Sakuracon‘s home is the Seattle Convention Center, located in downtown Seattle. This spot is located right between two major foodie spots: Pike Place and Capitol Hill. Whether your tastes are conventional or adventurous, you’ll be sure to find something delicious in this list. In the first article of this series, we’ll cover Pike Place and its surrounding areas.
Pike Place Quick Picks
Many businesses in the Pike Place area are made for grab and go. Since it’s only a ten minute walk from the convention center, that makes it a perfect place to pop by to grab a bite and go right back to the convention action.
Ellenos
1500 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101
As you’re walking down Pike Street from the convention center, one of the first places you’ll see is the stall for Ellenos yogurt. They put their fresh Greek-style yogurts into parfaits or blend it with fresh, local fruits in season. It’s a fast and healthy breakfast and midday snack that isn’t over-sugared.
The Crumpet Shop
1503 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
If you haven’t had a crumpet before, they’re griddle cakes that are similar to english muffins. Instead of splitting them down the middle, crumpets are topped. Regardless of whether the topping is sweet or savory, they sink into the crumpet’s little crevices, making pockets of flavor. This is one of my favorite places to grab breakfast during Sakuracon weekend. They also serve fresh squeezed orange juice, coffee and house-made chai lattes.
Piroshky Piroshky Bakery
1908 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101
If there’s anything worth waiting for at Pike Place, it’s the piroshkys at Piroshky Piroshky Bakery. Sweet or savory, these hand pies are wrapped in either butter crusts or puff pastry. The fillings are always full of flavor, too. They’re really hearty, making them a perfect breakfast or lunch. In addition to standards like Beef and Onion, there are also vegan options that are just as tasty. Make sure to check out their seasonal piroshkys as well as their sweet breads and cakes, too.
Three Girls Bakery
1514 Pike Pl Stall #1, Seattle, Washington 98101
This woman-owned bakery kiosk is so tiny, if you blink you may miss it. But if you consider yourself a bread lover, don’t ignore it. I usually go home with at least four loaves of their roasted garlic bread in my carry on. It tastes just as amazing as it smells, and the crust is light and crispy. Perfectly baked. They also offer pastries, but once their goods are sold out for the day, that’s it. Go early if you can. Check out their instagram for photos!
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
1530 Post Alley, Seattle, WA 98101
Despite the name, ginger beer is a non-alcoholic beverage made with ginger juice, sugar syrup and carbonated water. It’s often used as a mixer for cocktails, but Rachel’s Ginger Beer makes it the star with a bunch of unique and seasonal flavors. Naturally, they make cocktails that highlight their product such as: the Grapefruit Hot Toddy; a customizable take on a Moscow Mule that lets you pair any of their ginger beers with your choice of spirits; and El Diablo, a combination of ginger beer, cassis and tequila. They also have rotating, seasonal-flavored frozen cocktails on tap.
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
1600 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101
Every once in a great while, the food gods are kind to me, and I find Beecher’s Flagship Cheddar at my local grocery store or Costco. I am guilty of bringing home at least a pound of this cheese in my carry on, and if you visit their cafe at Pike Place, you’ll understand why. Alongside their cheese market, they serve soups, sandwiches and their “World’s Best” macaroni and cheese. What makes it the world’s best? It’s a blend of their award-winning cheeses and a little bit of spice. If you don’t have room in your luggage, they also ship their products nationwide.
Shug’s Soda Fountain
1525 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101
If you love ice cream, there’s few places as sweet as Shug’s Soda Fountain. The shop is pastel-colored and retro-styled. While the shop has table seating, the small counter is a great place to watch the bartender at work. Yes— bartender. In addition to classic soda fountain favorites like the milkshake, egg cream, cherry phosphate and lime rickey, Shug’s also makes cocktails with their ice creams and sorbets. All the elements complement each other. They aren’t too sweet and they’re totally instagram-able.
Dawaat Indian Grill and Bar
820 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
This restaurant is technically not located on Pike Market, but since it’s directly across the street from the convention center, I consider it on the way. The chutneys and curry highlight the deliciousness of the vegetables cooked in them, and the portions are very generous. My carb-loving friend and I made the (very delicious) mistake of ordering two sides of garlic naan. We had to take more than half of what we ordered back to the hotel.
Naturally, this list is just a taste of what’s in downtown Seattle. In part two, we’ll cover the historic neighborhood of Capitol Hill, full of popular hangouts for college students. Have you visited any of the places listed above? What are your favorites? If there’s any other spots you’d like to share, please leave them in the comments below!