Stats:
Hours of operation vary among type of merchant:
Places serving breakfast: 6 am
Fresh Produce & Fish: 7 am
Official Market Bell: 9 am
Crafts Market: 10 am-4 pm
Merchant Hours: 10 am-6 pm
Restaurants & Bars Last Call: 1:30 am
Back Story:
Founded in 1907, Pike Place Market is one of the oldest Public Markets in the U.S and one of Seattle’s most iconic attractions. In it’s early days farmers came to the market to sell fresh produce right out of their horse-drawn wagons. In 1911, a covered arcade was added. The inside tables were called “dry stalls,” while those outside were known as “wet stalls”… likely a commentary on Seattle’s damp climate. While the market originally opened with only eight merchants, today it is home to hundreds of farmers, craftspeople, businesses and residents, and it’s often referred to as the Pike Place Neighborhood. In 2009, a major three-year renovation project was undertaken, largely for upgrades to facilities and infrastructure. Happily, the character of the beloved marketplace was preserved.
Impressions:
Pike Place Market has a lively food scene. The entire Market District spans some 16 square blocks, with most of the food vendors occupying the arcade buildings on Pike Place and Pike Street. Here you’ll find fabulous fruit and vegetable displays, butchers, bakeries, dairy and cheese, wine shops, locally grown herbs, freshly harvested honey, jars of pickled veggies, ciders, preserves and much more. Seafood vendors abound including the renowned “Pike Place Fish,” famous for hurtling fish through the air as orders are placed and packaged.
While there are more than 60 places to eat prepared food, including dozens of sit-down restaurants, the market has numerous non-food shops as well. The market’s policies do not permit chain stores, but you will find the original Starbucks and Sur La Table stores at Pike Place, along with flower stands, craft stores, specialty items and artisan shops.
Roughly 350 residents live here—mostly low-income seniors in affordable housing. A Pike Market Senior Center, clinic, childcare and preschool also add to the mix. It truly is a neighborhood.
Tourist wise:
This area is friendly and comfortable. Wear good shoes; you do a lot of walking on un-even ground. Talented street performers are everywhere so consider bringing some change for tips. You also can’t miss “Rachael” the giant piggy bank posing for photos and collecting money from shoppers for the Pike Place Market Foundation. This is clearly the most famous public market in the country, so tourists shop alongside locals at Pike Place. Weekends and warmer months increase foot traffic dramatically so plan your visits accordingly.
Travel Tips
Driving:
Pike Place itself (the cobblestone street running north and south through the market) is indeed a thoroughfare open to vehicular traffic, but pedestrians dominate on the weekends making it tricky to navigate by car. Consider using the Public Market Parking Garage, 1531 Western Ave., located behind the west side of Pike Place Market. You can also avoid bringing a car altogether, as taxis are abundant in Downtown Seattle.
Public Transportation:
Take Metro or Sound Transit Link Light Rail to the market. Many Metro bus routes will drop you off near the market, and the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located four blocks away. Call Metro Rider Information for more at (206)553-3000 or visit metro.kingcounty.gov.
Valet parking is available Thursday – Saturday from 6pm – midnight.
Contact:
Pike Place Market website
85 Pike Street, Seattle WA 98101
Phone:(206) 682-7453
E-mail: info@pikeplacemarket.com
Links
http://www.seattlechamber.com
http://www.visitseattle.org
Map:
