neighborhood guides
Enjoy Outdoor Dining in the U District this Summer
Seattle’s sunny days are best spent al fresco – this summer enjoy new and expanded outdoor dining options across the U District neighborhood! Make plans to enjoy the sun while sipping a beer on a parklet patio, taking in water views and fine Mexican dining, or pull up a chair at a rooftop bar! To help you make the most of a summer day, we have curated a list of some of the best spots in the U District for your next open air dining experience.
Outdoor Dining
Agua Verde Cafe
Right on the waterfront, Agua Verde Cafe is the perfect place to take advantage of summer. Head to the Marina Cantina on the East Side for entry right next to the water
Photo credit: Agua Verde Cafe
Saint Bread
Another waterfront gem, Saint Bread is both a bakery and a community space — now with covered seating!
Photo credit: Saint Bread
Heave Ho! & Hinoki
Right next to Saint Bread is a wood-fired, Japanese-inspired food truck and drink shack offering a casual outdoor dining and drinking experience, open later hours than the bakery.
Hours:
Thursday – Saturday
4 – 8pm
The Mountaineering Club
The Mountaineering Club is the Graduate Seattle’s 16th-floor rooftop bar and lounge, known for its panoramic views of the city. On clear days, catch a view of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound, and downtown, all while sipping handcrafted cocktails.
Photo credit: Graduate Hotels
Shultzy’s Bar & Grill
Making handcrafted sausages and cocktails since 1988, Shultzy’s is a neighborhood destination! The beautiful back patio is perfect for enjoying a pint and one of their delicious pretzels with beer cheese, complete with shade and greenery to complement a sunny Seattle day.
Photo credit: Shultzy’s
Bulldog News
Grab a local paper or international magazine and kick back at this sunny parklet with a delicious coffee and pastry!
Cafe Solstice
The outdoor patio at Cafe Solstice offers sunny views and a great vibe! Stop in for tasty coffee, treats, and sandwiches!
Big Time Brewery & Alehouse
Seattle’s original brewpub now offers extended outdoor dining year-round! Sip on craft beers all summer long with delicious pairings from their menu!
Aladdin’s Gyro-Cery
Seattle’s favorite mediterranean food haunt since 1993, Aladdin’s is famous for their gyros, grilled chicken sandwiches, vegan specials, and their famous Aladdin fries!
Finn MacCool’s Irish Pub
There’s always a fun reason to stop by Finn MacCool’s, including enjoying their happy hour on the front patio! Check out their full menu and daily specials.
Boba Up
The only place in Seattle where you can mix and match your bubble tea drink just the way you like! Sip on your refreshing boba drink in the sun with streetside picnic tables available outside the restaurant.
Cafe Allegro
Seattle’s oldest espresso bar (since 1975!), and one of the country’s finest Seattle-style roasters, offers rooftop seating as well as cozy dining tables in front.
Photo credit: Cafe Allegro
BB’s Teriyaki
With a focus on locally and sustainably-sourced ingredients, BB’s Teriyaki serves up delicious grilled chicken or beef teriyaki all year-round. Patio seating available!
Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen
Latin-owned restaurant with a homey atmosphere dishing up patacones, tostones, and other Latin comfort food. Enjoy their outdoor patio year-round!
Photo credit: Arepa Venezuelan Kitchen
Xi’an Noodles
Known for having some of the best hand-pulled biang biang noodles in the city. Featured in local publications like Eater Seattle, the Stranger, Seattle Times, and more.
Portage Bay Cafe
One of Seattle’s favorite brunch spots, this bustling, bright cafe serves up delicious local, organic and seasonal dishes.
Photo credit: Portage Bay Cafe
NE 43rd Street Outdoor Dining Plaza
Easily accessible and available to all – the NE 43rd Street Outdoor Dining Plaza offers a great space for visitors and commuters alike to enjoy their meals outside. During the warmer months, The U District Partnership places bright red umbrellas at each table for diners to enjoy. Nearby are several restaurants where you can grab some takeout and enjoy eating with friends in the open air. Here’s a list of them!
Ugly Mug Cafe
A small-scale artisan coffee roaster, with an eclectic vibe! Ugly Mug is known for being a great hangout and study nook, while also offering delicious and creative seasonal flavors.
Sweet Alchemy Ice Creamery
Locally-owned ice creamery dedicated to producing small batch, organic, and locally sourced ice cream. Specializing in small batch ice cream allows the shop to always feature new flavors!
Mark Thai Food Box
Small family-run Thai restaurant – stop in and meet ‘Uncle Mark.’ Order dine-in or takeout classic Thai dishes, and stock up on their grab & go lunch boxes. Conveniently located just outside the U District station for busy commuters.
Photo credit: Mark Thai Food Box
Samir’s Mediterranean Grill
In the U District for over 40 years and beloved by locals. Delicious comfort food, with vegetarian and vegan options as well.
Cedars of Lebanon
Serving great gyros, shawarmas, and falafels since 1976. Offering a convenient takeout window for customers on the go, or enjoy their indoor dining.
Kai’s Thai Street Food & Bar
A great spot for authentic Thai food. Also serving a variety of cocktails and refreshments.
Photo credit: Kai’s Thai Street Food
We hope this lineup inspires you to plan your next meal outdoors in the U District! There is so much more our unique neighborhood has to offer. Plan your next adventure by viewing our full list of arts and entertainment venues, classes and activities, and places to eat!