Here are some of my favorite small businesses along the Burke-Gilman Trail, from west to east:
Smål Market
🤏 The “missing link” part of the Burke, where the route is less protected from cars, runs roughly from the Ballard Locks to the Fred Meyer next to Leary. The silver lining is that at least you’re traveling through the heart of Ballard, where there are a ton of restaurants and shops, including Smål Market, which showcases goods from local makers. The lineup of suppliers changes regularly, but right now you can browse some cool candles and ceramics along with merch from the local soccer clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC
Know before you go: If you are looking for a place to sell your wares, Smål Market is accepting applications to be a summer 2026 tenant.
The Wayland Mill
☕ Right next to the trail in the sleepy Northlake neighborhood is one of Seattle’s most hyped all-day cafes. Owned by Yasuaki Saito, who also runs the trailside bakery Saint Bread, the Wayland Mill serves Japanese-American food all day (think tamago omelets and karaage chicken sandwiches on milk bread), but it might be best for a coffee-and-treat pick-me-up — the star of the menu is arguably its peanut butter shoyu icebox pie.
Know before you go: On weekends, expect a line, especially in the mornings.
Magnuson Brewery
🍺 There are a lot of places to stop for a beer along the Burke, a credit to Seattle’s twin passions of cycling and drinking IPAs. But one of the most scenic places for a drink is this brewery and restaurant, with a patio that has sweeping views of Lake Washington.
Know before you go: Magnuson Brewery is not directly on the Burke but inside the old naval base at Sand Point — the easiest way to get there is to get off the trail where it meets Fairway Estates and go down to Sand Point Way.
Kenmore Lanes
🎳 This long-running bowling alley says that it is “the largest bowling center north of Reno, Nevada, and west of the Mississippi.” It is also roughly right at the Kenmore terminus of the Burke-Gilman Trail — so if you like to cap off a day of bike riding with some bowling, this is the place for you.
Know before you go: If you want to make sure you get a lane, call the bowling alley at 425-486-5555 before you get there.
