Last updated on June 3rd, 2026
Looking for the best food in Pike Place Market? We’re sharing how to go on your own Pike Place Market food tour, plus other spots to not miss!
Pike Place Market is one of the most iconic sights in Seattle. Located right along the Puget Sound, with colorful neon signs, delicious eats, and countless hallways and nooks filled with local vendors, it is truly the heart of downtown Seattle.
During our three years living in Seattle we visited Pike Place Market countless times. Not only was it a must-visit when our family and friends came to town (it is one of the best cheap things to do in Seattle afterall!), but it also was a blast to wander around on our own. Because being a tourist in your own city is heavily underrated!
And in this guide we’re sharing how to go on your own DIY Pike Place Market food tour, including delicious drinks, quirky sights, and the best food in Pike Place Market.
Map of the best food & things to do in Pike Place Market
While we’re sharing how to visit all of these spots on your own below, if you want to visit the market with a guide, check out these Pike Place Market food tour options:
- Pike Place Market Tasting Tour
- The Original Food and Culture Tour of Pike Place Market
- Early-Bird Tasting Tour of Pike Place Market
Want to save some money? Book these tours on Tripadvisor and use our code APLUSK10 for 10% off!
The Best Food in Pike Place Market
Piroshky Piroshky
A piroshky (also spelled pirozhki or piroshki) is a little handheld pocket of deliciousness! These Russian and Eastern European stuffed pastries are basically a savory or sweet dough filled with all kinds of goodies, then baked or fried.
Traditionally, the dough is soft and a little fluffy, kind of like a cross between bread and pastry. The fillings can be all over the place from classic savory ones including beef and onion, cabbage and egg, mushrooms and potato, or even salmon. Sweet versions might have apples, cherries, or sweetened cottage cheese.
Piroshky Piroshky is a must-visit spot on your Pike Place Market food tour. This bakery has countless flavors to choose from, but we recommend the beef and cheese! It’s the perfect handheld snack to walk around the market with as you hunt for your next treat.
Daily Dozen Doughnut
Hot and fresh mini doughnuts from Daily Dozen Doughnut are perfect for strolling around the market. You can get simple options, like plain or powdered sugar, but they’re known for their maple and maple bacon doughnuts, so we highly recommend you try those.
Just be aware, they are cash only!
Biscuit Bitch
For a more substantial and savory breakfast, head to Biscuit Bitch! I mean, with a name like that, how can you resist?
Here you can find a wide variety of biscuit options, including topped with gravy and grits. Or you can get sweet toppings or a handheld sandwich, with egg and meat. And for the gluten-free crowd, don’t worry, they have a gluten-free biscuit as well!
The Crumpet Shop
Crumpets are a traditional British griddle cake and are sort of like the lovechild of an English muffin and a pancake, but with way more character.
It’s round, about the size of your palm, and the top is full of those signature little holes that soak up butter like a sponge. And when you toast one up, the outside gets slightly crisp, but the inside stays all soft and chewy. People usually eat them with butter (lots of it!), jam, honey, or even a bit of cheese.
To give one a try, head to The Crumpet Shop in Pike Place Market. Their lemon curd or the ricotta options are good choices!
Hellenika Cultured Creamery
Looking for a sweet treat at Pike Place Market? Hellenika Cultured Creamery serves Greek style cultured gelato. It’s a creamy, sweet, and tangy treat and unlike any other ice cream you’ve had!
Their flavors rotate and you can usually find a mix of traditional options, plus some fun flavors, like ube coconut (one of our favorites!) and lavender. And the coolest part? They churn the gelato right in front of you!
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Pike Place Market is to visit Beecher’s Handmade Cheese.
This iconic cheese producer from Seattle has their flagship location right in Pike Place Market. Here you can watch them make cheese (such a cool process to see!), plus buy a wide variety of cheeses, from jerk spice to cheese curds. But the star of the show is the mac and cheese! They have this and a variety of other yummy cheese-filled foods (like grilled cheese!) to choose from for the perfect warm lunch.
Pike Place Chowder
Pike Place Chowder is an award winning chowder shop that is a must-stop when trying the best food in Pike Place Market. We recommend you get the sampler to try multiple different chowders. Adam says the New England Clam Chowder was his favorite, but they’re all so good. And if you choose just one flavor, make sure to get it served in the bread bowl!
