For new and returning UW students, Seattle’s University District offers plenty of great coffee shops and cafes to meet up with friends, get homework done, and of course, fuel up on great coffee. Here’s a list of the University District Best Coffee Shops (In no particular order).
Zoka Coffee
Zoka Coffee, on the outer banks of the U District, Zoka provides a perfect space to meet up with your classmates, sprawl out on a table, and procrastinate on your project – together. Enjoy locally roasted coffee from Zoka some tasty treats to go with it.
Address: 901 NE Blakeley Street, Seattle, WA 98105
Herkimer Coffee
For those coffee lovers, who want to study in a college town café without compromising on quality and taste of their coffee, Herkimer offers a quiet space for individuals or small groups to meet up.
Address: 5611 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Café on the Ave
Café on the Ave has everything you need to camp out all day – food, coffee, and space. The friendly staff and excellent baristas work hard to serve the throngs of students throughout the day. This place is perfect for working alone or meeting up with large groups to get your school projects done – or at least started. They offer Café Vita beans and a variety of beers too on tap too.
Address: 4201 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Solstice Café
Solstice Café is certainly a perfect place to stop in for a steaming macchiato on the way to class and a cold IPA on your way out. With their wonderful in-house baked goods, their Lighthouse Coffee, or their selection of food, beer, and wine – who could want anything more? Actually, their back patio is awesome for the days when the sun wants to show up. Soltice also offers a great place for small groups to study while fueling up on coffee.
Address: 4116 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Trabant Coffee and Chai
Providing an edgy vibe and a cool coffee scene, Trabant is the perfect café for any university district. These friendly coffee geeks know their stuff too – serving Seattle’s Kuma Coffee among other tasty treats. No doubt, one of my favorite places to stop in for a great cup of coffee and perfect table to shoot off some emails.
(My recent Podcast about them here)
Address: 1309 NE 45th St Seattle, WA 98105
Sound Coffee and Morsel
Up along the Ave you’ll find Sound Coffee and Morsel, which make great biscuits, offers superb coffee (Velton’s anyone?) and the staff make you feel right at home. I highly recommend trying their biscuits along with Velton’s coffee. These guys can bring the sunshine out on any cloudy day in Seattle – highly recommended.
Address: 4754 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Café Allegro
Prized with being tagged as the oldest coffee shop in Seattle, Allegro Café has been making a few changes this past year to revamp their offerings. They offer both new students and alumni a great space to meet, relax, and study.
Café Allegro has been around for more than 40 years and it’s still popular among the students’ crowd and coffee lovers like me.
Address: 4214 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Bulldog News and Coffee
For those of you who need a quick cup of excellent coffee to go – and catch up with the day’s news, Bulldog News is the place. I’ve had the pleasure of spending quality time with the baristas there and know that they love their coffee and customers.
Address: 4208 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Ugly Mug Café
This charming café never seems to fail. They offer a quaint space, good coffee, and accommodating staff, and friendly baristas. Whether you want to sit by the window or catch up with friends, the Ugly Mug Café is a winner.
I love the Ugly Mug for its consistently great coffee and positive vibes. It’s also a great place to work online as it offers many outlets and good wifi connection.
Address: 1309 NE 43rd St Seattle, WA 98105
Sure Shot Café
Grunge meets Espresso at this U-District coffee shop. Wait, no one uses grunge any more as an adjective – or noun for that matter. Poor grammar aside, you can duck in the Sure Shot for an hour to study while being served good coffee by a friendly staff. This place has always been underrated – but no doubt, offers great service and coffee and is always worth a visit.
Address: 4505 University Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
Agua Verde Paddle Club and Café
Switching gears the Agua Verde Café offers more of a sit down restaurant with a great view of the Lake Union’s cut. It also has a coffee window for those grad students who are on their way to class. Perfect if you want a quick change of scenery from the fluorescent lights of classrooms – or simply slide away with one of their Kayaks (only offered during the warmer months).
Address: 1303 NE Boat St Seattle, WA 98105
