As most students do, we will center our search radius around University Way NE, also known as the Ave, a stretch of streets parallel to the university campus spanning between NE 41st and NE 50th Streets.
There are plenty more amazing places to visit on the Ave itself, but here are a few ideas for those of you adventurous enough to stray a little from campus. Visit one of these places, a few, or all of them. You won't regret it.
Let's start closest to the UW campus and work our way out.
Magnus Books
Located pretty much on the Ave at 1408 NE 42nd St, Magnus Books is a small bookstore that manages to fit a lot of books into such a tiny space.
It is a very cute place to kill time after classes, and I have spent many a dollar buying old or scholarly or nostalgic books from here. The place oozes indie vibes, and has an interesting variety of books, though depending on the title, they can be a little pricey. But if you can scrounge up a few to sell, you can opt for either cash back or credit towards your purchase - they have been buying and selling used books in good quality condition since 1978.
Artist & Craftsman Supply
At 4350 8th Ave NE, just a six minute bus ride if you take the 44 from 45th street and the Ave, you'll find this hidden gem.
A craft store in which you have to walk around back to find the entrance, Artist & Craft Supply is a HUGE store. You walk in, seeing all the dyes and paints, and think, "That has to be it!" until you realize there is a back to it that opens up to so much paper.
Even if you don't like art, this place is too beautiful to not visit once and explore. Not only that, but it gives you a good excuse to use that free bus pass you get with tuition.
Open Books: A Poem Emporium
Open Books: A Book Emporium is located at 2414 N 45th St. Just take the 44 (again) from the Ave and 45th st, and ride for 12 minutes.
This is one of the few poetry only bookstores you will find. The cutest couple own the store and will always offer to help give you recommendations depending on what style or genre or poets you like. You can also often run into poetry graduate students from UW. This is a tiny hole in the wall, so don't miss it.
Chocolati Cafe Wallingford
I may be a cafe enthusiast, but this is might just be my favorite cafe not only near campus, but in all of Seattle.
Chocolati Cafe Wallingford can be found in the Wallingford area of Seattle (surprise!) on 1716 N 45th St. Like Open Books which is on your way to Wallingford, you once again take the 44 bus to reach this cafe, this time for 15 minutes. This cafe is known for it's wide variety of truffles, and the best London Fog I have ever had was from here. It's the perfect place to get away to do your schoolwork.
Not only that, but the cafe is covered in local artwork, and has upper floors on both sides of the store to sit in. And the best part? Dog friendly. They even keep a jar of treats on the counter and a water bowl on the floor next to the front door.
Daiso
For all you poor college students, Daiso is basically a Japanese dollar store.
The closest one to UW is located at 6411 12th Ave NE, a 30-minute ride away if you take the 67 bus. Daiso has everything you could ever need, and things you don't need but want anyway. They have Japanese food, beauty products, cute stationary, cheap kitchen supplies, and more. This is also the place to buy all your dorm-room-sized stuff.
Wayward Vegan Cafe
Located at 801 NE 65th St is the lovely Wayward Vegan Cafe.
This place feels like your cousin owns it and wants you to feel at home here. Take the 67 bus for 35 minutes and walk past Daiso to find a cafe that even my non-vegan or vegetarian friend say serves amazing food. Call in advance, because there may be a wait, as this cafe is well known for having top notch food. They serve the best biscuits and gravy I have ever had (sorry dad!). I go out of my way to eat here - that is, if you call a 45 minute bus ride from campus to downtown Seattle "out of the way." But trust me, the food is worth it.
