Back

events neighborhood guides

Love in the U District

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a fun evening out with pals, or looking for the perfect gift, the U District is serving up Valentine’s vibes. Explore some fun and unique ideas to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. (Image from Cafe Canuc)

Date Night Delights

  • Mountaineering Club – Enjoy scenic views of the city and some of the best cocktails in town at this celebrated rooftop bar located at the Graduate Seattle Hotel. Snag a reservation to make sure you’re on the list! (Image at Mountaineering Club by Kai Huei-Yau)
  • Saint Bread – with their new dinner menu Thursday – Saturday, if you’re pushing your Valentine’s celebration to the weekend, you won’t want to miss this new feature at one of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants.
  • Jewel of India – For an enchanting evening filled with the rich and authentic flavors of Indian cuisine, Jewel of India is a top pick in the U District with a beautifully updated interior.
  • Araya’s Place – Renowned for its vegetarian and vegan Thai cuisine, the menu at Araya’s Place features a wide array of flavorful dishes, from spicy curries to savory stir-fries, all crafted with fresh, plant-based ingredients.

The Dish on Desserts

  • Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery – Grab a scoop of small-batch artisanal ice cream or pick up one of their handcrafted sweets as you enjoy the year-round lights on the Ave. (Image from Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery)
  • Snowy Village – open late and serving up sweet Korean-style shaved ice treats and decadent desserts.
  • Timeless Tea– Indulge in sweet bites that pair perfectly with your chosen tea.
  • Oh Bear Café – known for their specialty drinks and delicious custard-filled croissant taiyaki, among other desserts.
  • Café Canuc – with decadent croffles, souffles, and cake desserts, Café Canuc (can-you-see) offers a great ambience to enjoy a special treat and order-ahead options for your date night celebration at home.
  • Bubble Tea Highlights: For a playful twist to your Valentine’s Day celebration, consider visiting one of the U District’s vibrant bubble tea shops. These local hot spots provide a casual and charming environment. Here are a few with great in-dining ambience:

Take in a Show

  • Happiness in 35mm showing at Grand Illusion Cinema on Feb. 14: The master of dark comic misery, Todd Solondz, casts his ironic-compassionate gaze on a panoply of suburban New Jersey sad sacks and societal rejects.
  • A window to the see… by Raul de Nieves at Henry Art Gallery – Using the everyday materials of acetate and tape, the Brooklyn-based artist has custom-fit his signature “stained glass” to the three immense skylights that span the gallery.

Weekend Shows:

  • Circa: Humans 2.0 at Meany Center for the Performing Arts running Feb. 15-17 – A symphony of acrobatics, sound and light, Humans 2.0 is next level circus. (Photo by Yaya Stempler for Circa, Meany Center for the Performing Arts)
  • Seattle’s Best Comedy Showcase at Laughs Comedy Club on Feb. 15 – Settle in for a curated lineup of best-of-the PNW comedians, along with surprise drop-in touring comedians.
  • Maddie Zahm at The Neptune on Feb. 15 – Celebrated as one of America’s most exciting new pop acts, with her debut album ‘Now That I’ve Been Honest.’
  • Lukas Graham at The Neptune on Feb. 16 – the rising Danish band is on its first American tour, known for singles like “7 years” and “Happy Home.”

Unique and Classic Gifts

  • Fancy Plants Seattle – the gift that keeps on giving, pick up a succulent or discover another indoor plant variety that will make your Valentine’s heart ‘bloom.’
  • Lulumiere – Find a beautiful candle – or bring your own, empty container in – filled with one of Lulumiere’s swoonworthy scents!
  • Danaca Designs – Browse online or schedule a shopping appointment to explore this small-scale metal-working and jewelry fabrication studio.
  • Gargoyles Statuary – with unique local art and so much more, Gargoyles offers one of the coziest shopping experiences on the Ave.
  • Safeway Floral – order ahead for special arrangements from Seattle’s newest Safeway located in the U District at Brooklyn Ave N and NE 50th.

Make some memories with your Valentines, Galentines, and Palentines with these ideas and more around the U District.