The literal backside of the famous Public Market sign.
Most people know about the bustling main entrance of Pike Place Market. It has the giant neon sign and fishmongers chucking fish to tourists. A lot of people never venture past this part of Pike Place Market, some don't even know more of the market exists. We are here to guide you to the "backside" of the market (we know it isn't the most charming name, but it really is the backside!) because there are some real gems over there. These places are all along the Western Ave. portion of Pike Place Market. You can reach Western Ave. by an elevator down a hallway flanked by the delicious Pike Place Bakery and Pike Pit BBQ. Take the elevator to Level 1 and you are ready to check out our list!
The very long staircase to the top of the market.
Pretty red doors at Pike Place Press.
Pike Street Press
This letterpress printing shop makes the most attractive and cool (yes, it's cool, there is no other word) paper goods! We shop here for all our notebook, greeting card, and poster needs!
Zig Zag Cafe
Zig Zag is Seattle-famous for their cocktails. The bartenders will treat the creation of your cocktail like an art. They also serve dinner late until 1AM, so if you are hungry and it's late head over for a bite.
Mmmm...gelato!
Procopio Gelateria
Is there anyone that doesn't love gelato? Didn't think so. Which means we don't need to sell this place, they make delicious, creamy, desserts. Enough said.
Brooke Westlund Gallery
This Seattle abstract artist does bold work that just screams to be placed in your home. She has some great Seattle-inspired pieces as well as amazing floral paintings. The best part about her studio is she also offers classes! You can gather a group of friends and make your own paintings with the help of this talented, local artist.
Don't miss the cans of seafood at JarrBar.
JarrBar
JarrBar is one of our favorite watering holes. They serve up amazing cocktails (see a couple here in our post about the best cocktails of pike place market) and have a great wine list to compliment their small plates, which are all traditional Spanish/Portuguese foods. We did an entire post about this place we love it so much.
Stacks and stacks of amazing pottery at The Spanish Table.
The Spanish Table
Update: Shop Closed. This bright shop on Western is fairly large and has a great selection of specialty products from Spain. The staff are friendly and helpful and always send us away with something new to try. And so far we have loved every item!
Paris Grocery
This French grocery store is a great place for cheese! After you sample some cheese, select some to overeat later (what is it about good cheese? We just can't stop eating it even when we know we are consuming something really expensive that should be savored) and explore the rest of the shop. They have beautiful dishware and packaged foods from France along with all the best French cookbooks. We have had our eye on this one for a while.
Ugly Baby and La Ru
This shop is weird. It is amazing. You will laugh and wonder what the heck kind of crazy imagination thought up all this stuff, but that is the beauty of this craft store. It's absurdly beautiful and makes us all appreciate the quirky stuff in the world that brings a smile to your face. We covered a fundraising event they hosted for Seattle Animal Shelter - check it out if you love bunnies.
Every spice you could possibly need and ones you didn't know you needed.
World Spice Merchants
The smell alone is a good enough reason to go in this shop. Once inside the awesome staff and wall-to-wall spices will keep you curiously exploring for a while. They have a great selection of cookbooks and can help you find even the most obscure spice for that recipe you've been wanting to make!
Billie the Market Piggy Bank (Rachel's cousin).
Billie the Pig
Billie the Pig is located at the bottom of the market steps and serves as a piggy bank to raise money for the Pike Place Market Foundation and great photo opportunity. If you need some inspiration here is our awesome selfie:
Billie Selfie!
Hidden Henry mural.
Insider Tip: Hidden Henry Mural
Guys, get excited. We found another great Henry Mural located on the Pike Street Hillclimb off Western Ave. (to see where you can find other murals check this out.). If you are heading down the stairs it is off to your left at the first landing. Enjoy this adorable public art!
