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New Yorkers 1st Choice
University District's best

Affordable Eats

Keeping expenses low while still eating out regularly.

Based on 887 Opinions
+884
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Updated April 2026
01
Shake & Stack Burgers image 1
Shake & Stack Burgers image 2
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Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger spot offers affordable prices with large, juicy burgers in a cozy atmosphere. Music stays moderate, perfect for chatting. Friendly vibe makes it great for casual meals.

Burgers come with affordable prices that make tasty, juicy meals easy on the wallet. Food stays good and affordable throughout the menu.

People are saying

"The cook's kindness really made my burger experience special."

"I found the atmosphere to be very cozy and comfortable."

"I found the burgers and fries to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Shake & Stack Burgers sometimes offers buy one get one deals.

2

Parking is easy and free at Shake & Stack Burgers.

3

The price for a double stack burger, fries, and a soda or shake is about $15 pre-tax.

02
Master Bing (UW) 煎饼师傅 (Savory Chinese Street Crepes) image 1

Cozy space with a quiet atmosphere invites relaxed dining. Self-order booths and a condiment bar make customization easy. Affordable prices let you enjoy authentic Chinese street crepes and grilled cold noodles often.

Affordable prices make the jianbing and Peking Duck set easy to enjoy regularly. The savory Chinese street crepes and grilled cold noodles offer authentic, tasty options without high cost.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and flavorful."

"This duck blood vermicelli soup is rich, flavorful, and comforting."

"I found the food here to be tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens early, making it convenient for breakfast.

2

Prices for Jianbing are affordable, typically around $9.99.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options.

03
Collegiana Hospitality House image 1

Dorm-style rooms with shared kitchens offer a simple, affordable stay for families near hospitals. Quiet, low-key atmosphere keeps guests comfortable despite dated facilities. Frequent shuttle service and secure parking make access easy for out-of-town patients.

Offers inexpensive lodging options for families with members in the hospital. Provides a safe and affordable stay for out-of-town patients and their families.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are spotless and welcoming."

"It's so quiet and peaceful here."

"It's an affordable place to stay when you have family in the hospital."

Good to know

1

The building is secure with locked entrances and a secure parking garage.

2

Room availability has been limited recently, so plan ahead.

3

The UW Purple Shuttle offers free transportation every 30 minutes until 6:30pm.

04
Bombay Express image 1
Restaurant

Spacious spot with authentic Indian decor and a warm vibe. Enjoy affordable prices on tasty street food. Open late with Desi music for a cozy, homelike feel.

Prices stay consistently affordable for both snacks and meals. Quality Indian food comes at a very affordable cost, making it easy to visit often.

People are saying

"I found the Indian food here to be amazing."

"It's my go-to late night spot, open until 2 AM."

"I found the Indian food here to be amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Bombay Express is open until 4 AM every day.

2

Parking on the street is difficult to find.

3

They stay open at night for late-night cravings.

05
Trader Joe's image 1
Grocery store

Small, cozy store with wide aisles and a bright layout feels like a cafe. Prices stay low on fresh food and snacks with better ingredients. Unique house-brand and quality frozen foods offer healthy, affordable meals.

Offers affordable prices on fresh food and snacks with better ingredient makeup than many other stores. Frozen meals are inexpensive and often healthier compared to alternatives.

People are saying

"The food here is great and the staff are so friendly."

"I found the groceries here to be so affordable."

"The parking spaces here are really tight."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, with mostly on-street options available.

2

Trader Joe's has a solid selection of unique house-brand products.

3

The store offers a variety of organic and sustainably sourced products.

06
Sultan Gyros Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small spot with a hole-in-the-wall vibe serves affordable prices and tasty Mediterranean food. Shawarma and gyros stand out as exceptional flavors. Cozy, casual space fits quick, budget-friendly meals perfectly.

Prices stay very affordable with items like the gyro combo at $11.99. Food tastes good and fits a budget-friendly quick bite.

People are saying

"I considered this the best gyro I ever had."

"I found the food delicious and it was affordable."

"The garlic sauce on these wraps is so good you could drink it."

Good to know

1

The gyro combo costs $11.99 and is very affordable.

2

They offered amazing deals for combo platters.

3

The restaurant can get busy, leading to a wait time of 15-20 minutes sometimes.

