The '''University District''', or "U-District", surrounds the University of Washington in northeast Seattle. It's centered on University Way Northeast, which all the locals call "The Ave".
Get in
See
The UW campus has a number of notable museums and buildings which are open to the public.
'''Suzzallo Library''' is a grand Gothic-style structure. The high-ceiling Graduate Reading room is especially impressive.
'''Red Square''', formally called the Central Plaza, fills with students between classes or just hanging out.
'''The Quad''', surrounded by the liberal arts buildings, turns a wonderful shade of pink in the spring, when the Japanese cherry trees bloom. These blooms only last a couple weeks, however.
'''Burke Museum''', on the UW campus at 17th Ave and NE 45th. A natural history museum with lots of Northwest Indian artifacts and dinosaur. The Burke also houses the controversial "Kennewick Man" bones. On the first Thursday of each month, the museum stays open until 8 pm?and admission is free.
'''Henry Art Gallery''', 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St. Bills itself as the Pacific Northwest's premier modern and contemporary art museum. You can get in free with any student ID. They don't check very closely either. http://www.henryart.org
Do
'''Watch Rollerderby''', Take a quick bus over to Sandpoint to catch the Rat City Rollergirls. Events span 9 months a year and occur one Saturday a month. '''http://www.ratcityrollergirls.com/pubcal.html'''
'''Figure Drawing''', Top floor of the Art building on UW campus. Every Sunday from 10:30am - 1:00pm. Show up early to secure an eisel and to find the host room. This nude figure drawing session is open to the public. Bring your own supplies, and cash for the model fee. Cost ranges from $1 to $4 based on number of attendees. Model is usually female. All levels welcome.
'''Burke Gilman Trail''', stay to the right on this relatively flat paved bike/pedestrian path.
'''U-District Farmer's Market''', 50th Ave NE and University Ave. Every Saturday (there is now a Winter Farmer's Market), local produce, cheeses and other products can be found here.
'''Agua Verde Paddle Club''', Provides hourly kayak rentals from Portage Bay providing access to the Arboreteum, Lake Washington and Lake Union. '''http://www.aguaverde.com/paddle.shtml'''
'''U-District Street Fair''', Happening every May along the Ave., this street fair includes some performance artists (mainly musicians), many booths selling their wares, some food stalls and some live music. A rather generic affair over-all.
Buy
'''Gargoyles Statuary''' [http://www.gargoylestatuary.com/], 4550 University Way N.E. A unique shopping experience for gothic or history buffs. This store is replete with atmosphere. Authentic replicas of medeival, romanesque and gothic statuary peak out at you from all corners of this shop while ambient strains of Gregorian chant or 'Dead Can Dance' play over the store's sound system. It has one of the most creative product displays in the area. You'll find a unique gift to suit almost any budget.
'''Magus Books''' [http://www.abebooks.com/home/MAGUSBOOKSSEATTLE/], 1408 NE 42 St. Used book store with large selection. Phone 206-633-1800/88 for hours. They rarely buy books for cash even though they claim to, but sometimes accept used books in trade.
'''University Book Store''' [http://www.bookstore.washington.edu/], 4326 University Way NE. One of the largest and best bookstores in the country, with frequent authors' readings. Also the place to get UW Husky goods.
'''University Village''' [http://www.uvillage.com], located past 25th Avenue on the east side of the campus, offers a slightly more upscale shopping atmosphere than the Ave. You can find branches of most well-known chains, like Barnes & Noble and the QFC supermarket.
'''Scarecrow Video''' [http://www.scarecrow.com], 5030 Roosevelt Way N.E. Sunday - Thursday 11am to 12am. Monday - Wednesday 11am to 11pm. Scarecrow boasts a large (the largest?) selection of world films, independent films, anime, etc. They are even on par with the corporate video rental stores with stocking recent blockbuster releases. Print out one of these [http://www.thesurvivalkit.com/scarecrow.htm coupons] before you visit. Large selection of hard to find box sets and collectors edition videos available for sale. Parking is limited, but there's usually always someone pulling out of a parking spot.
'''Recycled Cycles''', [http://www.recycledcycles.com]_@1007 Boat Street (Directly South of the Stephen's Court Parking garage). Sells, rents, and repairs bicycles. This place is always building new bikes. Prices can be reasonable if a buyer is willing to sacrifice high end components.