The Pink Door
At The Pink Door you’ll not only find delicious Italian food, but also get an entertaining experience with shows and acrobatics! They perform each night usually around 7-10 PM, but be sure to check their entertainment schedule before you plan your visit. And we highly recommend making a reservation.
The menu isn’t always the same, but you’ll always find delicious homemade pastas, risottos, seafood options and more!
Our favorite drinks at Pike Place Market
Storyville Coffee
One of our favorite local roasters in all of Seattle is Storyville Coffee. It’s a bit hard to find, but to get there, go up the stairs here. We admit, the prices are high, but the quality is top notch. Plus they have an amazing view of the market (and delicious cinnamon buns), which is just another reason to stop in!
Ghost Alley Espresso
Tucked under the market, right by the gum wall (more on that in a second!) sits Ghost Alley Espresso. It’s a tiny spot, but one of our go-to coffee shops in Pike Place Market!
While you’re here, you must get the mystery mocha, where the barista creates a surprise concoction for you based on your answers to a quiz! It’s so fun!
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Ginger beer is a non-alcoholic (or sometimes very mildly alcoholic) carbonated drink made by fermenting ginger, sugar, and water. But don’t let the “beer” in the name confuse you—most of the stuff you’ll find in stores is totally alcohol-free, unless it specifically says otherwise.
The flavor is bold, way more gingery than ginger ale, with a kick that warms your throat a little. It’s fizzy, slightly sweet, and super refreshing. You can sip it on its own or use it as the magic ingredient in cocktails or mocktails.
At Rachel’s Ginger Beer there are so many delicious flavors to choose from like blood orange, blueberry, and spicy pineapple. It’s alcohol free, but they have cocktail options and some ice cream options too!
Top sights to see at Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market is more than just a foodie paradise! There are also some fun and quirky things to do in Pike Place Market. Below are some of our must-see stops!
See the Original Starbucks
Pike Place Market is home to the Original Starbucks. Well, sort of. It’s actually technically not the original, but it is the oldest now! The first was only opened for 5 years before they moved to this location in 1971 and have been here ever since! With just a few more locations added since that time…😜
While this Starbucks location is fun to visit for a photo opp or a souvenir (like a special mug!), we’d suggest heading to Storyville or Ghost Alley Espresso for coffee instead.
Buy fresh produce
No market visit is complete without buying fresh produce. We used to love to come to Pike Place Market and buy local fruit, vegetables, and meat to make a homemade dinner. You can find many fruit and vegetable stands around this area. Many will give fruit samples too!
Snap a photo of the Gum Wall
One of the weirdest things to do in Pike Place Market is to visit the Gum Wall. This is exactly what it sounds like–a wall filled with pieces of chewed up gum stuck to it. They’ve cleaned it and removed all of the gum in the past, but the gum always comes back.
Some people HATE it, but others (like us) think it’s disgustingly awesome! Regardless of which side you’re on, it’s well worth a visit for the novelty alone. Make sure to add your own gum to it while you’re here.
Watch the flying fish
You cannot visit Pike Place Market without seeing the famous flying fish at Pike Place Fish Market. The fishmongers here will yell a chant and pass fish across the counter to each other. It’s such a fun sight to see and one of the best things to do in Pike Place Market.
They also can ship fish to you, so if you want to support them (and not just admire their throwing skills), make sure to buy some fresh fish to enjoy when you get home.
Buy a bouquet of flowers
One thing Pike Place Market is known for are its colorful bouquets of flowers. The prices are pretty affordable compared to many floral shops, so definitely plan to grab a bunch when you’re here. They’re located right by the fish market and will be hard to miss!
Wander the shops
There are countless shops to check out in Pike Place Market. Make sure to wander the lower levels and random alleyways to find different shops, for all interests (like a magic shop and meat stands). Our favorite is Made In Washington, which has all Washington made goods. The perfect place to pick up a souvenir!
Check out views of the Puget Sound
For amazing views of the Puget Sound and on a clear day, Mount Rainier, swing by the Pike Place Market Sundeck! And as an added bonus, you can now easily walk down to the waterfront. Which before, used to be quite the stroll!
Save this guide with the best food and things to do in Pike Place Market
