Jack’s Fish Spot Seattle: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market, Jack’s Fish Spot is a beloved seafood counter that embodies the city’s rich maritime traditions and culinary heritage. Since 1982, Jack’s Fish Spot has served locals and visitors alike with fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood while maintaining a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere. Situated in the bustling Sanitary Market Building, this family-run business offers a genuine taste of the Pacific Northwest and provides a window into the legacy of Seattle’s fishmongering families.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Jack’s Fish Spot: hours, accessibility, menu highlights, travel tips, and local attractions. You’ll also gain insight into the Mathers family legacy and the stall’s significance within Pike Place Market. For the most up-to-date details, consult the official Pike Place Market vendor page, HistoryLink, and Jack’s Fish Spot official website.

Table of Contents

Origins and Evolution of Jack’s Fish Spot

Jack’s Fish Spot was established in 1982 by Jack Mathers, a seasoned Seattle fisherman with deep ties to the Pacific Northwest fishing industry. Initially operating in Madison Park, Jack moved his business to Pike Place Market in the early 1980s, choosing the Sanitary Market Building for its central location and vibrant community (HistoryLink; Pike Place Market).

From the beginning, Jack’s focus was on quality, freshness, and personalized service. His experience in Alaskan fisheries and fish processing set a high standard that remains today. Over the decades, Jack’s Fish Spot has grown from a humble stall to a respected market institution, recognized for its authenticity amid the more theatrical vendors nearby.


The Mathers Family Legacy and Market Heritage

Jack Mathers’ family has played a significant role in Seattle’s culinary landscape. His sister, Gretchen Mathers, was a pioneering restaurateur and the first female president of the Washington Restaurant Association, while their mother, Helen, worked at Victor Rosellini’s 610, a renowned Seattle restaurant (HistoryLink). This lineage informs Jack’s Fish Spot’s enduring commitment to quality and community.

Pike Place Market itself, founded in 1907, has long been home to multigenerational fishmongers. Jack’s Fish Spot, though a relative newcomer, upholds these traditions, serving as a bridge between historic market culture and modern Seattle cuisine.


Distinctive Features and Cultural Significance

Jack’s Fish Spot differentiates itself through its straightforward, customer-focused approach. Eschewing the famous fish-throwing spectacle of neighboring stalls, Jack’s emphasizes freshness and quality above all else, earning a loyal following among locals and well-informed visitors (HistoryLink).

The seafood counter supplies an adjacent lunch bar where dishes like fish and chips, cioppino, and steamed Dungeness crab are prepared daily from the freshest catch (Pike Place Market). House-made tartar sauce and other accompaniments highlight Pacific Northwest flavors, with raw oysters, grilled salmon, and clam chowder among the regular offerings (Seafood Slurps).


Jack’s Fish Spot Visiting Hours and Practical Information

  • Hours:
  • Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required—simply walk up and order.
  • Accessibility: The shop and lunch counter are wheelchair accessible; staff are readily available to assist with special needs.
  • Location: 1514 Pike Place, Seattle, WA 98101, in the Sanitary Market Building. Find detailed maps at the Pike Place Market visitor page.
  • Payment: Cash and major credit cards are accepted.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Arriving Early: Visit during mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.
  • Weather: Pack a rain jacket, especially in fall and winter; the market is covered but walkways may be exposed.
  • Seating: Counter seating is limited; consider taking your food to go.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Pike Place Fish Market (famous for fish-throwing)
    • Original Starbucks store
    • Seattle Great Wheel
    • Seattle Art Museum
    • Seattle Waterfront and Aquarium

Guided tours of Pike Place Market frequently include Jack’s Fish Spot, offering context about the market’s history and culinary culture.


Jack’s Fish Spot in Seattle’s Food Scene

Within Pike Place Market—a symbol of Seattle’s diverse food history—Jack’s Fish Spot is a standout for those seeking genuine Pacific Northwest seafood (Seek Seattle). The spot connects traditional fishmongering with contemporary tastes, reinforcing the cultural and culinary significance of the market (HistoryLink).


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Jack’s Fish Spot’s hours?
A: Monday–Saturday, 7:30 am–6:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am–5:00 pm (Jack’s Fish Spot Official).

Q: Are tickets or reservations needed?
A: No, just walk up and order.

Q: Is Jack’s Fish Spot family-friendly?
A: Yes, the casual setting welcomes all ages.

