Thanh Vi

4226 University Way N.E.

Seattle, WA 98105

(206) 633-7867

A refreshing change from the slew of pho restaurants that line the Ave, Thanh Vi offers its customers a teaser into traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Located at the heart of the Ave, the small, quaint eatery attracts a great deal of lunchtime foot traffic. Although the service is fast-paced, be assured that the food quality is very good. Every customer is greeted like an old friend with a “hello sister” or “hello brother,” which sets the mood for a homey and relaxing eating experience. A lunchtime favorite is Vietnamese sandwiches, a lightly toasted baguette stuffed with pork or chicken, pickled carrots and finished with a mayonnaise-like secret sauce. It is made fresh to order, and is a delicious steal. Open since 1996, the restaurant offers an array of Vietnamese platters, from rice dishes and hot and cold noodle soups to the lunchtime favorite Bahn Mi, Vietnamese sandwiches. The menu is made for a college-conscious budget with a price range of $5 to $8.

Aladdin Falafel Corner

4541 University Way N.E.

Seattle WA 98105

(206) 548-9539

Vibrant yellow and red paint graces the walls of the cramped but lively Middle Eastern-inspired eatery. As you step inside, you are met with the sounds of soft music and light conversation by the staff. The aroma of spices will stimulate your taste buds. Although space is limited, a bar set-up allows customers to sit and observe the ingredients and creation of the assortment of Middle Eastern delicacies. Aladdin’s specialties include Falafel, a mixture of deep fried garbanzo beans, parsley, onions and spices; and their lemon chicken gyro, all priced from $4 to $6. This eatery is a hot spot among the night owls with its doors open until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

A Burger Place

4234 University Way N.E.

Seattle, WA 98105

(206) 547-5096

Not quite the typical burger joint, rather a fusion between a dine-in restaurant and fast food, A Burger Place provides the best of both worlds. A step up from grabbing a burger at a fast-food chain, the restaurant caters to each customer individually with its customizable burger menu. Starting base cost for a single patty burger is $3.50 with an extra 50 cents for toppings, sauces and extras galore that will satisfy any craving a hungry college student may have. Turnaround time is less than five minutes — a great compromise between time and quality for those who are looking for a quick eat between classes or work. But if time is not of the essence, the place provides ample space compared to the many tight and overcrowded restaurants of the Ave. So take a load off, pull out the laptop and surf the Web with free Wi-Fi access.

Kiku Tempura House

5018 University Way N.E.

Seattle, WA 98105

(206) 524-1125

Slightly on the outskirts of congested Northeast 45th Street, nestled in a row of a variety of ethnic eateries, sits Kiku Tempura House, an untapped resource for Japanese cuisine. A billboard-like menu rests against the wall displaying photos of its many sushi, teriyaki and tempura dishes. The menu is offset by maps of the world with hundreds of pushpins recognizing the places the restaurant’s customers have come from and been. This self-proclaimed UW staple not only sets its average price at $7, the food portions are large enough for a two-day serving. Although Husky cards are not accepted, Kiku provides discounts to students who participate in a range of ethnic student organizations. Kiku also provides a spacious environment that is a great place for your next group outing.

Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria

4106 Brooklyn Avenue N.E.

Suite 102A

Seattle, WA 98105

Guanaco’s Tacos Pupuseria’s light and airy ambiance depicted through soft yellow paint and tropical décor allows for a short retreat from the bustling life of a college student. Skip past the Ave and head straight to Brooklyn Avenue. There you’ll find this charming El Salvadorian hole-in-the-wall. This spot offers a range of customary El Salvadorian specialties like the Pupusas, but also popular Mexican dishes like traditional tamales and Burritos Guanacos. It is best known for its Pupusas, a tortilla served with cheese, meat, beans and, for added flavor, lorocco, a spicy tropical herb. This is a steal at only $1.99. The appeal of this eatery is home-style cooking at a reasonable price — entrees run $1.99 to $12. It’s an ideal place for a college student with a menu averaging at $7, but if you don’t have cash in your wallet, Guanaco’s accepts plastic — even the Husky card. A new addition to the diverse cuisine of the U-District, Guananco’s Tacos Pupuseria is quickly becoming a big draw for its authentic Latin American cuisine.