Restaurant
Unclaimed profileTrailbend Taproom
Seattle, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Trailbend Taproom brings a serious beverage program to the Ballard brewery district, pairing a 37-tap rotating beer list with house-batched draft cocktails and a dedicated non-alcoholic menu. Cocktails range from a mezcal negroni to a rye old fashioned, while wines span multiple regions. The draft cocktail system keeps things efficient without sacrificing craft.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Mezcal Negroni, a house-batched draft pour with Banhez Mezcal, Cynar, and Dolin Rouge. For beer, check the rotating taps—32oz jars are available to go. Non-alcoholic drinkers can explore the Dry Spritz or Moscow Null.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Beer enthusiasts will appreciate the rotating 37-tap lineup, while cocktail lovers can explore creative, well-priced drinks. The extensive non-alcoholic menu also makes it a welcoming spot for designated drivers or those abstaining.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are ideal, especially Tuesdays for trivia hosted by Head in the Clouds. The taproom's location in the brewery district makes it a natural stop during a crawl.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails run $14–$17, wines by the glass $11–$15, and beers and ciders $7–$9.50. Non-alcoholic cocktails are $14–$15.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- House-batched draft cocktails set Trailbend apart, delivering negronis and other craft drinks with efficiency. The 37 rotating taps and a full non-alcoholic program—including NA cocktails, beer, and sparkling wine—show a commitment to variety across the board.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A creative, well-priced cocktail list features house-batched draft negronis, a mezcal negroni praised as the best a reviewer has ever had, and a range of spirits from rye to rum.
Menu strengths
- — Creative ingredients like Cynar, amaro, and peach bitters
Standout selections
- — Mezcal Negroni – Banhez Mezcal, Cynar, Dolin Rouge, orange twist, $16
- — Low Viz Sazerac – rye, Highside Sunset Hill amaro, Benedictine, $16
- — 50th Street Old Fashioned – James E. Pepper rye, demerara, peach bitters, $16
Pricing: $14–$17
Wine
A compact but diverse wine list spans Washington, California, New Zealand, Italy, and France, with options by glass and bottle, plus a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse regional selection; Glass and bottle options; Includes non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Standout selections
- — Mark Ryan Cab Sauv – Washington red, $12/52
- — W.T Vintners Syrah – Washington red, $15/60
- — Les Quatre Tours Rosé – French rosé, $11/44
Pricing: $11–$15 by glass, $44–$60 by bottle
Beer
A rotating 37-tap system highlights local and craft beers, with 32oz jars to go.
Standout selections
- — Yonder Dry Cider – 16oz cider, $9.50
- — Athletic/Best Day NA – non-alcoholic beer, $8
Pricing: $7–$9.50
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail menu with seven options, plus NA beer and sparkling wine, makes this a standout for sober-curious drinkers.
Menu strengths
- — Seven non-alcoholic cocktail options; Includes NA beer and sparkling wine
Standout selections
- — Dry Spritz – Wilfred's orange & rosemary NA apertif, soda, Joyus NA sparkling wine, $15
- — Moscow Null – N/A vodka, lime, Timber City ginger beer, $14
- — Kava-politan – Kava Haven, pomegranate, citrus, tajin rim, $15
Pricing: $14–$15 for cocktails; NA beer and sparkling wine priced similarly
Spirits
The cocktail menu showcases a wide range of spirits—mezcal, rum, bourbon, rye, vodka, tequila, and gin—demonstrating a versatile back bar.
Standout selections
- — Mezcal Negroni – features Banhez Mezcal
- — Fold & Fly – Four Roses bourbon
Pricing: Not separately listed
How it sits with the food
Not detailed in evidence, but the beer and wine lists offer versatile options for pairing with bar snacks or a meal. The rotating taps likely include styles that complement everything from fried food to burgers.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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