Hot Blocks: The Ave
By Anna Roth, Seattle Editor
From cheap restaurants and bars to budget-friendly shopping, explore the affordable offerings of the student-friendly University District.
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Big Time Brewery & Alehouse
4133 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Seattle's oldest microbrewery is a neighborhood mainstay popular with the U-District's beer-chugging minions. -
Continental Pastry Shop
4549 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
A family-owned and -operated Greek diner with loads of local charm and consistently satisfying Mediterranean fare. -
Schultzy's Sausage
4114 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
It's all about beer, fries and sausages at this U-District pub popular with the academic crowd. -
Cafe Allegro Espresso Bar
4214 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Beloved by regulars for pouring high-octane shots and treasured for its hideaway location, this U-District cafe is a Jet City institution. -
Thai Tom
4543 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Rock-bottom prices and stellar food keep this U-District hangout hopping. -
Tempero do Brasil
5628 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Lively Latin beats and Brazilian spice keep crowds swinging their hips all the way home. -
Irish Emigrant
5260 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Authentic Irish cuisine, drink and talk are what you'll find here, making it a favorite amongst college students as well as neighborhood regulars. -
Pita Pit
4515 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
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. -
Flowers Bar & Restaurant
4247 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
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.
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Woolly Mammoth
4303 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Popular shoe store on the Ave offers comfortable, practical shoes with style, leaning toward European brands including Dansko and Clarks. -
Shiga's Imports
4306 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
U-District institution sells Japanese imported goods, including paper lanterns, kimonos, futons, household items, textiles, tea sets and more. -
Cellophane Square
4538 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
An independent vibe highlights chain-store selection. -
Buffalo Exchange
4530 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
Not quite a vintage boutique, not quite a thrift store: Chic clothes on these racks are the coolest castoffs around. -
Magus Bookstore
1408 NE 42nd St, Seattle, WA
Quintessential used bookstore with shelves piled high; has more than 70,000 titles, from fiction and non-fiction to old pulp novels. -
University Book Store
4326 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
It doesn't take a scholar, or even a student, to appreciate this book collection. -
The Powder Room
4536 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
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. -
Aprie
4514 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
If hippy-chic is what you're after, then look no further than this boutique, which specializes in contemporary styles with a '60s twist. -
American Apparel
4345 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
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.
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The Jones
8824 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA
Locals are loving this hidden Maple Leaf bistro for its relaxed feel and first-rate food. -
George & Dragon Pub
206 N 36th St, Seattle, WA
Lively Brit transplants and local football fiends pack this bar for televised matches all times of the day and night. -
Al's Music Video & Games
4547 University Way NE, Seattle, WA
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.