07
U DupBop Asian Fusion image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot offers authentic Korean dishes with generous portions at affordable prices. Cozy interior and quiet patio create a friendly, homey vibe. Service is good and space feels clean and welcoming.

Generous portions come with affordable prices. Food is delicious and filling with good service.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was super good."

"You can eat inside or outside on their two covered decks."

"The food here is delicious, filling, and affordable."

Good to know

1

There is parking available right out front.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for the price.

08
Taste of Xi'an 西安味道 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining area with authentic Chinese décor creates a lively, cozy vibe. Prices stay very affordable with generous portions like skewers and mapo tofu. Comfortable seating and self-service chili oil add to the vibrant experience.

Prices stay very affordable with generous portions that stretch meals. Skewers rank as the most affordable in the area, and plates like stir-fried cold noodles and mapo tofu offer great value for multiple servings.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles here are authentically chewy and flavorful."

"These dumplings have a juicy filling that explodes on the first bite."

"I found the food to be good and affordable."

Good to know

1

You must scan the QR code on the table to order.

2

The kitchen closes at 3:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Parking can be a little hard to find.

09
Lee’s Kitchen Noodle & Rice U Dub image 1

Cozy spot offers affordable prices perfect for college budgets. Enjoy generous portions with free soup and sides in a relaxed, quiet space. Traditional decor adds charm to a casual, self-service dining experience.

Prices stay consistently affordable and fit well within a college budget. Meals offer a good balance of nutrition and taste without stretching the wallet.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like home-style Taiwanese cuisine."

"It's a great lunch spot with many choices."

"The food here is really affordable, especially for college students."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has serious cleanliness issues, with cockroaches and dirty surfaces reported.

2

Safety and sanitation need significant improvement.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

10
CALL A CHICKEN - University of Washington image 1

Spacious spot with board games and plug points offers a fun, casual vibe. Chicken dishes stay moist and juicy while staying affordable. Bright yellow theme and chicken art add character to the lively atmosphere.

Chicken dishes come with affordable prices and stay moist and juicy. Burgers and wings also offer good taste without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh, delicious, and affordable."

"I found the chicken sandwich to be juicy and a great deal for $5."

"I found the chicken here to be tasty and affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Prices are affordable, making it popular among students.

3

The restaurant has a 'needs to improve' food safety rating.

11
Bite and Bento(一二三•自选快餐) image 1

Affordable prices meet home-style portions in a clean, calm setting near a university. Fresh dishes come with good variety and occasional live shows add a unique touch. Perfect for simple lunches or takeout with reasonable prices.

Offers affordable prices with good portions that feel like home cooking. Provides lots of options without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the food to be great and cheap."

"I found the food affordable and offering good portions."

Good to know

1

Meals cost around $14, making it affordable for students.

2

Portion sizes are decent, providing good value for the price.

3

Be aware that the spicy chicken may contain bones.

12
Hiroshi's Poke image 1

Small space with no seating creates a quick takeout spot. Known for fresh fish and large portions, it offers affordable pricing near campus. Cozy atmosphere makes it a great choice for quality poke on the go.

Generous portions come with affordable pricing here. The menu offers reasonably inexpensive options that are quick and maintain good quality for takeout.

People are saying

"The seafood here tastes incredibly fresh."

"I thought the poke here was the best I had in Seattle."

"You get generous portions for affordable prices here."

Good to know

1

There is no seating available; all orders are for takeout only.

2

A meal costs $15 for two choices, including complimentary macaroni salad.

3

Portion sizes are large enough for at least two meals.

13
Time Bistro image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese spot shines with cozy atmosphere and bright lighting that feels like a living room. Affordable menu features tasty chicken wings with tamarind sauce. Lively crowd, including college students, adds to the energetic vibe.

Affordable food includes tasty chicken wings with tamarind sauce and a variety of other dishes. The menu offers delicious selections that balance quality and price well.

People are saying

"I loved their vegan pork banh mi."

"The Vietnamese food, especially the pho, is so tasty and warmed me up."

"I found the food to be really good and affordable."

Good to know

1

Time Bistro has a full separate vegan and vegetarian menu available.

2

The bistro is five minutes away from the light rail station, making it easily accessible.

3

Parking can be tricky, which is common for the area.

