Le Pichet

• Review
• Friday, September 12, 2008

Those visiting Seattle will more likely than not find themselves in the vicinity of Pike Place Market. There are, of course, plenty of places to eat in or nearby said market...so much so that it can be hard to choose. One of the more notable places, located on First Avenue between Stewart and Virginia, is Le Pichet.

Le Pichet is a cozy (read: small) little French bistro. Because of the size, the tables are close together and it gets crowded fast, but it is still a great place. The atmosphere is warm and the service is usually friendly. 

The restaurant is open from 08:00 am to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 08:00 am to 02:00 am Friday and Saturday. However, the key to getting a table (and lounging, as you'll want to) is to come during off-hours: late morning breakfasts during the week, prior to the dinner rush around 6, or later after dinner at 9.

If you take the early evening route, this is the perfect time to order a demi-pichet and a few selections off the "Le Casse Croute" menu.  Later in the evening, order a chocolat chaud, which is not on the menu and is definitely not your regular hot cocoa. The rich drinking chocolate is more of a thick dessert. Either option will allow you to sit and enjoy the your repast and perhaps watch the world go by on First Avenue.