Where to Shop (and Take a Shopping Break) in Pioneer Square

As the founder of lifestyle company Coco + Kelley, resident cool girl and blogger Cassandra LaValle has some serious style chops. She’s spiffed up home interiors, styled stunning magazine shoots, crafted dreamy birthday party tablescapes and beyond. So it only makes sense that we tap into where she snags her home decor goodies, clothing and accessories.

Lavalle’s favorite neighborhood to find it all? Pioneer Square, natch, where she offices and–just several blocks away–hangs her hat. “What drew me to the area originally is that I’m a city girl at heart,” she says. “And there’s no better place to feel like you’re in the midst of a city than among the historical buildings and character in Pioneer Square. I always joke that it’s the closest I’ll ever get to living in Manhattan.”

There’s tremendous growth happening in Seattle’s oldest ‘hood right now. First the restaurants moved in; and now it’s the retail, with stores such as Clementine, Fleurt and Tango Zulu opening their doors within the last few months. More residential units are popping up, too: Stadium Place’s The Wave and The Nolo apartments are currently leasing and a source at The Wave reports that the building is currently 64 percent occupied.

“The only thing we’re missing down here is some more basics,” LaValle says. “A larger grocery, a hardware store, a dry cleaners. It’s obviously been a while since this neighborhood was considered residential, so I hope we get to see some of those businesses move down here too. I can’t even imagine how it’ll be in a few more years as the growth continues and the viaduct comes down.”

Ready to explore? Tote along these suggestions for where LaValle loves to shop, dine and drink in Pioneer Square. You never know, you may just run into her while you’re out and about.

Velouria
I was thrilled when I found out that this Ballard shop was moving to Pioneer Square. While the small clothing labels are great (and very Seattle), I love it for the gorgeous array of jewelry and other quirky accessories (I just bought a great little print there). Tip: it’s joined to the boutique grocery Cone & Steiner that also has a great selection of home and kitchen accessories!

Cute tops at Velouria; credit: Andrew Vanasse

Assemblage
While I patiently await the arrival of more home stores in my neighborhood, this non-descript gem more than satiates my need for good treasure hunting. The hours can be odd, but dropping by is always encouraged, and you’re bound to find a few things worth taking home if you’re in the market for larger goods.

Tarboo
Once located in my current office (true story), I was really excited to see Tarboo open up its own storefront this year, just a few blocks away from where its production room used to be. Tarboo’s carefully crafted garments and bags are all produced locally by founder Matt Noren himself. Bonus: you can also find Homefield’s fashionable sports apparel here. Long live the 12ème Homme tee.

E. Smith Mercantile
Part apothic, part general store, part accessories shop, and everything you could want for bringing home a little treat for yourself. I love the ladies who run this family-owned store. I’ve bought everything from birthday gifts to cocktail mixers here! Oh, and did I mention there’s a bar in the back? Yep. It’s really got it all.

E. Smith Mercantile’s bar, tucked in the back of the Pioneer Square shop; credit Melissa Kagerer

Ebbet’s Field Flannels
I’m a die hard baseball fan, so this shop is really a fantasy destination for me. Its throwback hats, jerseys and more are created the way they were back in the ’50s–with thick wool and attention to detail. I’ve already added a Seattle Raniers hat to my collection, and I fully intend on purchasing more!

Laguna Pottery
If bright Bauer or hard-to-find Heath make your heart pitter patter, then you better make this a stop on your visit to the neighborhood. I can spend hours in here going through the shelves filled with vases, bowls, pitchers and more.

Worth a Mention:

Drygoods Design
Sewers and crafters rejoice. The new digs for this former Ballard shop is here, and it’s awesome.

Drygoods Design; Credit: Andrew Vanasse

The Belfry
Taxidermy and curiosities adorn this hidden shop. Personally, I’m a huge fan of having something this unique in the neighborhood. Definitely worth a stop if it’s your thing!

Fleurt
The Pioneer Square location is every bit as adorable as its West Seattle big sister.

Agate Designs
Every time I pass by the huge chunk of pyrite in the window, this cool rock store draws me in. A perfect spot to find your next natural paperweight or a cool crystal lamp.

Agate bookends at Pioneer Square’s Agate Designs; Credit: Christopher Eltrich

Post-Shopping Sips and Bites:

The London Plane
Advertising anything Matt Dillon creates seems a bit repetitive, but in case you’ve missed the five million preceding articles, London Plane is the place to be these days. A combination of bakery, restaurant, floral shop and dry goods store, this space is basically the dream I’ve always had in my own head for a seamless shared space. The food is simple and flavorful–a perfect spot to grab a the most well-designed casual bite or have a cozy meeting. Also not to be missed just a few yards away: little London Plane and the gorgeously appointed Bar Sajor.

Altstadt
When the weather turns cold, or soccer (er, I mean futbol) is on, you’ll find me here. Big screens for sports viewing, comfort food in the form of traditional German fare, and a beer list I can never pronounce topped with a cozy fireplace and cafe lights make this a great stop on a rainy day. A strong contender for you design-minded sports fans out there is the newly opened Quality Athletics.

Radici
I couldn’t talk about dining in Pioneer Square without a mention of our family’s Italian restaurant. Sure, I’m biased, but I’ve had New Yorkers tell me it’s the best red sauce they’ve had outside the east coast (that’s the family recipe, by the way). But what I love about it the most is how it feels like a real neighborhood joint, where the satisfying menu compliments the simple decor, and Rudy (that’s my dad) chats up every customer.

The gorgeous interior at Radici; credit Dorothee Brand of Belathee

Others On Her Radar:

Damn the Weather
If you’re looking for a late night spot where ear plugs aren’t required (but hipster style might be), look no further than Damn the Weather. Also: the name. Why didn’t anyone think of this before?

Il Corvo
Mike Easton’s perfectly crafted pastas are worth the wait for lunch.

Delish pastas from Il Corvo

Intermezzo Carmine
An extension of the well established Il Terrazzo del Carmine, this gorgeous bar is the most glamorous thing Pioneer Square has going on, and I love it for that.

Good Bar
We’re still waiting for this one to open, but when it does, I’m fairly certain it will live up to its name.

Rain Shadow Meats
A great lunch spot in its own right, this is really the place for sourcing fine meats, and a welcome addition to Pioneer Square considering the lack of grocery options.

Intrigue Chocolate
Talk about a hidden spot–this chocolatier is located down a side street,  one flight up a hidden stairwell. But when you get there they’ll gladly treat you to some truffles.

Sake Nomi
Just below the chocolate shop is this Sake bar which is another hidden gem. The downside: there’s no real menu. The upside: flights of sake for tasting.

Salumi
Because I couldn’t mention Pioneer Square without mentioning Salumi. Just remember to get in line an hour before you might possibly be hungry for this world-famous, hole in the wall.

The Hidden Alchemist
The name doesn’t lie here–this gem is truly hidden one floor down in the Shops at the Grand Central, but once you discover it you’ll be back! Herbal compounds, teas, oils and more await for those seeking natural remedies and infusions.