Post Alley

What to know

Post Alley is a narrow, historic-feeling thoroughfare that embodies the spirit of the Market. The alley is characterized by its worn-brick facades and original single-paned glass windows, measuring roughly 100 feet long and 20 to 25 feet wide. Its northern end runs directly under and through the bustling Pike Place Market, serving as both a pedestrian passageway and a popular destination for food seekers. The alley's name is rooted in Seattle's early history, originally called Post Street or Post Avenue after the city's first U.S. post office, which opened in 1880 at Yesler Way. This early government presence set the stage for the area's development. Later, between 1900 and 1902, the Boston-based utility company Stone & Webster constructed a historic building here, contributing to the industrial fabric of the Pioneer Square Skid Road National Historic District. Today, the alley is a hub of activity and local flavor. Visitors can find well-known spots such as The Pink Door, Cafe Campagne, Ghost Alley Espresso, and Pike Place Chowder. It is also home to the legendary Gum Wall, a colorful display that began in the 1990s when patrons and performers at Unexpected Productions started sticking used gum on the brick. This expanding wall now covers an enormous expanse of brick and is cited as a representation of Seattle's unique charm.

Visitor tips

• To find the Gum Wall, head down the ramp and veer left into Post Alley.
• Allow extra time if you plan to eat at Pike Place Chowder, as lines are often long.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for the narrow, brick-lined pedestrian paths.

Nearby context

Post Alley serves as a hidden artery beneath the main levels of Pike Place Market, connecting the market's energy with the historic industrial remnants of the Pioneer Square area.