Brad and Mara Bales opened The Langley Side Bar on May 2nd, and already people are noticing this inviting space where they can have a drink, an appetizer, a meal or a dessert…and just relax and talk with friends.
Brad is a judge and Mara is a tech attorney. They a have shared love of craft cocktails, fine wine, and good food. In a courtroom, a “sidebar” is a brief private conversation between the judge and the attorneys, outside the hearing of the jury. They created The Langley Sidebar in that same spirit…a place to slow down, and spend time talking with your friends, family and neighbors in an inviting upscale environment surrounded by marble, mahogany and leather. It gives a playful nod to the law with legally themed cocktails in an atmosphere designed purely for your enjoyment. Brad says, “Every cocktail has a legal name and a story.”
Brad grew up in Oregon and Mara grew up in Los Angeles. Brad went to law school and then onto active duty as a U.S. Army JAG. Mara also went to law school, but not before attending NYU and Julliard and becoming a classically trained singer.
They made the move to Whidbey Island after several visits to the community and falling in love with the beautiful town. They decided to develop their building after noticing that there wasn’t another place in the community that provided what they are now offering.
When the Langley Side Bar opened, one of their first customers told them: “I’ve been waiting for 25 years for a place like this to open on Whidbey Island.”
They are serving drinks at the Langley Side Bar that reflect their legal professions. Mara also has extensive experience as a salad chef. They even have their own vinegar which they have sold commercially and bottle for the house salad dressing.
The Langley Side Bar offers a broad range of alcoholic, as we as non-alcoholic, drinks (including high-end non-alcoholic sparkling wine). They also serve handmade gluten-free tacos with organic chicken breast or shrimp, organic humus, and other tasty dishes.
The Langley Side Bar is located at 107 – 1st Street in Langley. You can call them at (360) 221-2727 during open hours: Fridy and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sunday fro 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They plan to extend their days and hours in the very near future. For more information, you can check their website: TheLangleySidebar.com
Brad and Mara have a significant goal for The Langley Side Bar: “We want people to be inspired by the drinks, food and atmosphere each time they come here.”
