What is the Starbucks Original Store known for?

Established in 1971 at Pike Place Market in Seattle, it is the first Starbucks store. When it first opened, it sold spices, tea, and fresh-roasted coffee beans for customers to take home.

Where was the very first Starbucks location?

The first restaurant was located at 2000 Western Avenue for five years before relocating to Pike Place.

When did the first Starbucks store open?

The doors to the first store opened on March 30, 1971.

Are there any exclusive items I can buy here?

Yes, this store is the only place to purchase specialty mugs featuring the original Starbucks logo, as well as a special Pike Place Market Reserve coffee.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Starbucks Original Store in Seattle

Q: How did Starbucks get its name?

The name was inspired by the classic tale Moby-Dick to evoke the seafaring tradition of early coffee traders.

What to know

The Original Starbucks stands as a landmark of coffee culture within the cobblestone streets of Seattle's historic Pike Place Market. While it is widely celebrated as the first store, this current address at 1912 Pike Place is actually the second location for the business. The very first restaurant operated at 2000 Western Avenue for five years before relocating here. Opening its doors on March 30, 1971, the store began with a different focus than the modern cafe experience. In its early days, it specialized in selling fresh-roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices from around the world for customers to take home. The company's identity was deeply rooted in maritime themes, with a name inspired by the classic tale Moby-Dick to evoke the seafaring tradition of early coffee traders. Today, the store serves as a pilgrimage site for coffee lovers. Visitors can purchase exclusive merchandise not found elsewhere, including specialty mugs featuring the original Starbucks logo. The shop also offers a specific Pike Place Market Reserve coffee, blending its historic roots with the brand's modern premium offerings. Despite its fame, the location is frequently the subject of tourist confusion. Many visitors mistakenly believe the Starbucks located at 1st and Pike is the original site, though the true legacy continues here at the Pike Place Market address.

Visitor tips

Look for the original logo on specialty mugs available only at this location.
Be mindful that this is 1912 Pike Place; avoid confusing it with the store at 1st and Pike.
Allow extra time for long queues, as this is one of the most visited spots in the market.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the surrounding cobblestone streets of Pike Place Market.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the downtown core, this store is a cornerstone of the Pike Place Market district, surrounded by the market's famous vendors and historic cobblestone paths.