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    Cafe on the Ave

    3.0 (554 reviews)
    Open • 7:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    CAFE ON THE AVE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for working

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    Recommended Reviews - Cafe on the Ave

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    Latte
    Carol L.

    Since 2003, Cafe on the Ave has been a staple to the university district. It's an interesting place that's fit for students looking for a place to study, big groups looking to dine together, have a late brunch, or even happy hour. They quite literally have everything. A full coffee shop and pastries, a full brunch menu (until 3 PM), a sandwich menu, a pasta menu, an Asian fusion menu, a happy hour food menu, a full bar (4 PM onwards), wifi, and is open late at night. Umm, say less? This is a casual joint where you pay first and then pick and bus your own food. There was a lot more seating than I expected and they open the garage door when the weather nice and you can sit in the patio area as well. Service was quick and drinks and food were solid. Not the best I've had, but not terrible either. Their portions are quite large, which is great for students. If you're an early riser, they even have some specials before 10AM. Stationed on a corner near the udistrict light rail station, it's a convenient stop for anyone looking for food, drink, or study.

    Pork Bulgogi Bibimbap
    Louise F.

    Really interesting korean fusion brunch place! Definitely a college vibe, reminded me of places I used to eat back in college. And very college priced too. And college portioned. The plates were like double the size of my head. We got a bibimbap and creamy chicken mara pasta. The bibimbap wasn't really a bibimbap but made a nice bulgogi slop bowl basically. And it was nice that there were so many veggies in it. The pasta was definitely asian fusion pasta. Really has that creamy taste you get from having pasta in korea or japan in the places that have an asian interpretation. We ate until we were stuffed to the brim and still had leftovers. Probably didn't help that I ate the garlic bread too but it was also good. Unfortunately during the meal a crazy person came in and started yelling at people and the restaurant had a difficult time keeping him out but what are you gonna do about that I guess

    We forgot to take pics until deep into Korean chicken. So tasty and crispy.
    Cristin G.

    Ok that was fun! Went with the UW student kiddo who loves this place, I can see why. Order at the counter, friendly and helpful staff. HUGE portions and boxes for take-home meant we have great meals for lunch tomorrow, too. Casual place for students, parents, and anyone in the UW area who's hungry for a big meal (or split one!).

    Korean Fried Chicken
    Natalie N.

    pretty good asian fusion spot in u district. as you can tell by the name, it's on the ave. open til at least midnight every night and open later on friday and saturday. the first time i visited, i only got a decaf latte. i recall the decaf tasting good and my friend and i just kinda parked at the place and yapped for awhile. it seems like a good place to do that at, as it's very very spacious inside. i tried it again during the cherry blossom festival and got an alcoholic drink. the drink, while very pretty in pink, was not good. wayyy too much syrup, it was almost entirely sugar, and, i love sugary drinks, but this was too much. because of that, i've never been back for alcoholic drinks. most recently, i went here with a friend because we wanted chill cafe vibes to work on some projects, but it was a sunday and evening time so most cafes were already closed. we got half a korean fried chicken with the honey garlic and sweet n spicy sauces. it was actually well-made, i was surprised. the portion was generous, which was an added bonus. everyone that works there is very nice. i think if you need a place to study or work or just chill out, this is a good place to go. it may be kind of a mixed bag in terms of quality, but you can at the very least get good coffee here.

    Chicken Pesto
    Mei Jie W.

    Located in a very central area on the ave, this cafe has a nice variety of food, cafe drinks, and lots of seating. I saw many people studying while eating. The portion is very generous. I got the pesto pasta with chicken. It didn't say it would come with garlic bread so that was a nice surprise. The chicken was so soft and tender and well seasoned! They garnished it grated mozzarella and basil. I also got an ice latte and it was really good too. You order at the counter, find a seat, and they'll give you a number plaque. They'll bring you your food, but for drinks you'll have to get yourself at the counter when the buzzer goes off.

    Ginger tangerine
    Oris B.

    The place has a casual dive bar-meets-café atmosphere. The staff were friendly and made me feel welcome. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite hit the mark, though perhaps other menu items are better. It's a bit of a gamble what you'll get.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ On the other hand, it's a great place to study or journal.

    Photograph for my review of Cafe On The Ave.
    Luther N.

    THE END OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WE KNOW IT! Last night, I stopped into this restaurant because it was my birthday andI didn't want to go to Wallingford or Capitol Hill for a meal. I told them and asked if I could be offered anything. Sure the guy said only it had to be under $5. He then said, "...we're not giving you a $20 meal free!" I could have enjoyed a plate of bacon, eggs and pancakes since I just turned seventy-five. So I took a coffee and purchased a brownie. The coffee was eventually brought out, but without any napkins or spill protection. At least it was the decaffinated that I ordered, so I said "Cheers!". I did leave with my coffee in a cup like at Starbucks, but if I had thought I could expect this kind of lame customer service, I could have gone there! Seriously, it reminded me of being back in the midwest, int he days when a person of colour could go into a restaurant but had to take the food or drinks outside. Well, so it goes but I will never go back into the Cafe on The Ave. again. Right now, I despise this place as much as Starbucks, and IHOP doesn't look bad at all after this! Luther R. Norman, Former Teacher and World Traveller...

    Green Tea Frappe
    Diana C.

