University District, Seattle: Things to Do

The University District, or "U-District," is centered around the University of Washington and features a business district on University Way Northeast, known as "The Ave," which caters to the student population.

Neptune TheatreTheater
Gargoyles StatuarySpecialty Store
MorselBreakfast

Plan University DistrictPlan your University District tripFree No sign-up

Start planning

By TripSapien · Updated October 13, 2026

Top things to do in University District

Neptune Theatre
★ 4.6 · 3.6k
Theater
Circa-1921 theater transformed from a cinema to a venue for live performances by well-known acts.
Website ↗Map ↗
Gargoyles Statuary
★ 4.8 · 297
Specialty Store
Boutique loaded with gothic-style merchandise, from gargoyle statues to candles to tarot cards.
Mon–Fri
12 PM – 6 PM
Sat
11 AM – 6 PM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗
University Book Store
★ 4.5 · 2.3k
Bookstore
Long-standing university stop for new & used books, computers, games & tech gadgets.
Mon–Fri
10 AM – 6 PM
Sat
10 AM – 6 PM
Sun
11 AM – 5 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Break Away Vintage - U District
Flea Market
Mon–Wed
11 AM – 10 PM
Thu
11 AM – 11 PM
Fri
11 AM – 12 AM
Sat
11 AM – 12 AM
Sun
11 AM – 10 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
University District Farmers Market
★ 4.7 · 974
Market
Year-round Saturday farmers market with up to 70 farmers, vendors & cooks selling local wares.
Mon–Fri
Closed
Sat
9 AM – 2 PM
Sun
Closed
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in University District

Morsel
★ 4.6 · 1.2k
Breakfast· $10–20
Homey cafe with sofas, board games & quiet corners for gourmet coffee & craft biscuit sandwiches.
Every day
8 AM – 3 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Seven Coffee Roasters Market & Cafe
★ 4.8 · 1.5k
Coffee Shop· $10–20
Set in a 1922 market, this cozy coffee shop serves its own roasts & local snacks, plus beer & wine.
Every day
7 AM – 7 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Voula's Offshore Cafe
★ 4.7 · 1.4k
Greek· $10–20
No-frills U District diner for hearty American breakfasts, burgers & a few Greek options.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Fri
6 AM – 2 PM
Sat
8 AM – 2 PM
Sun
8 AM – 2 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Alley Cat Lounge
★ 4.9 · 157
Cocktail Bar· $10–40
Mon–Tue
4 PM – 11:30 PM
Wed–Thu
4 PM – 12 AM
Fri
4 PM – 1 AM
Sat
4 PM – 1 AM
Sun
Closed
Map ↗
Toasted Bagels & Coffee
★ 4.7 · 588
Coffee Shop· $10–20
A halal bagel cafe and coffee shop serving fresh, handcrafted bagels, sandwiches, artisanal coffee, and pastries in the Greater Seattle Area.
Every day
7 AM – 3 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Taste of Xi'an UW 西安味道 (Chinese Noodles · BBQ)
★ 4.6 · 2.1k
Chinese· $10–20
Hot pots, BBQ & pulled noodles are among the specialties of this casual, modern Chinese restaurant.
Mon–Fri
11 AM – 3:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Sat
11 AM – 9:30 PM
Sun
11 AM – 9:30 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Ugly Mug Cafe
★ 4.6 · 518
Café & Bakery· $1–10
Funky, collegial hangout for hot-mug drinks such as mochas, plus sandwiches & other American eats.
Mon–Fri
8 AM – 5 PM
Sat
9 AM – 3 PM
Sun
9 AM – 3 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Aladdin Gyrocery
★ 4.5 · 2.5k
Mediterranean· $10–20
No-frills Mediterranean staple for hearty gyros, falafel & shawarma, plus Turkish coffee.
Mon–Thu
10 AM – 2 AM
Fri
10 AM – 3 AM
Sat
10 AM – 3 AM
Sun
10 AM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
Taste of India
★ 4.4 · 3.2k
Indian· $$
Comfortable, casual spot for classic Indian dishes & bottomless chai tea service.
Every day
11 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Portage Bay Cafe
★ 4.3 · 2.5k
Brunch· $20–30
Bustling, bright cafe serving local, organic & seasonal breakfast, brunch & lunch dishes.
Mon–Fri
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Sat
8 AM – 2 PM
Sun
8 AM – 2 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Cafe Allegro
★ 4.5 · 828
Coffee Shop· $1–10
Enduring coffeehouse with art-lined walls & plenty of seating that has been around since 1975.
Mon–Fri
7 AM – 6 PM
Sat
8 AM – 6 PM
Sun
8 AM – 6 PM
Website ↗Map ↗