The Virginia Inn (V.I.) is a celebrated landmark in Seattle, known for its deep history, French bistro-inspired Northwest cuisine, and role in the city’s cultural scene. It has been a beloved fixture on the corner of First Avenue and Virginia Street, right next to the historic Pike Place Market, for over a century.
History and Unique Character
The Virginia Inn’s history predates the Pike Place Market itself, having opened in 1903 as part of the Hotel Livingston. This makes it the oldest food establishment operating in the Market area.
- Skid Road History: The V.I. has a long and colorful past dating back to Seattle’s Skid Road days.
- Original Elements: The restaurant retains some of its original decor, including the original mahogany bar, hexagon floor tiles, and the distinctive neon sign hanging from the building’s rounded corner.
- Art Bar: In the 1980s, under the stewardship of Patrice Demombynes and Jim Fotheringham, the Virginia Inn became known as one of Seattle’s first “art bars,” championing local artists and Northwest microbrews, giving it an eclectic and welcoming atmosphere.
- New Ownership: In 2019, restaurant veterans Karl Sexton and Craig Perez took the helm, continuing its legacy. More recently, a new chapter began when four longtime employees—Jackelyn Batingan, Amber Quezada, Manuel Sarabia, and Marisa Mohr—took over as the new owners, ensuring the continuation of this Seattle icon as a woman, queer, and immigrant-owned business.
Significant Events
The Virginia Inn has served as a touchstone in Seattle’s pop culture:
- Filming Location: The establishment was a filming location for the 1992 iconic grunge film “Singles” and the 1993 romantic comedy “Sleepless in Seattle.”
- Lease Dispute: In a major event that drew community attention, the Virginia Inn was slated to close permanently in April 2025 due to a lease termination. However, the lease issue was ultimately resolved, allowing the historic establishment to remain open and secure its future under new ownership.
Cuisine and Highlighted Menu Items
The Virginia Inn offers a menu described as Pacific Northwest bistro, showcasing fresh, local Northwest ingredients prepared with a French bistro style.
Customer-Praised Menu Highlights:
- Salmon and Clam Chowder: Praised by customers as “10 out of 10,” this creamy, warm chowder is noted for its nice balance of seafood, vegetables, herbs, and seasoning.
- Calamari: Many guests love the crispy calamari, served with a lemon aioli or chipotle aioli, noting its fresh and tender texture.
- Gluten-Free Options: The V.I. is highly regarded for its wide selection of gluten-free (GF) options, including:
- GF Fish and Chips: A particularly popular choice, described as “excellent, so tender and well fried.”
- GF Carrot Cake: An almond flour-based cake with cream cheese frosting and toasted walnuts.
- GF Basque Cheesecake: A Spanish-style cheesecake with a dark caramelized exterior and rich creamy center.
- V.I. Cheeseburger: Made with St Helens brisket and served with white cheddar, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, and hand-cut fries.
- Moules Frites: Locally sourced mussels steamed with shallots, garlic, and white wine, served with hand-cut fries.
- Shrimp and Grits: A comforting and satisfying dish with plump, perfectly cooked shrimp and creamy grits.
The bar features a robust selection, including Northwest microbrews, an excellent wine list, and specialty cocktails like the Black & Orange Manhattan and the Emerald City Empress (made with Empress 1908 Indigo Gin).
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews frequently highlight the inn’s charm, service, and historic feel:
- Ambiance: The atmosphere is consistently described as warm, cozy, and charming, perfect for a casual lunch or a date night. Patrons appreciate the historic ambiance and the building’s maintenance.
- Service: The staff is often called “amazingly nice and fast,” “friendly,” “personable,” and “incredibly warm, kind, and attentive.”
- Food Quality: Reviewers commend the consistently good and delicious food, with special mentions for the clam chowder, fish and chips, and the variety of gluten-free options.
Location and Contact Information
The Virginia Inn is located at the entrance to the Pike Place Market.
| Information Type | Details |
| Address | 1937 1st Ave. Seattle, WA 98101 |
| Map Link | Virginia Inn on Google Maps |
| Phone Number | (206) 728-1937 |
| Website | Virginia Inn Seattle |