Q: Are gluten-free or dietary options available?
A: Some menu items are suitable for dietary needs; ask staff for details.

Q: Is the location wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, both the shop and counter are accessible.


Enduring Appeal and Community Connection

For over 40 years, Jack’s Fish Spot has been a Seattle staple, renowned for its consistent quality and welcoming ambiance. Jack Mathers’ hands-on approach and dedication to sourcing local, sustainable seafood have made the stall a trusted community hub and essential part of Pike Place Market’s fabric (Pike Place Market).


Conclusion

Jack’s Fish Spot offers an authentic taste of Seattle’s seafood heritage, set within the city’s most vibrant marketplace. Its commitment to quality, tradition, and community ensures a memorable experience for every visitor. Plan your visit around operating hours, explore nearby attractions, and savor the best of the Pacific Northwest.

For current information and updates, visit the official Jack’s Fish Spot website and Pike Place Market’s visitor page.


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Seattle

1000 Second Avenue
1000 Second Avenue
1120 Denny Way
1120 Denny Way
1201 Third Avenue
1201 Third Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
1600 Seventh Avenue
5Th Avenue Theatre
5Th Avenue Theatre
7Th & Jackson
7Th & Jackson
970 Denny Way
970 Denny Way
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Adjacent, Against, Upon
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Alaskan Way Viaduct
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Spheres
Amazon Tower I
Amazon Tower I
|
  Andy'S Diner
| Andy'S Diner
|
  Angie'S Umbrella
| Angie'S Umbrella
Annapurna Cafe
Annapurna Cafe
Antioch University Seattle
Antioch University Seattle
Arthur Foss
Arthur Foss
Artusi
Artusi
Benaroya Hall
Benaroya Hall
Benson Hall
Benson Hall
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Birthplace Of Seattle Monument
Boeing Plant 2
Boeing Plant 2
Broken Obelisk
Broken Obelisk
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Burke Museum Of Natural History And Culture
Cal Anderson Park
Cal Anderson Park
Camlin Hotel
Camlin Hotel
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Branch Library
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Capitol Hill Mystery Soda Machine
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
Carl S. English, Jr., Botanical Gardens
|
  Cc'S
| Cc'S
Central Saloon
Central Saloon
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Of The Suquamish – Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chief Seattle
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Chris Cornell Memorial Statue
Cirrus
Cirrus
City University Of Seattle
City University Of Seattle
Climate Pledge Arena
Climate Pledge Arena
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Coast Guard Museum Northwest
Colman Dock
Colman Dock
Columbia Center
Columbia Center
Condon Hall
Condon Hall
Conibear Shellhouse
Conibear Shellhouse
Copacabana Restaurant
Copacabana Restaurant
Cuff Complex
Cuff Complex
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Daybreak Star Cultural Center
Denny Hall
Denny Hall
Discovery Park
Discovery Park
Docusign Tower
Docusign Tower
Double Header
Double Header
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Dr. Mark A. Matthews
Drumheller Fountain
Drumheller Fountain
Duwamish
Duwamish
Eagle
Eagle
Egyptian Theater
Egyptian Theater
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Fallen Firefighters Memorial
|
  Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
| Fat'S Chicken And Waffles
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
First Methodist Protestant Church Of Seattle
Freeway Park
Freeway Park
Frye Art Museum
Frye Art Museum
Gas Works Park
Gas Works Park
George Washington Memorial Bridge
George Washington Memorial Bridge
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery
Gum Wall
Gum Wall
Harbor Island
Harbor Island
Harvard Exit Theatre
Harvard Exit Theatre
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Hec Edmundson Pavilion
Henry Art Gallery
Henry Art Gallery
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Henry M. Jackson Federal Building
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Historic Chinatown Gate (Seattle)
Holy Names Academy
Holy Names Academy
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Honeyhole Sandwiches
Howe Street Stairs
Howe Street Stairs
Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium
International District / Chinatown
International District / Chinatown
Interurban Building
Interurban Building
Iron Horse
Iron Horse
|
  Jack'S Fish Spot
| Jack'S Fish Spot
Kenyon Hall
Kenyon Hall
King County Courthouse
King County Courthouse
Kobe Bell
Kobe Bell
Lady Rainier
Lady Rainier
Lake View Cemetery
Lake View Cemetery
Lake Washington Ship Canal
Lake Washington Ship Canal
|
  Living Computers: Museum + Labs
| Living Computers: Museum + Labs
