From Wikitravel

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".

Surrounding neighborhoods include Ravenna to the north, Wedgwood to the northeast, and Laurelhurst to the east. Largely residential, their attractions are included here.

Get in

By car, take the 45th-50th Sts. exit from I-5, or head north from the Montlake Blvd. exit on SR-520. Parking on the campus itself is very expensive, up to $15 per day, although it's free after noon on Saturdays and all day Sundays. The vast E-1 lot east of campus on Montlake Blvd. is a relative bargain at $7, but without a university ID, you'll have to pay in all quarters! Street parking is more plentiful away from the campus.

Metro Transit bus routes 71, 72, 73, and 74 offer express service between the U-District and downtown. The transfer point at Campus Parkway and University Way connects to numerous other services. The campus has excellent and wide-ranging commuter bus service, though most of the runs to the distant suburbs do not run on weekends or holidays.

Campus cherry trees in full bloom

The UW campus has a number of notable museums and buildings which are open to the public.

• Suzzallo Library, at Red Square, ☎ +1 206 543-0242, [1]. The Suzzallo is a grand Gothic-style structure. The high-ceiling Graduate Reading room is especially impressive.  edit
• Red Square (formally called the Central Plaza). This plaza fills with students between classes or just hanging out.  edit
• The Quad (Liberal Arts Quadrangle). Surrounded by the liberal arts buildings, the Quad turns a wonderful shade of pink in the spring, when the Japanese cherry trees bloom. These blooms only last a couple weeks, however.  edit
• Burke Museum, University of Washington, 17th Ave NE & NE 45th St, ☎ +1 206 543-5590, [2]. Daily 10AM-5PM, 10AM-8PM on first Thursday of every month. A natural history museum with lots of Northwest Indian artifacts and dinosaur. The Burke also houses the controversial "Kennewick Man" bones. $9.50 general, $7.50 seniors, $6 students and youth (5 & up w/ID), free children 4 and under. Free admission for everyone on the first Thursday of every month.  edit
• The Henry Art Gallery, University of Washington, 15th Ave NE & NE 41st St, ☎ +1 206 543-2280 (info@henryart.org, fax: +1 206 685-3123), [3]. Th-F 11AM-9PM, Sa-Su 11AM-4PM. One of the biggest contemporary art galleries in Washington, The Henry shows well-known contemporary and modern artists of all visual media, as well as an annual exhibition of the UW's Master of Fine Arts students. $10 general admission ($6 seniors); free with student or UW staff/faculty ID, or free to everyone on Thursdays.  edit

• Watch Rollerderby, [4]. 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.  edit
• Figure Drawing, Top floor of the Art building on UW campus. Su 10:30AM-1PM. 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.  edit
• Burke Gilman Trail. Stay to the right on this relatively flat paved bike/pedestrian path.  edit
• U-District Farmer's Market, NE 50th St and University Way NE. Every Saturday (there is now a Winter Farmer's Market), local produce, cheeses and other products can be found here.  edit
• Agua Verde Paddle Club, [5]. Provides hourly kayak rentals from Portage Bay providing access to the Arboreteum, Lake Washington and Lake Union.  edit
• 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.  edit

• Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, [6]. Seattle's second-largest park, formerly the Sand Point Naval Air Station. The wide-open spaces of the park support numerous athletic fields and picnic spots, with windsurfing and a boat launch along the Lake Washington shoreline. The buildings remaining from its military days are home to many community organizations and special events.  edit

• Book Sale - Friends of the Seattle Public Library, Building 30, Magnuson Park, [7]. Held twice yearly, in April and September. Over 200,000 books, CDs, and videos from library surplus and private donations occupy an entire airplane hanger, with most selling for $1.   edit

• Ravenna Park, 5520 Ravenna Ave. NE. Fans of comic artist Charles Burns might like to visit this park, the site of some of the creepier scenes in his book "Black Hole."  edit

• Gargoyles Statuary [8], 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, 1408 NE 42nd St, ☎ +1 206-633-1800, [9]. Used book store with large selection. They rarely buy books for cash even though they claim to, but sometimes accept used books in trade.  edit
• University Book Store [10], 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 [11], 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 [12], 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 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, [13]　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　[14], 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 Gyrocery, 4139 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 632-5253. Su-F 9AM-2AM, Sa 9AM-3AM. 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.  edit