'''American Apparel'''_@[http://www.AmericanApparelStore.com], 4345 University Way NE. AA is at global company that manufactures sweatshop free clothing. Los Angeles based American Apparel garment workers are paid 25-30% more than minimum wage with benefits. AA women's t-shirts are high quality and form fitting. Prices start at $15 for a jersey knit tee.
Eat
As can be expected, there are plenty of inexpensive places to eat in the U-District.
'''Aladdin Gyocery''' (4139 University Way NE, 632-5253. Sat 9 am-3 am; all other days, 9 am-2 am). These gyros are big, and the halal lamb & beef meat is grilled after is is shaved off of the cone. Aladdin's no longer permits smoking inside. Vegetarians love the falafel with thick tahini sauce. Credit cards are not accepted.
'''Agua Verde''' (15th Ave NE and NE Boat St., near the water). Excellent selection of fish and other tacos and other imaginative Mexican fare. If the restaurant is too crowded and the weather is good, order from the takeout window and eat in the small park to the west.
'''Cedars''' (Brooklyn Ave NE and NE 50th St.) shares an Indian menu with Taste of India (they have the same owners) and includes Mediterranean dishes as well.
'''Jewel of India''', 4735 University Way NE, 206-523-5275. Sit at the window and watch the drug dealers while you dine on the best Malai Kofta in Seattle. Jewel of India is the only place west of Lake Washington to get a masala dosa. [http://www.thesurvivalkit.com/jewelofindia.htm handy coupon]
'''Pho Thy Thy''' (4129 University Way NE). The menu, prices, and creampuffs appear to be clones of Than Brothers. A number 9 at Pho Thy Thy is exactly the same as a number 9 at Than Brothers. With that said, there are three things make Pho Thy Thy better than the popular Than Brothers chain. 1. The vinyl booths are not ripped up 2. the warm glow of the TV makes for good company to solo lunchers. 3. Credit Cards accepted.
'''Thai Tom''', 4543 University Way NE, 206-548-9548. The closest thing Seattle has to a Bangkok street stall, with simple and spicy dishes which are as much fun to watch being cooked (just behind the counter) as to eat.
'''Taste of India''' (Roosevelt Way NE around NE 55th St.) is in a funky building that has been amateurishly expanded, but the food is quite good. Mutter Masala available here (not at Cedars)
'''Kiku: Tempura House''' (5018 University Way NE. 206 524-1125) is possibly the oldest Japanese restaurant in the Ave. area with over 20 years of history. The owners have changed many times over the years, but they've basically kept the same menu from the beginning with new dishes. Expect good portions and reasonable prices but can be crowded during meal rushes.
'''Saigon Deli''', 4142 Brooklyn Ave NE # 105, Seattle - (206) 634-2866. Good Vietnamese restaurant with most prices below $5.00. Vietnamese sandwiches for $1.75. Also serve a unique noodle soup with butternut squash broth. All entrees come with yogurt dessert. The most recent owner change seems to have decreased the restaurant's taste and value, though.
'''Pizza Pi''' 5500 University Way N.E. This is Seattle's only vegan pizza joint. It's important to remember that they're open from 5pm-10pm Tuesday-Friday and 11am-10pm on Saturday and Sunday.
'''Araya's Vegetarian Place''' 1121 NE 45th St. This decent vegan thai food restaurant features a reasonably priced buffet from 11:00am to 3:30pm. Tip: on a nice day, you can order the buffet to-go and have a picnic Gasworks Park, although it is a long walk.
Drink
Bars and taverns
'''College Inn Pub''', 4006 University Way NE. The classic student haunt, serving thick ales and tasty chili.
'''Blue Moon Tavern''', 712 NE 45th Street (east of I-5). "Sorry we're open" says the sign at this Seattle institution founded in 1934. It's been a favorite of beatniks, radicals, and poets; erstwhile visitors have included Dylan Thomas and Allen Ginsburg.
'''Knarr Tavern''', 5633 University Way NE. Just a year younger than the Blue Moon, with a Viking theme and a refreshing alternative to the frat-bars further to the south. Popular with neo-hippies (there's a Grateful Dead cover band night). Pool tables and an Alpine-style shuffleboard.
'''Earl's on the Ave''', 4333 University Way NE. Pours the strongest drink on the Ave. Mondays are $4 Long Islands. Home of old geezers and greek collegians, and has an excellent kitchen.
'''Big Time Brewery''', 4133 University Way NE. Brews a variety of its own beers and serves pizza, chili and sandwiches.
