Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of University District

Affordable lunch spots

Made for those who demand a substantial lunch that respects their budget without sacrificing quality.

Based on 825 Opinions
+822
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
Shake & Stack Burgers image 1
Shake & Stack Burgers image 2
Shake & Stack Burgers image 3
View all
Hamburger restaurant

Hamburger restaurant with beautiful, well-kept interior and cozy, comfortable atmosphere. Music volume varies but often stays at a moderate level, allowing easy conversation. Known for delicious, large burgers and a welcoming vibe that suits casual dining.

Quick service and consistent quality make it a solid choice for lunch. Frequent visits show it works well for a fast, satisfying meal during the day.

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 burgers and fries to be delicious and affordable."

"I loved going to this lunch spot for lunch."

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
Lee’s Kitchen Noodle & Rice U Dub image 1

Cozy space blends traditional decor with a relaxed atmosphere and quiet vibe. Self-service setup offers free soup and sides, encouraging a casual dining experience. Generous portions and affordable prices suit a college-area crowd.

Offers a wide variety of quick lunch options with many choices. Serves as a reliable spot for a regular midday meal.

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.

03
Saigon Deli image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small, bustling spot with minimal decor and limited seating offers a casual, homey atmosphere. Known for affordable, flavorful banh mi and pho, it draws a steady crowd seeking quick, unpretentious Vietnamese dishes.

Quick service stands out even during the busy lunch hour. Good spot to meet up or order ahead for lunch.

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.

04
Taste of Xi'an 西安味道 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining area features authentic Chinese décor with Terracotta Warriors at the entrance and Chinese calligraphy on the walls. Atmosphere feels cozy yet lively, often crowded and noisy, creating a vibrant setting. Seating is comfortable and spacious, with self-service chili oil and garlic enhancing the experience.

Offers hot oil noodles and other flavorful dishes for lunch. Serves as a reliable spot for a tasty meal during study breaks or afternoon visits.

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."

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

"This lunch spot has delicious, authentic Xi'an-style Chinese food."

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.

05
CALL A CHICKEN - University of Washington image 1

Spacious fast food spot with board games and plug points at every table creates a casual, interactive vibe. Bright yellow theme and chicken art decorate the interior, adding character. Atmosphere varies from cozy and peaceful to lively and fun depending on the crowd.

Chicken sandwiches serve as a quick lunch option here. The spot feels comfortable and suits lunch better than dinner.

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 here to be tasty and affordable."

"This Lunch Spot's spicy chicken sandwich is awesome and crispy."

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.

06
BB's Teriyaki Grill image 1
Asian restaurant

Build-your-own Asian grill offers customizable dishes in a relaxed, no-nonsense atmosphere with open-air seating and a varied music mix. The space feels spacious despite its small size, making it suitable for quick, affordable meals. Compostable containers and utensils add an eco-friendly touch.

Affordable lunch options stand out here. It serves as a reliable spot when choices feel uncertain.

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.

07
Aladdin Gyro-Cery & Deli image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small Mediterranean restaurant with traditional Middle Eastern decor including carpets and fabric roof accents. Atmosphere is bright and lively with loud Middle Eastern music creating a club-like energy. Seating is limited but offers both indoor and outdoor options, with Palestine flags prominently displayed.

Lunch here offers a filling meal that suits a midday break during a bike tour or class. Outdoor seating lets you enjoy your food while watching the world go by.

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."

"This Lunch Spot gyro is delicious with ample meat and great flavor."

"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.

08
Just Burgers image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall hamburger spot with cozy atmosphere and comfortable bench seating. Food preparation happens behind the counter, creating a connected and quick vibe. Known for best smashed burgers and a casual, inviting environment.

Good seating and a nice atmosphere make it a solid choice for a casual lunch. The place stays quiet during lunch hours but serves reliable meals throughout the day.

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."

"The curly fries at this Lunch Spot are hot and crispy."

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.

09
Bombay Express image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with authentic Indian decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music features Indian songs, enhancing the Desi vibe. Open late, it offers a cozy setting for enjoying homelike Indian street food.

Lunch combos offer good value but include too much rice. Pricing adds extra charges for certain sodas despite same size. Comfort food suits casual meals with friends.

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."

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

"I always came here for the lunch special and comfort food."

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.

10
Solo NOODLE image 1
Restaurant

Bright orange exterior marks a casual noodle spot with an old-fashioned vibe. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, suited for introverts, with self-service ordering and table bussing. Dishes offer authentic Anhui-style beef noodle soup and generous portions, creating a solid choice for a quick, filling meal.

Lunch comes up fast after ordering at the kiosk, making it a quick option. Takeout meals offer convenience but can take longer than expected.

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."

"This Lunch Spot has the best noodles I've ever had."

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.

Discover more

University District, Seattle

Area guide
Loading Map...