The Astronomer and I would have never stumbled upon Matt’s In The Market had our friend Daniel not pointed us here. The restaurant is tucked away in the Corner Market Building, three floors up from the throngs of tourists crowding Pike Place Market. Here, owner Dan Bugge and Chef Chester Gerl source fresh ingredients for their ever-changing menu from the market stalls below.

Without having to ask, we were seated at a table for two under the arched windows overlooking the iconic Public Market sign. It was the most memorable view of the entire trip.

Glancing to our right, we could see the pale blue water and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Seattle is a beauty.

While The Astronomer and I rarely order greens when eating out in Los Angeles, we do so at nearly every meal while on vacation to get our vitamins and roughage. Our mothers must be so proud.

Before diving head first into burgers and clams, we shared the “Simple Green Salad” ($6) with toasted pumpkin seeds, bleu cheese, and a roasted garlic dressing.

For his main course, The Astronomer took our friend Daniel’s advice and ordered “Don and Joe’s Lamb Burger” ($16). The downright dashing burger came sandwiched between brioche buns with goat cheese, bacon, herb aioli, and onion jam.

As promised, the burger was all that and then some. The patty, juicy and mildly musty, was enhanced by the bevy of toppings and sauces. Messy bites, buttery fingers, and greasy lips—this baby was worth it.

The burger came with a garbanzo and bean sultana salad. It was a virtuous and lovely blend of legumes, punctuated by sweet raisins and a tart vinaigrette.

I ordered the steamed clams ($16), which arrived bathing in a fiery red charmoula and cava broth with house-made chorizo, piquillo peppers, corona beans, and croutons. Noshing on clams, slurping up broth, and watching the crowds below—it was the perfect ending to our Seattle vacation.

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Matt’s In The Market
94 Pike Street #32
Seattle, WA 98101-2066
Phone: 206-467-7909

There’s more to eat in Seattle:

• Dahlia Lounge – Seattle
• Delancey – Seattle
• For the Love of Orangette
• Frost Doughnuts – Mill Creek
• I Don’t Think You’re Ready for this Jelly
• Local 360 – Seattle
• Mighty-O Donuts – Seattle
• Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream – Seattle
• Pike Place Chowder – Seattle
• Sage Cafe – Seattle
• Salumi Artisan Cured Meats – Seattle
• Serious Pie – Seattle
• Skillet Diner & High 5 Pie – Seattle
• Steelhead Diner – Seattle
• Street Donuts – Seattle
• Sweet Iron Waffles – Seattle
• The Crumpet Shop – Seattle
• The Walrus and the Carpenter – Seattle
• Top Pot Doughnuts – Seattle