Pike Place Chowder

Pike Place Chowder is a small, family-owned counter in Post Alley at Pike Place Market, run by the Hillyer family, and the focus is simple: bowls of chowder and seafood rolls, made to be eaten on the spot or carried out while you explore. The company reports that it serves certified sustainable seafood.

The best-known order is New England clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl. Other chowders include seafood bisque and smoked salmon chowder, and there are good choices for different diets: the Manhattan chowder is gluten-free, and the lime and coconut chowder is both vegan and gluten-free. If you want something more substantial, the Maine lobster roll and the Dungeness crab roll are the main alternatives. If you are sharing, ordering two different chowders is a good way to compare.

The Post Alley shop is open daily from 11am to 5pm. It does not take reservations and seating is limited, so expect to queue at busy times and to eat standing up or find a spot nearby. Lunchtime in summer and at weekends brings the longest lines; arriving at opening time or mid-afternoon usually means a shorter wait. Orders can also be placed online for pick-up, which can save time on busy days. Hours may vary, so check before you go.

There is a second, larger location at Pacific Place, a shopping centre about ten minutes' walk away at 600 Pine Street, with indoor seating, longer hours and a broader menu that includes fish and chips. That branch is a good option on a rainy day or if you want to sit down properly.

Frozen chowder is also sold to take home, and the company ships it too. If you are visiting with a group, one person can queue while others explore the nearby stalls.

Pike Place Chowder suits budget travellers, families and anyone who wants a quick, warming lunch between sights. Allow about 30 minutes, plus queuing time. It is a natural stop on a walk through the market, and the waterfront and the Seattle Aquarium are just downhill. General enquiries can be sent to the company by email, and catering is also available.