Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, is not just a historic landmark; it’s a vibrant hub for some of the city’s best dining experiences. From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, Pioneer Square offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to every palate. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor exploring Seattle’s gastronomic delights, this guide will lead you to the best restaurants in Pioneer Square, ensuring a memorable meal in this iconic district.
13 Coins
Located inside the Embassy Suites on King Street, 13 Coins provides a unique step back in time with its 1930s-era bachelor pad aesthetic, featuring tall leather booths and high-backed counter chairs. Relocated from its South Lake Union home after 50 years, 13 Coins retains its time-honored dishes and classic decor in its new Pioneer Square location. Indulge in their famously thick French onion soup, overflowing with melted cheese and a sweet and hot broth. For a traditional seafood dish, the crab louie, with fresh Dungeness crab and crisp iceberg lettuce, is a must-try. Discover the hidden subterranean lounge, accessible by a discreet staircase, offering the same full menu as the main dining room. As a 24/7 restaurant, 13 Coins is a reliable choice any time hunger strikes, making it one of the best restaurants in Pioneer Square for late-night dining or an early breakfast.
Altstadt
For a taste of Germany in Pioneer Square, Altstadt is the place to be. This Bierstube-style restaurant features brick walls, bar stools, and an impressive selection of German and local beers. Their brats are a standout, perfectly complemented by the even better beer selection. Don’t miss the braised sauerkraut, made with duck fat, which is sure to convert even the most skeptical diner. The pretzels, or brezels, are dense, pillowy, and exceptionally delicious when paired with the housemade hot, sweet mustard. Altstadt offers a genuine German beer garden experience, making it a top pick for beer lovers and those seeking authentic German food in Pioneer Square.
Biscuit Bitch
For a uniquely Seattle brunch experience in Pioneer Square, head to Biscuit Bitch. This self-described “trailer park to table” cafe is known for its cheddar-topped hangover cures and gravy-drenched biscuits. Enjoy southern-inspired fixings like garlic grits, hot links, and savory pork sausage, all served atop their signature biscuits. Biscuit Bitch offers a bold and flavorful start to your day, perfect for those seeking a hearty and unconventional breakfast or brunch in Pioneer Square.
Casco Antiguo
Nestled in a rugged corner of Pioneer Square, Casco Antiguo feels like a hidden gem with its rustic brick-and-timber storefront. Step inside to discover a peerless booze selection and a very appealing happy hour. The food is seriously flavorful, with highlights including terrific tacos – especially the meaty mahi – and a notably subtle mole. If the main dining area seems full, venture to the back to find a room with a breezy alleyway-facing patio. Casco Antiguo is an excellent choice for those seeking a vibrant happy hour and flavorful Mexican cuisine in Pioneer Square.
Cherry Street Public House
From the family behind the esteemed Cherry Street Coffee House, Cherry Street Public House is a welcoming all-day cafe in Pioneer Square. It blends third-wave coffee with an Australian-inspired breakfast menu, featuring both sweet and savory toasts and waffles. For lunch, enjoy options like gyros, falafel, and deeply flavored Persian rice bowls, reflecting owner Ali Ghambari’s heritage. Cocktails are also available, served within the Weyerhaeuser Building’s bright space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Cherry Street Public House offers a diverse menu and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great spot for coffee, breakfast, lunch, or cocktails in Pioneer Square.
Cone and Steiner
Cone and Steiner is the quintessential neighborhood market in Pioneer Square, always there when you need it. Stocked with fresh flowers, a great selection of beer, and beloved local snacks, it’s like a well-prepared friend. Similar to its downtown and Capitol Hill locations, the Pioneer Square outpost offers pantry items, beer and wine, and convenient grab-and-go options. Choose from roast chicken, mac and cheese, whole grain salads, or baguette sandwiches. A growler station with five beers and a hard cider on tap adds to its appeal. Cone and Steiner is perfect for grabbing a quick and quality bite, drinks, or gourmet groceries in Pioneer Square.