• Agua Verde, 1303 NE Boat St (at 15th Ave NE, near the water), [15]. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 9AM-9PM, Su 9AM-3PM or 4PM, to-go window open M-F 7:30AM-2:30PM. 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.  edit

• Araya's Vegetarian Place, 1121 NE 45th St, ☎ +1 206 524-4332, [16]. M-Th 11:30AM-9PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-10PM. This decent vegan Thai food restaurant features a reasonably priced buffet from 11AM 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.  edit

• Cedars, 4759 Brooklyn Ave NE (at NE 50th St), ☎ +1 206 527-4000 (fax: +1 206 524-4199), [17]. M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su Noon-9PM. Cedars shares an Indian menu with Taste of India (they have the same owners) and includes Mediterranean dishes as well.  edit

• Chaco Canyon Cafe [18], 4757 12th Ave NE (at corner of 50th and 12th). Vegan Bakery and cafe that features a raw foods menu. Coffee and tea available.

• Garam Masala Indian Cuisine, 4537 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 632-1900. Daily 11AM-11PM. Good Indian and Pakistani Foods,Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice you can get with $6.95+Tax, Butter Chicken , Palak Paneer and also many more dish you can get with under $6.00 Please come and try  edit

• Hillside Quickies, 4106 Brooklyn Ave NE, +1 206 632-3037. Vegan Sandwich Shop using Tempeh and Tofu. The Jerk influenced sandwiches are excellent.

• Jewel of India, 4735 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 523-5275, [19]. Daily 11:30AM–10PM. 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. Buffet available 11:30AM-3PM. handy coupon  edit

• Kiku Tempura House, 5018 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 524-1125. Kiku is possibly the oldest Japanese restaurant on the Ave 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 it can be crowded during meal rushes.  edit

• My Sweet Lord Cafe 5521 University Way NE, Tu-Sa 6:30PM-9:30PM. Hare Krishna restaurant that is by donation only.

• Pho Thy Thy, 4129 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 632-4909. The menu, prices, and cream puffs appear to be clones of Than Brothers (number 9 at Pho Thy Thy is exactly the same as number 9 at Than Brothers). With that said, there are three things make Pho Thy Thy better: the vinyl booths are not ripped up, the warm glow of the TV makes for good company to solo lunchers, and credit cards are accepted.  edit

• Pizza Pi, 5500 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 343-1415, [20]. Tu-Su Noon-10PM. This is Seattle's only vegan pizza joint.  edit

• Saigon Deli, 4142 Brooklyn Ave NE #105, ☎ +1 206 634-2866. Sandwiches, 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. $2-$5.  edit

• Shalimar, 4214 University Way NE (at NE 42nd St), ☎ +1 206 633-3854, [21]. This Pakistani-North Indian restaurant serves what might be the best South Asian food in the city. Pakistani food is subtly different than Indian. Creamier and richer and not averse to the use of beef. Definitely not a place for calorie-counters but everything is good to the last dish. Try the blackberry lassis, chicken korma, and channa bhatura.  edit

• Taste of India, 5517 Roosevelt Way NE (at NE 55th St), ☎ +1 206 528-1575 (fax: +1 206 729-7754), [22]. M-Sa 11:30AM-10PM, Su 11AM-9PM. Taste of India is in a funky building that has been amateurishly expanded, but the food is quite good. Mutter Masala available here (not at Cedars).  edit

• Thai Tom, 4543 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 548-9548. M-Sa 11:30AM-9PM, Su 1PM-8PM. 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. The food is so good that the restaurant gets away with consistently bad service. No credit cards.  edit

• Truly Mediterranean, 4741 12th Ave NE. Makes wonderful falafel, shawerma, and other delights. In a surprisingly quiet corner of the U-District.

• The Wayward Cafe [23], 901 NE 55th St, (U-District). 100% Vegan, worker owned, collectively run.

Wedgwood

Wedgwood is home to several neighborhood gems, including the landmark Wedgwood Broiler (great steaks and the like, as the name implies, plus a crazy retro bar with late-night happy hours), the Wedgwood Ale House (locally owned, with great beer and delicious, made from scratch pub food), and the Fiddlers Inn (with a wonderful, cabinlike ambiance, fantastic beer on tap, and an eclectic menu of food ranging from vegetarian burritos to some of the best pizza in the city). Cafe Javasti offers gourmet coffee drinks, homemade baked goods, and crepes, and Cafe Van Gogh serves espresso drinks, wine and gelato. Both cafes are locally owned.

