As the anchor of Seattle’s Pioneer Square District, the Elliott Bay Book Company is, fittingly, housed in the historic Globe Building, one of the first to be erected after the Great Fire of 1889 destroyed the original neighborhood. The wood floors creak from room to crevice to alcove where, in addition to the formidable fiction section, you’ll find gems in every category from both major and lesser-known publishers, along with a knowledgeable staff that’s ready to help. It’s the premiere author stop in the Northwest: Nick Hornby, humorist Patrick McManus or even political cartoonist Tom Tomorrow might be in town to sign their latest, and Seattle native David Guterson received a big boost from the store with his brilliant Snow Falling on Cedars. There are loads of readings and book groups; pick up the newsletter and in-house book review to find out what’s happening. Collectors will enjoy the used sections, from rare and first editions to the shelves of cheapos in the brick-walled basement where the café is. This place is a Seattle must, and skimming through dusty poetry books while sipping a coffee and sharing a cookie at the Elliott Bay Book Company is a perfect finish to lunch or dinner at one of Pioneer Square’s many restaurants.