When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
The Crumpet Shop
Why The Crumpet Shop is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Crumpet Shop in Seattle is a charming and historic tea and crumpet destination, perfect for gathering with friends for a cozy and delicious experience. Founded in 1976, it remains the city’s original crumpet bakery, upholding decades of tradition, warmth, and quality. This family-run shop, currently operated by the Golding family, continues to craft fresh crumpets daily using classic recipes and serves an exceptional selection of loose leaf teas from renowned tea regions worldwide. The atmosphere is inviting with both indoor and limited outdoor seating available in the iconic Pike Place Market location and a second venue in downtown Edmonds. Visitors enjoy freshly made crumpets with myriad toppings, from savory options like ham, egg, and English cheese to sweet treats such as Nutella or maple butter with walnuts. The crumpets’ unique spongy texture and golden, crispy base make them ideal companions to the loose leaf teas, which offer unlimited refills for sampling. The Crumpet Shop also offers catering services and ships their fresh crumpets and teas for those wishing to enjoy the experience at home. Whether for a breakfast, tea break, or afternoon snack, The Crumpet Shop blends a rich heritage with a warm community vibe, making it a standout spot in Seattle to connect over great food and drink.
Here's what people think of The Crumpet Shop
As of recent, The Crumpet Shop holds a 4.7-star rating based on 1387 reviews.
Reviews from visitors consistently highlight The Crumpet Shop’s warm and welcoming environment along with the exceptional quality of its crumpets and teas. Many reviewers praise the delicious variety of crumpet toppings, such as the ham, egg, and English cheese combination, and the unique fresh preserves and ricotta offerings. Customers appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff who enhance the experience with their upbeat service and expertise. The shop’s authentic atmosphere, especially in its Pike Place Market location, adds to the memorable visit. Positive feedback often emphasizes the fresh, toasted crumpets with their soft, airy texture and the breadth of loose leaf teas that complement the food perfectly. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention limited seating, which can be an issue during busy times, and occasional waits for freshly made items. A few customers note the prices as a bit high, though generally justified by quality. Despite minor drawbacks, the overall consensus remains strongly positive, with visitors recommending The Crumpet Shop as a must-visit spot for both tourists and locals craving traditional English crumpets and fine tea. These reviews affirm the shop’s reputation as a beloved Seattle institution that continues to delight guests with its friendly service, outstanding flavors, and authentic charm.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
jessica Jackson
I found this shop 9 years ago and it was beyond amazing. I don't get to Seattle often but when my cousin and I planned a trip for a concert I told her we had to go here. We ended up going both mornings for breakfast because they crumpets are so buttery good. They have so many options, but you can also customize to your liking. The 1st morning I got egg ham and cheese while my cousin got pesto, ricotta and tomato. We spilt them so we could each try them. We DEVOURED them. The pesto tastes so fresh, the ricotta was perfect and brought all the flavors together. We wanted to get more but we decided to come back the next day. The next morning I got ham, cheese and pesto. I got the lemon and ricotta to go. My cousin got the pesto, tomato and ricotta again as well as ricotta and raspberry. The lemon curd wasn't too tart or sweet, it was the perfect texture. The ham and cheese and pesto tastes like an open faced grilled cheese. I wish I lived closer to this shop. The crumpets are made in house and you can watch them make them.
Anish Thakkar (Doc Thakkar)
Cute family-owned spot that is a staple of the Pike Place Market experience. No bathrooms though :( Within savory, we had the: -Pesto Tomato Parmesan ($7) -Egg Blend (cheese and jalapenos, $9) -Rob's Favorite (green egg, cheese, tomato with smoked salmon cream cheese, most expensive at $11.50) Within sweet: -Nutella crumpet ($6) -PB&J crumpet ($6.50) Also enjoyed teas, small mocha, and iced mocha priced between 4-6 bucks. Vibe was cozy, a bit hard to get around but everyone did their best since this place was poppin. Excellent crumpets, would recommend giving them a try but maybe just one so that you can keep real estate open for the rest of the market!
Molly N
Incredible breakfast!! Small shop (as all market places seem to be) with fun decor and genuinely kind staff. We got the smoked salmon, lemon curd and ricotta, and egg ham and cheese. Fairly short wait despite the time of day. All phenomenal! The bread itself was insane, very high quality in look, texture, and taste. Seriously go here, it was so yummy. (Also, their cutlery is compostable! Love those sort of touches.)
