The Best of Pike Place Market

Since it opened in 1907, Pike Place Market, Seattle’s most popular tourist destination, has grown from roughly ten farmers’ booths to a 9-acre labyrinth of fishmongers, restaurateurs, antique dealers and craftspeople. You could spend days wandering, tasting and delighting in all of the market’s offerings, so we’ve made a quick list of some of our favorite digs.

The Urban Garden

Brought to you by the Pike Place Market Foundation and Seattle Urban Farm, this little leafy sanctuary can be found hidden on the southwest rooftop of the market. Garden beds and benches were constructed using leftover juniper lumber from an abandoned Pike Place construction project. You can find locals and savvy tourists idling about the 2,000 square foot garden, escaping the hubbub of shoppers and sightseers below.  Pike Place Urban Garden: 81 Pike St.; 206-816-9740.

Indi Chocolate

Indi Chocolate’s sweet shop is in Pike Place’s recently opened additional space, The Marketfront. This boutique focuses on churning out small-batch, single origin dark chocolates. Try the Indi 50/50 cacao nibs and coffee. Indi Chocolate: 1901 Western Ave D.; 425-243-2089.

Biscuit B**ch

If the name of this Pike Place coffee and biscuit house makes you uncomfortable, wait ‘til you see all of the menu items. Owner Kimmie Spice’s signature “Hot Mess Bitch” is one of the world’s greatest equalizers—downtown CEOs, out-of-towners and Birkenstock-wearing Ballard-dwellers alike cherish every second of their garlic grit and Louisiana hot-link gorge-fest. Biscuit Bitch: 1909 1st Ave.; 206-441-7999.

Maximilien

Enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound, Elliott Bay, West Seattle and the Olympic Mountains inside this classic, romantic French bistro. A particular highlight is Maximilen’s delicious take on moules frites. The mussels are sourced just a few hundred yards away from where you sit, and the perfectly crispy fries are served in a dainty cornet. Maximilien: 81 Pike St.; 206-682-7270.