We can all agree, Happy Hour is better than Traffic Hour. So instead of sitting in traffic after work, grab some friends and head to one of 15 bars or 20 restaurants in the Pike Place Market Historic District.

Below are four bars that will immediately have you saying, "what stress?"

 

Old Stove Brewing Company

A photo of Old Stove Brewing Company's craft beer and amazing view. (Photo via Facebook)

Kick back and immerse yourself in one of Seattle Magazine's "Best Brewery Taproom" of 2018! Old Stove Brewing Company is relatively new to the Market but already making a name for themselves. 

Enjoy Market-made craft beers while admiring stunning views of Elliot Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the Alaskan Way Viaduct. 

Old Stove Brewing Company at 1901 Western Avenue has a late night Happy Hour from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday and a special brunch menu Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

 

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Radiator Whiskey

A bartender makes cocktails at Radiator Whiskey. (Photo via Facebook)

Matt's in the Market's boozier neighbor Radiator Whiskey offers cocktails to die for, most with barrel-aged creations and a menu fit for any 5-star restaurant.

On the third floor of the Corner Market building at 94 Pike Street, Radiator Whiskey is a dark party perfect for letting your problems melt away. Grab The Piledriver with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Aperol, lemon, mint, and rhubarb bitters or be adventures and try The Sun Goes Down with Mezcal, lemon, orange juice, chiltepin pepper, and house bell pepper grenadine. 

Whet your appetite with cornflake crusted chicken livers or a meatloaf sandwich with bacon mushroom gravy and fried onions. 

Happy Hour is 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. every day. Their late night Happy Hour is 10 p.m. - close, Monday - Thursday. 

 

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The Alibi Room

A beer flight at The Alibi Room. (Photo via Instagram) 

Let your stresses melt away inside this cozy candlelit speakeasy-style bar outside the Gum Wall.

The Alibi Room at 85 Pike Street in Post Alley serves up Italian favorites including Bruschetta, Spicy Mac & Cheese and their brick oven pizza which you can actually see the chefs make. Enjoy everything with a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

The Alibi Room is open every day from 11:30 a.m. -  2 a.m. Happy Hour is until 6 p.m. The kitchen is open until 1 a.m.

 

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Shug's Soda Fountain & Ice Cream

Peach sorbet, beautiful bubbles and amaretto cherry champagne floats at Shug's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream. (Photo via Instagram)

This ain't your mama's soda shop! Shug's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream at 1525 1st Avenue specializes in ice cream cocktails like Prosecco or beer floats and Gran Gran's Cocoa including Bailey's, house-made hot chocolate, vanilla ice cream and whip cream. 

They also offer photo-worthy sundaes and coffee creations along with beer and wine in a nostalgic atmosphere.

Shug's Soda Fountain and Ice Cream is open daily from noon to 10 p.m.

 

You'll still be able to get to Pike Place Market as we say goodbye to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. 

The permanent closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will change the way many people get to downtown Seattle. But fear not, you'll still be able to get to Pike Place Market for all your favorite eating, drinking, shopping and exploring.

Whether you are coming from the North, South, East or West, you may need to take a different route to get to the Market. Below are driving directions that take you to the Market's parking garages at 1531 Western Avenue and 1901 Western Avenue. Rates begin at $4 an hour. Don't have a car? Don't worry, we have public transportation options below for you.   

(Get travel times before you head out with WSDOT's live travel times page)

 

Coming from the North:

 

Via I-5 North:

Driving: Take the Madison Street exit, #164 and turn left. Follow Madison Street to Western Avenue. Turn right onto Western Avenue. Follow Western Avenue for five blocks. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the left side of the street. 

 

Via SR 99:

Driving: State Route 99 will be closed at the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel to avoid traffic drivers might want to get off SR 99 before Mercer Street in South Lake Union. Both directions of Aurora Avenue N will be reduced to one lane at Roy Street through Thomas Street, as WSDOT contractors work to connect SR 99 to the new tunnel.

Drivers can then use city streets and work their way to 15th Avenue W.

15th Avenue W turns into Elliott Avenue W. Once in downtown Seattle, Elliott Avenue turns into Western Avenue. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the right side of the street. 

Option 2: If drivers choose to stay on SR 99 southbound the last exit before the closure is Western Avenue at the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel. That is detailed in the image below. (Click to enlarge)

Upon exiting drivers will contiune on to Battery Street. Make a left on to Elliott Avenue. Elliott Avenue turns into Western Avenue. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the right side of the street. 