Anxhela “Angela” Zemzadja
Their crumpets are amazing - I have tried both savory and sweet!! I love that they are a family owned business that uses local quality ingredients and has remained authentic over the years! Today I got the smoked salmon cream cheese and the ricotta honey walnut - which was just sweet enough 😋 (not overly sweet) Keep in mind that it can get very crowded when there is a line and there is not a lot of seating but this does NOT take away from the delicious flavours they deliver! While waiting in line I enjoy watching them make the crumpets 👀😅Always worth the wait!
Ashley Voss
Delicious! Best crumpets I’ve had, though I admit I haven’t had many. Both the sweet and savory crumpets are delicious. The English cheese they have on the menu is extremely savory and really made the crumpet. I got the pesto, English cheese, and tomato crumpet, which was exactly what I wanted and exceeded expectations. We split a lemon curd and ricotta crumpet, and that was also excellent and not too sweet. The coffees were great coffee, with latte art. The staff were kind and friendly.
How to reach The Crumpet Shop
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Why The Crumpet Shop may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Crumpet Shop with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family is about creating memorable, joyful experiences, and The Crumpet Shop in Seattle presents an ideal setting for doing exactly that. Imagine stepping into this charming, cozy café that prides itself on serving fresh, homemade crumpets and scones amidst a warm, inviting ambiance. With a stellar 4.7 rating based on nearly 1,400 reviews, this spot has clearly won the hearts of locals and tourists alike. The excitement begins the moment you enter, with the aroma of freshly baked crumpets filling the air and the friendly staff ready to make you feel at home. You and your friends can delight in watching the crumpets being made through the glass window, adding an interactive touch to your meetup. Whether it’s a casual breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea session, the range of delicious options, including vegan-friendly crumpets and unique toppings like maple butter, lemon curd, and savory pestos, satisfies diverse tastes. Combined with impeccable service and a charming location near Pike Place Market, The Crumpet Shop transforms a simple meal into a vibrant social experience, perfect for reconnecting and sharing laughter.
What activities make The Crumpet Shop perfect for a group meetup?
The Crumpet Shop offers a variety of engaging activities and options that make it a superb venue for group gatherings. First, the opportunity to watch crumpets being made through an open kitchen window is a delightful spectacle that sparks conversation and curiosity among guests. This authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpse transforms eating into an interactive experience. The menu itself acts as a shared adventure—with both sweet and savory crumpets, there is something for everyone to explore and compare. Friends can share different flavors, from the classic lemon curd to the innovative tomato pesto or vegan raspberry and peanut butter varieties, making every bite a conversation starter. Another activity that enhances the group vibe is trying the extensive selection of specialty teas, including Irish breakfast tea and other loose leaf options served fresh or as bottomless refills. It’s perfect for leisurely sipping and bonding over warm drinks. Moreover, the shop’s location near the lively Pike Place Market means your meetup can naturally extend into exploring nearby attractions after your meal, turning the day into a full group outing with sightseeing and other cultural experiences.
How does the atmosphere support social gatherings?
Atmosphere is a crucial factor when selecting a place to meet friends or family, and The Crumpet Shop excels in creating a cozy, intimate environment. The café is small and charming, with bar-style seating along the walls that encourages close conversations and easy interaction. Large windows bring in natural light and allow you to watch street life outside or observe the crumpet-making process inside, which adds a layer of communal interest. The decor is simple yet inviting, focusing on comfort and warmth rather than pretension. This ambiance encourages guests to slow down, relax, and fully engage with one another—qualities that are often missing in larger, louder venues. Furthermore, the staff’s friendly, attentive service enhances the welcoming feel, with team members known for remembering repeat visitors and going out of their way to assist new guests. This personable approach fosters a genuine connection between staff and customers, amplifying the warmth and making every visit feel like a reunion.
What food and drink options enhance the meetup experience?
The Crumpet Shop’s menu is carefully crafted to please a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, enhancing the social experience through diverse culinary delights. The star of the menu, of course, is their freshly made crumpets, available in both sweet and savory varieties. Popular sweet options include lemon curd, maple butter, and strawberry preserves, which offer a perfect blend of texture and flavor that pairs flawlessly with the crumpet’s light yet crispy base. Savory crumpets, such as those topped with tomato pesto or ricotta, cater to those who prefer something less sweet but equally satisfying. The shop also offers vegan-friendly choices, like raspberry and peanut butter toppings, ensuring that plant-based diners are well accommodated. Complementing the food is an excellent selection of teas—loose leaf and specialty blends like Irish breakfast—that can be enjoyed as bottomless cups, perfect for lingering conversations. Quality coffee is also highly praised, making it an excellent alternative for caffeine lovers in the group. This thoughtfully curated menu ensures that your meetup will be a flavorful, inclusive event where everyone can find something to enjoy.
