Le Pichet opened in 2000, but it feels much older than that, a rustic, lived-in French bistro in the middle of the busiest part of Seattle. Founded by chef Jim Drohman and now in the steady hands of a couple of longtime employees, it’s still a great retreat from the noise of neighboring Pike Place Market, a place where you can casually grab a glass of wine and some charcuterie any day of the week.
Le Pichet has charmingly refused to adapt to the times. You can still make dinner reservations by calling the restaurant, the menus are still paper, and the specials are still hand-written on a chalkboard. The lighting doesn’t lend itself to food photos either, so maybe just put your phone down for an hour?
Le Pichet is open fairly long hours seven days a week, but until the menu switches over to dinner at 5 p.m., your options for a big meal focused around an entree are limited. That’s okay: It’s more fun to build a snacky meal of charcuterie and pate, served all day, with maybe a glass of wine or two.