• Wedgwood Broiler, located along 35th Avenue, The Wedgwood Broiler offers two distinct microcosms. The bar/lounge includes a healthy mix of patrons of varying ages and trivia nights while the main restaurant area is a considerably more grim affair with geriatric customers lurking in a gloomy, windowless room. Nevermind the aesthetics though. The food here is excellent, including a French dip with some of the best au jus ever created, and a chicken caesar salad with no shortage of chicken. Robust flavors and filling, heavy dishes mean that the non-active should steer clear!
• Grateful Bread Baking Company & Cafe (Grateful Bread), 7001 35th Ave NE, [24]. Grateful Bread is a bakery and cafe that offers handmade bread and pastries, as well as espresso and panini sandwiches. It is predominantly a family spot, especially during the period right before and after school. It is locally owned and has a very casual atmosphere.  edit

• Pizza A Mart 52nd and the Ave. One of the most popular bars with UW students. Always crowded Wed-Sun. Great Pizza. Strong Drinks.
• 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, [25], 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.

• Lounjin, 4527 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 888-2827. M-W 3PM-9PM, Th-F 3PM-10PM, Sa 1PM-6PM. 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.  edit
• Trabant Coffee & Chai, 1309 NE 45th St (between University and Brooklyn), ☎ +1 206 675-0668, [26]. M-F 6:30AM-Midnight, Sa-Su 9AM-Midnight. 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.  edit
• Cafe Allegro, 4212 University Way NE (Access from the alley in back), ☎ +1 206 633-3030, [27]. 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.  edit
• SureShot Espresso, 4505 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 632-3100. Daily 7AM-Midnight. 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.  edit
• Cafe Solstice, 4116 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 675-0850. M-Th 6:30AM-11PM, F 6:30AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 7AM-11PM. 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.  edit
• Boulevard Grocery, 2007 NE Ravenna Blvd, ☎ +1 206 517-5572. Cafe located in a small local grocery. Serves Cafe Vita, basic pastries, hot and cold sandwiches, and Dilletante chocolates. Free wireless internet available.  edit
• Cafe Tribal, 5267 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 729-3886, [28]. 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.  edit

• WOW Bubble Tea, 4553 University Way NE, ☎ +1 206 633-1229. M-Sa 1PM-Midnight. 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.  edit

• Best Western University Tower Hotel [29]. 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE. +1 206 634-2000 or +1 800 899-0251. Formerly called the (Edmund) Meany Tower Hotel, a nicer but mid-priced hotel in the University District with a long history. Because the hotel is round, the rooms are shaped roughly like pie wedges and all have a view of something.

• Chambered Nautilus Bed and Breakfast Inn, 5005 22nd Ave NE, ☎ +1 206 522-2536 (toll free: +1 800 545-8459, stay@chamberednautilus.com, fax: +1 206 528-0898), [30]. Perched on a peaceful hill in Seattle's University District is our classic 1915 Georgian Colonial home. Designed for relaxation and comfort, but also equipped for business and extended stays. Enjoy our spacious rooms, elegant gardens, personalized service, and delicious breakfasts. $104-$204.  edit

• Hotel Deca [31] 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, +1 800 899-0251. Near the University of Washington. Originally opened in 1931, a stylish 158 room full service "boutique hotel" in the heart of University District. With its panoramic city and mountain views and comfortable, well-appointed rooms and suites, the hotel offers contemporary accommodations featuring art-deco motifs. 100 percent non-smoking, features wireless internet access.

• University Inn [32]. 4140 Roosevelt Way NE. +1 800 733-3855. Ideally located in the heart of Seattle’s University business district, only minutes from downtown and a few blocks from the University of Washington. This Seattle boutique hotel is pet-friendly, has a 100% smoke-free environment and includes a hearty breakfast bar.

• The Watertown Hotel [33]. 4242 Roosevelt Way NE. +1 866 944-4242. Also in the University District. Modern design, good location, moderately priced. Free high speed internet in rooms. Comfortable, spacious. Friendly staff. Exercise room with some limited equipment. Refrigerators, microwaves and coffee pots in each room. Friendly, capable staff. Great location, near university. Offers free breakfast and beer-wine-snack happy hour in the evenings. Also offers free bikes, if you want to take a ride during your trip.

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

Public internet access is hard to find on the UW campus -- although it has blanket wireless coverage, a university login is required. More amenable options include the thicket of coffee shops surrounding the campus, and the Seattle Public Library branch on Roosevelt Way at NE 50th St.