Pioneer Square is my favorite neighborhood in Seattle. It’s old and charming and its brick alleys are absolutely picturesque. There’s also quite a few fantastic restaurants and bars in this area. From macaron bakeries to elegant multi coursed tasting menus, here are the best places to eat and drink in Pioneer Square.
1. Delicatus
Delicatus has been bringing us bomb sammies in Seattle for nine years now and I’ve loved them since first bite. Fresh bread from Grand Central Bakery, fresh produce from Frank’s and a lot of love combine to make their sandwiches my favorite in the city. Pictured is the Fire of 1889 and its been a guest favorite since the beginning.
2. Dead Line
Dead Line is a stunning bar with an elegant upstairs bubbles bar and fantastic original cocktails. And the food at this First Avenue gem is even better than the drinks. Chef Felipe cooks up South American inspired cuisine like fried chicken tacos and tres leches cake.
3. Lady Yum
Hooray – Lady Yum in Pioneer Square has finally opened! A wide assortment of classic and original flavored macarons await you at this darling bakery, along with some other signature sweets. I tried the espresso fudge and birthday cake flavor when I popped in; both were excellent. They’re open every night until 10pm.
4. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar
Taylor Shellfish is just classic Seattle. Fresh seafood with a variety of types oysters and local wines and beers in a relaxed setting make it a favorite for bringing out of town guests (or if you’re just craving fresh oysters).
5. Nirmal’s
I’m impressed every time I eat at Nirmal’s which is where you’ll find fantastic Indian cuisine with a chic, very Pioneer Square-esque ambiance. The service here is always on point, and they have incredible vegan options for you plant based eaters. This is the perfect place for date night.
6. Il Corvo
After five and a half years in Seattle I finally made it to the iconic Il Corvo for their famous pasta. I enjoyed their pappardelle alla bolognese, kale salad and foccacia bread for a late lunch and it was heaven, y’all. The rumors are true that you need to line up at 10:30 (or earlier) to get a table there for lunch. (I went at 2 pm and there was a very short line.)
7. London Plane
London Plane is both delicious and adorable. They have their own darling flower shop and bakery in the front of the restaurant. Their fresh, house baked breads and pastries are to die for (their Kouign Amann is one of my favorite things in Seattle). The baked eggs here are outstanding as well.
8. Bad Bishop
Bad Bishop is the new bar on the block in Pioneer Square and so far they’re killing it. Their food menu boasts solid classics like mac and cheese and a corn dog and they serve wonderfully creative cocktails. They can also craft a damn good mocktail here; the bubbly citrus creation they concocted for me is pictured above.
9. These doughnuts are like little soft pillows of pure bliss, y’all. Sugar coated on the outside, the sweetest and fluffiest doughnuts are filled with delicious flavors like crème brûlée and chocolate marshmallow (my personal favorite). Their white and pink cafe with beautiful big windows also makes for one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in the city.
10. Good Bar
Beautiful, artisanal cocktails and yummy bar bites await at Pioneer Square gem Good Bar. Their food is straightforward and delicious with offerings like a mortadella sandwich and sloppy joes. The boiled peanuts here are killer. The staff here is knowledgeable without being pretentious and the vibe here is casual with a touch of swank.
11. Bisato
Bisato is the new, elegant restaurant that Pioneer Square has been waiting for. James Beard award winning chef Scott Carsberg has reopened this beloved formerly Belltown located restaurant a little over a month ago in it’s new location on Yesler. Italian small plates and a six course tasting menu make up the menu here. Pictured is the third course of the tasting menu: chicken liver mousse with rhubard gelee.
12. Damn the Weather
This Pioneer Square staple is great for lunch or late night drinks. I love their fresh, delicious salads and their bolognese. The cocktail menu includes classics and creative originals. The bar is cozy and signature Pioneer Square.
13. i5 Pho
A fairly new addition to Pioneer Square, i5 Pho is serving up bomb authentic Vietnamese fare with an American twist. Friendly service and super yummy pho will definitely keep me coming back here (along with their banh mi dip)! Another major plus – they’re open ’til 3am on Friday and Saturday.
Opening last December, D & E has become a welcome (and delicious!) addition to Pioneer Square. This lovely little family owned spot will delight you with it’s bright, charming space and it’s approachable menu. The thing not to miss here is definitely the fried chicken sandwich. It’s served with steak fries and a tallboy and at just $10, it may be the best damn deal in Seattle!
Two East Coast boys started Tat’s Deli in 2004 to fill the culinary void in Seattle that was missing from their hometowns. It’s truly an authentic East Coast deli experience at Tat’s which means their Philly CheeseSteak is downright drool-worthy. (They’ve got an extensive menu but you’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t have the CheeseSteak.) FYI – they also do breakfast sammies here and though I’ve yet to try one, they sound amazing.
16. Jujubeet
I was ecstatic to hear Jujubeet was opening a location so close to my ‘hood earlier this year and you can find me here a couple times a week sipping on their bomb smoothies and pressed juices. They’re also serving up fantastically fresh acai bowls, toasts, soups and Caffe Umbria coffee at this darling cafe that has been a welcome addition to the Pioneer Square neighborhood.
17. Copal
Copal has become one of my favorite spots to eat (or drink) recently. It’s an absolutely stunning restaurant with lots of light, plants and a beautifully detailed space. They’ve got killer guac (that’s served with radishes and tortillas) and the most delicious damn boozy slushies I’ve had. The flavors change seasonally but, trust me, they’re always good!
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