University Village Seattle
An al fresco shopping destination in Seattle blending local boutiques, national brands, and diverse dining options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festive decor and fun atmosphere
University Village Seattle
Best Time
Festive decor and fun atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An al fresco shopping destination in Seattle blending local boutiques, national brands, and diverse dining options.
"Beautiful collection of retail outdoor space and food. Very family friendly with unique shopping experience."
🎯 Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond national brands, discover unique local shops for a special find.
☕ Grab a Coffee Flight
Check out M Cozy Fusion Café for a delightful coffee experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
French Guys Pastries
The French Guys Seattle
Indulge in warm, delicious French pastries that have visitors raving. A must-try for a sweet treat!
Sezane Pop-Up
University Village
Experience Parisian chic with the Sezane pop-up, featuring their latest fall collection. Perfect for fashion enthusiasts.
Simply Seattle
University Village
Discover local Seattle pride and unique souvenirs at this beloved shop, featured on American Dream TV.
M Cozy Fusion Café
Near University Village
Enjoy a cute brunch spot with delightful coffee flights, perfect for a weekend outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Open Air
Dining Delights & Retail Therapy
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond national brands, discover unique local shops for a special find.
☕ Grab a Coffee Flight
Check out M Cozy Fusion Café for a delightful coffee experience.
🍗 Try Famous Fried Chicken
Ma'ono offers incredible fried chicken sandwiches inside Rachel's Ginger Beer.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Open Air
University Village is an outdoor mall, perfect for a stroll on a sunny day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Local Boutiques
Beyond national brands, discover unique local shops for a special find.
☕ Grab a Coffee Flight
Check out M Cozy Fusion Café for a delightful coffee experience.
🍗 Try Famous Fried Chicken
Ma'ono offers incredible fried chicken sandwiches inside Rachel's Ginger Beer.
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Open Air
University Village is an outdoor mall, perfect for a stroll on a sunny day.
🚗 Parking Considerations
While generally good, parking can be busy during peak times. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise University Village for its pleasant open-air atmosphere, diverse range of shops from local boutiques to national brands, and varied dining options. It's considered a family-friendly spot, especially charming during the fall and holiday seasons. Some minor drawbacks include potential parking congestion during peak times and strict adherence to closing hours late at night.
"Very walkable open air mall, and few to no smokers around. Was told to leave late at night, and I think they enforced this with drones overhead, even though I confirmed with the Apple Store that they had no issue with me waiting for the store to open the next day."
David
"Very nice shopping area that's open air, has a lot of good restaurants and great stores that university students love"
Gabe Agnew
"Beautiful collection of retail outdoor space and food. Very family friendly with unique shopping experience. Room and Board is amazing."
Steph King
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
University Village is located in Seattle's Ravenna neighborhood, north of downtown. It's accessible by car and public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to drive, though parking can be busy.
Yes, University Village is a very walkable open-air shopping center, making it easy to explore its many shops and restaurants on foot.
From downtown Seattle, you can take a bus or rideshare service to University Village. The journey typically takes around 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Raising Cane's is planning to open a location in the U-District in 2026, which may impact local traffic and accessibility.
Yes, biking is a great option, and there are usually bike racks available. The area is relatively flat and pleasant for cycling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, University Village is an open-air shopping center and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the grounds and shops.
Individual store and restaurant hours may vary, but the shopping center itself is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check the specific hours for any stores you plan to visit.
There is no admission fee to enter or wander around University Village. You only pay for any purchases you make.
University Village often hosts seasonal events and pop-ups, especially during the holidays. Keep an eye on their official website or social media for announcements.
While the shops close at a certain time, the outdoor areas may be accessible. However, some reviews suggest enforcement of closing times, so it's best to visit during regular business hours. [^Review]
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
University Village features a mix of national retailers, locally owned boutiques, and popular brands like Madewell and Room & Board.