14
Saigon Deli image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, bustling spot offers affordable prices and flavorful banh mi. Casual, homey vibe with quick, budget-friendly meals draws a steady crowd. Limited seating keeps it cozy and unpretentious.

Affordable prices make this spot stand out for Vietnamese food. The bahn mi is both inexpensive and tasty, offering quick, budget-friendly meals.

People are saying

"The pork and wonton soup here is exceptionally delicious."

"I found the banh mi phenomenal and always fresh."

"I found the banh mi to be very good and inexpensive."

Good to know

1

Getting takeout is quick, and the packaging is well done.

2

The meal costs around $10, making it affordable.

3

Indoor seating is limited, so consider takeout during peak hours.

15
Itadakimasu image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Asian fusion spot offers affordable prices near $10 with generous portions. Cozy vibe with beautiful mural and quiet, friendly service. Teriyaki dishes stand out for taste and value.

Prices stay around $10 for a half size, making meals truly affordable without skimping on taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious with generous portions."

"The Japanese food here is so delicious and full of flavor."

"It's affordable, with entrees around $14 for two sides."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers great portions for amazing value.

2

Prices are competitive, with entrees around $14 including two sides.

3

Expect large portions; many dishes are much larger than the price paid.

16
Welcome Nails & Lashes image 1

Nail salon offers affordable prices with a great polish selection in a clean, well-ventilated space. Clients enjoy flawless nail art and durable gel-x extensions in a calm, relaxed vibe.

Prices stay affordable here, especially for gel x extensions. Costs compare lower than many other nail salons in the area.

People are saying

"I loved my manicure; my nails are the best I've ever gotten."

"My gel nails still looked amazing after a month, with no chips."

"I found the prices here to be so affordable."

Good to know

1

The prices at the salon are affordable compared to others in Seattle.

2

Students receive a 10% discount on services.

3

Walk-ins are allowed, but booking is recommended on busy days.

17
Mee Sum image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, dimly lit space creates a homey feel with quiet atmosphere and familiar Chinese pop music. Affordable prices offer good value on authentic Taiwanese and Cantonese dishes like popcorn chicken and chow fun. Board games and free Wi-Fi add to the relaxed vibe.

Most standard dishes cost between $13 and $14, which is affordable compared to other places with higher prices. The menu offers good value without sacrificing taste.

People are saying

"The Chinese food portions and price are hard to beat."

"The boba tea here is delicious and the boba has a chewy texture."

"You get a massive amount of food for such an affordable price."

Good to know

1

Most standard dishes range from $13 to $14, offering good value.

2

Entrees like congee and noodles are priced at $10 and $14, respectively.

3

Portion sizes are generous, making meals suitable for sharing.

18
BB's Teriyaki Grill image 1
Asian restaurant

Build-your-own Asian grill serves customizable dishes in a relaxed atmosphere with open-air seating. Meals are very inexpensive, perfect for quick, affordable lunches near campus. Eco-friendly compostable containers add a green touch.

Food comes at a very inexpensive price, especially for the university district. Lunch options are affordable, fast, and offer good quality for the price.

People are saying

"The Teriyaki portions here are generous and a great deal."

"This lunch spot is so inexpensive for the area."

"I found the food to be inexpensive and of good quality for the price."

Good to know

1

The food portions are large and reasonably priced.

2

Prices are affordable, especially for the university district.

3

The restaurant is clean and well-organized.

19
Shawarma King image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small sit-down spot offers affordable prices and authentic lamb dishes. Lots of seating and great decor create a welcoming vibe. Loud background music with Arabic prayers keeps the atmosphere chill for quick, flavorful meals.

Affordable prices make this spot a solid choice for a quick bite. The food is authentic and the atmosphere matches the inexpensive vibe.

People are saying

"I believed their shawarmas were the best in Seattle."

"I thought the Greek food, especially the gyro, was the best I've ever had."

"I found the food here to be amazing and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking outside can be a hassle, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Fries do not come with sandwiches, so order them separately.

20
Aladdin Gyro-Cery & Deli image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean spot shines with traditional decor and a club-like energy from loud Middle Eastern music. Big servings of gyros and fries make it budget-friendly. Limited seating includes indoor and outdoor with Palestine flags adding charm.

Gyros and fries come in big servings with consistently affordable prices. This spot offers some of the most budget-friendly options on The Ave.