Why is The Crumpet Shop’s location ideal for group outings?
Situated near Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, The Crumpet Shop boasts a prime location that naturally supports extended group activities beyond dining. After enjoying your breakfast or brunch together, it’s easy to stroll through the bustling market filled with fresh produce, unique artisan stalls, and street performers. This proximity encourages a seamless transition from dining to exploration, allowing groups to immerse themselves in Seattle’s vibrant community atmosphere without needing to travel far. The market itself is a treasure trove of arts, crafts, and local foods, providing endless opportunities for discovery and shared experiences. Additionally, nearby attractions such as Rachel the Piggy Bank sculpture and various art galleries give your group even more options to explore, making the meetup both culinary and cultural. Accessibility is straightforward, with garage parking and entrances on both the street and market center sides, making it convenient for groups traveling together. This ideal setting combines great food with cultural richness, enhancing the value and enjoyment of your gathering.
How does the service contribute to a memorable visit?
Service quality at The Crumpet Shop is frequently highlighted as one of the defining features of the experience, contributing significantly to the overall enjoyment of group meetups. Reviews mention staff members who are not only attentive but also personable and enthusiastic, offering help with ordering and making recommendations that elevate the meal. The willingness of the team to remember returning customers and engage warmly with new visitors fosters a homey, friendly vibe. Such service makes each guest feel valued, which is crucial when gathering with friends or family as it adds comfort and reduces any stress related to logistics or menu choices. Furthermore, staff efficiency ensures that groups receive their food and drinks in a timely manner, allowing conversations to flow naturally without interruption. This level of professionalism combined with genuine warmth helps turn a simple café visit into a memorable social occasion where everyone leaves feeling well cared for and eager to return.
What makes The Crumpet Shop a unique and authentic experience?
The Crumpet Shop stands out for its focus on a distinctly British culinary tradition within the American café scene, which creates a unique and authentic dining experience ideal for groups seeking something different. Unlike the typical pancake or waffle breakfast fare, crumpets provide a textural and flavor profile that is both nostalgic and novel to many visitors. The handcrafted nature of the crumpets, visible through the making window, adds authenticity and draws appreciation for the craft involved. The shop also embraces sustainability by using reusable tableware and offers vegan options, reflecting contemporary food values while respecting tradition. The focus on simple yet high-quality ingredients and the blending of cultural culinary elements makes it an educational as well as enjoyable destination. This uniqueness sparks conversation and shared discovery among groups, enriching the social dynamic and making your visit something truly special beyond just eating out.
How accessible is The Crumpet Shop for diverse groups?
Accessibility is an important consideration for group meetups, and The Crumpet Shop accommodates a variety of needs quite well. The location in downtown Seattle near a major public attraction, Pike Place Market, makes it reachable by different modes of transportation including public transit, walking, and driving. There is garage parking nearby, which is convenient for groups traveling by car. The café’s layout, while cozy and intimate, includes bar-style seating that supports smaller groups and encourages mingling. Outdoor seating is also available for those who prefer fresh air or need extra space. The menu includes options suitable for various dietary restrictions, from vegan to gluten-sensitive choices, ensuring that most guests can find something pleasant to eat. This mix of accessibility factors ensures that The Crumpet Shop can comfortably host diverse groups, facilitating inclusive social gatherings without compromise.
What should you know before hosting your group meetup here?
Planning your visit to The Crumpet Shop requires understanding its peak times and offerings for a smooth group experience. The café is open from early morning until mid-afternoon, generally from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, which is perfect for breakfast or brunch meetups but not for late evening gatherings. It can get busy, especially on weekends given its popularity and central Pike Place Market location, so arriving early or making informal arrangements with staff can be beneficial for larger groups to secure seating. Knowing that the place has a cozy and somewhat limited seating capacity, groups may want to consider splitting into smaller units for comfort. The menu is diverse but focused, so guests can come prepared to enjoy crumpets, scones, specialty teas, and excellent coffee rather than expecting a full traditional restaurant menu. Finally, the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service staff make it easy to communicate any special requests or needs ahead of time, enhancing the meetup experience and ensuring it runs smoothly.
The Crumpet Shop offers an outstanding venue for hosting a lively and memorable meetup with friends or family. Its blend of authenticity, flavorful and diverse menu options, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent location make it a top choice for groups looking to enjoy quality time together in Seattle.