Simply Seattle is a great spot for finding Seattle-specific merchandise and gifts.
Yes, stores like Madewell at University Village often cater to mid-size fashion and host styling events.
Room & Board is a highly recommended store for home decor at University Village. [^Review]
While University Village has many popular retailers, it does not currently have a Sephora or Ulta. You'll find other beauty and personal care options.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options range from French Guys for pastries to Cedars for Indian cuisine
and Ma'ono for fried chicken sandwiches. Eureka is also a popular choice. [^Review]
M Cozy Fusion Café offers a great brunch experience with coffee flights.
Yes, University Village has a variety of restaurants suitable for families, with many offering outdoor seating. [^Review]
French Guys offers delicious pastries for a quick and satisfying treat.
While specific menus vary, the diverse range of restaurants at University Village likely offers vegetarian and some vegan options. It's best to check individual restaurant menus.
📸 📸 Photography
The open-air architecture, art fixtures, and seasonal decorations, especially during the holidays, make for great photo opportunities.
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos for personal use. Be mindful of store interiors and private events.
University Village features various art fixtures throughout the outdoor space that add visual interest and make for unique shots. [^Review]
Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful lighting, especially during golden hour. Summer mornings are also pleasant and less crowded.
Short personal videos are generally fine, as seen in many vlogs. For commercial filming, it's advisable to contact University Village management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for stores that offer engaging items for children, and take advantage of the various dining options that can satisfy picky eaters. The festive decorations during the holidays also add an extra layer of fun for younger visitors.
[^Review]🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds
+1 Explore shops like Simply Seattle for authentic Seattle souvenirs or check out temporary pop-ups like Sezane for exclusive fashion finds. +1Don't be afraid to wander off the beaten path and explore the smaller shops. You might find unique clothing, artisanal goods, or specialty items that you won't see anywhere else. The open-air setting encourages leisurely browsing, so take your time to uncover those special treasures.
🍽️ Foodies and Coffee Lovers
Explore the diverse culinary landscape, from Indian cuisine at Cedars
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Shopper's Paradise: Brands and Boutiques
to curated home goods at Room & Board [^Review]. The presence of shops like Simply Seattle offers a taste of local Seattle pride, making it a destination for both everyday needs and special finds.The open-air layout enhances the shopping experience, allowing visitors to stroll between stores comfortably. This al fresco environment is particularly appealing during pleasant weather, encouraging leisurely exploration. The mix of retailers ensures that shoppers with varied tastes and budgets can find something to their liking, from high-end fashion to more accessible brands.
+1Beyond clothing and home goods, University Village also hosts temporary pop-ups, such as the highly anticipated Sezane pop-up,
which brings exclusive collections and a touch of Parisian flair to Seattle. These temporary installations add an element of excitement and novelty, encouraging repeat visits to discover what's new.Culinary Delights: A Taste of University Village
For a taste of international flavors, Cedars offers Indian cuisine, providing a different culinary experience.
The presence of restaurants like Eureka also adds to the diverse gastronomic landscape. [^Review]Many of these eateries offer outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy their meals in the pleasant open-air environment of University Village. This makes it an ideal location for a relaxed meal, whether you're taking a break from shopping or visiting specifically for the food. [^Review]
Seasonal Charm and Community Vibe
[^Review] The open-air nature of the mall makes it particularly enjoyable during the fall, when the changing leaves add to the ambiance. Beyond seasonal charm, the village fosters a sense of community. It's described as a family-friendly destination, with ample space for children to explore while parents shop. [^Review] The presence of art fixtures throughout the outdoor space adds to its unique character and provides pleasant visual elements for visitors. [^Review]
While generally a positive experience, some reviews mention strict enforcement of closing times late at night, suggesting a focus on maintaining a safe and orderly environment. [^Review] However, the overall sentiment points to a welcoming and engaging space that offers more than just retail therapy, but also a pleasant place to spend time.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit