Discovery Series – Pike Place
I’ve finally spotted the Discovery mug for the location of the first Starbucks store. Discovery Series – Pike Place is now joining the already large family of mugs from this iconic spot.
Seattle’s Pike Place Market is more than a destination – it’s a cornerstone of the city’s identity. Founded in 1907, this buzzing marketplace is known for its seafood stalls, flower vendors, indie crafts, and food spots. But among all its gems, one location stands out to coffee lovers across the globe: the original Starbucks store.
The first Starbucks opened in 1971 at 2000 Western Avenue and moved to its current Pike Place location in 1976. What makes this shop special isn’t just the nostalgia – it’s that it retains the original branding and vibe. The logo is the brown twin-tailed siren, and the interior feels like a throwback to a different era of coffee culture. Baristas often field questions from visitors curious about the store’s history.
Besides your caffeine fix, this location offers exclusive Pike Place merchandise you can’t find elsewhere:
– Vintage-style mugs and tumblers
– Branded coffee beans in special packaging
– Limited edition T-shirts and tote bags
– Original roast blends only sold at this store
The line can get long, but most visitors say it’s worth it for the bragging rights alone.
At the entrance to Pike Place, you’ll see the iconic Public Market sign. But don’t confuse it with the Public Market Center sign – that one has the big red clock and overlooks the market entrance facing First Avenue. Both are great photo ops, but the latter is the one that shows up most often in tourist photos.
Pike Place isn’t just about coffee – it’s a feast for shoppers of every kind. You can find fresh seafood like wild-caught salmon, live Dungeness crab, and oysters straight from the Sound. Produce stands overflow with seasonal fruit and vegetables from local farms. There are cut flower vendors with stunning bouquets, especially famous for their giant dahlias and peonies. For snack lovers, there’s everything from homemade jams and jerky to artisan cheeses and specialty pickles. And if you’re gift-hunting, the market is packed with handmade jewelry, leather goods, quirky toys, records, prints, ceramics, candles, and so much more. It’s the kind of place where you can lose an hour (or three) without even realizing it.
While you’re at the market, make sure to explore the lower floor levels. Beneath the bustling ground floor, you’ll find quirky shops, vintage collections, bookstores, and collectibles you won’t see anywhere else. It’s quieter down there, and perfect for people who like to wander off the beaten path.
