Taste Your Way Through 5 Self-Guided Food Trails in Kent
Make memories at Sweet Themes Bakery, known for its seasonal mini cheesecakes.
Nearly 140 languages are spoken in Kent, Washington, making it one of the 10 most diverse cities in the nation. A thriving farming community for decades, Kent has grown to become the sixth largest city in Washington but still maintains a hometown feel. This rich history and diversity is reflected in the gastronomic experiences local chefs and producers are cooking up.
The recently launched Kent Food Trails feature more than 20 food and beverage stops around town. Along the five self-guided trails, you can taste the city’s local and global flavors—from small-batch spirits to authentic international dishes. Spend a day exploring the trails and you’ll find something to please every palate—you might just come back for seconds. It’s a perfect destination for a weekend food-cation getaway.
Now through August 31, visitors to Kent can enter to win an Edible Escape for two, complete with an overnight stay and three meals a day.
Food (Trails) for Thought
Downtown Dining Trail
Park the car and let your taste buds guide you through Kent’s historic downtown. Try a locally brewed craft beer at Airways Bistro & Beer Garden and stop for flavorful chutney at one of the only Afghan restaurants in the state. Take a short stroll to find empanadas, Thai food and sushi—a perk to dining in the heart of downtown.
Bring your whole brood to Airways Brewing Bistro & Beer Garden (dogs, too!)
Farm Fresh Trail
From spring rhubarb to summer berries and a bounty of pumpkins in the fall, there are boundless ways to enjoy the harvest in Kent. Locals and visitors love perusing Carpinito Brothers for farm-fresh produce and a hearty breakfast at the popular Wild Wheat Bakery. You’ll find locally sourced ingredients on many menus around town.
International Eats Trail
Immerse yourself in Kent’s global food scene—without big-city lines or prices. Authentic Indian, Thai, and Mexican dishes are just a few of the global cuisines on this flavorful trail. Visit the Ubuntu Street Café where refugee trainees bring their cultural dishes to the menu. Up for a shopping adventure? Kent’s Great Wall Shopping Mall is home to 99 Ranch Market, the largest Asian grocer in the U.S.
Try a changing menu of global bites from Iraqi potato salad to Ethiopian beef stew at Ubuntu Street Cafe.
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Trail
From favorite kid-approved dishes to more adventurous bites, there are plenty of options to satisfy kiddos in Kent. For added entertainment, head to Pie Lab where you can eat—and bake—mini pies and cheesecakes. Fill up on deliciously inexpensive burgers at the famous Dick’s Drive-In, too.
Local Libations Trail
More than 100 years ago, the city received most of its income from the production of hops. Staying true to its agricultural roots, Kent is pouring handmade brews sure to please any palate. Sip on the award-winning, fruit-forward liqueurs at Sidetrack Distillery or the coveted Pilsner from Airways Brewing. Be sure to visit one of the small-batch wineries to get a taste of Washington red wines. Just be sure to call ahead.
Sample sweet spirits at Sidetrack Distillery, handmade and crafted sustainably on site, along the Green River.
Hungry for more? Start planning at TasteKent.com. Less than three hours from Portland, Kent is centrally located between Tacoma and Seattle. That makes it a prime basecamp for your Washington adventure. Best of all, Kent offers ample and affordable accommodations to suit every traveler. You can also catch hockey games and concerts at accesso ShoWare Center, hit a bucket of balls at Riverbend Golf Course, and enjoy outdoor shopping at Kent Station while in town.
Food festivals and events in Kent
May: Kent International Festival
June-September: Kent Farmers Market
July: Kent Cornucopia Days
September-October: Carpinito Brothers Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Ongoing: Migrating Meals with Project Feast
