I really like this place. Solid food, good portions, and a menu with a surprising variety of delicious stuff to choose from. It's like a really good diner, and the best at carby, fatty student comfort food: kimchi fried rice, eggs benny, hot drinks in big mugs, Red Bull sodas, and a long plate of rose tteokbokki to share. You can study/work from open to close, stay fed, and use the bathroom as needed. The staff has great taste in music. It's the kind of place you'll miss when you move away. Docking one star bc twice now, I've had some rando [choice expletive] student come up to my table and say they need to relocate my group to another table bc they have an event they booked in the space and need to set up--well before their booking time begins. Most of the patrons are chill, but whichever student group is booking the space is annoying af. It's the single downside of this spot. read more

The two of us visited Café on the Ave this past weekend during the UW Cherry Blossom Fest, mostly because everywhere else was packed -- and honestly, their cute blossom décor totally drew us in. The sign out front advertised blossom corn dogs, and there was no way we were passing that up. You order at the cashier, and the setup is self‑serve. Food is brought out to your table based on your number, while drinks come with a buzzer for pickup. We tried the Blossom Lattes, which tasted like a rose latte, though a bit sweeter than I prefer. The Blossom Corn Dogs were definitely the highlight: half mozzarella stick, half wiener, coated in sugar and drizzled with pink mayo sauce. They reminded me of a Korean hot dog -- fluffy breading, perfectly crunchy from the deep fry, and surprisingly fun to eat. I did walk away with a full-on sugar coma afterward, but it was worth it for the novelty. Overall, a cute spot to pop into during cherry blossom season. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Blossom Corn Dog with a Blossom Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

pretty good asian fusion spot in u district. as you can tell by the name, it's on the ave. open til at least midnight every night and open later on friday and saturday. the first time i visited, i only got a decaf latte. i recall the decaf tasting good and my friend and i just kinda parked at the place and yapped for awhile. it seems like a good place to do that at, as it's very very spacious inside. i tried it again during the cherry blossom festival and got an alcoholic drink. the drink, while very pretty in pink, was not good. wayyy too much syrup, it was almost entirely sugar, and, i love sugary drinks, but this was too much. because of that, i've never been back for alcoholic drinks. most recently, i went here with a friend because we wanted chill cafe vibes to work on some projects, but it was a sunday and evening time so most cafes were already closed. we got half a korean fried chicken with the honey garlic and sweet n spicy sauces. it was actually well-made, i was surprised. the portion was generous, which was an added bonus. everyone that works there is very nice. i think if you need a place to study or work or just chill out, this is a good place to go. it may be kind of a mixed bag in terms of quality, but you can at the very least get good coffee here. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Korean Fried Chicken - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Really interesting korean fusion brunch place! Definitely a college vibe, reminded me of places I used to eat back in college. And very college priced too. And college portioned. The plates were like double the size of my head. We got a bibimbap and creamy chicken mara pasta. The bibimbap wasn't really a bibimbap but made a nice bulgogi slop bowl basically. And it was nice that there were so many veggies in it. The pasta was definitely asian fusion pasta. Really has that creamy taste you get from having pasta in korea or japan in the places that have an asian interpretation. We ate until we were stuffed to the brim and still had leftovers. Probably didn't help that I ate the garlic bread too but it was also good. Unfortunately during the meal a crazy person came in and started yelling at people and the restaurant had a difficult time keeping him out but what are you gonna do about that I guess read more

Cafe on the Ave - Pork Bulgogi Bibimbap - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Since 2003, Cafe on the Ave has been a staple to the university district. It's an interesting place that's fit for students looking for a place to study, big groups looking to dine together, have a late brunch, or even happy hour. They quite literally have everything. A full coffee shop and pastries, a full brunch menu (until 3 PM), a sandwich menu, a pasta menu, an Asian fusion menu, a happy hour food menu, a full bar (4 PM onwards), wifi, and is open late at night. Umm, say less? This is a casual joint where you pay first and then pick and bus your own food. There was a lot more seating than I expected and they open the garage door when the weather nice and you can sit in the patio area as well. Service was quick and drinks and food were solid. Not the best I've had, but not terrible either. Their portions are quite large, which is great for students. If you're an early riser, they even have some specials before 10AM. Stationed on a corner near the udistrict light rail station, it's a convenient stop for anyone looking for food, drink, or study. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The ambiance and character of this place is very nice, it's pretty calm during the day a lot of people go just to hang out or study, at least from my experience. But I think the food is pretty average/american-ized. It's not really to my taste, but I do think they have a few classics that are good like their katsu, and I've heard a lot of good things about their drinks; although I've never personally tried. The service is nice and it's overall a good spot. read more