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Lotus (Motor Vessel)
Louisa Boren Park
Louisa Boren Park
Lumen Field
Lumen Field
Made In Usa
Made In Usa
Magnuson Park
Magnuson Park
Maíz
Maíz
Maneki
Maneki
Market Theatre
Market Theatre
Marmite
Marmite
Maynard Building
Maynard Building
Mccaw Hall
Mccaw Hall
Mcgraw Square
Mcgraw Square
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Mckenzie (Seattle Apartment Building)
Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
|
  Merchant'S Cafe
| Merchant'S Cafe
Momiji
Momiji
Moore Theatre
Moore Theatre
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of History & Industry
Museum Of Pop Culture
Museum Of Pop Culture
Mutual Life Building
Mutual Life Building
Myrtle Edwards Park
Myrtle Edwards Park
National Nordic Museum
National Nordic Museum
Neukom Vivarium
Neukom Vivarium
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest African American Museum
Northwest Seaport
Northwest Seaport
Occidental Park
Occidental Park
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Odegaard Undergraduate Library
Off The Rez
Off The Rez
Ok Hotel
Ok Hotel
Olympic Sculpture Park
Olympic Sculpture Park
Pacific Place
Pacific Place
Pacific Science Center
Pacific Science Center
Padelford Hall
Padelford Hall
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre
Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pike Street Hill Climb
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Pergola
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Pioneer Square Totem Pole
Playhouse Theatre
Playhouse Theatre
Pony
Pony
Port Of Seattle
Port Of Seattle
Prefontaine Fountain
Prefontaine Fountain
Queen Anne Columbarium
Queen Anne Columbarium
Rainier Tower
Rainier Tower
Red Square
Red Square
Roy Vue
Roy Vue
Russell Investments Center
Russell Investments Center
Safeco Plaza
Safeco Plaza
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Asian Art Museum
Seattle Center
Seattle Center
Seattle Central Library
Seattle Central Library
|
  Seattle Children'S
| Seattle Children'S
|
  Seattle Children'S Museum
| Seattle Children'S Museum
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Cinerama
Seattle Convention Center
Seattle Convention Center
|
  Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
| Seattle Fishermen'S Memorial
Seattle Opera
Seattle Opera
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Public Library
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle Repertory Theatre
Seattle University
Seattle University
Seattle Yacht Club
Seattle Yacht Club
|
  Sick'S Stadium
| Sick'S Stadium
Smith Tower
Smith Tower
|
  St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
| St. Mark'S Episcopal Cathedral
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
State Route 99 Tunnel
State Route 99 Tunnel
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Leif Erikson
Statue Of Liberty
Statue Of Liberty
Suzzallo Library
Suzzallo Library
Swedish Medical Center
Swedish Medical Center
Swiftsure
Swiftsure
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
Sylvan Grove Theater And Columns
T-Mobile Park
T-Mobile Park
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Seattle
Taku
Taku
The Crocodile
The Crocodile
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The Electric Lady Studio Guitar
The London Plane
The London Plane
The Mitt
The Mitt
The Penthouse
The Penthouse
|
  The People'S Wall
| The People'S Wall
The Triple Door
The Triple Door
The Wildrose
The Wildrose
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Theodor Jacobsen Observatory
Times Square Building
Times Square Building
Town Hall Seattle
Town Hall Seattle
Unicorn
Unicorn
Union Square
Union Square
Union Station
Union Station
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United Confederate Veterans Memorial
United States Courthouse
United States Courthouse
University Of Washington
University Of Washington
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Clean Energy Institute
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Libraries
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Medical Center
University Of Washington Quad
University Of Washington Quad
University Unitarian Church
University Unitarian Church
Urban Garden
Urban Garden
U.S. Bank Center
U.S. Bank Center
Uw Tower
Uw Tower
Virginia V
Virginia V
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Volunteer Park Conservatory
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Warren G. Magnuson Health Sciences Building
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfall Garden Park
Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park
Westin Building
Westin Building
Westlake Center
Westlake Center
Westlake Park
Westlake Park
William H. Gates Hall
William H. Gates Hall
Wind Cradle
Wind Cradle
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Wing Luke Museum Of The Asian Pacific American Experience
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zeitgeist Coffee
Zig Zag Café
Zig Zag Café