UNIVERSITY VILLAGE @ SEATTLE…read more Parking here is pretty difficult compared to a lot of other Seattle shopping areas. There are several free parking lots scattered throughout the Village, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding a spot, though it can get busier on weekends. If the closer lots are full, there's usually still space in the ones further from the entrance, just a short walk in. I came here because I wanted to check out the area close to UW campus, and I'd heard good things about the shops and atmosphere. It's a bit different from your typical outdoor mall since it actually feels like a nice little town, with trees lining the walkways and a really pleasant atmosphere overall. It doesn't feel like you're just walking through a parking lot to get store to store, it actually feels intentional and calming. The variety of stores was great, a good mix of bigger name brands and smaller local shops, so there was plenty to look through. My only complaint is that I wish there were more restaurant and shop options overall. It's not huge, so once you've walked through, you've pretty much seen everything, and I would have loved a few more places to eat or browse. Still, it's a really charming spot and one of the nicer outdoor shopping areas in Seattle. I'd definitely come back, especially if I'm already near UW.

I have been coming to University Village, and its surroundings, in Seattle for approximately over…read more30 years now. The store offerings have changed over the years, though not everything. Parking has been consistently stubborn. The parking garage I used on my visit today, North Garage on Tuesday 24 March 2026, had themed levels. I opted for the C Level which was color of pink and animal of cow. At the elevator, a cow "moo" sounded when I pressed the button for the elevator. By this level, more spaces were opened up, so a better day for parking of recent times. Walkways in the village are open to the natural elements. Some of the businesses have umbrellas available for use in shopping. The grounds and pedestrian spaces have tended to be clean in my experiences. In 2010 and 2011 when I was a student at the University of Washington, I walked to University Village so parking was a non-issue, those were quicker turn around in time visits though I did not have the carrying/storage space of a vehicle.

We had so much fun exploring this vintage mall in Fremont…read more There are so many fun, quirky doo-dads and old items you can buy, and lots of things to just look at and chuckle. Vintage shops can feel like a grandma's attic to me sometimes so I love that this shop is so well-curated, fun and relevant. Be sure to check your backpack in at the desk if you have one.

So many cute and fun items to browse here! I always bring people visiting out of town here and they…read morelove the selection! I only rate it a 4/5 bc the prices are pretty high

Crown Hill Plaza is quickly becoming my favorite local hangout. It's a miniature shopping area with…read morea Chevron gas station, a Blockbuster, a Papa John's Pizza, a McDonald's, and a few other businesses. What typically happens is I pick up some movies at Blockbuster (we have that movie club thing) and then go to either McDonald's or Papa John's for food and then get some gas. Sometimes I pick up a paper at the convenience store connected to McDonald's. The only troubling aspect is that some fucker always decides to park his or her car in the middle of the shopping center, NOT IN ANY PARKING SPOT but right in the middle of traffic. This shopping plaza gets a fair amount of traffic, so every time some ASSHOLE does this it's a huge inconvenience to everyone else and an accident waiting to happen. No one expects to drive into a shopping plaza and find a car right smack in the middle, 50 feet from the nearest parking spot. It's happened twice now and the cars have been parked there for several minutes at a time. I don't know if it's someone returning their videos or what, but that's why there are parking spots. Societies have rules, and when you break these rules there are consequences. If it happens again, fucker, I'll have my wife key your car (which she seems to have a fascination with) or I'll buy some tacks and leave them strategically placed near your tires.

The Block Cafe - My Ex husband and I meet here at least once a month to chat since I moved back to…read morethe area. This cafe was originally called the Egg'n Me but recently was bought out by the Block Cafe... the menu is basically remained the same. Good service, family welcome, child units and grand parents seen enjoying themselves. I have only come for breakfast on the weekends but the cafe has a bar and tv's so may boast an evening scene I have not witnessed. The price is fare for really good wholesome food... highly recommend trying the Mexican item if you like Mexican food and the pico de galo is fresh. It has a cafe/ diner vibe comfortable with average noise levels. The staff are prompt with never ending coffee and let us be LONG after we paid the bill and should have left... they know my Ex's order by heart and I just keep them guessing :). Good food, good value. Parking early in the morning is no problem gets busy as the morning wears on with the PCC, FEDEX, UPS and Trader Joe's around the corner. A large parking garage is open too.

The Ballard Blocks is like a modern-day mall complex with a mixture of residential, office, stores…read moreand businesses. It looks like the developer's idea here is make it sort of a one stop for folks who come to it. There are plenty of options for coming to the blocks all ranging from eyeglasses and dental offices for health, a PCC market and Trader Joes for grocery shopping, early education center and children's haircuts for the youngsters, Xfinity and UPS for those other errands, The Egg & Us and Top Pot Donuts for food and more all collected into a few blocks of structure. The problem is I took one look at the parking deck and said to myself what a mess. I suppose this is the most sensible way of doing this, but it just looks confusing and jammed. Then the outer area parking is not done, it's still a gravelly area that you know is for parking, but it doesn't fit the fancy structure that is surrounded by it. It seems to be doing well business-wise and I'm sure I'll find myself going to it, particularly for Trader Joes, but if I can I'll park further away to avoid headache.

I still own some Yazdi gems from years ago when I lived in Seattle. Wish I could go to this shop…read moretomorrow! Unique, comfy, beautiful clothing! ​

Lovely selection of clothing and accessories, including for larger women. I wish it weren't so…read moreexpensive, but I understand that overhead costs are significant.

Shopping in Seattle, Washington…read more.. I really like Ross Dress for Less stores - especially on Tuesdays when there's a 10% discount! Just say "Tuesday Club" to the cashier if you're above the required age... haha! Located at the Ballard Blocks, park for free in the shared covered parking garage and go upstairs from Trader Joe's... how convenient! My niece needed a dish drainer. I needed a blanket. I also found a set of panda lights on clearance! I got a blue Stitch mug - also on clearance. My housewarming gift to my niece was a tiered shower caddy... LOL... I don't want to reach down to the body wash and shampoo on the floor of the shower! This was a fun experience! I caught the escalator down to my car - after walking up the stairs... I think the elevator wasn't working. I juggled my purchases without a shopping bag because I used my bag at Trader Joe's already!

Having been so accustomed to the large, ground level, department store version of Ross, this was a…read morereminder that not all locations are ever the same. First off, this Ross is located at the top of the escalator on the second floor of Ballard Blocks. Secondly, in order in to enter, one has to enter a scanner / screened at the door and then be let in by a security person. Thirdly, many common items are locked up and much of the browsing / perusing element gets lost. (#1) I was really hoping for some action from tent city faithful but missed out. The good news is that the store is clean and well organized. The furniture section isn't much to look at, nor is there much for electronics or men's clothing. It's not the biggest location but they've done a decent job keeping it well maintained. The staff was very kind and was very good about explaining and escorting folks to helping them find what they needed. Prices were the run of the mill with not too many deals to be found. Parking is available in the basement but street parking is also an option. ____________ (#1) A stark reminder that the West Coast doesn't play around.

Everything went well; direct to the store , courtesy and help from the salesman, ordering the…read morefurniture piece and delivery and setup, on time, courtesy and quick!

Bought several mattresses - love the quality of the latex. Very personalized service.read more