Ok that was fun! Went with the UW student kiddo who loves this place, I can see why. Order at the counter, friendly and helpful staff. HUGE portions and boxes for take-home meant we have great meals for lunch tomorrow, too. Casual place for students, parents, and anyone in the UW area who's hungry for a big meal (or split one!). read more

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Located in a very central area on the ave, this cafe has a nice variety of food, cafe drinks, and lots of seating. I saw many people studying while eating. The portion is very generous. I got the pesto pasta with chicken. It didn't say it would come with garlic bread so that was a nice surprise. The chicken was so soft and tender and well seasoned! They garnished it grated mozzarella and basil. I also got an ice latte and it was really good too. You order at the counter, find a seat, and they'll give you a number plaque. They'll bring you your food, but for drinks you'll have to get yourself at the counter when the buzzer goes off. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Chicken Pesto - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The place has a casual dive bar-meets-café atmosphere. The staff were friendly and made me feel welcome. Unfortunately, the food didn't quite hit the mark, though perhaps other menu items are better. It's a bit of a gamble what you'll get.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ On the other hand, it's a great place to study or journal. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Ginger tangerine - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

THE END OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AS WE KNOW IT! Last night, I stopped into this restaurant because it was my birthday andI didn't want to go to Wallingford or Capitol Hill for a meal. I told them and asked if I could be offered anything. Sure the guy said only it had to be under $5. He then said, "...we're not giving you a $20 meal free!" I could have enjoyed a plate of bacon, eggs and pancakes since I just turned seventy-five. So I took a coffee and purchased a brownie. The coffee was eventually brought out, but without any napkins or spill protection. At least it was the decaffinated that I ordered, so I said "Cheers!". I did leave with my coffee in a cup like at Starbucks, but if I had thought I could expect this kind of lame customer service, I could have gone there! Seriously, it reminded me of being back in the midwest, int he days when a person of colour could go into a restaurant but had to take the food or drinks outside. Well, so it goes but I will never go back into the Cafe on The Ave. again. Right now, I despise this place as much as Starbucks, and IHOP doesn't look bad at all after this! Luther R. Norman, Former Teacher and World Traveller... read more

Cafe on the Ave - Photograph for my review of Cafe On The Ave. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The menu is customizable for vegetarians but a bit more difficult with dairy free options, especially the drinks. The kimchi fried rice has dairy and it can't be removed unfortunately too. Got a drink and it was fine. The servers were polite and efficient. The ambiance is kinda like having breakfast or lunch in a dive bar with lots of natural lighting, which was fine. Very popular student hangout. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Green Tea Frappe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is definitely interesting with its fusion of more American Classics that you'd expect from a diner and then having Korean food on the menu too. I haven't ventured out because I'm not too sure about the authenticity of Korean food at this place because the American food here is kind of subpar it's what you expect from maybe like a Denny's but maybe a star above a Denny's. That's a lot of words to just say basic but good with its staples. I've had their club sandwich but i always love to once in a blue moon get their chicken fried steak with gravy, hashbrowns, and some sausage, that's a solid breakfast or lunch and it's delicious. But aside from those dishes and having my morning chai....its solid but kinda mid. 6.5/10 read more

I am a regular at cafe on the ave. I love their tomato soup, it was buttery and super thick. It was also a good portion size. Cafe on the ave was super busy that day so I had a hard time studying there. The service was pretty quick. I will always be a supporter of this restaurant and I love all the seating and music Yas . read more

Cafe on the Ave - Tomato Basil - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I very much appreciated the menu options here! I wanted something a bit lighter to eat and a sweet drink to accompany. I liked that they had "on the go" options so I got the veggie sandwich and the red velvet chocolate. The sandwich was pretty good, nice amount of flavors and vegetables. The hot chocolate was absolutely delicious, I really loved the comforting creaminess and the red velvet flavor was SO well done - still dreaming about it! My friends got the waffle and Benedict. Both were so good too. Service was really good too and all the staff were really sweet. We also enjoyed the big seating area!! read more

