Now Open!
Join us outdoors on The Ave
Outdoors On The Ave
Until October 3rd, some exciting changes have arrived to The Ave in the heart of the U District. Led by volunteers in collaboration with small businesses and neighborhood organizations, Outdoors On The Ave is a pilot project for the summer of 2021 to repurpose parking and driving lanes on one block to enhance space for people, shopping, and outdoor dining.
If coming to the U District, you can still access businesses by car as all deliveries and one-way traffic will continue southbound between NE 42nd and 43rd Streets, beginning this Sunday. The rest of The Ave retains regular, two-way traffic. Buses are diverted both ways one block to 15th Ave NE south of NE 50th St, and will resume after October 3rd.
This experiment will:
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Help local small businesses recover from the pandemic
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Create more space for pedestrians on The Ave
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Attract customers to the U District during the summer
For more info and updates throughout the summer, join our mailing list.
Help make this summer experiment a success!
Map Key
Outdoors On The Ave
This business is participating in this project.
NE 43rd Street Plaza
This business is part of UDP's plaza on NE 43rd Street.
One-way Southbound Traffic Area
Vehicular traffic limited to one-way south and buses diverted to 15th Ave NE during the summer project.
Phase 1
Completed √ - Block opened to outdoor dining areas on both sides with southbound-only traffic and deliveries. Buses diverted to 15th Avenue NE.
Phase 2
Completed √ - Additional outdoor dining areas and tables are added to participating restaurants.
Phase 3
End of July - A beautiful, colorful mural is painted on the street by a local artist with volunteers.
Featured Outdoor Dining
Bulldog News
In business since 1983, Bulldog News has the largest collection of magazines in the Pacific Northwest and serves espresso and ice cream. Since 2015, Bulldog News has hosted our neighborhood's popular parklet.
Aladdin's Gyro-cery
Since 1993, Aladdin's has been renowned as one of the best fast-casual Mediterranean, Greek, and Middle Eastern restaurants in the U District.
Big Time Brewery
Established in 1988, this is Seattle's original brew pub, serving craft beer ever since.
FOOD & DRINK
Restaurants
The U District hosts one of the most diverse and economical selections of restaurants in the entire city of Seattle. Come explore!
COFFEE & PASTRIES
Cafés
Starbucks learned their craft from our own Café Allegro, Seattle's oldest espresso bar, and we have several great coffeehouses.
RETAIL ITEMS
Shops
The unique mom and pop stores in the U District make it a mecca for eclectic and funky items you will treasure.
Summer Streets: U District
In concert with Outdoors On The Ave, there are a variety of outdoor dining options experiences throughout the U District this summer. These include the NE 43rd Street Outdoor Dining Plaza, the University District Farmers Market and over 30 restaurants with outdoor dining.
Quick Poll
It's time to return to The Ave now.
If you love the unique charm of The Ave, and want to see it recover and thrive, please visit our local small businesses to dine and shop.
We can't do it without you.