Best Kept Secrets of Pike Place Market: Part Two

Honestly, it seems like Pike Place Market is a giant onion and we could explore our whole lives and never peel back all the layers! This 9-acre playground is full of secrets. We covered some of our favorite ones in Pike Place Market's lower levels a couple months ago. We had such a good response from that post we decided to share some more fun secrets of the market here!  

Lantern men

Hanging upside down, sideways, and walking out of a door to nowhere these guys are easy to miss, but fun to find. First, make your way to the back side of the market (Western Avenue). When you get to the small courtyard by Choukette Eclairs take the stairs up into the belly of the market and try to find all the men holding lanterns.

Hint: There are six! 

Morning roll call

Roll call at the market. Photo source

Morning roll call is a tradition and a way of life at Pike Place Market. Every morning at 9:00 AM the daystall vendors and the Market Master gather at the north end of the North Arcade to have roll call. This determines which vendor will get what booth in the market. It is based on seniority, so how long you have been selling at Pike Place Market gets you higher on the list to pick your spot. Anyone can watch this and if you are interested in seeing how the market comes to life every morning this is a good place to start. After roll call is complete the vendors all disperse to set up their stalls and start selling. 

Urban Garden

In the middle of all the hustle and bustle and throwing of fish, there is a peaceful garden with views of Puget Sound and seating to relax from the crowds. Make sure to explore the different art and produce that is scattered around the rooftop garden and don't forget to write your name and where you are visiting from on one of the chalkboard surfaces! This garden is cared for by the Pike Place Market Senior Center and all the produce is donated to the Pike Place Market Food Bank to help feed people in need. The garden boasts 18 types of vegetables and enough harvest to feed hundreds of people per year. 

Window seating in Main Arcade

There are many places to grab food to-go in Pike Place Market, but if you don't have an office or home to take it back to, seating can feel limited. Luckily there is a bar-type seating area at the end of the hallway to the right of Pike Place Fish (if you are facing it) in the Main Arcade. This little area is a spot you can usually find a seat to eat. Best part? It comes with a view!

Insider Tip: Read some of the writings scrawled across the window sills. You might find some inspiration for the day! 

Hidden artwork

Artsy benches are all over Pike Place Market

Eat lunch with a giant Sasquatch

Self-watering storm drain

There is fun artwork scattered all over the market. We have several favorites.

• Sasquatch - Located in the Atrium on the first floor, this carved sasquatch is a perfect photo opp! He looks so sad to be out in the open, seen by all! 
• Two faced bench - This green bench located in the lower levels courtyard is a fun and functional piece of art! Take a seat and enjoy the buskers that gather nearby.
• Self-watering planter - This storm drain turned planter is such a quirky little addition to the side of the apartments that sit at Virginia St. and Post Alley.
• Giant squid - There is a 200 pound metal sculpture of a giant squid hanging from the ceiling in the Market Atrium. We don't need to explain why we love this one, everyone does! 

Bird sanctuary

Another great place to eat is a small alcove beneath Post Alley and behind the Soames Dunn Building (take the hallway two doors north of the original Starbucks all the way back). It boasts a bird sanctuary, but to be honest we aren't sure how many birds reside here besides the little owl someone has hung for decoration and maybe to keep pests away. Regardless, it's a nice hidden spot to enjoy some food or take a break away from the crowds. 

Insider tip: Country Dough makes delicious Szechuan flatbreads and is right by this sanctuary.

Original hitching post

Outside of Rachel's Ginger Beer you can find an old, wooden post. Most people walk right by it and never notice it, including us for many years. Once you know the significance though it is definitely worth a walk by to admire it as a piece of Pike Place history. This old, wooden post is one of many posts where farmers and customers used to hitch their horses when they came to the market, hence the name of the alley it is located in: Post Alley.

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What are you favorite secret spots in the market? 

Seattle Gems: Pinball Museum

Why else do people live in a city other than to have access to things like cat cafes, insane desserts, and entire museums devoted to pinball? 

The Seattle Pinball Museum is located in the International District and shares the block with Eastern Cafe (make sure to stop in either before or after, it's a great coffee shop) and Honey Court Seafood. It is hard not to miss in a neighborhood full of Chinese and Japanese influence. The bright blue neon pinball will beckon you in from afar. 

It's $15 for a single entry pass ($20 if you want to be able to leave and come back). Pay at the door and then play every machine in the house, except for a few brand new ones right by the front door. They have pinball machines that date back to the 1930s, and they fill up the two story shop with the machines in chronological order, oldest to newest. They also have a few arcade games including the classic PacMan and even a PacMan arcade/pinball hybrid that is probably the hardest PacMan we have ever attempted.

