When you want to get out of the convention center and find a reasonably priced meal, your best bet is the Pike Place Market. Both the market itself and the immediate vicinity are packed with some of the best casual food the city has to offer. In addition to the many shops we’re featuring in our “Local Flavor” segments, there are dozens of stalls selling everything from fresh meat and produce to locally produced specialty foods, wine, nuts, jams…and on and on. The market restaurants are often crowded, especially in the summer, but don’t let that dissuade you. There’s also the option of grabbing your food to go and sitting in Victor Steinbrueck Park (just to the north of the market) to enjoy it, with a view of Elliot Bay and, on a clear day, the Olympic mountains. This author’s favorites include Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese, Green Eggs and Ham from The Crumpet Shop, or a baguette with brie from La Pannier with a pint of strawberries from one of the fruit stands in the market.