Copal
Grilled chicken at Copal restaurant in Pioneer Square, Seattle
Copal in Pioneer Square is defined by its wood-powered grill and oven, focusing on vibrant Latin American flavors. Once home to Matt Dillon’s Bar Sajor, Copal now features dishes like grilled Salvadoran cheese, stuffed trout, and quesadillas filled with smoked pumpkin. Their tacos are exceptional, and the braised beef, adorned with charred pineapple and a bone marrow salsa, is a standout dish. The drinks are as bright and lively as the space itself. While Matt Dillon is a partner, chef Taber Turpin, formerly of Taco Gringos, leads the kitchen. Copal is a must-visit for those seeking exciting Latin American cuisine and a lively atmosphere in Pioneer Square.
Damn the Weather
Damn the Weather offers a surprising culinary contrast to its casual sports bar patio vibe. While jersey-clad fans enjoy beers outside, inside this dim and brick-lined space, you can discover transcendent dishes beyond pregame staples like chicken fat fries and hush puppies. The menu features brainy cocktails and refined small plates. The halibut, with a crunchy golden crust and beet agrodolce, is a dish that would impress in any upscale restaurant. Similarly, the burrata, transformed into a composed dish with radicchio, pistachios, and bread crumbs, is a testament to their culinary skill. Damn the Weather is a hidden gem in Pioneer Square, perfect for those seeking sophisticated food and drinks in a relaxed setting.
Good Bar
Housed in one of Pioneer Square’s most stunning historical spaces, Good Bar occupies a room with airy levels, broad pillars, a marble bar, and vintage bank vault doors. The food menu, created using only two induction burners and one convection oven, consists mainly of small plates designed to complement their masterful beverages. The cocktails and curated beer selection are particularly noteworthy. The food, while limited in cooking methods, is skillfully prepared, especially the rich sloppy joe and the deconstructed potato salad that resembles addictive fries. Be prepared for a lively and loud atmosphere. Good Bar is ideal for drinks and flavorful small bites in a unique and historic Pioneer Square setting.
Il Corvo
Pasta being prepared at Il Corvo restaurant in Pioneer Square, Seattle
The lines at Il Corvo are legendary, and for good reason. This lunch-only, order-at-the-counter spot serves pasta that is truly exceptional, far surpassing typical pasta dishes in creativity and quality, often for under $10 a bowl. Chef Mike Easton’s daily menu is announced on Instagram each morning. His wife, Victoria Diaz Easton, manages the operation, ensuring smooth and gracious service even during peak lunch hours. Il Corvo is an essential Pioneer Square dining experience for pasta lovers, offering incredible value and unforgettable flavors.
Il Terrazzo Carmine
Il Terrazzo Carmine is a timeless Pioneer Square landmark, serving classic Italian cuisine for over three decades. The Smeraldo family’s establishment is beloved by regulars for dishes like the peerless osso buco and the garlicky rack of lamb. Their pasta preparations are consistently flawless, winning over new customers with classic Italian flavors. The newer spin-off bar, Intermezzo Carmine, located upfront, offers small-plate risotto, buttery lamb chops, and a notable collection of amari. Il Terrazzo Carmine provides a refined and traditional Italian dining experience in Pioneer Square.
London Plane
London Plane is a visually stunning restaurant in Pioneer Square, resembling a white-on-white lofted country house, complete with a flower shop. Owned by Matt Dillon, the breakfast and lunch menus highlight his culinary passions: vibrant salads with grains and vegetables, cultured dairy, exceptional brown bread, and balanced vinegar notes. Don’t miss their outstanding bakery items, such as the strawberry cake or gateau Basque. London Plane is a beautiful and delicious spot for breakfast, lunch, or simply enjoying coffee and pastries in Pioneer Square.
Manu’s Bodega
Manu’s Bodega is a hidden gem in Pioneer Square, offering impressive Dominican cuisine from chef Manu Alfau. This unassuming spot with a patio features dishes like yam and smoked gouda empanadas with sofrito, and satisfying baguette sandwiches filled with salted green tomatoes. Even the rice and beans served with the puerco asado plate are exceptional on their own. Manu’s nearby taco walk-up is also a top lunch choice in Pioneer Square. Manu’s Bodega provides authentic and flavorful Dominican food in a casual setting.
