said for the other bars downtown. Most everyone is pretty laid back and down to have a great time. The music can be hit or miss but the crowds are so into the music that it really does not matter most of the time. Their is no air conditioning so it can get very hot, but oddly enough I don't mind leaving sweaty after a few hours of crazy dancing. Rumors is the one place you can go and just be whatever you want to be and not get judged. I love you Rumors you will always have a special place in my heart read more

I'm 28 and have been a regular at Rumors since the moment I was legally allowed to be there. I have very mixed feelings about my experiences at Rumors 98% of which have been phenomenally memorable; this place has been the setting of nearly all my fond (and otherwise) memories of my early 20s, even when the atmosphere and management took a turn for the worst a few years ago. The new owners really transformed the bar and event calander to revive a previously fizzling business. The environment is open, fun, clean and back to its LGBTQ roots. read more

If your a young gay or someone who feels like they don't belong rumors cabaret is not the place for you. I came in for Halloween and me and my friend were disrespected upon entering. My best friend was very drunk there, pronounce being they them . they purposely kept using gender pronouns with my friend to make them agitated while they were allowing me entry . It appeared that I had vomit on my fingers, and letting her know that I was very upset, because I had vomit on my fingers she then denied me entry into rumors cabaret in Bellingham, because I quotations had attitude. I asked to speak to the manager the front person with the gauges over 7/16 and the manager were very disrespectful, they would not give me the appropriate information and will not give me their names I paid for entry upon rumors for three people. I am not being disrespectful, but if I have to take pictures of my ID and my name, the person that helped me I feel like I deserve either a refund or my information deleted from the database of rumors the people that helped me was Dany they worked on 10/29/22 at 1:19 am her and the manager refused to help me or give me the right name where they worked. I've worked In many business before but I've learned if management or employees refuse to give information of the altercation, they know they handled the situation extremely wrong I have video proof. I would like a callback from the manager or an email how things were handled. was extremely wrong. I have video proof and recording of them treating me and my friend very wrong. I also would like for the manager to review the videos on the cameras and me checking in with my friend that was intoxicated on 10/29/22 at 1:19 for video proof on how your employees treat your customers I would like a call back from the gentleman that isn't on my call back card I will know if it's them from name and number. If this isn't resolved I will show how rumors isn't accepting of my gender nor know how's to handle the people that identify as I read more

There's no exaggeration in saying that Rumors is the "Cheers" of the west coast. The friendliest most extraordinary staff, awesomely talented performers, and patrons that are always welcoming and happy to see you whether it's your first time there or your thousandth. This is a real community establishment where you feel at home, welcome and safe. read more

Dance party dance all night dance party. Cheap drinks. Good music. Great crowd. Great staff. I had such a good time I don't remember it all. read more

Thanks for not serving a bridal party on the day of the bachelorette. "We can let you in but we won't serve you." Another bar was happy to receive our business! read more

Best place I've found to dance in Bellingham. Pros? -Air hockey ;-) -Several different areas... hang, dance, stand... whatever -Reasonable cover charge... $3 Cons? -One of the only places with a cover in Bellingham read more

Wow I can't believe no one else has reviewed Rumors! I loved this place when I lived in Bham. It welcomes all kinds and it has both a great bar and a dance floor. They even have airhockey and pool tables. Plus they have cute bartenders, who mix strong drinks and shots! I have some stories to tell about this place! Man! read more

Bouncers are easygoing and friendly, bartenders are all adorable, quick, and make really strong drinks. Music is okay during weekdays and better, more current, on weekends. If you're looking to have a dance crowd, don't show up before 10. However, drinks are much less expensive early on- awesome value. Venue is fun, with lots of pub seating and a giant pool table. Order a Long Island, and bring cash. Cash only bar! Parking is free in the farmers market lot after hours, which is nifty. Railroad is tough parking otherwise. read more

Rumors Cabaret - Gay Bars Near Me - Bellingham, Washington