One of two locations in Ballard, Un Bien’s Shilshole shop sits along the Burke-Gilman Trail’s western terminus. A convenient trail-side bite, the Caribbean sandwiches here are smothered in aioli and packed with banana peppers, pickled jalapenos, garlic tapenade, and caramelized onions on toasted baguettes. Don’t forget about the fire-roasted corn coated in parmesan, paprika, and lime or a side of fluffy jasmine rice and vegetarian black beans.

Headed east out of Ballard and across Leary Way, bikers have quick access to this popular local mini-chain, which dishes up New York-style pizza, served by the slice and in whole pie form. Known for its divey vibe, Big Mario’s menu is divided equally between meat pies (featuring the Mai Tai with pineapple and Italian ham) and veggie, like the Pear Gorgonzola. For those getting a slice to go, Bad Jimmy’s Brewing Co. next door is not a bad place to camp out for a beer.

Located near the Ballard/Fremont border, this shop-cafe hybrid offers skilled hands for a variety of bike repairs and fuel for the ride. Cyclists can swing by for an annual tune up, and browse bike parts and accessories while waiting, from festive pedals to functional bags and helmets. There’s also a convenient drive thru window for tea and coffee (made with Ravenna-based Seven beans), as well as pastries, sandwiches, bagels, and other snacks.

A block from the Burke-Gilman Trail, this mainstay from renowned chef Renee Erickson draws inspiration from southern Europe and England. The larder and cafe plates wood-fired bites daily from its counter, leaning heavily on local vegetables, fish, and pickled treats. The fried duck egg and toast is a brunch standout, and hungry diners should eye the salt roasted half chicken carrot hummus, labneh and medjool date relish for dinner.

Just north of Gas Works Park, the kitchen here uses local masa to create the base for its tacos. They’re then served up with crispy fish, carnitas, braised chicken, and charred broccoli and topped with cojita, cilantro, habanero salsa, and chipotle aioli. A pit stop here should also include an order of queso fundido and shrimp ceviche, both of which pair well with an ice-cold Negra Modelo.

A sister restaurant to the downtown location and Madrona’s Bottlehouse, this all-day café is easily accessible from the Burke-Gilman. There’s a little bit of everything on the menu, with drinks including coconut cream lattes and cardamom tonics, and snacks such as curried avocado toast and a tuna melt with gouda and Mama Lil’s peppers. Open for takeout, as well as limited onsite seating, including a patio.

The Burke-Gilman Trail runs directly behind this craft brewery, which made its debut in 2018 as Laurelhurst’s first. Known for its IPAs (including its award-winning imperial hazy), the brewery also offers a stellar rotating lineup of European beers, including a crisp, malty altbier, a Czech dark lager, and an imperial stout cask-conditioned with oak and vanilla. The brewery has loaner bike locks for forgetful folks, and cyclists get a buck off their first beer on Sundays.

Those looking for a cold one on the north end should seek out this spot along Kenmore’s Brewery Row, a short jaunt from the trail with plenty of bike parking. The brewery is family- and pup-friendly, and it also doubled the size of its beer garden during COVID, so there’s plenty of room to stretch out with a farmhouse saison or Northwest IPA under the massive shade trees.