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Clearly I've been under a rock. I've walked by or driven past this corner spot on at 42nd & The Ave in Seattle's University District. It's been around since 2003! We had a brief power outage in North Seattle/Shoreline, so to escape the warm temps, The Homie recommended hanging out at Cafe on the Ave (6/21/24). Great business hours: 7am to 11pm Mondays - Thursdays & Sundays. Fridays and Saturdays 7am to 2am. Nice assortment of seating: two tops along screened open windows which allowed for a nice breeze, covered patio seating, bigger tables to allow for group meet ups, book club, gaming, etc. There's quite the variety of menu items and even a small bar area for 21+, essentially something for everyone. I had an Arnold Palmer and The Homie enjoyed an iced London Fog while onsite. Well worn, comfy college cafe vibe. read more

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When you use a card to pay for a $3.50 cup of coffee, the payment machine defaults to add a $1.50 tip. That's very unusual. The coffee: ok. read more

Cafe on the Ave is the spot for so many different foods. As a student from the University of Washington, I love going here to study, meet up, and eat for lunch/dinner. My favorite dish is the chicken curry with honey vinaigrette dressing (If I recall correctly) with a strawberry smoothie! read more

I just ordered the worst gyudon I've ever had in my life and I'm not even exaggerating. This is up there in terms of the most disgraceful things done to Japan since WW2 like man, take this off the menu PLEASE if you're gonna do it this awfully, JESUS!! LOOK AT MY PICS BRUH, GYUDON IS A RICE BOWL NOT A SOUP BOWL, LOOK HOW WATERY TS IS. this place is cookedddddd read more

Cafe on the Ave - watery ahh gyudon - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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It was a dark and stormy night, yet when I entered this cafe in the wee hours of the evening, I was greeted with the radiant sunshine of human kindness from these two lovely young ladies. Not only is the ambiance and quality of food here fantastic, but the workers here are extremely kind and beautiful :) I had a great experience and continue to come back! Thanks Zoey and Konnie for providing excellent service and always remembering my order/name read more

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Mocha was decent, but nothing to write home about. Wifi password not readily apparent. Food and drinks come out with a buzzer. read more

Food is awesome, i love their service and ambiance! Karaoke is always fun and the staff is really nice

One of my favorite spots in udistrict! I love the kimchi fried rice and the basil pesto pasta. Recently tried the tomato basil soup and it was so creamy and delicious! The portions sizes are generous too! Value for money read more

Cafe on the Ave - Kimchi Fried Rice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Food is a bit overpriced, and the flavors aren't that great, but they have a wide variety of options and it's a nice place to come and relax with friends. Service is good (self-bus). Pretty impressive how many things they have on their menu, but I haven't found anything that jumps off of it. read more

I feel like I've gotten the most random dishes here but not bad of a place. I've never solo dined here but I think it could be good for productivity if you like background noise. Rice dishes not the best but the croissant was kinda good. Service is decent but can be busy during lunch time !!! Shoutout Bar on the Ave! read more

Cafe on the Ave - California Croissant - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was honestly confused when I came here since they had coffee, american breakfast and lunch items, asian inspired food, and soju but loved the range and diversity. I came here with three other people a bit around noon on a Saturday. You order and then get a seat. We were able to find a table easily to sit all of us. I got the salmon benedict. I liked the hollandaise sauce and the eggs, but wish the croissant was more toasted and they put more salmon. I feel like this would be a great place to study since it's around campus! read more

Cafe on the Ave - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I had the special menu for a band concert night. The tteokbokki and fish cake were super yummy, and I liked the lively vibe! read more

Cafe on the Ave - Tteokbokki and fish cake - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I mean their food has always been mediocre and over priced but their new format of open air nightclub with absolutely no sound barriers for those who live close is absolutely awful for residents around them. The fact that I can hear every word of the songs they play from down the block is excessive and keeps me from actually enjoying my own apartment during the weekend because drunk college students apparently need to scream in the streets late into the night. read more