They also have beer and cider for those that want to drink and play, although you're going to want to have your reflexes in tip-top shape if you want to get those cherished multi-balls. We definitely recommend dedicating at least 2 hours to play all the different machines.

Insider tip: The most rare pinball machine in the shop is The Wizard of Oz. It was the first one made and cost a pretty penny, over 8K. 

Oh, and most importantly, you can't pinball without The Who. We will just leave this here. 

A First Timer's Guide to Portland

Seattle is incredibly lucky to be sandwiched between so much. Whoever looked at our spot on the map way back when and decided, "Ya, this looks like a nice spot", had no idea what they had tapped into. We have water to the west, mountains to the east. Vancouver to the north and Portland to the south. 

Today we focus on our city to the south. The City of Roses. Hipster Paradise. Portlandia. Portland. PDX. Here are all the things you should hit up on your first trip to Portland, Oregon. 

Where to Stay

The Ace Hotel

When you visit Portland this is really the only place you should stay. The Ace Hotel embodies Portland perfectly. It's trendy, but low-key. It's chill and artistic. It's comfortable and approachable. The Ace is located in the wonderful Pearl District, only one block away from Powell's Books and a few more from Blue Star Donuts. Yes and yes. Book as far out as you can to ensure a spot in this amazing hotel!

Well thank you, Maurice! Your cookie was delicious.

McMenamins  

If they are booked up a great second option is McMenamins Crystal Hotel. McMenamins is also located in the Pearl District, well situated for sightseeing. Bonus adds: It has a subterranean saltwater soaking pool and a cool underground bar where you can grab a drink and see live music or comedians. 

Food/Drink

This category is where Portland shines. You can visit year round because there is nothing seasonal about the wonderful breweries and restaurants. They are amazing any time of the year, but when the patios open in the spring and summer the beer does taste just a litttttle bit better. We could never cover all the great places, but here are some to round out your trip nicely.

Blue Star Donuts

breakfast, $, Website

One of everything por favor. 

Blue Star Donuts are hands down the best donuts on the west coast. You can try to argue, but it won't get you anywhere. We love donuts. We have tried more donuts than is socially acceptable (even in America) and these win, every time. Do not go to Portland without getting Blue Star. 

Passionfruit and Cacao Nibs donut. Yum.

Try the Passionfruit & Cacao Nibs and the Original Glaze to get a taste of both the funky and classic! 

Stumptown Coffee

coffee/snack, $, Website

Stumptown is one of the PNW's most well known coffee shops and rightfully so. Their coffee is complex and smooth and they know how to make their drinks right. We love their cold brew best, but on cold days a steaming hot americano will warm up your soul. If you have any questions about home brewing they are experts and can help with that too!  

Tasty n Sons

brunch, $$, Website

This place is a hot spot for brunch. They have small and big plates, so you can share or devour something all on your own. Don't miss the Tasty Mary and the Potatoes Brava. Basically everything else on the menu tastes like heaven too, so go all out. 

Screen Door 

dinner, $$$, Website

This place will make you wait for it, but it's worth it. This southern inspired restaurant has been featured in countless magazines for their amazing menu, and we are totally on the bandwagon. Start with the hushpuppies and fried okra, then move onto their famous buttermilk fried chicken and get one of their many crazy scrumptious side dishes. And then (yes there is more, you can do it) finish the whole experience with the warm apple bread pudding. Then go for a walk...you're going to be more full than you've ever been before. 

Piazza Italia 

dinner, $$$, Website

Piazza Italia takes us right back to Italy. This quaint, friendly, and authentic spot has some of the best Italian we've had in all of the Pacific Northwest. Started by an Italian immigrant, this spot has everything you could need in an Italian restaurant: the menu, the wine, and the ambience (soccer jerseys and all). They take reservations, which we absolutely recommend making if you want to get a table (especially on a weekend). 

¿por que no? 

lunch/dinner, $, Website

Are you a taco fanatic? We are and this place is no joke. They have an awesome vibe, crazy delicious street-style tacos, and all the hot sauce you could ever need. Their guacamole is the perfect starter and make sure to try multiple tacos (chorizo, carnitas, carne asada, and the pescado are a few to get you started). Also, make sure to check out the specials board for their daily creations. 

Salt and Straw 

dessert, $, Website

Seasonal passionfruit scoop on top of a scoop of salted caramel. So. Good. 

Portland's famous ice cream shop gets 5 stars in our book. The only bad part of visiting this place is trying to decide which flavor to go with. We recommend leaving some time between your meal and your trip here to make sure you have room in your stomach for at least two scoops in a waffle cone. Our favorites? Snickerdoodle and honey lavender. 

