In Seattle for Conference- Best Pike Place Market places?

[justlauralibrarian]

I will be spending four days in Seattle in Mid-March. My schedule is pretty booked, but I'm hoping that I will be able to make it to Pike Place Market for my lunches. (Conference is @ Convention Center.) With such a limited amount of time and so many choices, I am hoping that a few of you can point out the best places. I don't really have any price limitations, but one of the friends I am traveling with is a vegetarian (I am not) so any vegetarian recommendations would also be welcome. One more thing: I am a big fan of asian food, so at least one lunch meal will be dedicated to asian food.

Thanks in advance!!!!

[natalie.warner]

http://www.yelp.com/list/wandering-th...

Also- may I suggest using the free bus tunnel and taking a quick trip to the ID district for lunches- Uwajimaya's food court is great- and then there is Green Leaf, Mike's Noodle House, Unicorn Crepes, Dim Sum at Jade Garden, Tamarind Tree, etc.

[terrier]

I second this, except forget the food court at uwajimaya and add pho bac to your list - maybe even at the top of your list.

[natalie.warner]

I would suggest piroshky,piroshky- market grille- matt's in the market- le pichet- daily dozen donuts in the market- touring de laurenti- & cinnamon works for your veg friend + you... honeyhole sandwiches on pike towards capitol hill, the crepe stand outside of the convention center, lola's for lunch, + salumi

[chazuke]

You'll have a good variety of places to choose from, both in terms of quantity and ethnic representation. One thing you'll have to keep in mind though is that there will be lots of people at the market at lunchtime. Some places will be packed with diners. I am not specifically aware of any vegetarian restaurants, but here in Seattle, vegetarians are usually not disappointed with the lack of items to order, even if it might be a good salad. Also, asking the wait staff for suggestions doesn't hurt. Asian restaurants are not represented at Pike Place too well, although a Thai restaurant is close by (behind the market).

Copacabana Bolivian Restaurant. I don't claim to be an expert on Bolivian (or South American) food, but the few times I've eaten here, I've enjoyed the food. The paella is a specialty. One great reason to eat here is the view when you're seated on the balcony overlooking Elliott Bay. The restaurant is actually on the second floor. By the way, many folks seem to think highly of two of their drinks, pisco sours and mojitos.

Cafe Campagne. This is the smaller, bistro-style restaurant that is associated with the co-located Campagne. The entrance to the Cafe is off the alley behind Campagne. The food at both places are very good, with the Cafe offering more reasonable prices. At the name suggests, both are French. I had a lamb burger at the Cafe that was quite good (served with, of course, pommes frites).

Le Panier. Actually a bakery (started in Portland), this place offers very good sandwiches (prepared with their delicious, freshly baked baguettes) and savory pastries (some of them vegetarian). Then, top this off with their wonderful sweet pastries.

Lowell's. The food here is just average, but the view is incomparable if you sit along the windows that overlook Elliott Bay. You can watch the ferries docking and departing. This evaluation also applies to Athenian Inn (next door), where a scene from "Sleepless in Seattle" was filmed. But, the lines here are usually longer, probably because of the restaurant's movie notoriety.

Typhoon. A Thai restaurant that is located behind the market on Western Avenue. The food here is good solid Thai with a nice ambience. The tea offerings are quite extensive.

El Puerco Lloron. This place has lots of atmosphere, especially the rickety metal card tables. But don't let that fool you. Very authentic Mexican food, mercifully short on Tex-Mex. The carnitas are wonderful. The restaurant is located on the hill climb toward the waterfront, directly in back of the market.

Bottega Italiana. Wonderful gelati in a range of flavors. My favorites are the fruit-flavored ones. If they have it, sample the pear gelato. One would think that pear would not impart a particularly impressive flavor, but this gelato captures the essence of the fruit. The mixed berry flavor is also great.

[mrnelso]

All great suggestions. I am a big fan of the market and the ID, but if time is short, there are some places within easy walking distance that are worth a stop: Baguette Box at 1203 Pine; the creperie on the sidewalk out front of the conventinon center does a pretty good job: Cheap, fast, tasty; and across the street, Bambuza is also worthwhile, though pricey and not in the same league of adventure as these many others mentioned.

[terrier]

Good call on that crepe stand (La Creperie Voila). I usually get a ham crepe with egg when I stop there. A pretty decent walking lunch when time is short.

[justlauralibrarian]

It's been a while since my trip, but I just wanted to report back and say thanks for the great suggestions. The crepe stand in front of the convention center was a life saver. A Nutella crepe for breakfast, what can be better than that? The baguette box (Chorizo sandwich with truffle fries) was also a winner. My trip to the market was pretty much me in food heaven just trying whatever looked good. My conversation with the friend who joined me went something like this:

Friend: Do you even know what you're eating?
Me: Not really, but it looked good, and it tastes pretty good too.

All in all, I'm sad that I didn't get to spend more time in Seattle, can't wait to come back.

[mrnelso]

Glad you had a good time and thanks for the repoort.

[val ann c]

For your vegetarian friend:

* Three Girls Bakery. The bakery fronts on Pike Place. Go in back and sit at the popular lunch counter. They have good sandwiches and some nice soups. I love the veggie lentil soup. http://seattle.citysearch.com/profile/10767153/seattle_wa/three_girls_bakery.html

* Steelhead Diner, on Pine St, has a really good vegetable chili. Bright bold flavor! And there's plenty of other good food and drink on the menu. It's fun to sit at the kitchen counter. http://www.steelheaddiner.com/menu.htm

* I agree that you will find good (and cheap) Asian food in the ID. If you want to stay near the market, Wild Ginger is very good, and has some vegetarian options. It's also a nice calm place. http://www.wildginger.net/our-food/Menus.aspx

* Michou has very nice soups and salads. Four kinds of soup everyday, including at least one vegetarian. If you're on a budget, they have a soup/sandwich combo. Their seating area is small and not very pleasant. If the market is not too crowded you can find public seating nearby. http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/1/2404/re...

[civic4982]

Just was down there and although I grabbed some smoked salmon, crab, and shrimp to take with me and snack on while I was walking I did greatly enjoy this piroshky place there.

They've got really inexpensive and tasty little prisohkies that will keep you full for about $3-$5 as entrees or desserts.

Piroshky Piroshky
1908 Pike Pl Seattle, WA 98101
[phone]