'''Galway Arms''', 5257 University Way NE, Seattle 98105. Pirate themed, Irish punk bar. Happy hour from 4 - 7PM everyday, which includes $2.50 microbrews (including Anchor Steam), cheap, decent pub food. Three pinball machines. Punk bands occasionally play here on Friday or Saturday night.
'''The Pub at Third Place''', [http://www.3rdplacepub.com/], 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle 98105. Well lit bar below a coffee house and book store. The entire bar is wood paneled, with tables being cross sections of trees. All day happy hour on Sundays. On the north end of the U-dist.
'''Ravenna Alehouse Tavern''', 2258 NE 65th St, Seattle 98115. Bar on the north-end of the Ave. Pool and Darts. Generally devoid of the college students most other bars in the area attract.
Coffee
'''Lounjin''', 4527 University Way NE. This place has a vibe like non-other on the AVE. NOW SERVING RAMEN!!! Perfect for the cold weather. With their rich red walls and the velvety red curtains, the place looks straight out classy. Lounjin serves Zoka coffee and aims to please with a large assortment of teas and flavors. The fresh baked goods are provided by Louisa's bakery. With a large sake selection, and one of the very few classy places to serve beer, wine, and appetizers, this is the place to bring your friends or hookup to the free wifi and study in style. http://www.lounjin.com
'''Trabant Coffee & Chai''', 1309 N.E. 45th ST (''between University and Brooklyn on 45th''). Trendy hangout for students, musicians, and aspiring writers. Has a very popular open mic every Monday and shows (typically of the folk variety) every Friday and Saturday. Serves a variety of chai and espresso drinks and make their own delicious chocolate sauce. Voted Best Coffee by CitySearch reader review 2005 and 2007. http://www.trabantcoffee.com/
'''Cafe Allegro''', 4212 University Way NE (''Access from the alley in back''). Fifty years ago they were beatniks, thirty years ago they were hippies, who knows what they're called today, but they still hang out here. Great for philosophical discussions, working on your Ph.D thesis, and wireless internet access.
'''SureShot Espresso''', 4505 University Way NE. This hip little coffee joint features coffee from Caffe Vita, vegan pastries, mexican hot chocolate, and WiFi. There is comfortable seating and a backroom with old fashioned arcade games and pinball. The atmosphere is loud when they're playing indie rock music such as The Shins in the background.
'''Cafe Solstice''', 4116 University Way NE. This cafe is features coffee from Lighthouse Roasters and baristas with attitude. The atmosphere is subtly hip (with music such as Aphex Twin playing in the background) and is usually packed with students from one of the neighboring universities. Also serves homemade soups, sandwiches and pastries.
'''Boulevard Grocery''', 2007 NE Ravenna Blvd. Cafe located in a small local grocery. Serves Cafe Vita, basic pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, and Dilletante chocolates. Free Wireless internet available.
'''Tribal''', 5267 University Way NE. A new Brazilian coffeehouse that has coffee, acai and other Brazilian juices and food. Very friendly Brazilian vibe and even some Brazilians hanging out playing and singing traditional Brazilian classics. Feijoada completa on Saturday afternoons.
Tea
'''WOW Bubble Tea''', 4553 University Way NE (206)633-1229. Credit cards accepted. Friendly staff and bright, tasteful environment. WOW stands for "Wonder of Worship," but even athiests will keep coming back to WOW for some of the most natural, juciest tasting milk tea in Seattle. Some speculate that WOW is the reason for the caucasian crossover into the world of milk tea. Not open on Sundays.
Sleep
University Inn ? Seattle. 140 Roosevelt Way NE. 1 206 632-5055. ttp://www.universityinnseattle.com.
Stay safe
Unfortunately, the U-District isn't an entirely safe place late at night. If you find yourself walking down the Ave (University Way) at late hours, there are typically less people loitering on the east side of the street. The number of "Ave Rats", as the homeless teen population is referred to, and panhandlers, increases as you travel northbound, particularly past NE 45th St. The University campus is considered pretty safe. That being said, Seattle is a very tame city, and the Ave Rats tend to be harmless runaways more interested in spare change and each other than anything else. Indeed, the large student population of the neighborhood allows them to 'blend in' and escape in the neighborhood in a way they cannot anywhere else in the state: don't bother them and they won't bother you.
There have been increased incidents in the area east of "The Ave." between 45th and 65th where the student housing is. While walking late at night is still generally safe, it is better to walk in groups and to avoid poorly lit streets if possible.
Contact