People are saying

"The Greek food here, especially the gyros, is flavorful and affordable."

"I thought the shawarma here was the best I'd ever had."

"The Aladdin fries are a huge serving and really affordable."

Good to know

1

The establishment stays open until 2 am and serves food quickly.

2

They charge an extra $0.50 for credit card payments.

3

I recommend paying with cash to avoid the fee.

21
Burger and kabob hut image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small fast food spot with a hole in the wall vibe offers a family-like atmosphere that feels like a second home. Prices stay very affordable, with the Indian burger as a standout budget option. The place draws a steady crowd late into the night for flavorful meals.

Prices stay consistently very affordable across the menu. The Indian burger stands out as a budget-friendly option with good taste.

People are saying

"I loved their flavorful paneer and veggie burgers."

"This is my favorite late night spot for juicy burgers."

"I thought the prices were very affordable and the food was good."

Good to know

1

The place is open late, making it ideal for midnight cravings.

2

Takeaway is the preferred option as dine-in service is closed.

3

Prices are very affordable compared to other burger spots in the area.

22
Just Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small spot offers best smashed burgers in a cozy setting with comfortable bench seating. Prices stay affordable and match local rates. Food prep behind the counter creates a quick vibe and casual feel.

Prices stay consistently affordable and match what you get. Costs align with typical rates in the area, making it a budget-friendly option.

People are saying

"I thought this was one of the best burgers I ever had."

"These burgers are so delicious and juicy, perfect for a date spot."

"I thought the prices here were pretty affordable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's lack of clear allergy information could pose serious health risks for customers with gluten allergies.

2

You need to pay by card; cash is not accepted.

3

Parking for one hour costs $7.

23
Burritos California image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining offers a peaceful atmosphere but can feel cold with loud music at times. Prices stay affordable with large, clean portions like carne asada. Enjoy California-style burritos in a Pacific Northwest taqueria setting.

Prices stay way more affordable than other Mexican spots nearby. Portions like the carne asada come large and clean without raising the cost.

People are saying

"I loved their fresh green salsa; it's so good it should be bottled."

"I had the best breakfast burrito I’ve ever had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be solid and affordable."

Good to know

1

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

2

Prices for large burritos are under $10, making it affordable.

3

Portions are large enough to share or have two meals.

24
University Avenue Barber Shop image 1

Old-school barbershop offers affordable prices and quick, quality haircuts. Cash-only policy keeps things simple. Classic, historic character blends with a mix of young and older barbers for a personalized service in a traditional atmosphere.

Prices stay inexpensive while haircuts come out quick and well done. Waiting for an open chair happens but the cost remains affordable.

People are saying

"This barbershop gives you the exact trim you're looking for."

"I thought the haircuts here were affordable and great."

"I found the service to be quick and cheap."

Good to know

1

The shop is cash only, so bring cash or use nearby ATMs.

2

Expect a 15-30 minute wait for walk-ins.

3

Prices are very good compared to other local options.

25
Thai Tom image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space with flaming woks creates a smoky, intense vibe. Food is affordable and fast, though some dishes are just okay. Bar seating offers an entertaining view of chefs cooking on the spot.

Food comes at very affordable prices while staying flavorful and fast. Some dishes lean toward mediocre, but overall the cost stays low.

People are saying

"I thought the Thai food here was packed with flavor."

"They have plenty of great vegetarian options."

"I found the food here to be delicious and affordable."

Good to know

1

Thai Tom only accepts cash payments.

2

They will not seat your party until everyone has arrived.

3

Expect difficulty finding parking near Thai Tom.

26
Solo NOODLE image 1
Restaurant

Bright orange exterior welcomes guests to a quiet spot with authentic Anhui-style beef noodle soup. Prices stay consistently affordable, making it a great choice for a quick, filling meal. Self-service ordering keeps the vibe casual and old-fashioned.

Prices stay consistently affordable here. Meals offer good value without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"This beef noodle soup is so flavorful, I drank every drop."

"I found the beef noodle soup authentic and flavorful with generous beef."

"I considered the price to be affordable."

Good to know

1

Ordering is straightforward at a kiosk, with options for online pickup.

2

Everything is self-service, including ordering and busing tables.

3

A bowl costs about $17, with generous portions that are very filling.

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University District, Seattle

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