I grew up in the Greater Seattle area and I still love Pike Place Market. I don’t know if it’s the fresh market flowers or all the delicious food. But whatever it is, Pike Place Market has always been one of my favorite places in Seattle.
Recently, I had a friend Patty from @scrubsandstripes visit Seattle for a weeklong trip. As I shared recommendations of what to see and eat in the city, we also agreed to meet at Pike Place Market for a photo shoot. Her visit inspired me to share my favorite things to eat and see at Pike Place Market.
Before we jump into what to see and eat at Pike Place Market, what is Pike Place Market?
Established in 1907, Pike Place Market is Seattle’s original farmers market. The market opened on August 17, 1907. Within Pike Place Market’s first week, 70 wagons were heading to the market every day to sell and buy produce, dairy, eggs, and more.
Pike Place Market has gone through a number of renovations, the most recent completed in 2017. You can find specialty goods, incredible food, arcade games, thrifted items, coffee shops, and unique Seattle experiences.
So if you’re visiting Seattle for the first time for either a weekend trip or an extended stay, here are:
10 Things to Do at Pike Place Market Your First Time
1. Visit the Original Starbucks Store
If you’re a Starbucks fan like me, you should definitely visit the original store. The first Starbucks opened in March of 1971 and still stands next to Piroshky Piroshky – NOT on 1st and Pike. Most people confuse the original Starbucks with the Starbucks across the street from the Seattle Shirt Company. The actual address of the original Starbucks is 1912 Pike Place Seattle WA 98101.
2. Eat Ellenos Yogurt
If you’re a fan of yogurt or Greek yogurt, you have to stop by Ellenos in Pike Place Market. This is probably my favorite Greek yogurt ever. I usually can’t resist a marionberry, mango, or pumpkin yogurt when I stop by Pike Place Market.
Ellenos uses 100% natural fruits and toppings, sourced seasonally and locally, and a family recipe to create the delicious yogurt.
3. Eat at Pike Place Chowder
As a local Seattleite, I highly recommend Pike Place Chowder. I once took my entire family here for Mother’s Day. We waited in line, waited to find a table, and found that the chowder was absolutely worth the wait!
Pike Place Chowder opened in 2003 and has been named the most popular dish in the country (according to Yelp).
4. Visit Shug’s Soda Fountain
I recently visited Shug’s Soda Fountain and Ice Cream with my friend Patty, Holly, and Rafi and we loved it! If you’re looking for a dessert spot after dinner in Pike Place Market or Downtown Seattle, I highly recommend stopping by Shug’s.
Its adorable retro interiors are Instagram worthy and their ice cream/milkshakes are all so yummy! My only warning is that if you plan to take photos inside the store, to call ahead to let them know. The store gets super busy so you want to be mindful of what date or time you go into the store.
5. Eat at the Athenian
If you’ve seen the movie Sleepless in Seattle, Tom Hanks actually stopped by the Athenian in Pike Place Market. In fact, they have the stool he sat on marked with a plaque! I personally love that movie and always recommend this spot you’re looking for a sit down spot for lunch or dinner.
6. Visit the Fish Mosaic Wall in the new Market Expansion
One of my favorite things about Pike Place Market are the picture perfect corners and walls! If you’re looking for a unique Instagram worthy wall, the fish mosaic wall is in the new expanded area of Pike Place Market!
7. Eat at the Daily Dozen Doughnut
If you want a batch of mini donuts, you absolutely should stop by the Daily Dozen Doughnut in Pike Place Market. My sister and I typically split a half dozen of doughnuts to eat (or a full dozen to eat and take home). I’m personally a fan of the sprinkled mini doughnuts, but all of the doughnuts are all delicious!
8. Visit the Gum Wall
For over 20 years, the Market Theater has collected gum from local and global visitors. Fun Fact: the gum wall was cleaned just once in 2015! They scrapped off over 2,000 pounds of gum to preserve the brick walls.
9. Watch Fish Fly – Just kidding the fish are thrown!
One of the most famous attractions at Pike Place Market is the fish throw at Pike Place Fish. The fish flying ritual started with the Yokoyama, the owner of Pike Place Fish Market from 1965- 2018. He used to go back and forth between selecting the fish, weighing, cutting, and packaging it. He decided to fling the fish one day to one of his employees one day. You can read more about the Pike Place Fish Market from the Seattle Times here.
10. Wander through the flower stands
Pike Place Market has the best flowers in Seattle. You can take home gorgeous bouquets for $10-$25 a bunch!
There you have it friends! 10 things to do at Pike Place Market your first time. These are just 10 things I personally like to show my friends and family around when they’re visiting!
What are your favorite things to do or places to eat at Pike Place Market?
Thank you for reading!
Love,
Emma
Gosh, it’s been so long since I have been to Seattle but I remember Pike’s Place and I have pictures in my scrapbook to prove it! I would love to try that clam chowder. It’s one of my favorite soups and always something I look forward to when visiting SF. I would love to try it from Seattle. It’s so cool that you are able to meet other bloggers. It’s on my bucket list too! You both look so happy and so pretty! I hope you are having a great weekend and happy Sunday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Great post – all of your photos are so cute!! I have never been to Pike Place, but I really need to add it to my travel list now… It looks like there are a bunch of fun things to check out! 🙂 Thanks for sharing; I’m so glad I found your cute blog!
-Jenna <3
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