Seattle’s first downtown, reimagined

Known as Seattle’s first downtown, Pioneer Square was settled in 1852, then rebuilt after a huge fire in 1889. After World War II and the major earthquake of 1949, the area fell into decline. In 1970, preservationists successfully fought for its designation as a historic district. In the heart of today’s bustling city, steps from Elliott Bay and two sports stadiums, Occidental Avenue and Jackson Street are blossoming with upscale restaurants, galleries and shops. Artists, designers and game developers contribute to the vibrant, creative energy of what used to be called Skid Road, where timber workers skidded logs down steep hills.

Ebbets Field Fannels Jerry Cohen and Lisa Cooper founded this store more than 25 years ago, selling authentic vintage reproductions of baseball jerseys, handmade on site with a proprietary 1950s-era wool blend. Look no further for Jackie Robinson’s 1946 Montreal Royals jersey.

119 South Jackson St., 206-382-7249 or 888-896-2936, ebbets.com

Rain Shadow Meats Squared This popular butcher shop and restaurant opened in 2013, featuring local meats, house-made charcuterieand whole animal butchery. The Porchetta sandwich, with pork loin and belly and crispy pork skin, and the Dipper, shredded beef, caramelized onions and white Cheddar, are popular with the lunchtime business crowd as well as with sports fans.

404 Occidental Ave. South, 206-467-4854, rainshadowmeats.com


Bar Sajor
Matt Dillon showcases local, seasonal ingredients in this stoveless restaurant that opened in 2013. Dillon cooks only by wood flame, which he calls an “antique, primal method.”

323 Occidental Ave. South, 206-682-1117, barsajor.com

The London Plane
The florist and farmer Katherine Anderson and the chef Matt Dillon, both Seattle natives, teamed up to open this restaurant-floral shop-market in the 124-year-old State Building a year ago. The space also houses the commercial bakery for Dillon’s four other restaurants.

300 Occidental Ave. South, 206-624-1374, thelondonplaneseattle.com


Stonington Gallery One of Seattle’s oldest galleries, Stonington exhibits contemporary masterworks from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

125 South Jackson St., 206-405-4040, stoningtongallery.com