Blog

The iconic Public Market Center sign at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Summertime in the PNW means the market is bursting with fresh produce, local vendors, and hungry visitors soaking up the sun. Summer is in full swing here in the Pacific Northwest: think hiking trails, camping trips, kayaking on Puget Sound, outdoor festivals, marina concerts, and of course farmers markets in every other town. By August, we’re in peak farmers market season. Our summers are short (gotta pack in the fun while we can!), and at the heart of it all is the hard-to-miss farmers market legend in Seattle – Pike Place Market. First pro tip: it’s “Pike Place,” not “Pike’s Place” – dropping that apostrophe is a local rite of passage. We can’t possibly list every merchant at this sprawling market (from the heaps of colorful produce and famous flower stalls to artisan crafts and specialty foods), but here are a few of our favorite go-to spots when exploring Pike Place on a summer day.

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Listen up, cheese lovers: this place is a Seattle institution. Beecher’s opened in 2003 and has become famous for its award-winning artisan cheeses – you can even watch cheesemakers at work in the Pike Place shop through a big glass window as they churn out creamy cheddar. The must-try here is their “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese, a rich, velvety dish so good it landed on Oprah’s list of favorite things. (Insider tip: the smoked salmon mac and cheese is another level of delicious.) Whether you’re building a picnic or just indulging, Beecher’s cheese (and free sample cheese curds) will make you rethink what great cheese really is.

Mee Sum Pastry

On a drizzly Seattle day, nothing hits the spot like a warm hom bow from Mee Sum Pastry. This unassuming little bakery has been feeding Pike Place visitors for decades with some of the best Chinese buns and dim sum around. Their signature hom bow – giant, fluffy hand-sized buns stuffed with BBQ pork, chicken curry, or veggies – are practically a meal on their own (Mee Sum even boasts they’re the largest buns in Washington). Baked or steamed, sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Grab one from the counter (there’s no sit-down area) and join the cluster of people happily snacking on the sidewalk – you’ll be hooked after one bite of that tender, flavorful filling.

Rachel’s Ginger Beer

If you’re looking to quench your thirst with something uniquely Seattle, Rachel’s Ginger Beer (RGB) has you covered. This craft soda shop started at local farmers’ markets and opened its Pike Place flagship in 2013, quickly becoming a hot spot on a sunny day. Rachel’s serves up zesty ginger beer in an array of inventive flavors – think blood orange, blueberry, white peach, and even seasonal specials like spicy pineapple. The ginger beer is non-alcoholic, but they’ll happily mix it into a Moscow Mule or other cocktails for you. Don’t be deterred by the line that often wraps around the corner of Pine St. and Post Alley – the payoff is an ice-cold, tangy-sweet ginger fizz that truly hits the spot in summer.

Pike Place Chowder

We’re not about to ignite an East Coast vs. West Coast chowder feud, but Pike Place Chowder has earned its reputation as a chowder champion. Tucked in Post Alley, this little shop ladles out what is officially some of the most awarded chowder in America (17 first-place wins in national chowder competitions and even named Yelp’s “Most Popular Dish in America”). The line of chowder-lovers often snakes around the block – and for good reason. Their New England Clam Chowder is classic perfection, but our favorite is the rich, smoky Smoked Salmon Chowder, a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Pro tip: you can order online and pick up around back to skip the wait. Either way, grab a sourdough bread bowl or a cup to-go and savor it while overlooking the waterfront. You’re in chowder country now, so enjoy.

Ellenos Greek Yogurt

In between the pastries and fried foods, a stop at Ellenos provides a refreshing break (and maybe the only time dessert can pass as “healthy”). Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt started as a humble Pike Place Market stall in 2013 and has since developed a cult following – you might have even spotted their tubs sold by the case at Costco. What makes it special? Unbelievably thick, creamy Greek yogurt made in small batches with all-natural ingredients and then topped with luscious fruit or pie. The flavor lineup is extensive: you can get classics like vanilla or lemon curd, or dive into Pacific Northwest specialties like marionberry or seasonal pumpkin pie. It’s dessert masquerading as yogurt, and it’s so worth it. Even their plain with a drizzle of local honey is heavenly (add granola for crunch!). Ellenos is a great way to treat yourself and cool down on a warm market day.

Kitchen & Market

Kitchen & Market is not your ordinary grocery store – it’s part gourmet market, part meal-kit haven, and one of the newer additions to Pike Place. This specialty store opened just steps from the “original” Starbucks on Pike Street and has quickly become a time-saver for Seattle foodies. Inside, you’ll find chef-inspired meal kits, ready-made sauces and sides, and a curated selection of local products to stock your pantry. Need dinner ideas? Grab one of their prepped meal bundles (they partner with notable local chefs and even restaurants like Ethan Stowell’s for recipes) and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal to cook at home – no stressful planning required. It’s the perfect stop if you want to bring a taste of Seattle back to your kitchen or pick up picnic provisions beyond the usual market fare.

Golden Age Collectibles

Tucked beneath the main arcade (one level down from the fish-throwing and produce stands) lies a geeky paradise: Golden Age Collectibles. This is the world’s oldest comic book store, established back in 1971, and it’s been a beloved nerd haven ever since. Stepping inside, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling comics (new issues and vintage), graphic novels, plus a treasure trove of pop culture goodies. From Funko Pop figurines and rare collectibles to movie posters, board games, and quirky memorabilia – it’s the kind of place you “just pop into for a minute” and end up browsing for an hour. Even if you’re not a comic superfan, the sheer nostalgia and fun of this shop make it worth a visit. (And if you are a fan, be prepared to freak out – first-edition comics and hard-to-find items abound!)