Now for the beer. There are a million and one breweries in Portland. You really have to decide what kind of vibe you want when picking which to check out. Do you want small and low-key with a few beers on the menu or big and established with things like food and extras like cider or kombucha offered on the menu? If you don't care, well just start walking, chances are you'll just run right into a great spot. 

10 Barrel Brewing

beer/lunch, $$, Website

Beer AND delicious food. Best of everything.

10 Barrel is an established brewery that started in Bend, OR back in 2006. Three guys started brewing beer and now, over 10 years later we are all better for it. It's good beer and better yet, they have delicious food. Like shockingly good compared to most brew-pubs. Come on an empty stomach, bring friends, and have a chill couple hours. 

Other great brewery options: Hopworks, The Commons, and Bridgeport.

Activities

Portland is built on the beautiful Willamette River and is a community full of activities to do inside and out. From strolling along the river to playing video games in a dark arcade. You can find something for everyone! 

Powell's Books

When we dream of Portland, we dream of Powell's. Powell's has been in business in Portland since 1971. Over the last 40+ years they have built up a book lovers paradise. They stock both new and used books and have basically every category under the sun. Clear off a shelf on your bookcase before you visit, and grab a basket on the way in for all your finds! Website

Tom McCall Waterfront Park 

This park along the river is a great little place to take a stroll on a nice day and check out the riverfront. It is close to many other sights and easy to get to on foot. You might even run into a festival or concert in the warmer months. 

Insider tip: If you want to check out a super epic Portland bridge, wander north of the city to St. John's Bridge. 

Ground Kontrol

Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade with all the games you remember from your childhood (this statement spans multiple generations) including Centipede, PacMan, Area 51, Cruisin World, and even a few new ones to keep you guessing! Located in Chinatown, it's a great place to check out on a rainy day and after 5PM they even have a bar so you can enjoy a beer with your Terminator pinball. Website. 

Mill Ends Park - World's Smallest Park

Mill End's Park in Portland. Photo credit: @lovedayy

This teeny park located in Downtown Portland near the river was granted celebrity status in the 70s from Guinness Book of World Records as the "Smallest Park in the World." It is only 2 feet across and not much to take in, but it's a quirky part of Portland you shouldn't miss if you have time! 

Pittock Mansion

This mansion sits high on a hill looking down on the city of Portland and beyond. It is free to walk the grounds and completely worth the drive up if you have a car. The views are killer and on a clear day you can see all the way to Mount Hood. The house is pretty easy on the eyes too. The home was built in 1914 for the owner of The Oregonian, Henry Pittock, and his wife. The City of Portland maintains it now and you can tour the inside for $10. Website.

See a Show

Portland is a great city for live music. If you are interested in catching a show, check out this list of live venues and see if anything peeks your interest! 

Take a Brewery Tour

Full disclosure, we haven't booked a brewery tour in Portland, but if you are interested in having an expert show you around we hear Brewvana is a great option! Definitely consider this if A. you don't have a car and want to check out multiple breweries or B. you are new to drinking craft beer and want to learn all the facts and figures behind that glass of IPA you love. 

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Alright, those are our "first-timer" recommendations for visiting Portland. We honestly barely skimmed the surface though, there are so many wonderful places in this growing city. Check back for more coverage of all things to eat, drink, and do in PDX.

 Let us know what you favorite spots are in the comments and we will make sure to check them out!

Freeway Park

Freeway Park is a little spot in the middle of Seattle that often goes unnoticed. Unless you work or live nearby you might never venture to this park built over I-5 in downtown Seattle. We were itching to get outside last week when it was warm and sunny for one of the first times in a long time in Seattle and discovered it is actually a nice slice of quiet in a city full of construction and noise. 

The park is a little difficult to actually enter. We had to plug it into GPS and navigate to an entrance off 7th Ave, near Town Hall. When we go back we will definitely opt for the 6th and Seneca entrance, which looks a bit like a courtyard for the federal building, but don't worry, keep walking east and you'll find the park!

Our favorite discovery was Canyon, a giant concrete structure that was built to muffle the noise from the interstate and give visitors something to climb and explore, just like if they were in a natural canyon. 

Disclaimer: This park is a tad dirty. It serves as one of the only spots in the area for people with dogs to get some grass, so watch your step, and at night many of the city's homeless sleep here, so there is some trash and debris as well. 

If you can ignore some candy wrappers and enjoy creative and functional art, this is a great spot to check out and explore. We will definitely be using this as a workday escape. With the tables and chairs in the courtyard area it makes for a great place to enjoy your lunch in the sunshine and the long stretch of pathways are great to stretch your legs for a mid-day break.