Food is good, if it's prepared correctly. I watched 2 other orders get returned, in addition to mine. I simply ordered the Chicken Sausage omelette, and asked for no marinara or feta cheese. I was delivered with both. When I asked to have it remade as I ordered, the cook decided to put me to the end of the line, and I waited 20 more minutes for the new omelette. Guy taking the orders and doing the coffee bar was great. Really seemed to care and tried his best to get me taken care of. Place would be SO MUCH better if there was just a little focus on the customer. Everything is self serve, self bus, (no reason to tip) but all the pepper shakers were empty, salt was in 2 shakers. Nothing on any table and you have to get up and get everything for yourself. Overall, poor dining experience, but if you just want a coffee and place to hang, this is fine. read more

I must go back immediately and try every dish, for breakfast brunch afternoon snack and dinner. Do not hesitate to stop in here to for a terrific meal. read more

Judging from the other reviews, maybe we just had bad timing. We came in for breakfast on a weekday and it felt like we were eating in a college bar after closing. The food was fine but nothing to write home about (again, think chef who has been working all night is making you some breakfast at 2 am). I'm not super into the bar scene so I probably wouldn't enjoy it more at night, but it might feel more natural at night. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Dining area - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I've been to Cafe on the Ave a few times before and have always gotten the kimchi fried rice. I ordered the kimchi fried rice with chicken to-go today for brunch. Maybe it's because I didn't actually eat the food until about half an hour after I had gotten it, but it was not as tasty as I had remembered. The eggs were a little rubbery (probably because I didn't eat it fresh). I wanted the chicken to be a little more crispy and have more texture to it; it felt pretty soft and wasn't super flavorful. The kimchi was in small bite sized pieces, which was nice. As for the fried rice, I personally don't mind that it is soft, but if you like crispy fried rice, this might not be the best option for you. The portion size is pretty large though. For a Friday morning, it was decently busy but not packed. Service was quick, and the overall atmosphere was warm but also very relaxing. They played good music, which was nice. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Kimchee Fried Rice - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Nice little spot for late night eats. I was looking for a late dinner after a long gym session, and this was one of the only spots which was open. It was highly recommended to me by some friends who attended UW and for good reason! They had a pretty extensive menu including various sandwiches, burgers, pastas, and other entrees, but I opted to get the chicken katsu curry. It came with the katsu, rice, and a salad for which you could choose your own dressing (I think I opted for sesame something, and it was really good). I was super hungry so maybe this isn't the most accurate measure of taste, but I thought the curry was REALLY good. Portion size was also great, they load up on the food without the price being outrageous. I definitely left here feeling super satisfied. Service was minimal but friendly, as utensils, water, etc is self service, and you also need to bus your own dishes at the end IIRC. Ordering is done at the counter and then they bring your food out to you. Pretty decent amount of seating here as well, would definitely recommend trying it out! read more

Cafe on the Ave is one of those places where it's a rite of passage to stop by for a quick bite in between classes. Though I have since long graduated, I've been back twice over the past few months and it was just as mediocre as I remembered it lol. Both times I got a sandwich combo (you could choose between fries or a side salad) - which comes out to about $18 - $20 and that is quite expensive for a quick lunch. but I was craving a sandwich and surprisingly there's not a ton of those available around the Ave. During my most recent visit, I asked for no onion, but when I finally took a bite into my sandwich after I left the cafe, I took the biggest bite of red onions of my life and that permeated through my entire sandwich and immediately ruined it. Honestly, unless I was craving a sandwich I can't get elsewhere, I would probably not come back. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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My friends and I were trying to find a place we could grab lunch and work but the wifi didn't work, so we weren't there long. I highly would advise against the food here, because I got a Katsudon and my friend got the Roasted Veggie Sandwich and we wished we didn't. Both dishes are not good; very bland. There's not much to speak about regarding service, which I guess isn't a good or bad thing. They play musics pretty loud, so if you prefer a quiet cafe to study, then this definitely isn't the place for you. All in all, I personally will not be returning. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Roasted Veggie Sandwich - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This was my first being here and I tried the signature Kimchi Fried Rice. Not sure where I was living these past couple years on the Ave, but finally checked out this place and it was worth it. The portion was so big for 2 people and it was so cheap around $17 dollars. It was such a delicious and tasteful Kimchi Fried rice I've ever had. Will definitely come back to try other food as well! read more