Pike Brewing Company (Pike Pub)

After a long day of walking and sampling, sometimes you just need to sit down with a cold beer. Pike Brewing Company – often called the Pike Pub – is the perfect spot to cheers to your Market adventure. Founded in 1989 by Seattle craft beer pioneers Charles and Rose Ann Finkel, Pike Brewing has become an iconic Northwest brewery. Their brewpub is conveniently located a half-block from the Market, with a spacious, casual atmosphere that works for families, groups, or solo travelers looking to relax. The beer lineup features a wide range of local craft brews made on-site (try the Pike IPA or the Kilt Lifter Scotch ale, if available), and the food menu is no afterthought either – think juicy burgers, fresh fish & chips, and tasty appetizers that pair perfectly with a pint. Surrounded by brewing memorabilia and the buzz of fellow beer-lovers, you’ll get a true taste of Seattle’s brew scene. Fun fact: Pike Pub even has a mini museum of beer history inside all over its walls, so you can learn a little while you drink.

Pike Place Bar & Grill

It’s easy to miss Pike Place Bar & Grill if you’re not looking for it – keep an eye out for the neon sign at the corner of Pike Street and 1st Ave, then head up the narrow stairs to this cozy second-floor spot. Once upstairs, you’re rewarded with a fantastic view overlooking the Market (including the famous neon sign and all the people bustling below). This laid-back bar & grill serves up classic American diner fare with a Pacific Northwest twist – from chowders and fish & chips to burgers, sandwiches, and hearty breakfasts. Seafood is a highlight (their crab cakes come recommended), and if you time it right, their daily happy hour offers great deals on bites and local drinks in the afternoon. Have a seat at their bar or grab a booth by the window; it’s a prime perch for people-watching and soaking in the Pike Place atmosphere away from the crowds. Whether you need a midday refuel or an evening wind-down, this under-the-radar gem has you covered with comfort food and a view.

Honest Biscuits

One of the newer darlings of Pike Place Market is Honest Biscuits – and trust us, you have to try these biscuits. Started by a North Carolina transplant who brought his grandma’s biscuit recipe to Seattle, Honest Biscuits churns out fluffy, square-shaped biscuits that are the stuff of carb-lover dreams. Even better, they infuse a bit of local PNW flavor by teaming up with their Market neighbors: their “Pike Place” biscuit is loaded with Beecher’s Flagship cheddar baked into the dough, they use Bavarian Meats bacon in one signature biscuit, and even craft a special mustard using Pike Brewing’s stout ale. The result? Biscuits that are buttery and tender on the inside, lightly crisp outside, and bursting with flavor – whether you go for a classic buttermilk with jam or a savory fried chicken biscuit sandwich (pro tip: the “MacGregor” biscuit with bacon and cheese is a fan favorite). Located in the MarketFront area near Old Stove Brewing and indi Chocolate, this spot is perfect for breakfast or brunch on the go. Sweet, savory, or a mix of both, Honest Biscuits will rock your world and redefine what a biscuit can be.

indi Chocolate

Follow the aroma of roasting cacao beans and you’ll find indi Chocolate, a hidden gem in the MarketFront wing of Pike Place. This woman-founded, small-batch chocolatier is more than just a chocolate shop – it’s a bean-to-bar chocolate factory where you can literally watch chocolate being made from scratch through their cafe’s windows. indi Chocolate sources cacao directly from farmers and crafts single-origin dark chocolate right on site, ensuring ethical sourcing and superb quality. Inside the shop you’ll discover all things cacao: handcrafted chocolate bars (try the ones with unique inclusions like orange peel or espresso), cocoa-based spice rubs for cooking, cacao-infused teas, and even cocoa butter lotions and lip balms. You can grab a silky hot chocolate or mocha from their cafe, nibble on a chocolate chunk cookie fresh from the oven, and browse their array of gifts. They also host chocolate-making classes if you’re feeling inspired to dive deeper. It’s honestly chocolate heaven. Don’t leave Pike Place without satisfying your sweet tooth here – it’s the perfect final stop after all those savory treats.

Don’t Forget Your PNW Tote Bag!

After strolling through Pike Place Market and collecting artisanal goodies, you’ll need something to carry that bounty home. That’s where our Pacific Northwest–themed tote bags come in. We at Stay Wild PNW have designed a line of sturdy cotton canvas totes that are perfect for farmers market excursions, outdoor adventures, or everyday errands – all with a fun PNW twist. They’re not just practical (heavy-duty and shoulder-friendly); they also sport cheeky local humor that’ll make fellow market-goers smile. For example, one of our favorites proudly declares it’s “Packed with Snacks & Existential Dread” (because who hasn’t bought more pickles and pastries than they planned?). Another tote playfully says “Tote-ally Lost in the Woods,” celebrating that wanderlust spirit, and there’s the “My Evergreen Emotional Baggage” design for those who carry their PNW pride along with, well, everything else. Each bag adds a bit of character to your shopping routine and shows off your love for the PNW’s quirky vibes. So next time you head to Pike Place or your local farmers market, bring along a Stay Wild PNW tote – it’s the ultimate souvenir and sidekick for your summer adventures in the Pacific Northwest. Happy exploring (and happy snacking)!

Enjoy the rest of the summer, and stay wild, PNW!