Trailbend Taproom

"Trailbend Taproom is a bar in Ballard that serves pizza and sandwiches. Sit at the bar so you can make minimal eye contact, and then order a big beer so you can take a teeny sip every time you feel uncomfortable. It’s pretty casual in here, so allow the screams of children to drown out the awkward silence." - aimee rizzo

"Sometimes you get stir-crazy after bouncing around the same breweries in Ballard. Cool off at Trailbend Taproom. It’s in the middle of the brewery district, but it isn’t a brewery—they just serve beer, with tap options coming from everywhere from Belgium to Bellingham. And if you’re really just sick of beer, maybe a taproom wasn’t the right plan of attack for you, but an Aperol spritz or some spiked cold brew aren’t bad ideas. Neither is a ricotta garlic bread boat." - Aimee Rizzo

"The Bergschrund taproom in Ballard will remain open through November, serving up the brewery’s seasonal offerings, as well as nachos." - Gabe Guarente

"Going beer-tasting in Ballard is all fun and games until you get sick of drinking the same ones over and over again, spinning in a vortex of Reubens, Stoup, Peddler, and Populuxe. (Or, until somebody falls off the Cycle Saloon.) Trailbend Taproom is a welcome change of pace because it’s still in the Ballard brewery district, but has beer available from everywhere from Bellingham to Belgium. We’ll admit that vulture-stalking for a large picnic table here gets frustrating, especially since this is the U.S. capital of passive-aggressive attitudes. But once you’re in, it’s a fun place to drink interesting things like blueberry ale, aperol cocktails, and spiked coldbrew. We don’t recommend coming to Trailbend starving, but if you do, the pizzas are good enough - especially the margherita." - Aimee Rizzo

"Jamie Butler, Travis Eaton, and Andy Walls, owners of The Dray in Ballard and The Yard in Greenwood, are opening a new beer bar, Trailbend Taproom, in the Ballard brewery district, with 42 taps pouring local, national, and international beers and ciders. The brews will be complemented by food like pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and “bites” like sausage, chicken wings, and mac and cheese. There’s even going to be a small kids menu of cheese, pepperoni, and meatball pizzas. Status: Opening soon." - Megan Hill