Pike Place Market Morning Walking Tour Highlights

On the morning of Saturday, August 17, 1907, hundreds of shoppers converged upon a few dozen farmers' carts at the food of downtown's Pike Street (named for Seattle pioneer and builder John Pike). The "public market" was founded to cut out the middlemen who drove up the prices of local produce, and it was an instant hit with farmers and Seattle residents.

Local developer Frank Goodwin, who had recently returned with a small fortune from the Klondike Gold Rush, saw an opportunity in the flourishing market and began construction of the permanent arcades that make up the heart of today's Market. The Market prospered during the 1920s and 1930s, and was home to a lively mix of Japanese and Italian American farmers, struggling artists, political radicals, and eccentrics.

Joe Desimone, an Italian farmer, purchased the Market's main arcades in 1941 and guided it through World War II, when 1st Avenue attracted thousands of sailors and soldiers along with ration-book bargain hunters. As suburbs and supermarkets sprouted up after World War II, the Market fell on hard times, while still supporting an eclectic community of artists and craftspeople.

When the maze of aging buildings was slated for demolition in the 1960s, architect Victor Steinbrueck and the Friends of the Market rallied Seattle to "Keep the Market." Voters approved a 17-acre historic district on November 2, 1971, and the City of Seattle later established the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority to rehabilitate and manage the Market's core buildings.

Start your tour a the Economy Building at the corner of 1st Avenue and Pike Street (printed information guides will be available on Sunday morning).

Tour Highlights

Pike Place Market has long been the heart of Seattle’s vibrant food scene. Within the nine-acre historic district, foodies, locavores, epicureans, professional chefs, home cooks, and those who simply love to eat enjoy a feast of bakeries, cafes, intimate bistros, casual and fine dining restaurants, and take out counters serving quick bites. Every trip to the Market provides an opportunity to indulge in favorite regional dishes like clam chowder, taste sweet or savory artisan foods or try a new dish from one of the many vendors serving ethnic cuisine.

Three Girls Bakery (6:00 am) 

Operating in the Pike Place Market since 1912, this bakery is a Seattle treasure, known for its many flavors of baked bread, hearty sandwiches and delectable sweets from croissants to bear claws.

1514 Pike Place

Starbucks (6:30 am)

Starbucks original café is located on Pike Place in the heart of Pike Place Market. The original store keeps to its roots and only serves coffee and espresso. The store boasts its original sign and mermaid logo. 

1912 Pike Place

Lowell’s (7:00 am)

The casual diner serves up delicious breakfasts alongside stunning views of Elliott Bay. The restaurant was founded in 1957 and has a dedicated following of locals and repeat visitors. Located inside the main arcade. 

1519 Pike Place

www.eatatlowells.com

Pike Place Bagels (7:30 am)

Our bagels are made fresh every day – in small batches and by hand. We are committed to the genuine method of kettle boiling our bagels before they are individually hand topped and baked off in the oven.

1525 1 Ave, in the Economy Building

www.seattlebagel.com

The Crumpet Shop (7:30 am)

Crumpets are a traditional English griddle cake. The shop has been making crumpets for more than three decades at Pike Place Market. 

1503 1st Ave

www.thecrumpetshop.com

Coffee and a Specialty Bakery (8:00 am)

The secret is out! Coffee & A Specialty Bakery is the go-to spot for gluten-free baked goods in downtown Seattle. Fresh cinnamon rolls, baguettes (plain, seeded, garlic and parmesan), cakes, tarts, sandwiches and dairy free options are baked on site. 

1500 Western Ave 

www.coffeeandpikeplace.com

Pike Place Bakery (8:00 am) 

The bakery has been family owned and operated since 1983. The bakery specializes in donuts, cakes and pastries of all types. Try their Texas-sized donuts!

1501 Pike Place

www.pikeplacebakery.com

Le Panier (8:00 am)

Early morning aromas wafting onto the sidewalk outside ... a cozy venue for buttery croissants—almond, chocolate, raspberry, brioche—and a cafe de maison. At the corner of Stewart Street & Pike Place.

1902 Pike Place 

www.lepanier.com

The Athenian (9:00 am) 

One of the Market’s oldest establishments, the café that was featured in the movie “Sleepless in Seattle” was founded in 1909. Large breakfast menu and great views of the Sound.

1517 Pike Place, located in the main arcade 

http://www.athenianinn.com/

Head back to the W Hotel for 9:45am sessions!

Photo by Colure.