Pioneer Square, often considered Seattle’s original downtown and its historical nucleus, is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, particularly in its dining scene. This neighborhood, which dramatically rose from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1889, literally elevating itself a story above its former muddy streets, has always been a place of transformation. From its intriguing underground tunnels that now captivate tourists to its colorful history as a hub for nightlife, artists, and a diverse community, Pioneer Square is once again reinventing itself as a premier destination for food lovers.
The past year has witnessed an exciting influx of new restaurants in and around Pioneer Square, signaling a culinary renaissance. Among these fresh establishments is ʔálʔal Cafe, a meaningful addition within the Chief Seattle Club, a Native-led non-profit providing essential services. Ohsun Banchan has quickly become a local favorite, offering exceptional and gluten-free Korean cuisine. Rojo’s Mexican Food has filled the notable former Il Nido space, establishing itself as a top vegan dining spot in the city. Saigon Drip Cafe brings a modern Vietnamese flair to the area’s food and coffee culture, while Monkey Bridge, originally from Ballard, has expanded with a larger second location on First Avenue. For wine and meze enthusiasts, Ephesus has opened its doors on Occidental Square, and nearby, Darkolino’s, an Italian eatery connected to a streetwear boutique, has taken over the space previously occupied by the London Plane cafe and bakery. Furthermore, the developing Railspur complex already hosts Tacolisto, a lively taco and tequila joint, and the eagerly anticipated Hotel Westland, expected to open next year, promises to add a new restaurant and bar to the neighborhood’s growing culinary landscape.
This wave of restaurant openings marks a significant recovery for Pioneer Square, especially after the challenges posed by pandemic lockdowns. Lisa Howard, executive director of the Alliance for Pioneer Square, highlights the neighborhood’s unique vulnerability during those times: “Pioneer Square still has a relatively low residential rate.” The absence of office workers, event attendees, and tourists during peak pandemic periods transformed the usually bustling area into a quiet district. This was a setback for a neighborhood that had been experiencing a positive trajectory. Lex Petras, owner of South of Mill on First Avenue, recalls, “There was a burst of interest in Pioneer Square in 2012… a lot of little places popped up.” He notes the cyclical nature of the area, “Pioneer Square has always seen this boom-and-bust — up and down, up and down — and we just went through another one.”
As pandemic restrictions eased, concerns about safety did surface, with some restaurant owners voicing worries about crime affecting their businesses. However, Pioneer Square has demonstrated remarkable resilience. With the return of crowds to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park for sporting events and concerts, and the gradual return of office workers, including those from major employers like Weyerhaeuser, the perception of risk associated with opening a restaurant in Pioneer Square has diminished.
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Recent data supports this positive shift. Seattle’s crime rates in the first half of 2023 have decreased compared to the previous year. Looking at the city’s crime tracker, Pioneer Square has reported fewer incidents than neighboring areas like Chinatown–International District and the downtown commercial core. Anecdotally, Pioneer Square feels safer and more lively than it did in 2021. Weekdays are energized by office workers grabbing lunch, and weekends are packed with event-goers. The resurgence is palpable, with live music in Occidental Square and a noticeable decrease in public issues that were more prevalent before.
Petras’ experience with his outdoor planters reflects this improved environment. Despite initial skepticism, the planters have largely remained untouched, indicating a positive change in the neighborhood’s atmosphere. While acknowledging that a full return to pre-pandemic norms is still in progress, with downtown office occupancy still around 51 percent on typical workdays, Pioneer Square is adapting. Restaurants are now catering to a mix of remote workers and event attendees. South of Mill’s transformation into an all-day bar and cafe, welcoming laptop users, is a testament to this adaptation.
Adding to the neighborhood’s appeal is the new Pioneer Square Habitat Beach, located near the ferry terminal. This unique urban beach offers a novel experience, perfectly complemented by takeaway options from restaurants like Ohsun Banchan. Pioneer Square is not just a historic site; it’s a dynamic and evolving neighborhood, brimming with new energy and, most importantly, fantastic restaurants waiting to be explored. For anyone seeking a taste of Seattle’s vibrant food scene, Pioneer Square restaurants offer a delicious journey through history and contemporary culinary innovation.