Meg’s Hamburgers
Meg’s Hamburgers in Pioneer Square evokes a classic, old-school burger joint feel with its neon signage and diner-like decor. However, it’s a relatively recent addition, quickly gaining popularity for its focus on quality burgers. Meg’s specializes in smash patties, simply adorned with special sauce, and cheese if desired, served on fluffy buns. It’s a purist’s burger dream, located in a low-slung brick building. Be sure to order the beef fat french fries. Meg’s Hamburgers is the go-to spot in Pioneer Square for a classic, perfectly executed hamburger.
Nirmal’s
Nirmal’s brings masterful Indian cuisine to Pioneer Square. Set in a high-ceilinged space amidst the tech offices, the restaurant features brick walls and midcentury minimalist lighting, creating a worldly ambiance. The menu ranges from prawn curries of Bengal to Mumbai street food and coconut seafood from the south of India. Subtle layers of flavor are evident in both the thalis and lunchtime sandwiches. For a truly special experience, explore the chef’s daily inventions, perhaps even tandoori steak. Nirmal’s offers a sophisticated and diverse Indian dining experience in Pioneer Square.
Pacifica
Pacifica, transformed from Matt Dillon’s Little London Plane event space, is a boldly verdant and plant-filled bar in Pioneer Square. Dedicated to Latin drinks, particularly agave cocktails, the menu also features a few carefully crafted snacks from chef Taber Turpin of Copal. Enjoy options like sikil pak, vegetable escabeche, and house-made carne seca. While tacos are not on the menu, a Cubano sandwich provides a satisfying meal. Pacifica is a stylish spot for Latin-inspired drinks and light bites in Pioneer Square.
Quality Athletics
Quality Athletics is a unique and postmodern sports bar concept in Pioneer Square. The crisp, window-filled space is clean and contemporary, featuring bright green banquettes and long team tables with old-school chairs. A shelf of gleaming trophies and a wall of lockers add to the sporty theme. The space can be partially closed off for private events using a vertical-slider Ping-Pong table. While it’s a “commentary on a sports bar,” it functions well as one, with fire pits that are always busy on game days. Quality Athletics offers a trendy and upscale sports bar experience in Pioneer Square.
Salumi
Salumi deli counter with cured meats in Pioneer Square, Seattle
Salumi has been a beloved Seattle institution since 1999, known for its exceptional Italian cured meats and sandwiches. Founded by retired Boeing engineer Armandino Batali, Salumi gained fame for its drippy porchetta and deeply spiced salami sandwiches. In 2018, the business transitioned to new owners who maintain the deli’s soul and quality. Now located in a larger, brighter space in Pioneer Square, Salumi continues to offer its iconic sandwiches, meatballs, and mole salumi. Despite the larger space, the heart of Salumi remains the same, making it a must-visit for sandwich lovers in Pioneer Square.
Tat’s Delicatessen
Tat’s Delicatessen brings an authentic East Coast deli experience to Pioneer Square. The star of the menu is the Tat’strami, a flavorful combination of pastrami, Russian dressing, coleslaw, and melted Swiss cheese on an Italian roll – a unique cross between a pastrami sandwich and a cheesesteak. Tat’s offers nearly 30 other sandwiches, including generous cheesesteaks, hoagies, subs, and grinders, making Seattle feel a bit more like Jersey. Tat’s Delicatessen is the place to go in Pioneer Square for hearty and authentic East Coast-style deli sandwiches.
Taylor Shellfish
Taylor Shellfish, a premier oyster farmer in the Northwest, has three dining locations, with the Pioneer Square outpost offering a pregame-fried-food feel. While each location has its own menu and ambiance, all highlight the freshest oysters, which are a must-order. Enjoy them by the dozen or in Xinh’s oyster stew, a creamy and flavorful soup that captures the essence of fresh oysters. Taylor Shellfish in Pioneer Square is the perfect spot for oyster lovers and seafood enthusiasts seeking fresh and high-quality shellfish.
