According to the guide book, when the arcade was restored inspiration was drawn from the Pike Place Market in Seattle, but the Grove Arcade is a far cry from Pike Place. The Grove Arcade is just too damn polished and empty to be anywhere close to the rough but bustling Pike Place Market. From a pure architectural point of view Grove Arcade wins, because the interior is certainly tasteful. While on the other hand, it is unlikely that any architect has been close to Pike Place market. But overall: Grove Arcade is boring. Pike Place Market with all its wretched shops is fun.