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Gritty, eccentric, artsy, and fabulous, Pioneer Square is an eclectic blend of what makes Seattle … Seattle. Although this neighborhood has more than a few tourist traps hiding in its attractive brick buildings, it also has some wonderful clothiers, several bookstores, and a few standouts we're positive you won't find anywhere else, plus many galleries and shops selling high-end furniture and collectibles. Here we've listed only the shops selling antiques and collectibles, not artwork.
Best shopping: 1st Avenue South between Yesler Way and South Jackson Street, and Occidental Avenue South between South Main and Jackson Streets.
Seattle's 6,000-square-foot flagship Filson store is a shrine to meticulously well-made outdoor wear for men and women. The hunting-lodge decor of the space, paired with interesting memorabilia and pricey, made-on-site clothing, makes the drive south of Pioneer Square worth it (we recommend catching a cab, not hoofing it). The attention to detail paid to the plaid vests, oil-treated rain slickers, and fishing outfits borders on the fetishistic.
Since 1984, this bastion of bibliophilia has offered new, used, and collectible titles to discerning shoppers. Its shelves are robust in art, photography, and graphic design, as well as plenty of literature inspired by Seattle and the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Housed in one of Seattle's most historic buildings, this eclectic assortment will satisfy both the avid reader and the discriminating collector.
Seattle's oldest glassblowing studio and gallery lets you watch fearless artisans at work in the "hot shop." Some of the best glass artists in the country work out of this shop, and many of their impressive studio pieces are for sale, along with around 40 other Northwest artists represented by the shop.
Since 1977, this two-story, 7,000-square-foot shop in the heart of Pioneer Square has been supplying families with games, toys, puzzles, tricks, candy, and figurines. They claim a professional child runs this friendly store—and it shows.
This poetry-dedicated bookshop (one of only a few of its kind in the United States) is a space for literary-loving community and poetry books of all kinds. New, modern poetry books, used books, well-loved classics, rare editions, and poets from around the world are represented in A Poem Emporium, which occasionally hosts readings and events as well, and proudly represents minorities and contemporary social justice movements through both its book selection and window displays.
Whether you're a novice or expert, you'll appreciate the authentic offerings here. The shop and tasting bar, specializing in premium rice wines, is open 2–8 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Don't be shy—have a seat, try a few of the rotating samples, and ask a lot of questions. Sake can be served up in a variety of temperatures and styles.
View one of the largest collections of vintage prints by the Western photographer Edward S. Curtis, along with Native American antiques, traditional carvings, baskets, jewelry, and tools in a historic space that's as interesting as the store's wares.