Cafe on the Ave - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I visited here last Saturday afternoon at 1:30 after my friend and I was strolling around the area. Immediately after entering I fell in love with the atmosphere! I loved the place, during the day it gave off super the stereotypical Seattle Hippie cafe vibe. To which I adore hahahaa. I'd love to see this place at night even more, I enjoy the all black interior design. Enough about the interior craze, I got a strawberry Italian soda drink which imo was pretty mediocre. I'd rate it about a 6.5/10. Nothing special about it, and probably wouldn't order again. I loved the staff and service here though! The guy I talked to at the front was super friendly and sweet. For most, it seemed like they actually enjoyed being there lol. Something odd that I did like about this place was it had a suggestion box for drinks. Found that pretty neat. All in all, would most def visit again. Pretty empty though as shown in the picture, but not too shocking as there are so many competing cafes in the U-District area. Probably will come back to try other drinks as I wasn't the most satisfied with mine, but no worries. :) read more

Cafe on the Ave - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Have gone in for breakfast, both dine in and takeout, a couple times, and have yet to be impressed - it's not terrible, but not great. Cool to see such an eclectic range of dishes coming out of a little breakfast café like this, but despite their nice in-house presentation, I have yet to get anything that really made me want to come back. From what I've had, flavors are just a little on the basic and greasy side and while it's not crazy expensive, their prices aren't all that great either. There are definitely no shortage of places on the Ave where you can get a little more bang for your buck, if you're looking to eat out. YMMV. read more

Cafe on the Ave - Kimchi Fried Rice (Takeout) - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

CotA has a crazy selection of items with a menu that encompasses breakfast, burgers, Italian, and Korean among other cuisines. You'd expect such a varied menu to be too spread out and lackluster in all departments, but there are some pretty solid choices. Two other advantages are vicinity to campus and spacious area to do work. Overall, CotA is above average for the all-in-one factor whether it's food variety, space, or location. Karaage Chicken - a pretty fair entree for the price and portion, not just a simple appetizer. Though it's crunchy, the breading is fairly light and thin so it's a slight step above regular chicken but could be better. Fairly lean meal that can also be filling though, so can't complain. Chicken Club - such a well rounded chicken club that's also humongous. Paired with fries, this is a hefty amount of food for the price point and something great to have by your side while studying or otherwise working inside the cafe. Kimchi Fried Rice - my friend claims the Kimchi Fried Rice is the best on the Ave and well, I can't disagree though I'm not particularly a Kimchi Fried Rice fiend. Tasted great. read more

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I've been to Cafe on the Ave twice now! This review will be for my second time, but my first experience was equally as good (or even better!). To start, I ordered the curry rice with pork katsu, as recommended by my friend. It was so good! Crispy katsu and flavorful curry. The portion size? HUGE. I was extremely hungry and worried that the crispness wouldn't last overnight so I managed to eat it all but honestly this could last me days. One thing I will mention is that if you're stuck between ordering the karaage and the pork katsu, definitely go for the pork katsu. My friend originally recommended the karaage, but the piece I tried was odd. Since I didn't order it, I won't talk more about it but pork katsu definitely on top! The one thing about it that I will mention is that it was SLIGHTLY and I mean slightly, dry. That's it! Nothing to mark a star down for. The service was great, the server was kind and patient, and the food came out to our table within minutes, despite being extremely busy. I love the style of this restaurant. It's both equally a quick, cafe-esque place, but also a sit down restaurant if you order a meal! It's always filled with UW students, so it almost feels like a part of campus. Last time I came here, it was in the morning, which was super quiet and peaceful (ordered kimchi fried rice and a strawberry lemonade, 4.9/5, 0.1 down for the flies in the restaurant, nothing to do with the taste of the food). I had a study session without disturbance. When I went for dinner this time, there was music pumping and it was filled with people chatting. Both vibes were great and I'm looking forward to trying other things here! read more

Cafe on the Ave - Curry Rice with Pork Katsu, Caesar Salad - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Been here a couple of times, and honestly there are better places to spend your money on the ave. They have a great selection of comfort foods to choose from, but quite honestly, the food itself is not the best. For the price point, I would have at least appreciated a little bit better quality food. The staff are friendly, but every time I've been, something in my order has been messed up, and even if the restaurant isn't that busy it still takes a while. As for the cleanliness of the restaurant itself it is a pretty standard college town cafe, nothing to write home about. read more