By Mala Mahadevan.

The first PASS Summit was in 1999. Breakfast was a significant part of the conference, for almost every year until Covid hit, in 2019. As a long-time attendee, I have many fond memories of the people I’ve met and the conversations I’ve had over breakfast. Breakfast has always been one of the best times to connect, whether it’s catching up with familiar faces or striking up new conversations.

With attendees traveling from all over, many are up early due to jet lag and eager for their first cup of coffee. Some are preparing for sessions they’re excited about, planning to meet vendors, or hoping to connect with friends/others. First-time attendees often look for advice on which sessions to attend or how to navigate the event.

PASS Summit has evolved significantly over the years. (If you want to learn more on the history of PASS and how the conference has evolved, check out former MVP and founding member of the old PASS organization, Kevin Kline’s series of posts here).The communal breakfasts in the large dining hall have gradually been replaced by smaller, vendor-sponsored gatherings.

There are two events of this nature this year and they both have limited spots. 

1. Sponsored by Google on Thursday, November 20, 6:45AM – 8AM
   Unlock Your Data’s Potential: Breakfast with Google Cloud Leadership. SCHEDULE NOW!
2. Sponsored by Microsoft on Friday, November 21, 6:45AM – 8AM
   Breakfast with the Microsoft Data Leadership Team. SCHEDULE NOW!

If you plan to attend any of these, make sure to register early as they fill up quickly. 

If you cannot, below are some local options.  If you choose to dine outside, make sure to check on the restaurant timings and if you need reservations. Seattle mornings are cold, and nobody wants to walk up to a restaurant to find it closed. 

Concession Stand (inside Convention Center, 3rd Floor) – Grab-and-go breakfast options available for purchase. 

Quick Bites & Coffee

Ghost Alley Espresso

📍1499 Post Alley

• Open daily 7 AM – 4 PM

• Famous for the salted nut latte and unique espresso
  drinks

Cinnamon Works

📍 1536 Pike Pl

• Opens at 9 AM

• Vegan, gluten-free, and regular baked goods

Panier

📍 Pike Place Market

• Authentic French pastries and coffee

The Crumpet Shop

📍 Pike Place Marke

• Opens early
• Sweet and savory crumpets with tea or coffee

Sit-Down Breakfast & Brunch

Bacco Cafe

📍 86 Pine St

• Open daily 7 AM – 3 PM

• Known for: Dungeness Crab Benedict, fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients

Matt’s in the Market

📍 94 Pike St

• Opens at 11:30 AM (not ideal for early breakfast)

• Upscale brunch with seasonal ingredients and market view

Lowell’s Restaurant

📍 Inside Pike Place Market

• Opens early, great for breakfast with waterfront views, well
  known community choice

• Try the Dungeness Crab Benedict or seafood omelets

Café Campagne

📍Post Alley

• French-style breakfast with quiche, brioche French toast

• Cozy patio for people-watching

There are many more listed here as well. Getting a good breakfast will keep you energized and ready to make the best of the conference, so don’t skip it!