Hot Blocks: The Ave

Updated: October 16, 2006

The Ave is the bustling heart of the University District, laden with cheap bites--from gyros to teriyaki to bubble tea--and vintage clothing shops. Stop into any one of these Ave hot spots for a taste of the delightfully budget student life.

On this page:Dining and Drinking, Shopping, More North End Favorites.

Dining and Drinking

  1. 1 4 Star Rating: Recommended Shultzy's Sausage
    Read Reviews

    4114 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Where else can you get a day's worth of grease in one bite? Schultzy's is a cult favorite, coating the stomachs of drunk coeds throughout the U-District, and charming the rest of the city with its campy ambiance and friendly service.

  2. 2 3.5 Star Rating: Average Cafe Allegro Expresso Bar
    Read Reviews

    4214 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Beloved by regulars for pouring high-octane shots and treasured for its hideaway location, this U-District cafe is a Jet City institution. Covered in ivy and full of students, you'll feel like you're in college again--minus the overnighters.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average Flowers Bar & Restaurant
    Read Reviews

    4247 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    What used to be a floral shop is now one of the hottest vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the U-District. Try the all-you-can-eat buffet everyday from 11am-4pm.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended Pita Pit
    Read Reviews

    4515 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Open until 3am, this is the late-night spot if you're hungry after pulling an all-nighter partying or studying. Delivery is also available all night.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Thai Tom
    Read Reviews

    4543 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Rock-bottom prices and stellar food keep this U-District hangout hopping. Try to stop in during the early or late lunch and dinner times--otherwise, you'll be stuck in a long line.

Shopping

  1. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Powder Room
    Read Reviews

    4536 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    Selling the latest fashions at very trendy prices, this is the place to add some style to your wardrobe when shopping on the Ave. Accessories are also available, making it easy and economical to purchase a complete outfit.

  2. 7 4 Star Rating: Recommended American Apparel
    Read Reviews

    4345 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    This LA-based clothing store specializes in the basics for any wardrobe, including tees and tanks. Perfect for college students sitting in class to the business casual office setting.

  3. 8 Aprie
    Write a review

    4514 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    If hippy-chic is what you're after, then look no further than this boutique, which specializes in contemporary styles with a '60s twist.

  4. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended University Book Store
    Read Reviews

    4326 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    It doesn't take a scholar, or even a student, to appreciate this book collection.

  5. 10 Shiga's Imports
    Write a review

    4306 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

  6. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Buffalo Exchange
    Read Reviews

    4530 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

  7. 12 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Magus Books
    Read Reviews

    1408 NE 42nd St, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

More North End Favorites

  1. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Jones
    Read Reviews

    8824 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 (map)

  2. 14 3 Star Rating: Average Al's Music Video & Games
    Read Reviews

    4547 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (map)

    More than just a music store, this powerhouse of everything electronic sells vintage records, movies, and video games, as well as contemporary items such as CDs, DVDs, and video game consoles.

  3. 15 3 Star Rating: Average George and Dragon
    Read Reviews

    206 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103 (map)

    Lively Brit transplants and local football fiends pack this bar for televised matches all times of the day and night.