University District

The University District (better known as "The U District") is a somewhat gritty center for student activity near the University of Washington’s [1] campus. The U District covers several blocks near the intersection of University Way NE ("The Ave") and N.E. 45th Street, with inexpensive restaurants, used CD and book stores, pizza joints, copy centers, Internet cafés, coffeehouses, and other student-oriented places.

This is probably the best place in Seattle [2] to get a quick lunch or an ethnic dinner for just a few bucks. To find the best spots, follow your nose and the students. If it’s packed, it’s probably tasty—or it serves cheap beer. Either way, you're golden.