Three Girls Bakery

For Washington residents and visitors alike, a trip to Pike Place Market is an essential Seattle experience, and no visit is complete without stopping by Three Girls Bakery. This isn’t just any bakery; it is a profound piece of Seattle history, proudly holding the title of the oldest continuously operating business in the Market, having first opened its doors in 1912. Remarkably, it also stands as the first business ever licensed to women in the city of Seattle—a legacy of pioneering entrepreneurship that adds a layer of significance to every loaf and pastry sold.

Located right in the heart of the bustling market, Three Girls Bakery successfully blends old-world charm with a modern appreciation for quality, fresh ingredients. Current owner Jacob Levy, who has deep roots in the Market dating back over 50 years, ensures that the bakery maintains its reputation for classic, comforting baked goods and hearty lunch fare. The business operates as two distinct but connected halves: a bakery counter for quick grab-and-go treats, and a luncheonette counter where you can sit and enjoy a meal.

The core of the offering is traditional American and European-style baking. While the pastry display draws eyes with beautiful croissants, turnovers, and classic cookies, the bakery’s full-service counter extends its expertise far beyond the sweet treats. It is here that locals flock for the renowned sandwiches and daily soups, particularly the celebrated World Famous Meatloaf Sandwich, a recipe beloved for over 40 years. For anyone planning a quick, satisfying meal while exploring downtown Seattle, Three Girls Bakery is an authentic, historic, and delicious choice.

Location and Accessibility

Three Girls Bakery is perfectly situated in the core of Seattle’s most active public space, making it easy to weave into your Market itinerary.

The bakery is located in the Sanitary Market building on Pike Place, positioned conveniently between Jack's Fish Spot and Frank's Quality Produce. It is often one of the first iconic stops when entering the Market from the main First Avenue entrance, identifiable by its bright display windows filled with baked goods.

Accessibility is well-addressed, which is particularly important in the historic Market environment. The establishment features a wheelchair accessible entrance. For transit users, the location is exceptionally convenient, situated near major bus routes and within walking distance of the light rail.

For those driving into downtown Seattle, Three Girls Bakery’s central location ensures various nearby parking options, though, as is typical in the area, they often come at a cost:

• Paid parking garage
• Paid parking lot
• Paid street parking (metered spots)

Services Offered

Three Girls Bakery operates with dual service models to cater to different customer needs, from a quick coffee run to a leisurely lunch.

• Onsite Luncheonette Counter Service: Seating is available at their counter for enjoying hot sandwiches, soups, and breakfast items, offering a classic diner-style dining experience.
• Takeout Bakery Counter Service: The window provides quick grab-and-go access to their full selection of pastries, cookies, and breads—perfect for a fast snack or meal on the move.
• Breakfast and Lunch Options: Serving everything from a classic Lox Bagel and Homemade Soups to a wide selection of hot specialty sandwiches.
• Coffee and Beverages: Offering Organic Coffee ($2.00) and Hot Tea ($2.00), alongside a variety of sodas and juice.
• Sandwich Customization: Patrons have the option to Build Your Own Sandwich from a selection of meats, salads, and cheeses, all served on the bakery's fresh-baked bread.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

What makes Three Girls Bakery a beloved institution goes beyond its history, resting primarily on its exceptional and diverse menu offerings.

• World Famous Meatloaf Sandwich: This is arguably the most famous item on the menu. The classic version is available for $12.00, with other popular meatloaf variations like The Lou Loaf and The Northwestern also available. This sandwich has been recognized nationally as one of the best in America.
• Historic Significance: It is the oldest continually operating business in Pike Place Market and the first business licensed to women in Seattle, offering a unique historical context to your dining experience.
• Fresh, Classic Baked Goods: Specializing in classic pastries like the flaky Palmier Cinnamon ($4.00), various croissants (Plain, Chocolate, Almond), and diverse cookies, including the tasty Snickerdoodle and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip.
• Diverse Hot Sandwich Selection: Beyond the meatloaf, the lunch menu is robust, featuring classics like the Reuben ($12.00), French Dip ($10.00), and vegetarian options like The Cypress ($11.00) with hummus and pesto.
• Artisan Breads: Known for supplying a wide variety of freshly baked breads, including sourdough, available for purchase to take home. They also practice daily donation of leftover bread, ensuring consistent freshness.
• Quick and Convenient Dining: Designed to facilitate a quick visit, whether you're standing at the counter for a bite or grabbing a coffee and pastry to-go.

For easy reference, the essential details for Three Girls Bakery are as follows:

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What is Worth Choosing

For Washington locals seeking a genuinely authentic and high-quality experience, Three Girls Bakery is more than just a place to grab a pastry; it is an institution worth supporting. The most compelling reason to choose this spot is the unparalleled combination of history and flavor. You are dining at the counter of a Seattle legacy, a business that has survived over a century of change in the city.

While the pastries are consistently fresh, with the pumpkin scone often cited as a standout, the bakery’s true distinction lies in its savory fare. The World Famous Meatloaf Sandwich is a must-try. Served hot, hearty, and full of flavor, it transforms a simple comfort food into a memorable market meal. It’s the perfect antidote to a chilly Pacific Northwest day and represents a remarkable value for a lunch item in this high-traffic area.

Furthermore, the transparency and dedication to classic baking techniques are evident. While some patrons have noted that certain items might be a touch too sweet or may not come with expected frosting, the core products—the quality of the bread, the buttery flakiness of the croissants, and the richness of their classic recipes—stand up to the bakery's long-standing reputation. Choosing Three Girls Bakery means choosing to be part of a rich, local tradition while enjoying a satisfying meal made with over 110 years of Seattle baking experience. It is a mandatory stop for an authentic taste of the Market.

Three Girls Bakery

1514 Pike Pl, Seattle, WA 98101, USA