(Photo via WSDOT)

 

Via Public Transportation:

Public transportation including the Sound Transit Light Rail, Sounder Trains or Amtrak may provide a more efficient route. Many Metro bus routes will drop riders off near the Market on First Avenue or Pine Street. And the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located only four blocks from the Market.

New to public transportation? Take advantage of King County Metro's new Trip Planner.

 

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Coming from the South:

 

Via I-5 South:

Driving: Take the Denny Way/Stewart Street exit, #166. Follow Stewart Street to First Avenue. Turn right onto First Avenue. Two blocks north, turn left onto Lenora Street. Turn left onto Western Avenue. Follow Western Avenue for three blocks (passing Victor Steinbrueck Park on your right). The entrance to the Public Market Parking Garage is on the right side of the street.

 

Via SR 99:

Driving: Beginning Friday, January 11 at 10 p.m., State Route 99 will be closed at South Spokane Street. Drivers coming from the south will be diverted on to 4th Avenue. Continue on to 4th Avenue until Madison Street. Take a left on to Madison Street. Travel 4 blocks. Take a right at Western Avenue. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the left side of the street.

 

Via Public Transportation:

Public transportation including the Sound Transit Light Rail, Sounder Trains or Amtrak may provide a more efficient route. Many Metro bus routes will drop riders off near the Market on First Avenue or Pine Street. And the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located only four blocks from the Market.

New to public transportation? Take advantage of King County Metro's new Trip Planner.

 

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Coming from the East:

 

Via I-90:

Driving: Use the right two lanes to take exit 2C from I-5 N toward Vancouver B.C. Keep right, follow signs for Madison St/Convention Pl and merge onto 7th Avenue. Take a left on to Madison Street. In seven blocks take a right on to Western Avenue. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the left side of the street. 

 

Via Public Transportation:

Public transportation including the Sound Transit Light Rail, Sounder Trains or Amtrak may provide a more efficient route. Many Metro bus routes will drop riders off near the Market on First Avenue or Pine Street. And the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located only four blocks from the Market.

New to public transportation? Take advantage of King County Metro's new Trip Planner.

 

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Coming from the West:

 

Via West Seattle Bridge:

Driving: Using the West Seattle Bridge to get to downtown Seattle will be diverted to 4th Avenue S. Continue on to 4th Avenue until Madison Street. Take a right. Travel 4 blocks. Take a right at Western Avenue. The entrance to the Market Parking Garage is on the left side of the street.

 

Via Public Transportation:

Via King County Water Taxi:

Leave Colman Dock and walk toward Marion Street. Take a right on Marion Street. Left on 1st Avenue. Walk along 1st Avenue for six blocks until you reach Pike Street. Pike Place Market is on the left. See full schedule. 

The King County Water Taxi will add the 245-passenger San Juan Clipper on its West Seattle-to-downtown route, to join the 278-passenger Doc Maynard, from Jan. 14 to March 27.  It's expected to set sail every 15 or 20 minutes. Basic fare is $5 each way with an adult ORCA card.

Via bus or train:

​Public transportation including the Sound Transit Light Rail, Sounder Trains or Amtrak may provide a more efficient route. Many Metro bus routes will drop riders off near the Market on First Avenue or Pine Street. And the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located only four blocks from the Market.

New to public transportation? Take advantage of King County Metro's new Trip Planner.

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Public Transportation

 

Pike Place Market is easily accessible by public transport from Sea-Tac Airport and surrounding Seattle neighborhoods.

Many Metro bus routes will drop riders off near the Market on First Avenue or Pine Street. And the Westlake Sound Transit Link Light Rail station is located only four blocks away from the Market.

For detailed schedule information and round-trip planning from your home, call Metro Rider Information at 206.553.3000 or visit metro.kingcounty.gov. 

• Seattle Metro Transit
• Sound Transit Light Rail
• Washington State Ferries
• Elliot Bay Water Taxi
• Amtrak

Whether you're trying to impress out-of-town guests or just looking for a new brunch spot, these four low-key Pike Place Market restaurants not only have delicious hearty breakfast items on the menu they also have breathtaking views.

So grab your friends and your phone and head to the Market for Instagram-worthy meals and views.

 

Lowell's Restaurant

The entrance to Lowell's Restaurant from Pike Place Market's main Arcade. (Photo via Twitter)

Lowell's Restaurant at 1519 Pike Pl takes guests straight from Pike Place Market's busy arcade to the waterfront. 

Order cafeteria-style when you enter, and head to any of the three floors of seating. Make sure you snap some pics of the Sound while waiting for a server to bring you your order.

