Starbucks Coffee Company

Pretty cool to see the first ever Starbucks! The staff were so friendly, and fun inside the shop. They have the original everything still, so that’s pretty neat!

1st Starbucks! Coming to Seattle I knew I had to visit. It’s old-school decor makes it a truly unique experience, and they have plenty of swag you can buy too! Was it just the experience, or did the Pike’s place roast taste better here? Hard to say. Definitely worth a visit for any coffee enthusiast!

Hello from Tokyo. On weekends, I find myself at Starbucks in Marunouchi or Nippori, opening my MacBook and, for some reason, looking at maps of New York or reading reviews of the very first Starbucks here in Seattle. I’ve never been there, yet somehow I already feel like a regular. With just one cup of coffee, my mind drifts all the way to the American West Coast. The address says it all: 1912 Pike Place. That famous spot. After seeing the exterior so many times on a screen, it strangely doesn’t even feel like a first-time visit anymore. But in reality, I’m here in Tokyo… It’s about a 9-hour direct flight from Haneda to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Closer than the 13-hour trip to JFK in Queens, New York—but still not exactly a casual stroll. Then again, it’s also a distance that feels just within reach if I really decide to go. That perfect in-between distance brings imagination a little closer to reality. I’m sure that if I actually visit, everything will feel different—the aroma of the coffee, the sound of people, the atmosphere. I love Starbucks in Japan, but sipping a cup of coffee while thinking, “This is where it all began,” must taste a little different. As someone from Japan, I find myself wanting to stand in that place at least once in my life. It’s already enjoyable just seeing it through a screen, but if I ever stand there in person, I feel like I might grow a little quiet. A single cup of coffee that spread across the world over time— standing at its starting point might make me reflect on where I’ve been, and where I’m going. From a small corner of Tokyo, I’m enjoying my coffee today through imagination alone. But maybe someday, I’ll finally catch up to that imagination. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Here’s the location for referen

I'm not a coffee drinker... but my wife is, so I had to go to the OG Starbucks and get her a souvenir... Really cool the place is still here... Staff was AMAZING!!! Thanks for the history of the place 😀

Store provided great service and good variety of exclusive merchandise to this Original location delicious coffee and easily accessible. Beautiful small location

In case you want to create a destination location from a regular coffee shop - ask Starbucks how. First Starbucks coffee shop in Seattle retains that original design and logos that were created in the beginning and has a line up of tourist always even during a shoulder season, specifically of those who wants to reach a specific milestone in their travel history. Nonetheless of the line size, helpful and friendly staff helps to upscale the visit to a special memorable experience. Merchandise pricing was a pleasant surprise as well - it's very affordable and we grabbed our mug from the shop.

Because this is the world-famous first Starbucks shop — opened in 1971, selling coffee beans, tea, and spices — this is a tourist attraction, featuring historic brown signage with awkward original illustration of a dual-tailed siren. This is NOT a Starbucks where a local would go for coffee. (Former Starbucks barista, grew up near Seattle👋) Although it used to be more of a “coffee shop”—at least 22 years ago, you could walk in, no wait, and order, buy some unique merch, and sit at a table. Queue to enter, supervised by a Starbucks partner. Was about a 20-30 minute wait on sunny, cold weekday afternoon in December during winter break. Upon entering you go to the line to order & pay — if you want any of the exclusive merchandise only sold at this location (e.g., mugs, cups, ornaments, decor, key chains, Pike Place Blend coffee beans in special packaging), decide now (big sale after Christmas!). After purchase, move to the next queue to wait for your finished drinks. The whole process inside was efficient and fast. Drink menu here is more simplified than a modern Starbucks. My daughter ordered off the “secret menu” (she found ideas online). So you can get most any customized drink you desire, as long as they have the ingredient-supplies. Baristas were friendly, courteous, and experienced — the “A Team” of older baristas; no rookies or college students on break here. I didn’t order food—can’t even recall if there were any food/bakery items. I don’t think so, because that would slow down the process—and there are plenty of nearby market vendors with great food options, including Piroshky Piroshky. If you simply want Starbucks for the “I ordered/drank Starbucks at the Seattle waterfront” experience, there is a small shop location off Alaskan Way that also does mobile-ordering (using Sbux app) and even has a small seating area (but no customer bathroom).

Visiting the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market was a memorable experience. Even with the long line, the atmosphere was exciting, with people from all over the world gathered to see where it all began. Standing outside and waiting in line really shows how successful this small coffee shop has become over time. The store itself keeps a classic and simple look, very different from modern Starbucks locations. It feels more personal and historic, making the visit special. Getting a coffee here isn’t just about the drink — it’s about being part of a story that started with one small shop and grew into a global brand. This place truly represents Seattle’s entrepreneurial spirit and is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see where one of the world’s most famous coffee companies began.

SHOUTOUT TO THE STAFF! They were all so amazing and kind during my visit. But HUGE shoutout to Jesse! He educated my friend Aileen and I about the lore of Rachel the Pig. What an icon and a hero! Thank you Jesse for educating us about Rachel and for the beans. You made the experience memorable!

Pretty much a carry out place with no seating. I got the iced blueberry latte something that I was told was only sold there. Great visit for the historical flavor.