    The menu is customizable for vegetarians but a bit more difficult with dairy free options, especially the drinks. The kimchi fried rice has dairy and it can't be removed unfortunately too. Got a drink and it was fine. The servers were polite and efficient. The ambiance is kinda like having breakfast or lunch in a dive bar with lots of natural lighting, which was fine. Very popular student hangout.

    Menu 1of6 (6/21/24)
    Marie B.

    Clearly I've been under a rock. I've walked by or driven past this corner spot on at 42nd & The Ave in Seattle's University District. It's been around since 2003! We had a brief power outage in North Seattle/Shoreline, so to escape the warm temps, The Homie recommended hanging out at Cafe on the Ave (6/21/24). Great business hours: 7am to 11pm Mondays - Thursdays & Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays 7am to 2am. Nice assortment of seating: two tops along screened open windows which allowed for a nice breeze, covered patio seating, bigger tables to allow for group meet ups, book club, gaming, etc. There's quite the variety of menu items and even a small bar area for 21+, essentially something for everyone. I had an Arnold Palmer and The Homie enjoyed an iced London Fog while onsite. Well worn, comfy college cafe vibe.

    Tomato Basil
    Kacey T.

    I am a regular at cafe on the ave. I love their tomato soup, it was buttery and super thick. It was also a good portion size. Cafe on the ave was super busy that day so I had a hard time studying there. The service was pretty quick. I will always be a supporter of this restaurant and I love all the seating and music Yas .

    Red velvet hot chocolate
    Noopur D.

    I very much appreciated the menu options here! I wanted something a bit lighter to eat and a sweet drink to accompany. I liked that they had "on the go" options so I got the veggie sandwich and the red velvet chocolate. The sandwich was pretty good, nice amount of flavors and vegetables. The hot chocolate was absolutely delicious, I really loved the comforting creaminess and the red velvet flavor was SO well done - still dreaming about it! My friends got the waffle and Benedict. Both were so good too. Service was really good too and all the staff were really sweet. We also enjoyed the big seating area!!

    watery ahh gyudon

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    4 years ago

    Best food ever, seafood udon noodle soup and kimchi fried rice are my regular dishes!

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    8 years ago

    I like to eat the creamy seafood udon it's very good to me. Everything here give huge portions and at a great price :)

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    Page 4 of 14

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    Fuel Coffee & Books - Interior

    Fuel Coffee & Books

    4.0(136 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Montlake
    •$

    Walkable, but no dogs inside (understandable!). Great reliable drink options and books for sale…read moreinside. Great local spot near the university district.

    I stumbled into Fuel Coffee & Books on a morning when the whole neighborhood was still buzzing from…read morea 5K race, so the place was packed. Like, "good luck finding a quiet corner" packed. But honestly? The energy worked. The staff was moving with that calm, unbothered flow only seasoned baristas have. Friendly, attentive, and somehow keeping the line moving without making anyone feel rushed. Respect. Light was flooding every corner; that soft Seattle glow that makes you want to pull out your journal and pretend you live inside a cozy indie film. Ventilation was perfect. Temperature was perfect. Seating options? Abundant. And not the awkward wobbly kind either. This spot is built for lingering. I grabbed a latte, sat down, and immediately fell into an art journaling trance. There's something about being surrounded by curated shelves of books and cute little treasures that just unlocks your brain. It's the kind of place where you look up after ten minutes and somehow an hour passed. This was my first visit, but it's already on my list of "places I'll actually come back to and get work done." A rare category, honestly. If you're looking for a café that feels like a creative reset button; this is a great one.

    Photos
    Fuel Coffee & Books - Atmosphere + kyotobot on the right

    Atmosphere + kyotobot on the right

    Fuel Coffee & Books - Lounge in the front

    Lounge in the front

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    Santo Coffee - Latte

    Santo Coffee

    4.7(228 reviews)
    1.2 mi•Roosevelt
    •$$

    It was delicious. I was a bit apprehensive at first about the prices and my eyes popped a bit when…read morethe tablet suggested a 30% tip but the guy behind the counter was very knowledgeable about the pour over options and man that sandwich was da bomb I want to eat it again I went with the $9 coffee instead of the $22 gesha option. Visiting from out of town so not sure when I'll be able to go back but would like to someday. Found parking easily (might've been lucky) and enjoyed the ambiance. They were vibing Khruangbin, one of my faves. Classy and clean flooring and counters. Just barely got the last seat on a Monday at 11am. Definitely the type of place where folks come to park themselves for hours rather than WFH from their dreary studio apt. All good. Recommend!

    Santo is easily one of my top favorite coffee shops in Seattle! The coffee quality is exceptional…read moreand the baristas are always genuinely welcoming. Their signature Panela Latte is an absolute must-try and my go too but you can't go wrong with a classic latte from here. Their drinks are always consistent and not overly sweet. I love open space and the natural lighting that comes. The cafe does however tend to get crowded so most of the time I've had to take my drink to go. If you are able to get a seat I think it's a great place to get your work done as the cafe has a very relaxed environment.

    Photos
    Santo Coffee - Cortado

    Cortado

    Santo Coffee - Panela latte

    Panela latte

    Santo Coffee - Chai latte

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    Chai latte

    Cafe on the Ave - coffee - Updated September 2026

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