Seagulls may well stare at you from outside the third-floor windows as you enjoy your Lemon Zest-Ricotta-Berry Pancakes or any of the five Eggs Benedict dishes. Or, try their world-famous Dungeness Crab Omelet or Historic Hangtown Fry.

Lowell's opens at 7 a.m.

 

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The Athenian Seafood Restaurant

The view from a booth at the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar. (Photo via Athenian's website)

Everything is super fresh at this “Sleepless in Seattle” locale that dates back to 1909, making the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar one of the oldest establishments in Seattle.

Signature dishes include the Smoked Salmon Frittata featuring smoked salmon from their Market neighbor, Pure Food Fish. The Joe’s Special Egg Scramble has chicken garlic sausage from Uli’s Famous Sausage, another Market neighbor.

Plus, the wood booths, historic photos and lovely views add to your Market experience.

The Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar at 1517 Pike Pl opens at 8 a.m.

 

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Sound View Cafe

The view from a booth at Sound View Cafe. (Photo via Sound View Cafe's website)

Sound View Cafe at 1501 Pike Pl is a busy hideaway that's slightly off the beaten path. Down the ramp from the fish-tossing, you'll find the cozy sit-down cafe which boasts great views of the waterfront and the Great Wheel. 

Grab oats, granola, yogurt parfaits or meatier options like Steak Hash-n-Eggs or “Sunrise Saute” that has grilled salmon, prawns and scallops to go with your eggs. 

Sound View Cafe opens at 8 a.m.

 

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Pike Place Bar & Grill

The view from a booth at Pike Place Bar & Grill. (Photo via Yelp)

Perfect for those little ones with big appetites and people-watchers. This diner-style restaurant is tucked in the corner of the top floor of the Corner Market building.

The half-moon windows at Pike Place Bar & Grill look out toward the Market’s iconic clock and sign and the hustle-bustle below.

All-you-can-eat Belgian Waffles topped with fruit are sure to satisfy, but there are plenty of options for those wanting lighter fare.

Pike Place Bar & Grill opens at 9 a.m.

 

Celebrate all of 2018 and ring in 2019 in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market.

Whether you want to share a romantic meal with a lover or laugh the night away with friends - these four Market staples will make your New Year's celebration one to remember.

 

Matt's in the Market  

Matt's in the Market dining room lit for the holidays. (Photo via Facebook)

Countdown to the new year by watching our famous clock! Matt's in the Market at First and Pike Street is offering a New Year's Eve dinner special along with its entire menu, so you can have all your favorites.

Book a reservation closer to midnight and stick around for a complimentary glass of champagne as the clock ticks down.

 

Unexpected Productions 

Teams compete at an Xtreme Theatresports party at Unexpected Productions. (Photo via Facebook)

Ring in the New Year with comedy, camaraderie and champagne! Unexpected Productions at 1428 Post Alley presents Seattle's only fast-paced improv battle.

Xtreme Theatresports New Year's Eve Party features twenty improvisers in a hilarious race to midnight.  

Small gifts, hats, streamers and a champagne toast will be on tap. 

Doors open at 9 p.m. The action begins at 10 p.m. Buy your tickets today! 

 

Can Can

Wonderland is performing now through January 13. (Photo via Facebook)

Get your sexy on and enjoy a 4-course dinner and show at the Can Can Culinary Cabaret at 94 Pike Street. 

Seattle's classic winter show - Wonderland - is returning for a New Year's Eve celebration featuring a glittering parade of nostalgia, exploding with dance, laughter and swinging performers. 

The Can Can's intimate theater turns into a whimsical winter chalet for three shows on New Year's Eve: 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Buy your tickets today!

 

Maximilien's Bistro

Janet Elle from Rouge Cabaret Trio. (Photo via Facebook)

Voted best place to kiss in Seattle, Maximilien at 81A Pike Street embodies romance.

This New Year's Eve, the French restaurant will sweep guests off the cobblestones and take them on a "no jet lag" trip to France with vocalists Janet Elle and award-winning musicians violinists Brandon Vance and accordionist Toby Hanson. 

You also can't forget about Maximilien's 5-star view overlooking Puget Sound, Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. 

Book your reservation today. 

From handcrafted stick horses to magic sets and puzzles to cute hats and mittens, Pike Place Market has everything a kid needs to expand their mind and keep warm this winter. 

Below are seven gifts featured in our Holiday Gift Guide that will make the little ones scream with excitement. 

