With Seattle University already back in session, and as the University of Washington population gears up for its first day of classes on September 27, back-to-school is on the brain for university students all around the city. Of course, Seattle is home to well over a dozen colleges, universities, and continued education programs -- so whether you’re a Husky, a Redhawk, or anything in between, you may wonder where to find some of the best and most central eats.
Each of these dining picks is located within a 10-minute walk of either the University of Washington campus in the University District or the Seattle University campus in Capitol Hill. They’re convenient, craveable, and suited to either a pre-study fuel up session or a weekend celebration. Dig in (and study up)!
Bai Tong Thai Street Cafe | 1121 E Pike St | 206-787-8448
Clocking in at an approximately 10-minute walk from the Seattle University campus in Capitol Hill, Bai Tong is perfect for lunch, dinner, or late-night cravings on weekends. Warm up on a cool autumn afternoon with a bowl of creamy Tom Kah or spicy-sour Tom Yum soup, or fuel up for a night out on the town with your favorite red, green, or yellow curry dish. Savory fried rice or garlicky chicken or pork always hit the spot, but are especially satisfying as a hearty snack after hitting the neighborhood bars.
Cedars Restaurant | Multiple locations
Cedars’ two locations are both conveniently situated near some of Seattle’s largest student communities. The University District restaurant sits on the outskirts of the University of Washington campus -- on a central stretch of Brooklyn that runs parallel to the bustling Ave. In Capitol Hill, look for the Broadway location just south of the Seattle University campus (less than a 10-minute walk!). Cedars in the U District is most known for its popular curry dishes (hint: try the butter chicken), fresh-baked naan, and beverage list (they’ve got everything from chai to mango lassi to beer), while you can grab a pita sandwich (falafel, gyro, or shawarma, anyone?) or chicken teriyaki in Capitol Hill.
Note: if you’re a student at one of Seattle’s universities, there’s something special in it for you (for a limited time)...
Present your student ID at a Cedars location and receive 10% off your meal during the first two weeks back to school. Ask your waiter for details! Offer valid once per customer.
Cure | 1641 Nagle Pl | 206-568-5475
For everything from date night to a place to take your parents, look no further than Cure. A 10-minute walk north of Seattle University will land you in this charcuterie-focused dining room at the border of Cal Anderson Park. Build your own plate of domestic and imported meats and cheeses plus sweet and savory accompaniments, or try a staff-curated specialty plate. Come in for happy hour between 4 and 6 p.m. on a weekday and enjoy $7 house cocktails, $5 house wine or bubbly, or $4 draft beer to go with a small plate of your choice.
Elemental Pizza | 2634 NE University Village St | 206-524-4930
Take a break from shopping at University Village, located just below the UW campus, and fill up on next-level woodfired pizza at Elemental. They’re serving up a variety of 12-inch pies for meat lovers and vegetarians alike, each handmade with fine local ingredients. Best paired with a cold beverage, so check out the list of taps, wine, and cocktails (and score special pricing at daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m.!).
Rhein Haus | 912 12th Ave | 206-325-5409
Mix up the usual bar-hopping routine with a stop at Rhein Haus for bocce ball and bier. The best part? It’s just a few blocks north of Seattle University -- an easy walk for students who are in the neighborhood. Challenge your friends to a game at the indoor bocce court and explore a beer list featuring primarily German (and some American) taps and bottles. Snack on soft pretzels, brats plus a variety of wurst plates, and a full menu of German-style classics (or pizza, if that’s more your thing). You’ll also find a mean happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. daily.
Sweet Iron | 1416 10th Ave | 206-588-0184
Make the 10-minute walk from Seattle University to Sweet Iron’s Capitol Hill store for a coffee and breakfast before class (or to nurse a weekend hangover). Enjoy barista creations made with Stumptown espresso and a sweet or savory Liege-style waffle. Good morning -- or afternoon -- indeed!
