The Palate-Pleasing Pike Place Market

By Nicole Woon

The iconic Pike Place Market is the heartbeat of Seattle, Washington. As one of the oldest and largest continuously operating public markets in the United States, it is frequented by locals and tourists alike on a daily basis. Its humble roots began in 1907 when the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance establishing a marketplace where customers could purchase goods directly from local farmers. Since then, it has grown dramatically from those first eight farmers and their wagons to a nine-acre labyrinth of shops, restaurants, and open-air stalls.

One principle that has guided them from the beginning is “Meet the Producer, ” a concept that prioritizes vendor space for those that have raised, produced, or manufactured the goods they sell.

I have a deep affection for the market. Pike Place is where I run my errands, whether I’m picking up groceries for the week or grabbing a quick lunch in between work meetings. Pike Place is where I constantly make new discoveries, like cheeses I’ ve never tasted in DeLaurenti’s vast collection or the community-led Secret Garden overlooking Elliott Bay. And Pike Place is where I’ ve celebrated some of my happiest milestones, like an exquisite omakase birthday dinner at Sushi Kashiba or a wedding photoshoot around the market with florals from Lee Lor Garden.

This piece honors well-known spots like Pike Place Fish Market (their expert fish throwing technique draws attention far and wide), Starbucks (the coffee brand known across the globe), and Pike Place Chowder (popular for their namesake dish). It celebrates seasonal treats including plump Rainier cherries in the summer and vibrant tulips in the spring. It also recognizes hidden gems, such as Marnin Saylor’s food-inspired pastry pet plushies and the creamy soft serve at Rachel’s Ginger Beer. Pike Place Market is part of the fabric of my life in Seattle, and will be for years to come.