 

Kitten Mittens

These cute fingerless mittens by Kitten Mittens are perfect for the chic pre-teen or teen. Every pair of cozy fingerless Kitten Mittens is handcrafted by Jennifer Gay and made from repurposed sweaters, trim and buttons. They are available in a variety of styles, lengths and materials.

Added bonus: 10% of profits are donated to PAWS.org. 

Find Kitten Mittens in the Pike Place Crafts Market. 

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3D Puzzle

When it's raining outside, entertain the older kids with a 3D puzzle from 3D Wood Puzzles. 

The puzzles are not only fun to build but when they're finished you can use them to decorate kids' rooms or a toy room. 

3D Wood Puzzles have more than 100 designs from dragons to construction equipment that everyone from kids to grandparents will love. 

Find 3D Wood Puzzles in the Main Arcade.

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Hair Wrap Sets

Have a little princess to shop for? This hair wrap set by Hair Wraps by Amy includes four interchangeable beads and charms featuring a unicorn, heart, butterfly and a star.

Hair Wraps by Amy also sells ponytail wraps and flip clips. Find Hair Wraps by Amy in the Pike Place Crafts Market. 

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Animal Hats

These Animal Hats from Hands of the World are perfect for children and adults. The cozy, fair trade hats come in fun animal characters like unicorns, owls, llamas, sloths, penguins and more! They are sure to have your little one's favorite animal. 

Each hat is hand knit in South America using an alpaca blend.

Hands of the World also makes jewelry and scarfs for older kids or for yourself. Find Hands of the World on Level 4 in Pike Place Market's DownUnder. 

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Magic Kits

Inspire a budding magician in your life. Market Magic & Novelty has a large assortment of magic tricks, kits and games for all ages and rang in price from $9.99 to $69.99.

Market Magic & Novelty has been operating in Pike Place Market for the last 45 years.

Find them on Level 4 in Pike Place Market's DownUnder.

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Stick Horse

You won't find this gift in any store. The Stick Horses from Just Horsin' Around are made from recycled stuffing, repurposed textiles and child-safe plastic eyes.

They are beautiful, colorful, handcrafted horses that will encourage kids to play.   

Find Just Horsin' Around in the Pike Place Crafts Market.

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Piglet Piggy Bank

Do you know a child who loves our pigs: Rachel or Billie? Stephanie Schull's Pike Place Pigs are a classic Market gift. The handmade ceramic piglet piggy banks come in a rainbow of colors and feature a cork nose. Collect them all today! 

Find Pike Place Pigs in the Pike Place Crafts Market.

He is special and he deserves a useful, handcrafted gift from Pike Place Market.

Below are five gifts featured in our Holiday Gift Guide that your hubby, dad or brother will treasure. (Ladies, here's some gifts for you too)

 

Sheepskin Slippers and Hats

On these cold nights, the best gift is a gift of warmth. North Star Trading Company has been a staple at Pike Place Market for the last 40 years. Their premium sheepskin footwear and hats are guaranteed to last for years. Everything they sell is locally handcrafted on Whidbey Island.

Find North Star Trading Company in the Pike Place Crafts Market. 

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Leather Rolltop Backpack

The Leather Rolltop Backpack by Stickman Leather is a testament to craftsmanship. An heirloom in training, this large capacity bag is handcrafted from lightweight leather with buffalo leather accents and bottom. The backpack includes two front pockets with signature buffalo nickel snap closures, two side slip pockets, and an interior laptop sleeve. He will take this everywhere! 

Stickman Leather also makes briefcases and structured totes. Find Stickman Leather in the Pike Place Crafts Market. 

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Bicycle Desk Clock

Have a cyclist in your life? The Bicycle Desk Clock by Lampcycle will make a great addition to any office or man cave. The custom-made wall clock is created from upcycled bicycle parts. The clocks come in a variety of colors and styles.

Lampcycle also sells StarSpoke Ornaments. Find Lampcycle in the Pike Place Crafts Market.

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20 Sided Dice Embroidered Patch

Patches never went out of style. This 3-inch heavy duty embroidered cloth patch from Orange Dracula is perfect for the nerd, punk or geek. Orange Dracula sells an array of retro-kitsch, strange and unusual gifts that you won't find anywhere else. 

Find Orange Dracula on Level 3 in Pike Place Market's DownUnder.

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Famous Beef Jerky

The quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And what man doesn't love beef jerky? Stewart's Meats is the 2nd oldest farm in Washington state. Their choice round beef jerky has won more than 200 blue ribbons including one from a World's Fair. 

Find Stewart's Meat Market in Pike Place Market's North Arcade.